Dentures

Trenton H. Buchanan, D.M.D.
Thomas E. Dudney, D.M.D.
140 Village Street
Suite 203
Birmingham, AL 35242
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To schedule an appointment, just dial (205) 981-7775 or contact us using our convenient e-mail contact.

How do Dentures Work?

With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.

Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. Your dentist will determine which of the three types of dentures described below is best for you.

Immediate Full Denture

An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. (Your dentist takes measurements and makes models of your jaw during a prior visit). While immediate dentures offer the benefit of never having to be without your teeth, they must be relined several months after being inserted. The reason is that the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, causing the denture to become loose.

Partial Denture

A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to implants or bridges.

We now offer flexible partial dentures without the metal framework or clasps. This restoration is a great alternative to metal, offering amazing esthetics, comfort, and function. Ask about them today!

Implant Supported Denture

Dentures retained with dental implants are becoming the standard of care. A full denture is difficult for many patients to wear and get used to. Sore spots and difficulty chewing are caused when a denture moves around in the mouth.

Implants can be utilized to hold the denture in place, creating a major improvement in fit and function. Lower dentures require at least two implants to properly hold them in place for normal function, one on each side. Additional implants will provide additional stability.

Although implants are usually placed for stability of lower dentures, implants can also be placed to add to the stability of upper dentures.

How Long Before I Get Used to My Dentures?

New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even months. Eating and speaking with dentures might take a little practice. A bulky or loose feeling is not uncommon while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Excessive salivary flow, a feeling that the tongue does not have adequate room and minor irritation or soreness is also not unusual.

How Long do Dentures Last?

Over a period of time, your denture will need to be relined, remade or rebased due to normal wear. Rebasing means making a new base while keeping the existing denture teeth. Also, as you age, your mouth naturally changes. These changes cause your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and causing irritation to your gums. At a minimum, you should see your dentist annually for a checkup.

Tips for caring for your dentures:

When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water. Dentures are delicate and may break if dropped.

Don't let your dentures dry out. Place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you're not wearing them. Never use hot water, which can cause them to warp.

Brushing your dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque, and help prevent them from becoming stained. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it does not replace a thorough daily brushing. Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.

See your dentist if your dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don't be tempted to adjust them yourself as this may damage them beyond repair.

What are Dentures?