Dentures Duluth MN

Complete and Immediate Dentures

A denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces the teeth and surrounding tissues of the upper or lower arch. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in an arch and are individually designed for fit, function, appearance, and comfort.

There are two common ways a complete denture may be made:

• Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the tissues have had time to heal.
• Immediate dentures are made before the remaining teeth are removed and are placed at the time of extraction. This allows the patient to have teeth during the healing period.

Upper and lower dentures function differently because of the anatomy that supports them. An upper denture generally extends across the palate, while a lower denture is horseshoe-shaped to accommodate the tongue.

Denture Fit & Maintenance

After teeth are removed, the bone and soft tissues continue to change. As a result, the fit of a denture may change over time, particularly during the healing period after extractions. Adjustments, soft relines, relines, or eventual replacement may be needed to maintain comfort and function.

Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.