At Arlington Advanced Dentistry, we help patients replace missing teeth with dentures that look natural and feel comfortable. Missing teeth can make it hard to chew, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Dentures and partial dentures are a trusted option that can restore your smile and support your face shape.
Below, you’ll find helpful information about what dentures are, what the process is like, and how traditional dentures compare to implant dentures.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances made to replace missing teeth. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and match your natural look as closely as possible. Dentures can replace a full arch of teeth (top or bottom) or just a few missing teeth.
Types of Dentures
There are a few common types of dentures. The best choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your gums and jawbone, and your goals for comfort and stability.
- Full dentures (complete dentures): Used when all teeth in the upper or lower arch are missing. Full dentures rest on the gums and are shaped to fit your mouth.
- Partial dentures: Used when you still have some healthy natural teeth. A partial denture fills the gaps and helps keep remaining teeth from shifting out of place.
- Immediate dentures: Placed the same day teeth are removed. This helps you avoid being without teeth during healing. After healing, they often need relining or replacement for the best fit.
- Conventional dentures: Made after the gums have healed from extractions. This can take several weeks, but the fit is often more stable after healing.
What Are Partial Dentures?
A partial denture replaces one or multiple missing teeth and is designed to fit around your remaining natural teeth. Partials may use discreet clasps or other attachments for support, depending on your needs. Many patients like partial dentures because they keep the teeth they still have, while improving chewing and appearance.
Candidacy: Who Is a Good Fit for Dentures?
Many adults who are missing teeth can be candidates for dentures or partial dentures. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth and want a non-surgical tooth replacement option
- Have gum disease or tooth damage that makes saving teeth difficult
- Want a removable solution that is typically more budget-friendly than fixed options
During your visit at Arlington Advanced Dentistry – Dr. Ryan Springer, Dr. Springer will examine your mouth, talk through your health history, and help you compare choices based on function, comfort, and cost.
General Information About Costs
Denture costs vary based on the type of denture, the materials used, and whether you need extractions or other prep work first. Partial dentures may cost less than full dentures in some cases, but it depends on design and complexity. Implant dentures usually cost more upfront because they include dental implants and additional appointments. Our team will review your options and help you understand expected fees, insurance details, and ways to plan for treatment.
What to Expect
Getting dentures is a process, but it is very manageable when you know what’s coming. Our goal is to help you feel informed, comfortable, and supported from start to finish.
- Consultation and Planning: First, we check your gums, jaw, bite, and any remaining teeth. We also talk about your goals—like better chewing, improved speech, or a more secure fit. If teeth need to be removed, we will plan that timing carefully.
- Impressions and Measurements: We take impressions (molds) and measurements so your dentures fit your mouth. We also consider tooth shade, tooth shape, and how your smile will look with your face.
- Try-In and Final Fit: Many dentures include a “try-in” step so you can preview the look and feel before the final denture is made. Once the final denture is ready, we check your bite, comfort, and speech.
Fitting and Comfort: The Adjustment Period
It’s normal to need time to adjust to new dentures. At first, dentures can feel bulky or slightly loose as your mouth learns the new shape. You may notice:
- Mild sore spots
- Changes in speech (often improves with practice)
- More saliva for a short time
- New chewing habits (starting with softer foods helps)
This is why follow-up visits matter. If something rubs or feels uneven, adjustments can often solve the problem quickly.
Adjustments
Your gums and jawbone can change shape over time, especially after tooth loss. If dentures start to feel loose, a reline may be needed to improve the fit. Some patients also need periodic bite adjustments to keep chewing balanced and comfortable. Regular checkups help catch small issues early before they become bigger problems.
Care and Maintenance
Good denture care protects your gums and helps your dentures last longer.
- Brush dentures daily with a soft denture brush (avoid harsh toothpaste that can scratch them).
- Rinse after eating to remove food and reduce odor.
- Soak dentures as recommended to prevent drying and warping.
- Clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth daily.
- Handle dentures carefully over a sink or towel to avoid cracking them if dropped.
Even though dentures are not natural teeth, your mouth still needs routine dental care. Dr. Springer can check your gums, look for irritation, and confirm your dentures still fit well.
Dentures vs Implant Dentures
Traditional dentures and implant dentures both replace missing teeth, but they work in different ways. The right option depends on your anatomy, goals, and budget.
Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and are held in place by suction, natural contours of the mouth, and sometimes denture adhesive. They are a common choice because they are non-surgical and can often be made in a straightforward timeline.
Benefits of traditional dentures:
- Usually lower upfront cost
- No implant surgery needed
- Can restore appearance and basic chewing function
Possible downsides:
- May slip, especially lower dentures
- Can feel less secure during eating or speaking
- Jawbone may shrink faster over time without tooth roots or implants for support
Implant Dentures (Implant-Supported Dentures)
Implant dentures use dental implants placed in the jawbone to help hold the denture in place. Depending on the design, the denture may “snap on” to implants or be secured more firmly. Many patients choose implant dentures because they want a more stable feel.
Benefits of implant dentures:
- Better stability and stronger bite
- Less movement while talking or eating
- Can help slow jawbone loss because implants stimulate the bone
Things to consider:
- Higher upfront cost
- More appointments and healing time
- Not everyone is a candidate without enough bone (bone grafting may be needed)
Which Option Is Right for You?
If you want a removable option with the most secure fit, implant dentures may be worth considering. If you want a simpler, non-surgical solution, traditional full or partial dentures may be a better match. At Arlington Advanced Dentistry, we’ll walk you through both options and help you choose what fits your comfort needs and your budget.
Call us today at 224-491-4229 or fill out our online appointment request form.