Understanding Your Denture Options
Modern dentistry offers several denture types, each designed for specific situations. Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch when you’ve lost every tooth or need remaining teeth extracted. Partial dentures fill gaps when you still have some healthy, natural teeth worth preserving. Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants for superior stability and comfort.
The right choice depends on how many teeth you’re missing, your jawbone condition, your budget, and your lifestyle needs. Dr. Tilman and his team evaluate all these factors during your consultation. They explain each option honestly, including advantages and limitations, so you can make an informed decision that serves you well for years.
Full Dentures Replace Complete Arches
Full dentures become necessary when you’ve lost all teeth in your upper or lower arch. These removable prosthetics rest directly on your gum tissue and rely on suction, dental adhesive, or implant attachments for retention. Modern full dentures look remarkably realistic, with teeth shaded to match natural enamel and gums colored to blend with your tissue.
We create conventional full dentures after your gums have healed completely from any extractions. This healing period typically lasts eight to twelve weeks. Your gums and bone reshape significantly during healing, so waiting ensures optimal denture fit. Immediate dentures offer an alternative if you can’t go without teeth during the healing phase.
Immediate dentures get fabricated before your extractions and placed the same day we remove your remaining teeth. You never go without teeth, but these dentures require frequent adjustments as your gums heal and change shape. Most patients eventually need a new set once healing completes, making immediate dentures a temporary solution that bridges you to permanent dentures.
Partial Dentures Fill Multiple Gaps
Still have some healthy natural teeth? Partial dentures replace missing teeth while preserving the good ones you have left. These removable appliances attach to your remaining teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. They prevent your existing teeth from shifting into empty spaces while restoring your ability to chew effectively.
Partial Dentures Work Well When:
- You’ve lost several teeth but not all
- Your remaining teeth provide stable anchor points
- You want a removable rather than fixed solution
- Budget constraints rule out implants or bridges
- You need a temporary solution while planning future treatment
Quality partial dentures in Newport blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. We match shade and shape carefully so the replacement teeth look like they belong in your smile. The base material that holds artificial teeth and rests against your gums can be made from acrylic or a flexible thermoplastic material that many patients find more comfortable.
Implant-Supported Dentures Transform Lives
Traditional dentures slip during eating and speaking, requiring messy adhesives that don’t always work. Implant-supported dentures solve these frustrations by attaching to dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone. The stability feels incredible—like having your natural teeth back.
Several implants placed strategically in your jaw create anchor points for your denture. Some implant dentures snap on and off for easy cleaning. Others get screwed into place by your dentist and function like permanent teeth. Both approaches deliver far superior stability compared to traditional dentures.
The bone stimulation from implants prevents the jawbone deterioration that occurs with conventional dentures. Your facial structure maintains its shape instead of gradually collapsing inward. This preservation keeps you looking younger and ensures your denture fits well years later.
The Denture Creation Process
Creating quality dentures requires multiple appointments and careful attention to detail. Your first visit involves a comprehensive examination, impressions, and a discussion of your goals. Dr. Pannes, Dr. May, Dr. Safford, and Dr. Ramos evaluate your oral health and determine whether teeth need extraction before denture fabrication begins.
We take precise impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth. These impressions capture every contour and detail necessary for optimal denture fit. Bite registration records document how your jaws relate to each other, ensuring your new teeth align properly for comfortable chewing.
At your next appointment, you’ll try in a wax model of your denture. This try-in stage lets you see how your dentures will look and allows us to make adjustments before final fabrication. We evaluate tooth position, shade, shape, and bite alignment. Your input matters—this is your smile, and we want you thrilled with the results.
The dental lab crafts your final dentures based on the approved wax try-in. We place your completed dentures at your delivery appointment and make any necessary adjustments for comfort and fit. We’ll teach you proper insertion, removal, and cleaning techniques. Follow-up appointments ensure everything works perfectly as you adapt to your new teeth.
Adjusting to New Dentures
Wearing dentures feels strange initially—something foreign sitting in your mouth where teeth used to be. This awkwardness fades as your mouth adapts. Speaking might sound different at first, and certain words prove challenging. Reading aloud at home helps you adjust faster. Within a few weeks, speaking feels natural again.
Eating requires some adjustment, too. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth simultaneously to keep dentures stable. Avoid sticky or very hard foods during your adjustment period. As you gain confidence, you’ll expand your diet and find you can eat most foods comfortably.
Increased salivation occurs during the first few days as your mouth responds to the new appliance. This excess saliva production decreases quickly. Some minor soreness might develop where dentures contact your gums. These sore spots require adjustment—contact our office rather than suffering through discomfort.
Denture Care and Maintenance
Dentures require daily cleaning just like natural teeth. Remove them after meals and rinse away food particles. Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner—never regular toothpaste, which scratches the surface. Handle them carefully over a towel or water-filled sink since dropping them can cause cracks or breaks.
Remove dentures at night to rest your gum tissues. Soak them in water or a denture solution overnight to prevent warping. Never use hot water, as it can distort the denture material. Clean your gums, tongue, and natural teeth with a soft brush before reinserting dentures each morning.
Your dentures need professional evaluation annually, even if they seem fine. Dr. Tilman and his colleagues check for wear, damage, and fit issues. As bone and gums remodel, your mouth changes over time, so periodic adjustments maintain optimal comfort. Most dentures last five to seven years before replacement becomes necessary.
When Dentures Need Relining
Over time, your jawbone and gums change shape. Dentures that fit perfectly at delivery might feel loose a year or two later. Relining adds new base material to your existing dentures, improving fit without requiring complete replacement. This process costs less than new dentures and extends the life of your current set.
Soft relines use pliable material that cushions the gums—ideal for patients with sensitive tissues or significant bone loss. Hard relines use durable acrylic that lasts longer. We evaluate which approach best suits your situation. Most dentures need relining every two to three years to maintain proper fit and function.
Cost Considerations and Insurance
Dentures represent a significant investment in your quality of life. Full dentures typically cost less than extensive implant work but more than a single crown. Partial dentures fall somewhere in between, depending on complexity. Implant-supported dentures cost more initially but deliver superior function and longevity.
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for dentures since they’re considered necessary for oral function. Coverage percentages and annual maximums vary by plan. Our team verifies your benefits and handles insurance claims to maximize your coverage. We also offer financing options that make quality dentures accessible even if insurance doesn’t cover the full cost.
Dentures in Newport
Missing teeth don’t have to limit your life any longer. Dentures restore your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently. Whether you need a full set, partial denture, or implant-supported option, our experienced team creates comfortable, natural-looking solutions tailored to your needs.
Schedule your denture consultation today with Dr. Nathan W. Tilman, Dr. Dianne Pannes, Dr. Brian May, Dr. James Safford, or Dr. Aaron Ramos. Newport Family and Cosmetic Dentistry will evaluate your situation, discuss all options, and develop a treatment plan that returns your complete smile. Contact us now to get started!
From Newport Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Newport to Portsmouth Dental Associates in Portsmouth, our patients enjoy exceptional service.