A healthy, confident smile helps you eat, speak, and feel your best. If you are missing some or all of your teeth, dentures can restore your smile and your bite. Today’s dentures are lighter, more natural-looking, and more comfortable than ever. Whether you need a full denture, a partial denture, or are curious about implant dentures, Dr. Eric Gartner will explain your options and guide you every step of the way.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth. They are designed to look like natural teeth and gums at Strafford Dental in Wayne, PA. A denture has two main parts: a base that looks like gum tissue and artificial teeth that are shaped and colored to match your smile.
There are two main types of dentures:
- Full dentures: These replace all the teeth in your upper arch, lower arch, or both. The base rests on your gums and is held in place by natural suction, your cheeks and tongue, and sometimes a small amount of denture adhesive.
- Partial dentures: These replace several missing teeth while you still have some natural teeth. A partial usually clips around your remaining teeth with small clasps, or it may use precision attachments for a more hidden look. The base fits around your gums, and the artificial teeth fill the gaps.
Materials can include acrylic resin for the base and teeth, and sometimes a thin metal framework for strength in partials. Flexible partials are also an option for some patients, offering a softer, more flexible base that can be comfortable and discreet.
Modern dentures do more than fill spaces. They support your facial muscles and lips, helping your face look fuller and more natural. This can make you look younger and feel more confident. With a good fit and practice, many patients speak clearly and eat a wide range of foods.
What to Expect
Getting dentures is a team effort between you and your dental care team. We take time to plan, design, and fit your denture so it looks good and feels comfortable. Here is what the process often looks like:
- Consultation and exam: We review your health, take x-rays if needed, and check your gums and jaw. We talk about your goals, your budget, and your timeline.
- Impressions: We take molds of your mouth so the lab can make a denture that matches your shape and bite.
- Bite and shade matching: We record how your jaws meet and help you choose a tooth shade and shape that fit your face and smile.
- Try-in: For many cases, we do a “try-in” with a wax model. You can see how the teeth look and fit before the final denture is made. We make any changes you want.
- Extractions (if needed): If you need teeth removed, we plan this step carefully. You may receive an immediate denture the same day, so you never go without teeth while you heal.
- Delivery: We place your new denture, check the fit, and make small adjustments to reduce sore spots and improve comfort.
- Follow-ups and adjustments: As you get used to your denture, we may smooth areas or adjust the bite. This helps prevent rubbing and makes chewing easier.
At first, your new denture will feel different. Your cheeks and tongue need time to learn how to hold them in place. Reading out loud and chewing slowly can help. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. As you gain confidence, you can add more foods back into your meals.
Soreness can happen in the first days. This is common and often goes away with a small adjustment. Don’t try to adjust the denture yourself. Call us so we can help.
Caring for your denture is simple. Rinse after meals to remove food. Brush your denture daily with a soft brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid regular toothpaste on the denture, as it can scratch. Brush your gums, tongue, and any natural teeth to keep your mouth healthy. Most dentures should be kept moist when not worn, so soak them overnight in water or a denture solution. Rinse well before putting them back in your mouth.
Your gums and bone can change over time. This is normal, and it can make your denture feel loose. A reline can improve the fit by adding material to the denture’s inner surface. Most dentures last about 5 to 10 years, depending on wear, care, and changes in your mouth.
Home care tips:
- Take your denture out at night to give your gums a rest.
- Do not use hot water, which can warp the denture.
- Use denture adhesive sparingly, if at all. A good fit should not need much.
- Call us if your denture cracks, breaks, or starts to rub your gums.
Dentures vs Implant Dentures
Traditional dentures rest on your gums and can sometimes slip or feel loose. Implant dentures are different. They attach to small titanium posts placed in your jawbone. These posts act like artificial tooth roots and hold your denture firmly in place.
Dr. Eric Gartner places the implants in your jaw. After your jaw heals, your denture snaps onto special attachments connected to the implants. Some implant dentures are removable, so you can clean them, while others are fixed and can only be removed by your dentist in Wayne, PA. Most lower dentures need two to four implants, while upper dentures usually need four or more.
Benefits of implant dentures:
- Stability: Implant dentures are very secure. They do not slip while you talk or eat. Many people feel they can confidently chew more types of food.
- Comfort: Less movement means fewer sore spots. You may need less or no adhesive.
- Bone health: Implants help stimulate the jawbone, which can slow bone loss over time. This can help your face keep a natural shape.
- Clear speech: Many people speak more clearly when their dentures stay in place.
Things to consider with implant dentures:
- Surgery and healing: Getting implants requires a minor surgical procedure and time to heal. Not everyone is a candidate. You need enough healthy bone and good oral health.
- Cost: Implant dentures usually cost more at first. Many patients find the improved function and comfort worth the investment.
- Time: The process can take a few months from start to finish, depending on healing and your plan.
- Care: You still need to clean your dentures and your gums every day. Regular dental visits are important for checking the fit and condition of the implants.
Which option is right for you?
Traditional dentures are a good choice if you want an affordable, non-surgical solution. They can look great and work well with proper fit and care. Implant dentures are a great choice if you want the most stable feel and better chewing power. They can make daily life easier and may help protect your jawbone.
Your health, bone levels, and goals all matter. We will help you review your options, answer questions, and choose the best plan. Some people start with a traditional denture and later upgrade to an implant denture. Others begin with implants if they want more stability right away.
Comfort, Fit, and Confidence
No matter which denture you choose, regular checkups keep your mouth healthy and your denture fitting well. If you notice clicking, slipping, rubbing, or sores, call us. Small adjustments can make a big difference. If your denture feels loose after weight loss, dental work, or time, a reline can restore the fit. If a tooth chips or the denture breaks, bring it in. Don’t try to fix it with glue.
We understand that getting dentures is a big step. Our team will guide you with care and patience. With the right design, a careful fit, and good home care, your denture can help you smile, speak, and eat with confidence.
Schedule a visit by calling 610-600-1559 to talk about full dentures, partial dentures, and implant dentures. You can also request an appointment online. We will create a plan that fits your needs, your budget, and your life. Your new smile is closer than you think.