What Are Dentures?
Learn about dentures at Chinook Denture Clinic, where, for over 24 years, we've been designing natural-looking replacements to support normal speech, eating, and enhance appearance.
Better Looking and More Comfortable
Artificial Replacements for Missing Teeth
Dentures are artificial replacements for missing teeth. These can be partial dentures, also called bridges, that replace a single tooth (or small gap); they can also be complete dentures, also called full dentures, which replace all of your old teeth.
Today’s dentures are better looking and more comfortable to wear than even before. Like anything, advances in dentures (in both materials, fitment, and design) continues to improve their form and function
Suitable for Different Applications
Types of Dentures
There are several different types of dentures. Each is suitable for different applications. If you are unsure of which type of dentures are suitable for you, we suggest scheduling a consultation. We will assess your need and provide our recommendations.
Complete Dentures- Partial Dentures
- Implants
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are designed to provide a natural appearance, enable you to maintain normal speech, and facilitate ideal chewing functions. Complete dentures are further broken down into two categories:
- Conventional complete denturesThese dentures are placed into the mouth after the teeth have been removed and your gums have healed (this process can take three or four months, during which time you are without teeth).
- Immediate complete dentures
These dentures are made in advance (measurements are taken at an appointment prior to tooth extraction). These dentures offer a large benefit in that they are inserted as soon as your natural teeth are removed; this ensures that you are not without teeth
Partial Dentures (Bridges)
Partial dentures (aka a bridge) consists of replacement teeth connected to a base (usually gum coloured). This base can be plastic, metal, or a combination of both. Using metal mounting hardware, these dentures can be inserted into the mouth to fill gaps between your natural teeth.
There are various types of partial dentures. Some, such as a fixed bridge, are cemented into place (for a comfortable fit and more natural appearance). In most cases, partial dentures can be removed and reattached as needed.
Dental Implants
Thought not dentures in the literal sense, dental implants are a more permanent solution than removable dentures. While providing a natural looking and permanent solution, dental implants are considerably more expensive than dentures. As well, not all people are candidates. In most cases, partial dentures can be removed and reattached as needed.
What We Do
Materials Used to Make Dentures
Dentures are made of an acrylic base, usually gum coloured, and artificial teeth that are made of plastic or porcelain. Metals used throughout the denture for its framework are usually stainless steel or a chrome-cobalt alloy.
Dentures are made to different levels of detail and complexity. These changes in detail influence how natural and realistic they look and feel when worn.
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