Dentures (Full and Partial)

Dentures are a common way to replace missing teeth, and can be custom-made to fit an entire jaw or just one section of your mouth. Because they can be taken in and out of your mouth, dentures have been known to be bulky or uncomfortable, but today’s dentures feel more natural than ever.

How are dentures made?

First, our office will take an impression of your mouth, so your dentures can be made to fit your mouth perfectly. The impression is then sent to a dental lab where the dentures will be custom-made for you based on Dr. Gradeless’ recommendations.

What are the benefits of dentures?

If you’re missing teeth, dentures will improve your smile and give you back the confidence you may have been missing. They fill the void left by missing teeth to support your facial muscles and jaw to help you speak and eat comfortably.

What if I don’t need a full set of dentures?

Dentures can be custom-made in both full and partial options, depending on each patient’s need.

Do they take a long time to get used to?

Dentures are a huge change for your mouth to adjust to, so learning to eat and speak comfortably may take a few weeks. Though there is definitely an adjustment period when dentures will feel loose or bulky, your facial muscles will learn how to keep them in place naturally so soon they will become a comfortable extension of your jaw.

What kinds of dentures are out there?

Full Dentures: Full dentures can be conventional or immediate. Conventional means they fit your entire gum after all teeth have been removed and the gums have healed. Immediate dentures are fitted to the mouth immediately after the teeth are removed. Unlike conventional dentures, they’ll need to be refitted to your jaw a few months after being inserted as the bone supporting the jaw may change shape as it heals.

Partial Dentures: Partial dentures act as a non-permanent alternative to a bridge. The partial denture is fixed onto a metal piece that attaches to your natural teeth. To keep the partial denture secure, Dr. Gradeless may recommend using a crown on top of a natural tooth to act as an anchor for the removable partial denture.

How do I know which is best for me?

Dr. Gradeless will work with you to determine what’s best, based on the health of your teeth and gums and keeping your budget, timeline, and lifestyle in mind.

What should I do with my dentures when I’m not wearing them?

It’s best to store your dentures—full and partial—in denture cleanser soaking solution or in lukewarm water (hot water will cause dentures to warp) to make sure they don’t dry out. You should also be sure to keep your dentures clean by treating them just like teeth and brushing them daily. This keeps them clear of food and plaque that would otherwise cause staining.

How should I clean my mouth when I’m not wearing my dentures?

Brush your gums, tongue, and palate every day, just like your teeth, to make sure your mouth is clean before inserting your dentures. By stimulating the gum and tissue, you’ll keep blood flowing and eliminate the chances of plaque build-up as well.

Do dentures last forever?

Just like regular teeth, dentures can break, chip, or crack, and should be brought to the office for repair as soon as possible if this happens. Due to normal wear, dentures will likely need to be relined or rebased (keeping the teeth but replacing the part that rests on your gums) to make sure they remain as secure as possible. We recommend an annual check-up to make sure everything fits well and nothing needs to be repaired.