Dentures
The office of Kari H. Langley, DMD Family Dentistry offers custom dentures for patients. Custom dentures are an artificial set of teeth that can be removed from the mouth. A custom denture allows the patient to select the tooth size, shape, and color. Custom dentures allow the patient to see a “demo” set of teeth prior to a set being fabricated to ensure likeability. Stop in to visit Dr. Langley and discuss which type will best suit your needs.
A dental implant is an artificial root that is secured permanently into your jaw. Implants can be used to support a full set of dentures. This option will provide you with full functionality and offer greater control when eating or speaking. Permanent dentures also require less maintenance than custom dentures.
We use a revolutionary technique in which Dr. Langley, a board certified oral surgeon, and a certified lab technician work together to insert the permanent denture immediately after your natural teeth are removed. This way, you will never have to be without teeth. This technique also protects tissues, reduces bleeding, and decreases facial distortion that may occur when your teeth are removed.
A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips.
Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways.
- A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.
- An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
- An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
- A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.
The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination of both. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.
Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.