Advances in dental materials and laboratory techniques have made it possible to replace missing teeth with results that look and function more naturally than ever. While fixed restorations such as bridgework and dental implants remain important options for many patients, removable dentures continue to be a reliable solution for restoring a complete, confident smile for those who prefer or require them.
Our practice fabricates dentures using high-quality materials and careful craftsmanship to ensure a comfortable fit and a natural appearance. Each prosthesis is designed to support facial contours, restore chewing function, and help patients speak and smile with greater ease.
We focus on individualized care that respects each person’s oral health, lifestyle, and treatment goals. Our team will guide you through the available options and create a plan that prioritizes long-term comfort and oral function.
Tooth loss affects more than aesthetics. Missing teeth change how force is distributed across the mouth, which can alter chewing efficiency and lead to uneven wear on remaining teeth. Over time, these functional shifts may contribute to additional dental problems if they aren’t addressed.
There are also noticeable effects on facial structure: without tooth roots and their stimulation of the jawbone, the supporting bone can slowly lose volume. This progressive change can subtly alter jaw and lip support, sometimes giving the face a sunken or aged appearance.
The social and emotional impact of missing teeth is important to consider as well. Difficulty speaking clearly or avoiding favorite foods can affect daily life and confidence. Replacing missing teeth with a well-made denture helps restore normal function and can improve overall well-being.
Removable dentures are prosthetic appliances that rest on the gums and are supported by the underlying bone and soft tissues. They are composed of lifelike artificial teeth set into a base that matches the color of natural gum tissue, carefully arranged to restore proper bite relationships and chewing surfaces.
Because dentures are removable, they make it easier to clean both the appliance and the mouth, which can be especially helpful when some natural teeth remain. Proper hygiene and regular dental visits help preserve the health of the tissues that support the denture and any remaining teeth.
Modern dentures benefit from improved acrylics, attachment systems, and precision fabrication techniques. These advances result in better fit, more natural aesthetics, and options that provide increased retention and stability compared with older generations of prostheses.
Selecting the best denture begins with a thorough examination of your oral health, remaining teeth, and jawbone condition. Our clinicians evaluate functional needs, speech considerations, and aesthetic goals to recommend an approach that balances comfort and longevity.
Two broad categories cover most removable solutions: complete dentures that replace all teeth in an arch, and partial dentures that fill gaps when some natural teeth remain. Within these categories there are several variations designed to address different clinical situations and patient preferences.
We will discuss the advantages of each option and what to expect during the treatment sequence so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and oral health priorities.
Complete dentures restore an entire upper or lower arch when all teeth in that arch are missing or have been removed. They can be fabricated after the mouth has fully healed following extractions, which often produces a precise fit once tissues have stabilized.
Immediate dentures are made in advance and placed at the time of tooth removal so a patient is never without teeth during the healing period. Because tissue contours change as healing proceeds, these prostheses commonly require relines or adjustments to maintain comfort and function.
Overdentures and implant-supported dentures use remaining tooth roots, implants, or special attachments to improve retention and stability. These designs reduce movement during chewing and speaking, often increasing wearer confidence and comfort compared with a conventional removable denture.
Partial dentures replace one or several missing teeth when other natural teeth remain to help support the prosthesis. They use clasps or precision attachments to secure the restoration and prevent unwanted shifting of adjacent teeth, helping preserve the alignment of the dental arch.
Contemporary partial frameworks are available in a variety of materials—from traditional cast metal to flexible resins—and can be tailored to balance strength, esthetics, and patient preference.
The process of receiving a denture typically begins with a comprehensive exam that includes a review of medical and dental history, evaluation of oral tissues, and appropriate imaging. This information helps our team determine whether pre-prosthetic procedures, such as tooth extractions or tissue shaping, are needed first.
Impressions and careful bite records are essential steps that allow for accurate laboratory fabrication. Laboratory communication and try-in appointments let you preview tooth shape, shade, and arrangement so adjustments can be made before the final denture is processed.
Once the denture is inserted, a short series of follow-up visits helps refine the fit and resolve any sore spots. Some patients adapt quickly, while others need a few weeks to become comfortable with speaking and eating; our clinicians will provide guidance and make adjustments as needed.
Proper daily care keeps dentures looking their best and helps maintain a healthy oral environment. Remove and rinse the appliance after eating, brush it gently with a soft brush, and soak it overnight when not in use to preserve its shape and cleanliness.
It’s also important to care for the gums and any remaining teeth by brushing and flossing as recommended. Removing the denture at night gives the gums a rest and supports tissue health. Regular dental checkups allow your provider to monitor fit, check for wear, and address any changes in oral tissues over time.
As the supporting tissues naturally remodel with age, periodic relines or adjustments may be recommended to restore optimal fit and function. For patients using implant attachments, routine maintenance of the attachment components helps preserve their performance and longevity.
Our team emphasizes a proactive approach to denture care: timely follow-up and good daily habits reduce complications and help dentures serve you well for many years.
In summary, well-designed removable dentures remain a valuable option for rebuilding a functional, natural-looking smile. If you’d like to learn more about how a denture could fit into your treatment plan, please contact our office for more information.
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 Smith Tano Dental Group, 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 Smith Tano Dental Group, 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.
