Full or Partial 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 Fay Hu General Dentistry, 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 Fay Hu General Dentistry, 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 dental appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. They consist of artificial teeth set in a supportive base that rests on the gums and underlying bone. Dentures restore chewing function and help support facial contours for a more natural appearance.

Because they are removable, dentures can be taken out for cleaning and nightly rest of the tissues. Modern denture materials and fabrication techniques allow for customized shape, color, and fit to match a patient’s natural teeth and bite. Regular follow-up ensures the denture continues to function comfortably as tissues change over time.

The two primary categories of removable dentures are full (complete) dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower arch, while partial dentures fill gaps when some natural teeth remain. Within these categories there are variations such as conventional full dentures, immediate dentures, overdentures, and implant-supported dentures.

Materials and design options vary to meet individual needs, with frameworks available in cast metal, flexible resins, and hybrid materials. Denture teeth are selected for shade, shape, and size to achieve a natural appearance and balanced bite. Your dentist will recommend the type and design best suited to your oral health and functional goals.

Patients who have lost multiple teeth or who require extraction of remaining teeth are commonly considered for dentures. Good candidates typically have healthy soft tissues and sufficient bone or are willing to consider procedures that improve the foundation for a denture. Overall medical health, oral hygiene practices, and patient expectations are important factors in determining candidacy.

A careful clinical evaluation, often including diagnostic imaging and impressions, helps identify the most appropriate prosthetic option. In some cases, alternative or adjunctive treatments such as fixed bridges or dental implants may be recommended to enhance stability and function. The final treatment plan is tailored to preserve oral health while meeting the patient’s functional and aesthetic needs.

Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone to provide fixed points of retention. This attachment offers greater stability and retention compared with traditional, tissue-supported dentures, reducing movement during speaking and chewing. Implant-supported prostheses can be removable for cleaning or fixed for permanent support, depending on the chosen design.

Because implants help preserve underlying bone and improve function, they are often recommended for patients who want enhanced comfort and bite force. Not every patient is a candidate for implants; factors such as bone volume and overall health must be assessed. Your dentist can explain the clinical advantages and whether implant support is appropriate for your situation.

The denture fabrication process typically begins with a comprehensive exam, impressions, and diagnostic records to evaluate bite, jaw relationships, and tissue contours. The laboratory phase includes creating a model, selecting tooth shape and shade, and performing try-in appointments to verify fit and appearance. Adjustments are made during these steps to ensure comfort, esthetics, and proper occlusion before final processing.

Some cases require extra procedures such as extractions or soft tissue modification before final insertion, and immediate dentures may be delivered at the time of extraction to avoid an edentulous period. The number of visits varies by case complexity, and teamwork between the patient, clinician, and dental laboratory is essential to achieve a predictable result. Follow-up visits after insertion are common to fine-tune fit and function.

Daily cleaning of dentures is essential to remove food debris and bacterial buildup; rinse dentures after eating and brush them gently with a denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a nonabrasive cleaner formulated for dentures rather than regular toothpaste, which can wear acrylic surfaces. Rinsing and occasional soaking in a recommended denture cleanser helps control stains and odors.

It is important to remove dentures at night to allow oral tissues to rest and reduce the risk of irritation or infection. Brush any remaining natural teeth, gums, tongue, and palate to maintain overall oral health. Always handle dentures over a soft surface or water to prevent breakage, and bring them to dental visits so the clinician can inspect and professionally clean or adjust them as needed.

Adaptation to new dentures varies by individual but typically takes several days to a few weeks for most people to speak and eat comfortably. Initially, you may notice increased saliva production and mild soreness as the oral tissues learn to accommodate the appliance. Practicing speaking aloud and starting with soft, cut foods while chewing slowly can help speed the adjustment process.

Minor sore spots are common and are usually resolved with simple adjustments during follow-up visits. If difficulties persist beyond the expected adaptation period or if there is persistent pain or significant looseness, the dentist should evaluate the fit and occlusion. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor adaptation and make necessary refinements.

Common issues with dentures include sore spots, looseness, difficulty chewing, and speech changes during the initial adaptation phase. Many of these problems are resolved by clinical adjustments to pressure-bearing areas, relines to improve fit as tissues remodel, or by refining the bite relationship. Excessive movement may also be managed temporarily with adhesive or more permanently with implant support.

If a denture fractures or suffers material wear, repair or replacement by a dental laboratory is typically required to restore function. Ongoing oral examinations help detect changes in the supporting tissues or remaining teeth that could affect the denture’s fit. Prompt attention to problems minimizes discomfort and helps preserve oral health.

Replacing missing teeth with well-fitting dentures can improve the ability to chew a wider variety of nutritious foods, which supports overall health and digestion. Early on, patients may need to modify their diet to softer, more manageable foods until chewing efficiency improves. A staged approach to reintroducing firmer foods and focusing on balanced nutrition will help patients maintain adequate intake of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Long-term, properly maintained dentures contribute to better oral function and improved quality of life, but they do not replace the need for regular dental care. Monitoring the health of oral tissues and any remaining teeth helps prevent infections and other conditions that can affect general health. If you have specific medical or dietary concerns, discuss them with your dental provider as part of your treatment planning.

Dentures should be evaluated at least once a year as part of routine dental care, and more frequently if you experience soreness, significant looseness, or changes in chewing function. Over time, jawbone and gum tissues naturally remodel, which can alter the fit and stability of a denture and make relines or adjustments necessary. Signs that a reline or adjustment may be needed include persistent movement, rubbing, or difficulty achieving a comfortable bite.

The office of Fay Hu General Dentistry performs comprehensive exams during follow-up visits to assess denture fit, oral tissue health, and the condition of any remaining teeth or implants. Timely relines, repairs, or revisions help maintain comfort, function, and appearance for the life of the prosthesis. Regular professional oversight ensures that denture care remains aligned with each patient’s changing needs.