Dentures / Partials
What are dentures?
Full or partial dentures give people who have lost some or all of their teeth the ability to eat, speak and smile. Both full and partial dentures are removable, able to come out of the mouth when necessary.
Why get dentures?
If you lose all of your teeth, dentures make it possible to eat, speak and smile normally again.
Partial dentures help with these things as well, but they can also be considered preventive measures. Without the support of teeth, facial muscles may begin to sag. The partial denture simply replaces missing teeth so the remaining teeth do not move or become malaligned.
Full vs. Partial Dentures
Full dentures are used to replace all of their teeth, while partial dentures only replace some.
Partial dentures often clasp onto the patient’s natural teeth to provide support and retention.
Both are removable appliances.
How long do dentures last?
Full and partial dentures tend to last a couple of years before they need to be relined, which helps to maintain correct fit.
Most dentures need to be totally replaced every 10 years due to wear, but each patient is different.
What’s the process like?
Often, dentures follow a tooth extraction. After the extraction, you’ll receive a set of temporary/interim dentures to be used while you heal. This helps your mouth to heal correctly, maintaining your natural smile.
In the meantime, we’ll fabricate a permanent set of dentures to replace the temporary set once your tissue has healed. Your permanent dentures will be custom-fabricated to fit your mouth, ensuring comfort and a natural look.
How natural do dentures look?
Your permanent dentures will be custom-fabricated – no one will notice they aren’t real. When making decisions about your permanent dentures, we strive to work one-on-one with the patient to make sure the dentures suit them. We also often refer back to photos of the patient’s natural teeth to make sure we match them as closely as possible.
Are dentures affordable? Does insurance cover dentures?
Each set of dentures is different, and we’ll work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes cost information so you can make the right choice for your needs.
Luckily, most insurance plans cover a portion of full and partial dentures, though you’ll want to consult with your policy first.
How do I care for my dentures?
Care for your dentures by taking care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and palate very morning with a soft-bristled brush before inserting your dentures to circulate your tissues and help remove plaque.
When you take your dentures out, soak them in a cleanser solution or room temperature water. Do not place them in boiling water – they’ll warp.
Be careful handling your dentures as well. While they’re made to last for about decade in your mouth, they can still be fragile.