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Dentures and Partials

Modern dentistry provides several options for replacing missing teeth, and dentures continue to be an excellent choice that works well for many people. Modern dentures designed using updated materials and techniques are as close as dentists can get to real teeth using dental prosthetics.

Full and partial dentures are removable dental prosthetics appropriate for patients of all ages who need to replace some or all of their natural teeth.

Types of Dentures

Dentures are available in two types:

We fit conventional dentures after your gums and jaw have fully healed from the extraction of your teeth.
We fit immediate dentures before we extract your teeth, so you can wear them the same day we remove your teeth. Immediate dentures require several more fittings than traditional dentures, as the shape of your jaw and gums will change during the healing process. But these dentures have the advantage of immediately restoring your teeth after the extraction.

We use partial dentures when we only need to remove some of your teeth. Partials function similarly to a bridge in that they fit in with remaining teeth, but unlike a fixed bridge, they are removable.

Adjusting to Dentures

When we first fit your dentures, you may have to wear them all the time, including while sleeping. Wearing your dentures allows us to quickly find spots that we need to reshape because of discomfort or irritation. After we properly fit the dentures to your jaw, you can remove them at night.

While dentures are not real teeth, you should care for them as if they were. Brush your dentures to remove food particles before removing them. You will need to place your dentures in a container of warm water or a denture cleaning solution as soon as you remove them from your mouth. Hot water can warp dentures, so be careful!

It can take some time for your mouth to adjust to the shape of dentures. At first, it may feel awkward and bulky to have the appliances in your mouth, but you will become accustomed to the dentures over time.

Contact our office today for more information on whether dentures are right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wear my dentures?

At first, your dentist may recommend that you wear your dentures to sleep. This will speed up your mouth’s adjustment to the dentures and allow you to quickly detect and correct any spots where the fit is uncomfortable. After your mouth has adjusted to the dentures, they may be worn throughout the day and removed while you sleep.

Can a prosthodontist help me decide between dentures and bridges?

Absolutely! Prosthodontists specialize in complex cases, and they are experts when it comes to restorative teeth.

A denture fills in for complete tooth loss or extractions. It is an arch of artificial teeth. Further, a denture can be removable or affixed with a few dental implants.

A partial denture with restorations fills in for sporadic tooth loss, and it is custom designed to fit around existing teeth.

A bridge means restoration teeth that rely on adjacent teeth for stability and support. A dental bridge can sometimes rely on an implant, and it is not removable.

If you would like to schedule a prosthodontic consultation, contact our practice today.

Will my dentures feel uncomfortable?

It will take your mouth some time to get used to the feel of dentures. After a few months, however, you will feel comfortable eating and speaking with your dentures in and experience little to no soreness or discomfort. If you ever do experience soreness or if your dentures aren’t fitting right, please let us know.