Dentures & Partial Dentures
A full smile, made to fit you
Complete dentures replace all missing natural teeth within the same arch for upper, lower or both. Dentures can be customized to look like your natural teeth.
What is a denture?
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue, made to closely resemble your natural teeth, and it may even enhance your smile. Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing; partial dentures, also typically removable, when some natural teeth remain, filling the spaces and keeping the other teeth from shifting. A fixed bridge or implant restoration is another way to replace missing teeth.
- Loss of all teeth in an arch (complete denture)
- Loss of several teeth in an arch (partial denture)
- Enhancing smile and facial tissues
- Improving chewing, speech, and digestion
Conventional and immediate dentures
A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.”
A conventional denture is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, the patient will go without teeth.
Immediate dentures are made in advance and placed immediately after the teeth are removed, so the patient doesn’t have to be without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.
What getting dentures involves
Getting dentures usually takes several appointments over several weeks. Accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are used to make your custom denture, with “try-in” visits as needed to check shape, color and fit. At the final visit, your dentist adjusts and places it for a natural, comfortable fit.
At first, extra saliva, some soreness and some difficulty speaking or chewing are normal; they ease as your muscles and tissues adjust.
Caring for your dentures
You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.
Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but they may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a partial denture and a bridge?
Both replace missing teeth. A bridge is permanently attached to abutment teeth or, in some cases, implants. A partial denture is attached by clasps to the teeth and is easily removed by the patient.
Will I have to go without teeth while my gums heal?
Not necessarily. Immediate dentures are made in advance and placed right after the teeth are removed. They will need adjusting once the tissues shrink and heal.
Can dentures be made more secure?
Dental implants can support a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.
New patients welcome
Emergency calls and appointments are available and welcome, especially for new patients seeking help.