Correct Length of Top Teeth on a Denture

Dentures are also known as "false teeth."

Dentures are prosthetic teeth that are worn when natural teeth become broken, worn, or diseased. The length and size of dentures are fitted individually to ensure the wearer's comfort and jaw health.

Types

Mouths and teeth come in all shapes and sizes.

There are two types of removable dentures: full and partial. Full dentures are also known as "standard dentures," and they are used when the majority of a person's teeth are damaged or missing on both jaws. Partial dentures are fitted to replace some, but not all, of a person's teeth.

Size

There is no particular size guideline for dentures, as each individual has a uniquely-sized jaw. According to Rivergate Dental Care, denture fittings require a series of in-depth measurements and notations of the mouth.

Considerations

Proper dental exams are critical for dental health and denture installation.

Dentures must be fitted appropriately to a mouth in order to ensure jaw health. Over time, the bone supporting the dentures will become reabsorbed by the body, reducing the space in the mouth and causing the lower jaw to sit closer to the skull when the dentures are closed. If left unattended, the face actually begins to adhere to these conditions by allowing the chewing muscles to shorten. Doctorspiller.com recommends denture replacement and re-sizing every five to seven years to support good oral health.

References

• Clyde L. Schultz, DDS: Dentures
• Rivergate Dental Care: Cosmetic Dentures
• Doctor Spiller: "What You Need To Know About Dentures Before You Get New Ones"

Resources

• Affordable Dentures