Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of your smile. Depending on your needs, dentures may replace all of the teeth in an arch or only some missing teeth.
At Winston Smiles Dentistry, we help patients understand their denture options and choose an approach that fits their oral health, goals, comfort, and budget.
Complete Dentures
A complete denture is used when all of the teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both need to be replaced. Complete dentures are custom-made to rest on the gums and help support your smile, speech, and chewing function.
Complete dentures may be recommended when remaining teeth cannot be predictably restored or when a patient is already missing all of the teeth in an arch.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture may be recommended when some natural teeth remain. It is designed to replace missing teeth while using the remaining teeth for support and stability.
Partial dentures can help improve chewing ability, speech, appearance, and may help reduce shifting of the remaining teeth.
Immediate Dentures
An immediate denture is made before teeth are removed and placed the same day as the extractions. This allows patients to avoid going without teeth during the healing process.
Because immediate dentures are made before the teeth are removed, adjustments are expected as the gums and bone heal and change shape. Temporary liners, tissue conditioners, relines, or a new denture may be recommended over time to improve the fit.
Denture Care and Maintenance
Dentures require regular care and periodic evaluation to keep them comfortable and functioning well. Over time, the gums and bone can change, which may cause a denture to feel loose or create sore spots.
During routine visits, we can evaluate the fit of your denture, check the health of your gums and oral tissues, and discuss whether adjustments, relines, repairs, or other updates may be needed.
Patients should clean their dentures daily, avoid using hot water that may warp the appliance, and contact our office if a denture feels loose, causes irritation, cracks, or no longer fits comfortably.
Other Tooth Replacement Options
Dentures are one option for replacing missing teeth, but they are not the only option. Depending on your goals, bone support, and oral health, we may also discuss implant-retained dentures, fixed hybrid dentures, dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.
We’ll help you understand the differences and decide which option makes the most sense for your situation.
If you are missing teeth, currently wear dentures, or have been told you may need dentures, contact Winston Smiles Dentistry to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you understand your options and choose a solution that fits your needs.