A denture is a replaceable and removable dental appliance for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. As dental implants, dentures are meant to closely resemble natural teeth and can also enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. Partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth along with preventing nearby teeth from shifting.

A complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.”  A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking four to six weeks. During this time the patient will be missing teeth. Immediate dentures are premade and immediately installed after the teeth are removed, preventing the patient from dealing with the loss of teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will be made.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may need to be remade, fixed, or adjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for dentures:

• Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
• Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
• Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
• Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments done over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. During the final appointment with your dentists, implants will be precisely adjusted and fitted, ensuring that they will feel comfortable and last as long as possible.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty. However, these side effects will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new appliances. You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

If you need dentures or other cosmetic dental procedures like dental bonding, trust the experts at the California Dental Group. We pride ourselves on providing excellent dental care for our patients, no matter what types of services they require. We are a respected provider of dental implant surgery in Los Angeles who will make sure your procedure is as successful and painless as possible.