A denture is often called an appliance that’s inserted in the mouth, replacing natural teeth and providing support for the cheeks and lips.

Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two ways.

• A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissue has healed.
• An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissue heals.
• An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
• A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.

The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination of both. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth, and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.

Dentures over time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.