Dentures by AMY EVERETT DDS & ASSOCIATES in Morgantown, WV

The Right Denture for Every Patient in the Morgantown Region

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available—complete and partial dentures. When all teeth are missing, we use complete dentures to take their place. When some natural teeth remain, we use partial dentures. A consultation with your dentist at Amy Everett DDS & Associates will give you greater peace of mind when it comes to finding the right denture for you. Call us at (304) 599-1234 to find out more about obtaining dentures.

Complete Dentures to Replace Missing Teeth

Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” After removing the teeth and the gum tissue heals, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth in about eight to 12 weeks.

Unlike conventional dentures, the dentist can position immediate dentures right after removing teeth because they are made in advance. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore, a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process. It may be best to consider immediate dentures as a temporary solution until you receive conventional dentures.

Partial Dentures or Dental Bridges

A removable, partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. The dentist may recommend partial dentures when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent) bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. The dentist cements this “bridge” into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable, and has attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking

Are There Alternatives to Dentures?

Yes; dental implants are another option to use to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures, but not everyone is a candidate for implants. Consult your dentist for advice.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dentures?

Most dental insurance providers cover some or all the cost of dentures. However, contact your company to find out the specifics of what they will cover.

How Are Dentures Made?

The denture development process takes about three to six weeks, and several appointments. Once your dentist or prosthodontist (a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth) determines what type of appliance is best for you, the general steps are to:

  • Make a series of impressions of your jaw, and take measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them.
  • Create models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the denture. You will “try in” this model several times and the dentist assesses the denture for color, shape, and fit before casting the final denture.
  • Cast a final denture.
  • As you can see, it may be necessary to adjust the denture production process. When the time is right for dentures, your Amy Everett DDS & Associates dentist will be happy to review the best options to suit your needs and lifestyle.