A denture is a removable device designed to replace missing teeth and the surrounding soft and hard tissues. This prosthetic appliance restores the function of the mouth, such as chewing and speaking, and the aesthetic appearance of the smile. Identifying the right professional to handle the complex process of fabrication and fitting is the first step for individuals facing tooth loss. Creating a stable, functional, and comfortable denture requires specific expertise.
The Dental Professionals Who Create Dentures
The majority of patients seeking tooth replacement start their journey with a general dentist, who is trained to provide a broad range of dental care, including routine denture services. General dentists manage straightforward cases, from initial impressions to the final fitting of conventional complete or partial dentures. They act as the primary coordinator, overseeing the treatment and working directly with a dental laboratory technician who constructs the appliance.
For more challenging cases, a prosthodontist is the recognized specialist. A prosthodontist completes four years of dental school followed by three additional years of specialized, advanced education and training in prosthodontics. This focused expertise is dedicated to the restoration and replacement of missing teeth and jaw structures. Their extensive training allows them to design and manage the most intricate prosthetic treatments, such as full-mouth restorations or difficult implant-supported appliances.
An alternative professional in some regions is the denturist, a non-dentist specialist trained exclusively in the design, construction, and fitting of removable dentures. Denturists are primary oral healthcare providers in some jurisdictions and can work directly with the public without a dentist’s referral for removable dentures. They often handle both the clinical chairside procedures and the technical laboratory work, offering a streamlined process for standard complete and partial dentures. However, their scope of practice is limited to removable prosthetics and does not include the surgical placement of implants or treating underlying dental pathology.
Understanding the Types of Dentures
The approach to tooth replacement is determined by the specific type of denture chosen, based on the patient’s remaining natural tissue and bone structure. A Complete (Full) Denture is fabricated when all teeth in a single arch are missing. This appliance rests directly on the gums and underlying bone ridge, relying on suction or a specialized adhesive for stability.
In contrast, a Partial Denture is used when one or more natural teeth remain in the arch. This appliance features replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base, often with a metal or flexible framework. This framework uses clasps to anchor securely onto the existing natural teeth. The presence of natural teeth provides a higher degree of retention and stability for the prosthetic.
For patients who require immediate extractions, an Immediate Denture is prepared beforehand and placed immediately after the teeth are removed. This allows the patient to avoid being without teeth during the healing period, maintaining appearance and limited function. However, immediate dentures require several adjustments or relining procedures as the jawbone and gums shrink and heal over the following six to eight months.
A more secure option is the Implant-Supported Denture, which is secured by dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone. This category includes Overdentures or Snap-in Dentures, which are removable but connect to the implants via specialized attachments for dramatically improved retention. The connection to the underlying bone helps to prevent the progressive bone loss typical with conventional removable dentures.
The Step-by-Step Process of Getting Dentures
The process for receiving a custom-fitted denture begins with a thorough initial assessment and consultation with the chosen dental professional. This appointment involves an oral health examination, imaging like X-rays, and a discussion to develop a precise treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs. The process then moves to recording the exact dimensions of the patient’s mouth.
The next appointments involve taking highly accurate impressions of the gum ridges and any remaining teeth using specialized trays and impression material. These molds are sent to a dental laboratory to create a custom-fitted tray for the final, more detailed impression. This second impression captures the contours of the soft tissue with greater precision, which is crucial for maximizing the suction and retention of the final appliance.
A Bite Registration appointment follows, where a wax rim is placed in the mouth to determine the correct relationship between the upper and lower jaws. This step establishes the proper vertical dimension, which dictates the separation distance between the jaws. It also establishes the centric relation, which is the most stable biting position. Accurate registration ensures the finished denture will allow the patient to chew and speak comfortably.
Before the denture is fully processed, an Esthetic Wax Try-in appointment is scheduled. Here, the prosthetic teeth are set in wax on the baseplate, allowing the patient and the clinician to evaluate the appearance, tooth shade, and fit. Once the fit and aesthetics are approved, the wax prototype is sent back to the lab for final processing into hard, durable acrylic. The process concludes with the final delivery and a series of adjustment appointments to modify pressure points and optimize comfort and function.