
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), 3.75% of adults 20 to 64 in the United States are completely edentulous. For the overall population in this age group, the average number of remaining teeth is 24.92 out of a total of 32 permanent teeth.
One of the ways to replace missing teeth to restore oral function and appearance is with dentures. Depending upon the needs of a case, dentures can be used to replace either a few teeth that have been lost or all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaws. In addition to reestablishing the look of a complete and natural smile, dentures also restore support to the natural contours of the face to eliminate the “sunken” appearance that results from losing multiple teeth. Whether teeth have been lost for reasons of tooth decay, gum disease, a medical condition, congenital anomaly, or trauma, dentures are an effective method of care.
Dentures are removable appliances that are designed to precisely and comfortably rest on top of the gums that cover the jawbones. They can be taken out of the mouth for brief periods of time to fulfill the oral hygiene requirements of maintaining the underlying tissues, cleaning the dentures, and sleeping.
Types of Dentures
The two main types of dentures are: full dentures and partial dentures. Both types are custom fabricated based on the exact specifications obtained from dental impressions and detailed functional as well as esthetic information provided by the dentist.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, which can also be referred to as, “complete dentures,” are designed to replace all of the upper or lower teeth. A complete maxillary denture, more commonly known as a, full upper denture, typically consists of a base that covers the roof of the mouth with a full complement of artificial teeth set around the section covering the dental arch. On the other hand, a complete mandibular denture, or full lower denture, is designed to accommodate the tongue and is horseshoe shaped with teeth set along the portion that covers the underlying dental arch.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is a type of removable prosthesis that is designed to restore a complete and functional smile in cases where multiple teeth are missing or require extractions, while some healthy teeth remain in the dental arch. Custom fabricated for a precise fit and cosmetically pleasing appearance, partial dentures are typically secured and stabilized with clasps or precision attachments to select teeth adjacent to the edentulous areas. Depending upon the number of teeth being replaced as well as the functional and aesthetic requirements of the case, a partial denture can be fabricated from a combination of cast metal and acrylic materials, acrylic alone, or thermoplastic resins such as ValplastTM, Flexite®, Duroflex® and tcs®.
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 Rise & Shine 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 Rise & Shine 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.
There are several denture types designed to meet different oral health needs and lifestyles. Complete dentures replace an entire upper or lower arch when all teeth are missing, while partial dentures fill gaps when some natural teeth remain. Partial appliances typically use clasps or precision attachments to stabilize the prosthesis and help preserve tooth position. Immediate dentures are inserted at the time of extractions so patients are not without teeth during healing, whereas conventional dentures are made after tissues have healed for a more precise long-term fit.
In addition to these basic categories, patients may consider overdentures that fit over retained tooth roots or implant-supported dentures that attach to dental implants for greater stability. Implant-supported options reduce movement during chewing and speaking and can make it easier to eat a wider variety of foods. The best choice depends on bone support, the condition of remaining teeth, medical history, and personal preferences. Your dentist can explain how each option affects retention, maintenance, and long-term oral health.
Deciding whether dentures are appropriate begins with a comprehensive dental examination that includes assessment of the gums, remaining teeth, and jawbone. Dentures are a predictable solution for many patients who have lost multiple teeth or who are not candidates for full implant restoration due to bone quantity, health considerations, or personal preferences. Your dentist will also review your medical history and any medications that could affect healing and prosthetic success. Functional goals such as improving chewing, speech, or facial support will factor into the recommendation.
Partial dentures can be an excellent conservative option when some healthy teeth remain and can help stabilize the bite while protecting adjacent teeth from drifting. For patients interested in increased retention, a hybrid plan that combines a removable denture with a few strategically placed implants may be recommended. A candid consultation will outline realistic outcomes and the steps needed to prepare your mouth for a comfortable, long-lasting prosthesis. In Rancho Santa Margarita and surrounding communities, many patients find tailored denture plans restore confidence and daily function.
Denture treatment usually begins with diagnostic records including oral exams, impressions, and sometimes radiographs to evaluate bone and soft tissues. After discussing goals and selecting tooth shape and shade, the process typically advances through custom tray impressions, bite records, and a try-in where tooth position and esthetics are reviewed. Multiple appointments allow technicians and clinicians to refine fit, occlusion, and appearance before final delivery to ensure the denture functions predictably. If extractions or pre-prosthetic procedures are needed, those are planned to optimize long-term fit.
Immediate dentures may be delivered at the time of extraction so you do not go without teeth, but they usually require follow-up relines as tissues remodel during healing. Conventional dentures are fabricated after tissues have stabilized, which can reduce the need for early adjustments. For implant-supported solutions, treatment will include implant placement and a healing period before the denture is attached. Clear communication during each stage helps achieve a prosthesis that balances comfort, function, and natural appearance.
Daily denture hygiene is essential for oral health and the longevity of the prosthesis. Rinse dentures after meals to remove loose food particles and brush them gently each day with a denture brush or a soft toothbrush using a nonabrasive denture cleaner or mild soap; avoid regular toothpaste that can be too abrasive. Remove dentures at night unless advised otherwise by your dentist, and soak them in a recommended cleansing solution or water to prevent warping and reduce bacterial buildup. Cleaning the tissues and any remaining natural teeth with a soft brush and floss helps maintain the health of the mouth beneath the denture.
Handle your dentures carefully to avoid dropping and inspect them regularly for wear, cracks, or loose teeth. Never use hot water to clean or soak dentures, as heat can change their shape. If you notice persistent irritation, odor, or a change in fit, schedule an appointment so the denture can be evaluated and adjusted. Routine dental visits allow the team to monitor fit and tissue health and to perform professional maintenance as needed.
Adapting to new dentures commonly takes a few weeks, though each patient’s experience varies. Early adjustments can include increased saliva production, minor soreness, and changes in speech or chewing, which typically improve as muscles and oral tissues adapt to the prosthesis. Practicing speaking, reading aloud, and eating softer foods in small bites can accelerate the adjustment period and build confidence. Regular follow-up appointments are important to address sore spots and refine occlusion so the denture feels more natural.
Some patients initially notice biting or chewing inefficiencies that improve as they learn new chewing patterns; cutting food into smaller pieces and using both sides of the mouth can help. If persistent pain, difficulty swallowing, or significant looseness occurs, those signs warrant prompt evaluation to prevent sores or tissue damage. With good communication and timely adjustments, most patients achieve comfortable function and stable wear of their dentures.
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants placed in the jaw, offering improved retention and stability compared with traditional removable dentures. These prostheses can be removable or fixed and are particularly helpful for patients who want to reduce movement during chewing and speaking. Good candidates typically have adequate bone to support implants or are willing to undergo bone grafting when necessary, are in overall good health, and do not have uncontrolled conditions that impair healing. Your dentist will evaluate bone density, oral health, and systemic factors to determine implant candidacy.
For patients with limited bone volume, options such as mini-implants, bone grafts, or strategic placement may expand candidacy for implant support. Implant-supported overdentures help transfer chewing forces to the jawbone, which can slow bone resorption and improve long-term prosthetic stability. A multidisciplinary plan that includes imaging and surgical assessment helps ensure predictable outcomes for implant-retained prostheses. Your clinician will explain the clinical timeline and maintenance requirements for implant-supported solutions.
Dentures restore the ability to chew and speak, but there is usually a transition period during which patients relearn certain oral motor skills. Foods that are sticky or hard may present initial challenges, and biting into large or dense items should be avoided until you are comfortable. Gradually reintroducing a variety of foods, cutting items into manageable pieces, and chewing on both sides of the mouth can improve function and reduce dislodgement. If speech is affected, practicing slowly and reading aloud can help the tongue and lips adapt to the new prosthesis.
Using a denture adhesive under the guidance of your dentist can sometimes improve short-term retention, but adhesives are not a substitute for a well-fitting denture or professional adjustments. If persistent difficulty with speech or eating continues after adjustments, further evaluation can identify occlusal issues, fit problems, or the need for relining. With planned follow-up care and practice, most patients regain comfortable eating and clear speech.
Dentures require periodic adjustments because the shape of the jaw and soft tissues changes over time, particularly when natural teeth are missing. Many patients benefit from annual dental exams to assess fit and tissue health, while relines or minor adjustments may be needed sooner if the denture becomes loose or causes sore spots. A reline reshapes the tissue side of the denture to match evolving soft tissue contours and can extend the functional life of the appliance. Timely adjustments prevent irritation and help maintain chewing efficiency and comfort.
Complete replacement of dentures is typically considered when wear, fracture, significant aesthetic changes, or persistent functional problems occur that cannot be corrected by relining. Advances in materials and fabrication prolong denture longevity, but regular monitoring remains essential. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate schedule for recalls and let you know when restorative renewal is advisable to preserve oral health and appearance.
Yes, well-designed dentures restore the support that missing teeth no longer provide, helping to rebuild facial contours and maintain vertical dimension. Replacing teeth with a proper prosthesis supports the lips and cheeks, which can reduce the appearance of facial collapse that sometimes accompanies long-term tooth loss. In addition to aesthetic benefits, partial dentures help maintain the position of remaining teeth and reduce unwanted drifting that can lead to bite problems and increased wear. Overdentures and implant-retained options can also transfer functional forces in a way that helps preserve bone where possible.
While dentures do not stop the natural process of bone remodeling entirely, implant-supported restorations can slow bone loss by providing stimulation to the jaw. Regular dental care and monitoring ensure that soft tissues remain healthy and that any changes in the mouth are detected early. A thoughtful prosthetic plan considers both immediate function and long-term preservation of oral structures to support overall oral health.
Rise & Shine Dental Group emphasizes individualized treatment planning, modern materials, and careful laboratory techniques to create dentures that look natural and function well. The team combines clinical experience with a patient-centered approach, taking time to review medical history, assess oral tissues, and discuss functional goals before recommending a prosthetic solution. Attention to detail during impression-taking, try-ins, and follow-up care helps produce comfortable, stable results that support daily activities like eating and speaking.
The practice also offers options that range from conventional and immediate dentures to implant-supported and overdenture solutions for patients seeking added stability. Routine recall visits and prompt adjustments are part of ongoing care to maintain fit and oral health. If you are considering dentures or want to explore modern prosthetic choices, scheduling a consultation will allow the team to outline personalized recommendations and next steps.

