Dentures are one of the most tried and true prosthetic dental appliances. Today, Mansfield dentist Dr. S. Blair Jones wants to discuss what dentures are, how they function, and how they can restore your smile.

What is a Denture?

A denture is a dental appliance that fits inside the mouth and replaces missing teeth while providing support for the cheeks, lips, and jaw. A complete denture replaces all of the teeth on the upper or lower dental arch, while a partial denture replaces missing teeth spread sporadically across a dental arch. A full set of dentures replaces all of the teeth on both the upper and lower dental arches.

How is a Denture Made?

Most dentures are made of acrylic and plastic and are made in one two ways.

A conventional denture is made after all of the natural teeth on a dental arch have been lost and/or extracted and the gum tissue has healed. An immediate denture, on the other hand, is fabricated and placed immediately after the natural teeth are extracted, and the gum tissue heals underneath the prosthetic.

Who is a Candidate for Dentures?

Dentures are best suited to complete the smiles of patients who are missing most or all of their natural teeth and don’t have the health, jawbone density, or the desire to undergo dental implantology.

For most patients, dentures provide the look, feel, and function of natural teeth without the need for more extensive surgery. To find out if dentures can help you smile confidently and easily, Dr. Jones invites you to call Mansfield Dental Associates in Mansfield, Texas at (817) 259-1357.

It’s important that denture wearers attend regular dental appointments to ensure the continued comfort, fit, and function of their replacement teeth.