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Call Firefly Family Dentistry today at (414) 348-4192 for all your denture needs!
Custom dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth that can help recapture your beautiful smile and self-confidence. There are two types of dentures available: complete and partial.
Complete Dentures
A patient needs complete dentures when no natural teeth remain. A dentist makes conventional dentures after removing teeth while the gums heal. On the other hand, a dentist makes immediate dentures before tooth extraction, and the patient starts wearing them the same day.
Conventional dentures are not placed in the mouth until 8-12 weeks after extraction. Since gums and bones will shrink after extraction, conventional dentures usually fit well from the start and need fewer adjustments over time. However, you have to go without teeth for the waiting period.
For immediate dentures, you do not go without teeth. Still, due to bone and gum shrinkage, while healing, an adjustment is usually needed within a few weeks, and you may require several adjustments over the first few months.
Partial Dentures
Dentists use partial dentures when at least some teeth remain. A partial denture consists of one or more replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored, removable plastic base. It fills the space left by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from shifting. Some partial dentures have an external metal framework to help hold the partial in place. Precision partials have internal attachments that look more natural.
How Are Dentures Made?
To make your dentures, we take a series of impressions and measurements of your jaw. We use those to create a plaster model and wax form in your denture’s exact shape and position. You will try out this form several times to assess fit, shape, and color. Then, the dentist casts the final denture and places it in your mouth. If needed, we will adjust the denture at that time to ensure that it fits snugly and feels comfortable.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dentures?
Most dental insurance covers at least part of the cost of complete or partial dentures. We can help contact your insurance company to determine your benefits. Convenient financing options help make affordable dentures available to nearly everyone.
Alternatives to Dentures
Dental implants can replace missing teeth or support bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. Implants cost significantly more than dentures, but they look and feel more like natural teeth. Additionally, post implants can be used along with dentures to provide more stability. If you are interested in having implants instead of (or in addition to) dentures, we will determine if you are a good candidate.
Firefly Family Dentistry’s Wauwatosa office serves patients throughout the region for dentures and other oral hygiene needs. Give us a call today at (414) 348-4192 for more information on our services.