Dentures

Today, it’s easier than ever to replace missing teeth and achieve natural-looking, durable, and long-lasting results! Depending on a patient’s dental needs, lifestyle, expectations of care, and budget, choices can include conventional fixed bridgework, dental implants, or removable partial and complete dentures. At the office of Albee Dentalcare, we’ll discuss all your options in care and answer all your questions as you choose the solution that’s right for you.

With advances in dental materials and technology, today’s dentures are more comfortable and realistic-looking than ever before.

Whether you wear partial or complete dentures, it’s essential to see the dentist for routine care. Besides checking the fit and condition of your dentures and making any necessary adjustments, you’ll also receive a comprehensive exam to check on the health of any remaining teeth as well as the soft and hard tissues in and around the oral cavity.

A same-day denture offers an accelerated design and fabrication process that allows a patient to go from impression taking to denture insertion in a single day.

For patients who don’t want to wait after having teeth extracted, an immediate denture can be inserted the same day your teeth are removed. Sometime later you may need the denture relined to address any changes in its fit once the extraction sites have completely healed.

While no one wants to drop or break a partial or complete denture, accidents do happen. The good news is that in some cases, your partial or complete denture is reparable. It all depends on the extent of the damage. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you’ve broken or damaged your denture. We’re happy to help.

The simple act of taking your partial denture in and out can cause certain types of metal clasps to loosen over time. When you come in for your checkup visit or contact our office for an adjustment, we’ll assess the fit of your partial and tighten the clasps for improved stability and comfort.

While rebuilding a complete smile is a worthwhile investment, our office is sensitive to the costs involved in dental care. We customize care and will discuss which treatment options address your needs, lifestyle, and budget. How much a new denture will cost depends on the type of the prosthesis, its design, and the materials used to fabricate the supportive base, teeth, and clasps or precision attachments. Dentures that include the placement of dental implants for added retention and stability typically involve additional costs.

If you have dental insurance, your coverage may include a new or replacement set of dentures.  Our staff is happy to review your coverage with you to ensure you are maximizing your insurance benefits while minimizing any out of pocket expenses.

At the office of Albee Dentalcare, we provide an extensive range of dental services, including the latest and most effective methods to help patients with missing teeth rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. As skilled and experienced professionals, we recognize that every patient is different, and every smile is unique. We’re passionate about what we do and take great pride in providing personalized treatment plans while treating our patients as valued partners in care.

Dentures are removable oral appliances that replace missing teeth and the supporting structures around them. They consist of artificial teeth set in a gum-colored base that rests on the soft tissues of the jaw. Dentures restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile while helping support facial contours that change after tooth loss.

When properly fitted, a denture is held in place by natural suction, denture adhesive, or attachments to remaining teeth or implants. The appliance distributes chewing forces across the gums and underlying bone while protecting exposed tissues. Regular dental visits ensure the denture continues to fit well and function safely as tissues change over time.

The two primary categories of removable dentures are full (complete) dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth when all upper or lower teeth are missing, while partial dentures fill gaps left by one or several missing teeth and use clasps or precision attachments for retention. Within these categories there are variations such as conventional, immediate, and overdentures to meet different clinical needs.

Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants for greater stability and are available as removable or fixed prostheses depending on the design. Materials and frameworks vary and can include acrylic bases, cast metal frameworks, flexible resins, or hybrid constructions to balance comfort, durability, and aesthetics. Your dentist will recommend the best denture type based on oral health, remaining teeth, bone support, and functional goals.

Good candidates for dentures include people who are missing multiple teeth or an entire arch and those whose remaining teeth are no longer salvageable. Candidates should have resolved any active oral disease, such as uncontrolled periodontal disease or untreated decay, and be medically stable for routine dental procedures. A thorough clinical exam and imaging help assess bone support, soft tissue health, and the suitability of adjacent teeth for partial dentures.

The treatment plan may include extractions, periodontal care, or pre-prosthetic procedures to shape the tissues for a more predictable denture fit. Patients seeking improved stability may be evaluated for implant support when bone volume and overall health allow. A personalized consultation will determine the most appropriate prosthetic approach and any preparatory steps required for long-term success.

Immediate dentures are fabricated before teeth are removed and are inserted on the same day as extractions so the patient does not have a period without teeth. This approach offers immediate esthetic and functional benefits but requires careful follow-up because shrinking tissues and healing can cause fit changes. Adjustments, relining, or the eventual fabrication of a conventional denture may be necessary as the mouth heals.

Conventional dentures are made after extraction sites have healed, which typically provides a more stable and precise fit from the start. The process takes longer because it waits for tissue remodeling, but it often reduces the number of early adjustments. Your dentist will discuss the advantages and limitations of each option and recommend the best timing for fabrication based on your clinical situation.

Implant-supported dentures use dental implants as anchors to increase retention and stability compared with traditional removable dentures that rely on tissue support and adhesives. This added anchorage improves chewing efficiency, reduces movement during speech, and can lessen bone loss by transmitting functional forces to the jaw. Implant-supported designs range from bar- or ball-retained removable overdentures to fixed hybrid prostheses that attach securely to implants.

The choice between implant-supported and traditional removable dentures depends on factors such as bone quantity, overall health, and the patient’s functional expectations. Implant therapy requires a surgical phase and appropriate healing time, as well as periodic maintenance of both the implants and the prosthesis. A comprehensive evaluation will determine candidacy for implants and the ideal prosthetic design for long-term comfort and function.

The denture process typically begins with a consultation, medical and dental history review, and a detailed oral examination that may include diagnostic imaging. The laboratory steps often involve impressions, custom trays, wax try-ins to confirm bite and tooth position, and final fabrication to match the chosen shade and shape. Communication about esthetic goals and functional expectations is an important part of each stage to ensure a satisfactory outcome.

Once the denture is inserted, the clinician will check fit, occlusion, and phonetics, and provide instructions for wear and home care. Several follow-up visits are common to make minor adjustments and relieve pressure spots as tissues adapt. If additional procedures such as extractions or implant placement are needed, your dentist will sequence those steps to optimize healing and the final fit of the prosthesis at Albee Dental Care.

Adjustment to new dentures varies by individual but most patients adapt within a few weeks to a few months. Early weeks often include temporary soreness, increased saliva production, and difficulty with certain speech sounds, all of which tend to improve with regular wear and practice. It is normal to need several adjustment visits so the dental team can fine-tune pressure points and bite relationships for greater comfort.

Practical strategies to speed adaptation include reading aloud to improve speech, starting with soft foods and cutting items into smaller pieces, and avoiding chewing with only one side of the mouth. Daily wear during waking hours and following care instructions help tissues acclimate more quickly, while promptly reporting persistent pain or loose fit allows timely intervention.

Daily cleaning is essential to prevent plaque buildup, staining, and odors; rinse dentures after meals and brush them gently with a denture brush or soft brush using a nonabrasive denture cleaner. Avoid using regular toothpaste on acrylic dentures because it can be too abrasive and create microscopic scratches where bacteria can accumulate. Soak removable dentures overnight in water or a recommended denture solution to keep them hydrated and to assist with mechanical cleaning.

In addition to cleaning the prosthesis, care for the soft tissues and any remaining teeth by brushing gums, tongue, and natural teeth to maintain oral health. Remove dentures at night to allow the tissues to rest and reduce the risk of irritation or infection. Regular dental checkups are important so the clinician can inspect the fit of the denture and the health of oral tissues.

Tissue changes, normal wear, and accidental damage are common reasons to reline, repair, or replace a denture. If the denture becomes loose, causes new sore spots, makes chewing difficult, or shows cracks and broken teeth, you should schedule an appointment for evaluation. Early assessment helps determine whether a reline to improve fit, a repair to restore function, or a new prosthesis is the most appropriate action.

Relines are often performed when the underlying tissue contours change and the denture no longer seats securely, while repairs address fractures or detached teeth to restore immediate function. Replacement may be recommended when the denture’s materials have significantly degraded, when esthetic changes are desired, or when long-term function can no longer be achieved with the existing appliance. Routine checkups allow your dentist to monitor these changes and advise the best course of care.

Choose a practice that offers comprehensive prosthetic services, clear communication, and a documented process for diagnosis, fabrication, and follow-up care. Look for clinicians experienced in removable prosthetics and, if applicable, implant-retained solutions, as well as a supportive team that provides instruction on wear, hygiene, and troubleshooting. Advanced diagnostic tools and an in-office or trusted dental laboratory contribute to consistent fit and esthetic outcomes.

Continuity of care, access to timely adjustments, and a focus on long-term oral health are important considerations when selecting a provider. A practice that integrates restorative, surgical, and maintenance services can simplify treatment planning and provide coordinated care for complex cases. If you have specific questions about denture options or the treatment timeline, the team at Albee Dental Care can explain the steps and tailor a plan to your individual needs.