When it's time to replace several teeth, you'll find there are many denture options. Dr. Mark Richardson, your dentist in 
Kalamazoo, MI will help you navigate the choices, optimizing your appearance, biting, chewing, speaking and helping you adjust to life with new teeth. You can look forward to a great smile!
What are dentures?
They are artificial teeth custom-made of lifelike acrylic. Tooth and gum colored, this material is both resilient and comfortable, withstanding the extreme forces of biting and chewing. Plus, its appearance mimics real teeth and gum tissue. Dental technicians possess the true artistic skill to fashion dentures with teeth realistic in form and color.
Types of dentures
Today's dentures come in many forms depending on individual patient need and preference. Your Kalamazoo dentist works with each of his denture patients to arrive at an appliance which will:
- Create the proper oral function
- Allow for clear speech
- Not compromise the health of any remaining teeth
- Stay in place with no wobbling or slipping
Dr. Richardson performs an oral exam which includes X-rays and oral impressions, yielding information important to denture fabrication. Also, most dentures require a few trips to the office for try-ons to achieve the best possible fit.
Types of dentures include:
- Partial dentures Composed of artificial teeth and gum tissue (as needed) and a metal frame, a partial denture clips to neighboring natural teeth with several clasps. Fully removable for brushing and flossing, a partial fills gaps and allows for natural biting and chewing.
- Full conventional dentures Helping fully edentulous patients, full dentures reside right on the gums. They are held in place by natural suction and sometimes a bit of denture adhesive. The dentist places them after extraction sites have healed fully.
- Immediate dentures These full dentures are placed right after dental extractions, speeding healing and allowing the person to leave the dental office with a complete smile. A drawback, however, is that immediate dentures must be relined after several weeks as gum tissue and bone shrink in size.
- Implant-supported dentures Anchored by two to six titanium implants in the jaw bone, these dentures offer superior stability and actually improve jaw bone density and strength.
Denture care
Dr. Richardson and your dental hygienist will work with you so you care for your dentures properly, avoiding breakage, removing plaque and tartar and preventing the oral irritations which can accompany wearing dentures. They'll also help you adjust to speaking and eating with dentures.
Are dentures right for you?
You needn't feel alone as a denture wearer. Over 60 million Americans have one type of denture or other. If it's time for you to consider which type of denture would complete your smile best, call Dr. Mark Richardson in Kalamazoo, MI, for a helpful consultation. Phone us at (269) 343-6907.