Meadows Gate Dental Clinic

Types of Dentures in Pitt Meadows

The Best Solution for You

What types of dentures will work best for you? Do you need dentures and dental services? Meadows Gate Dental can provide an assessment and advice for the best solution for your teeth and mouth.

Dentures and Partial Dentures

What is a denture? It is a removable dental appliance that acts as a replacement for missing teeth and the surrounding gums. The denture is made to resemble your natural teeth as closely as possible. Dentures are typically made of synthetic resins however there are also some porcelain dentures still in use (porcelain is more commonly used in veneers).

There are two types of dentures: complete and partial dentures. A complete denture is used when all the teeth in an arch are missing. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain; the partial denture helps to prevent those remaining teeth from shifting. There are very natural looking flexible partial dentures available; they use very thin, yet very strong, material for a comfortable fit.

The Procedure for Dentures or Partial Dentures:

Usually requires several appointments over a number of weeks;
Molds or impressions and measurements are taken to create your custom denture;
For Conventional dentures, several try-on appointments will be necessary to ensure proper fit, bite, shape and colour. Note for Immediate dentures, the fitting takes more time as the teeth remain in the mouth until the denture is produced; therefore there is often a need for additional impressions and measurements.
At the final appointment, we will ensure that the fit is comfortable and feels natural.

The lack of teeth in your mouth does affect the jaw bone; the bone shrinks to some degree and ultimately that will affect the fit of dentures. We recommend placing mini implants in the jaw to maintain bone density and maintain your natural face shape. The implants also act as attachments for the denture to ‘snap’ on to; this helps the denture to stay in place for eating and speaking and minimizes the opportunity for the denture to move.

You may find that it takes some time to adapt to your new dentures. It is quite common to experience some soreness and have increased saliva flow. Sometimes your speech may need to adapt to the new appliance. All of this usually subsides as you and your mouth get used to the new dentures.

We will provide you with care instructions for your dentures; you will need to properly clean the dentures, any remaining teeth, and your mouth. Regular dental visits will help you maintain good dental hygiene and extend the life of your dentures.

Accepting New Patients

Comprehensive exam · Dental x-rays · Gentle cleaning

Please start by filling out the new patient form in order to help us properly diagnose your immediate dental concerns, review your past medical and dental history, and create a treatment plan that provides for your optimal dental health.

We will complete a thorough evaluation and contact you.

Two Types of Dentures: Conventional or Immediate

There are two types of complete dentures: conventional or immediate. A conventional complete denture is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed. This takes between four to six weeks. If you choose the conventional type, you will go without teeth during this period of time. Immediate complete dentures are made in advance of pulling the teeth and are fitted immediately after the teeth are pulled. It is common to require adjustments for immediate dentures because there will be shifting as the tissues shrink and heal.

Dentures are durable appliances and with proper care they will last many years however over time they may need to be re-made or re-adjusted.

When to Choose Dentures:

If you have lost (or need to remove) all of the teeth in an arch – you will need a Complete denture;
If you have lost (or need to remove) several teeth in an arch – you will need to consider a Partial denture.

You need teeth to chew and to aid your digestion. You also need teeth to speak clearly and to help enhance your smile and facial expressions and shape. If you have lost or need to remove a number of teeth, discuss your options (dentures, bridges, implants and sometimes including a combination of mini implants for dentures) with us.