Treatment Details Modern dentistry recognises the many benefits that a smile can give. Patients can now gain a boost to their confidence, self-esteem and well-being by the successful restoration of the mouth by a well-constructed denture. These benefits are enhanced by the partnership between the patient, dentist, dental practice staff and laboratory technician. For the outcome of treatment to be satisfactory, all of these important people must work in harmony, with the same goal of achieving outstanding success. Complete Dentures Complete dentures are used to replace teeth when there are no natural teeth remaining. The teeth are made from preformed natural shade acrylic, and come in many sizes, shapes, and natural colours. They are processed onto a custom made acrylic base, which is made to intimately and comfortably fit the gum tissue in the mouth. Removable Partial Dentures A partial denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth, in an otherwise healthy mouth. It is held in place by a combination of support from the gums and often by the use of small clasps, which locate the denture to the existing teeth. It is vital that these teeth are healthy to support your denture. Often they need treatment before making the partial denture so that the fit is enhanced. Why Have A Removable Partial Denture Made? A partial can restore the appearance and function to your mouth. Following tooth loss, you may find it difficult to chew. The partial can give you back much of this function, though not as much as natural teeth. A partial denture can also help stabilize your remaining teeth. This stabilization can minimize tooth drift, bite changes, and gum problems. Making the Dentures Making a quality denture, either as a complete set to restore the upper and lower jaw, or as a removable partial denture, usually takes six appointments. Every patient presents with a unique and individual shape to their oral tissues and the relationship of their upper and lower jaws. Each patient also has unique aesthetic requirements depending on the size, shape, and tone of their face and jaws. Each of these appointments is crucial for a final denture, which looks, fits and works successfully: A complete exam of jaws and soft tissues inside and outside the mouth. Oral cancer screening. An impression is made to the denture bearing areas of the mouth. A highly accurate impression is taken using a custom-made impression tray. Wax rims on plastic bases are used. Wax is altered to establish the proper bite and orientation of the denture teeth for the laboratory. Shape, size and shade of teeth is selected. Try-in stage. At this point, I will have set up the acrylic teeth into the wax rim, so that the appearance and function can be assessed with the patient. Final denture. The dental technician at the dental laboratory has now processed the acrylic teeth onto a hard, tissue coloured acrylic base. Adjustments are made to achieve a comfortable denture fit and biting pattern at the chairside. A follow up appointment is arranged to check and adjust the dentures after they have been worn for a time. Materials In general, two materials are routinely used in the construction of dentures. Firstly acrylic resin, which used for both the denture teeth and the base.  This is tinted to achieve a good natural colour.  Secondly, a thin but strong metal known as Cobalt-Chromium. The metal is regularly used for the construction of a removable partial denture framework, where strength is an important consideration to the patient. It also gives a firm fit to a denture against the teeth. Once the framework has been tried in the mouth, it is covered by the acrylic resin to give the natural appearance of the teeth and supporting gum.