Dentures can replace several missing teeth or an entire upper or lower arch. At Dentistry For You in Broken Arrow, we help patients explore full dentures, partial dentures, and implant-retained options based on their needs.
The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of any remaining teeth and gums, your jawbone, and the fit and stability you want. We’ll explain the available options and help you understand what to expect.
Full Dentures
A full denture replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Upper dentures cover the roof of the mouth and may use suction to help stay in place. Lower dentures can be more challenging to stabilize because they rest on a smaller ridge of bone and must work around the tongue and moving muscles of the mouth.
Creating a full denture typically takes several appointments. The process may include impressions, measurements of your bite, and a try-in that lets you see how the teeth look before the final denture is made.
At the try-in, we can evaluate the appearance, tooth position, bite, and speech and make adjustments where needed. Once the final denture is ready, we'll check its fit and make any necessary adjustments for comfort and function.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture replaces several missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. It fits around the existing teeth and rests against the gums, using the remaining teeth and supporting tissues to help keep it in place.
For many patients, a partial denture is a practical way to replace multiple teeth without implant surgery. Compared with a fixed dental bridge or dental implants, a partial denture can be removed for cleaning and may take some time to get used to.
Good oral hygiene is especially important because food and plaque can collect around the denture and the teeth that support it. We’ll explain how to remove and clean your partial denture and care for your remaining teeth.
Immediate Dentures
An immediate denture is prepared before your remaining teeth are removed and placed on the same day as the extractions. This allows you to leave with replacement teeth rather than waiting until the extraction sites have healed.
Your gums and jawbone naturally change shape as they heal, particularly during the first few months. Because the denture cannot change along with your mouth, it may gradually become loose after placement.
Follow-up visits for adjustments are common. Your denture may also need a reline or replacement after your mouth has healed and its shape has stabilized. These changes are a normal part of the process, and your dentist can help you understand what to expect.
Getting Used to Dentures
New dentures take time to get used to. You may notice changes in your speech at first, and certain sounds might feel unfamiliar. Reading aloud at home can help you practice speaking with your denture in place.
Eating may take practice, too. Start with softer foods cut into small pieces, and try chewing on both sides of your mouth. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually return to a wider variety of foods based on how your denture fits and feels.
Some tenderness or sore spots can occur as your mouth adjusts. If an area continues to rub or becomes painful, contact our office for an adjustment. Avoid filing or reshaping the denture yourself, as this can damage it or affect its fit.
For some adjustment visits, wearing your denture for a few hours beforehand may help us identify the areas causing irritation. We’ll let you know if that would be helpful for your appointment.
Denture Relines and Repairs
Over time, your gums and the bone beneath them can change shape, even if you’ve worn the same denture for years. As the fit changes, you may notice that your denture feels loose, moves while you eat, or causes new sore spots.
A denture reline changes the surface that rests against your gums so the denture fits your mouth more closely. Depending on the condition of the denture and how your mouth has changed, a reline may help restore its fit without requiring a completely new denture.
If your denture cracks, breaks, or loses a tooth, have it evaluated rather than trying to repair it yourself. Household glues aren’t made for use in the mouth and can damage the denture or complicate a professional repair.
Regular dental visits also give your dentist an opportunity to check your denture’s fit and the health of your gums and any remaining teeth.
Implant-Retained Dentures
If a conventional lower denture slips or rocks when you eat or speak, an implant-retained denture may be worth considering.
Dental implants placed in the jaw can provide attachment points that help hold a denture more securely in place. Depending on the treatment design, the denture may still be removable for cleaning while feeling more stable during everyday activities.
Implant-retained dentures can be especially helpful for some people who struggle with loose lower dentures. However, they aren’t the right choice for everyone. Your dentist will need to evaluate your oral health, jawbone, and treatment goals to determine whether implants are an option for you.
If you’d like your denture to feel more secure, we can discuss the differences between conventional and implant-retained options and help you understand the next steps.
Find the Right Denture Option for You
Whether you’re replacing several missing teeth, getting dentures for the first time, or dealing with a denture that no longer fits well, Dentistry For You is here to help you explore your options.