Angie's LIST Guide to
Denture labs

Once your dentist ships your mold to denture labs, the lab technician starts forming your new dentures. They may be either partial or complete dentures.

Partials are created if you still have several teeth that are healthy and not at risk of infection or loss. They must provide strong support and be a good match for your current teeth. Sometimes referred to as crowns or bridges, partials come in a set of anywhere between one to four false teeth. Some types are fixed and cannot be removed, whereas others need to be removed and cleaned daily.

A dental lab can also make complete set of dentures that replace all of your teeth, both on the top and bottom. You'll need to take these out daily and clean and repair as needed.

Inside the dental lab, a technician combines acrylic powders until they match the closest shade of your natural tooth color. If you are getting a partial, the veneer needs to match your current enamel color as closely as possible to avoid the appearance of discoloration. Dentures are often very light, giving off the appearance of white, straight, natural-looking teeth.

The dental impression creates models and replicas to the exact measurements and shape of your mouth and gums. This ensures a perfect fit and reduces the risk of your dentures slipping or falling out during eating.