What Are Dentures?
If you have lost all of your natural teeth due to periodontal disease, tooth decay, or injury, complete dentures can restore both your smile and your confidence.
Replacing missing teeth improves not only your appearance, but also your overall health. You will be able to eat and speak more comfortably, two things many people take for granted until their teeth are lost.
Complete dentures also support your cheeks and lips. Without that support, facial muscles can sag, making a person appear older.
Partial dentures may be recommended when some natural teeth remain. They replace one or more missing teeth and are designed to fit around the remaining teeth.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of complete dentures available depending on your needs.
A conventional complete denture is made after teeth are removed and the tissues have healed. These dentures are supported by the gums, palate, and surrounding muscles.
Implant-supported dentures are anchored by surgically placed implants, offering improved stability and comfort.
Immediate dentures are created before the remaining teeth are removed and placed the same day. This allows you to avoid going without teeth during healing.
After healing, immediate dentures may need adjustments, relining, or replacement to ensure a proper fit.
Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and can be removed for cleaning. Dental implants are placed in the jawbone and may be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture.
Implant-supported dentures may offer improved stability for chewing, eating, and speaking, but not every patient is a candidate. Your dentist can review your bone support, oral health, budget, and treatment goals.
When Are Dentures Recommended?
Dentures may be recommended when multiple teeth are missing, when remaining teeth cannot be restored, or when tooth loss is affecting chewing, speech, appearance, or daily comfort.
Your dentist will examine your mouth, discuss your health history, and review whether full dentures, partial dentures, immediate dentures, or implant-supported dentures may be appropriate.
Questions & Answers
What can I expect after getting new dentures?
New dentures may feel unusual or slightly uncomfortable at first. This is normal. Continue wearing them as directed while your mouth adjusts.
The lower denture may feel loose until your cheek and tongue muscles adapt. You may also notice increased saliva for a short time. Mild soreness is common during the first one to two weeks.
Your dentist will monitor your progress and make adjustments to improve comfort.
Eating will take some practice. Helpful tips include:
- Start with soft foods cut into small pieces
- Chew on both sides of your mouth evenly
- Avoid very sticky or hard foods and chewing gum
Will I sound different when speaking?
You may need to practice speaking with your new dentures. Reading out loud and repeating difficult words can help you adjust more quickly.
Speaking slowly at first can reduce muffled speech. With practice, your speech will return to normal.
What if my dentures slip out of place?
If your dentures move when you laugh, cough, or smile, gently bite down and swallow to help reposition them.
Should I wear my dentures all the time?
At first, your dentist may recommend wearing your dentures most of the time. After the adjustment period, they should not be worn 24 hours a day.
Removing them at night allows your gums to rest and helps prevent irritation.
How do I care for dentures?
Dentures require daily cleaning, just like natural teeth. Proper care helps maintain their fit and prevents irritation.
- Clean your denture daily and rinse off food particles
- Use a soft-bristle brush or denture brush with denture cleaner
- Avoid toothpaste, as it may damage the surface
- Handle dentures carefully to prevent breakage
- Clean over a towel or sink filled with water to avoid damage if dropped
- Keep dentures in water when not in use to maintain their shape
With proper care and regular dental visits, dentures can provide a comfortable and functional solution for missing teeth.
Denture Costs and Payment Options
The cost of dentures depends on the type of denture, the number of teeth being replaced, whether extractions are needed, and whether implants are part of the treatment plan.
Greenberg Dental & Orthodontics works with many insurance plans and offers payment options to help make tooth replacement more manageable.
Helpful Patient Resources
Ready to Replace Missing Teeth?
Dentures can help restore your smile, support your facial appearance, and make eating and speaking more comfortable.
Schedule a visit at one of our Florida locations to discuss full, partial, immediate, or implant-supported denture options.