Dentures
Dentures remain one of the most versatile and cost-effective solutions for replacing multiple missing teeth. Modern dentures are more comfortable, natural-looking, and functional than ever before, providing an excellent option for restoring your smile, supporting facial features, and improving your ability to eat and speak with confidence.
Types of Dentures We Offer
We provide several denture options to meet different needs and preferences:
[VIDEO: Implant-Supported Dentures - Main for this specific type]
Complete (Full) Dentures
Complete dentures replace all teeth in an arch. They rest on the gums and are held in place primarily by suction and proper fit. These are ideal for patients who have lost all their natural teeth or need remaining unhealthy teeth extracted.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace multiple missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. They attach to the remaining teeth with precision attachments or clasps, providing stability while filling gaps in your smile.
These are excellent for patients who have several missing teeth but still have healthy natural teeth that can provide support.
Implant-Supported Dentures
These revolutionary dentures attach to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, offering superior stability and preventing bone loss.
Implant-supported denture options include:
- Snap-in overdentures that attach to implants but can be removed for cleaning
- Fixed implant-supported dentures that are permanently attached and can only be removed by a dentist
Immediate Dentures
Placed on the same day teeth are extracted, immediate dentures allow you to leave the office with teeth rather than waiting for traditional dentures to be fabricated after healing. They require more adjustments as the gums and bone heal and reshape.
The Benefits of Modern Dentures
Today's dentures offer numerous advantages:
- Restored appearance: Dentures support facial muscles, reducing the collapsed look that occurs with tooth loss
- Improved function: Ability to eat a wider variety of foods and speak more clearly
- Enhanced confidence: The security of having a complete, natural-looking smile
- Cost-effectiveness: Generally more affordable than individual implants for multiple missing teeth
- Adaptability: Can be modified or relined as oral structures change over time
- Non-invasive option: Complete dentures don't require surgery (unless combined with implants)
Custom Denture Process
Creating quality dentures requires multiple appointments to ensure optimal fit, function, and appearance:
1. Initial Consultation
- Comprehensive oral examination and discussion of your goals
- Presentation of appropriate denture options
- Development of a treatment plan, including any necessary preparatory work
2. Preparatory Procedures (if needed)
- Extraction of compromised teeth
- Treatment of any gum disease
- Pre-prosthetic surgery to create ideal conditions for denture wear
3. Impressions and Measurements
- Detailed impressions of your jaws and remaining teeth
- Measurements of how your jaws relate to each other
- Assessment of available space for the denture
4. Try-in Appointments
- Testing of wax models or trial dentures
- Evaluation and adjustment of fit, bite, and appearance
- Selection of tooth shape, size, and color for a natural look
5. Final Denture Fabrication
- Creation of your custom dentures using high-quality materials
- Meticulous attention to detail for aesthetics and function
6. Denture Delivery and Adjustment
- Final fitting and necessary adjustments
- Instructions for wear, care, and maintenance
- Schedule for follow-up appointments
7. Follow-up Care
- Periodic adjustments to ensure continued comfort and function
- Regular checkups to monitor oral health and denture condition
- Rebasing or relining as needed due to natural changes in oral structures
Adapting to Your New Dentures
There is typically an adjustment period when first wearing new dentures:
- Initial increased saliva flow
- Some soreness as gums adapt to the denture base
- Gradual improvement in speaking clarity
- Progressive increase in chewing ability
Most patients fully adapt within a few weeks to a month. During this time, we're available to make any necessary adjustments to improve comfort and function.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper care extends the life of your dentures and maintains your oral health:
- Remove and rinse dentures after eating
- Clean your mouth after removing dentures
- Brush dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive denture cleanser
- Soak dentures overnight in water or a denture-soaking solution
- Rinse thoroughly before reinserting
- Schedule regular dental checkups for professional cleaning and evaluation
With proper care, dentures typically last 5-7 years before needing replacement due to normal wear and changes in your oral structures.
When to Consider Implant Support
For many denture wearers, adding implant support can significantly improve the denture experience:
- Eliminates slipping and movement
- Prevents bone loss in the jaw
- Improves chewing efficiency
- Reduces gum irritation
- Allows for a smaller, more comfortable denture design
During your consultation, we can discuss whether combining dentures with implants might be beneficial for your specific situation.
Relines and Repairs
Over time, your jawbone naturally changes shape, which can affect denture fit. We offer:
- Soft relines: Adding a soft, pliable material to improve comfort
- Hard relines: Reshaping the denture base to match changes in your gums
- Repairs: Fixing cracks, chips, or broken teeth in the denture
These services help extend the life of your dentures and maintain their comfort and function.
Whether you're considering dentures for the first time or looking to upgrade your current dentures, we're committed to providing comfortable, natural-looking solutions that restore your confidence and quality of life. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and discover which denture option is right for you.