Dentures

Dentures also support your lips and cheeks, which can start to sag when teeth are missing. They are one of our tooth replacement options, alongside dental implants and bridges.

Full and partial dentures

There are two types of dentures:

• Full dentures are given to patients when all of the natural teeth have been removed. An upper denture rests on the palate and a lower denture on the ridge of the jaw.
• Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth, and they fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Small clasps hold them in place and keep your remaining teeth from shifting.

Implant-supported dentures

Dental implants may be used to anchor dentures, especially lower dentures that tend to shift when you talk or chew. Implant-supported dentures either snap onto implants and come out for cleaning, or are fixed permanently in place. You need enough healthy bone in the jaw to support the implants, which we check at a consultation.

Getting your dentures

Dentures are made to fit your mouth over several visits:

1. We examine your mouth and take impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth.
2. A model is made, and you try a wax version to check the fit, bite, color and shape.
3. Your finished dentures are fitted and adjusted.
4. Follow-up visits fine-tune any sore spots as your mouth gets used to them.

If teeth need to be removed first, we will plan the extractions and your dentures together.

Getting used to new dentures

New dentures can feel bulky at first, and it takes a few weeks to learn to eat and speak with them. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, chew on both sides at once, and read aloud to practice tricky words. A little extra saliva and a few sore spots are normal early on; call us so we can adjust the fit rather than living with them.

Caring for your dentures

Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be properly cared for:

• Use a gentle cleanser to brush your dentures every day
• Always keep them moist when they are not in use
• Keep your tongue and gums clean as well
• Handle them over a folded towel or a sink of water so they do not break if dropped
• Do not use bleach or whitening toothpaste, which can weaken and discolor them

How long dentures last

Your gums and jawbone slowly change shape over time, so dentures that fit well at first can loosen. Bring them to your regular checkups so we can check the fit; they may need relining every year or two and replacing after several years.

Dentures are often partly covered by dental insurance; see our financial information page. Request an appointment to find out which option fits your smile.