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 Towne Dental & Orthodontics, 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 Towne Dental & Orthodontics, 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.

A denture is a removable prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. It holds artificial teeth in a base that rests on the gums and restores chewing function and speech when designed with proper fit and occlusion. Modern materials and careful fabrication produce natural-looking prostheses that also support facial contours.

Dentures can be made to replace a single missing-tooth area, a section of teeth, or an entire dental arch, and designs vary accordingly. Some dentures rely on the shape of the mouth and clasps for retention while others attach to dental implants for added stability. Your dental team will recommend the design that best balances comfort, function, and your oral health.

The main categories of removable prostheses are full (complete) dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch, while partial dentures fill gaps and attach to remaining teeth for support. Within those categories there are subtypes such as immediate dentures placed at the time of extraction and overdentures that use retained roots for added stability. Implant-supported dentures provide another option by anchoring the prosthesis to implants for improved retention.

Partial frameworks may be fabricated from cast metal, flexible resin, or hybrid materials chosen for strength and comfort. Implant-supported solutions range from removable clips to fixed hybrid prostheses that are secured by multiple implants. The right choice depends on remaining teeth, bone support, and the patient’s functional goals.

Good candidates for dentures include people who have lost several or all teeth, those whose remaining teeth are not restorable, and patients seeking a reversible, maintainable tooth-replacement option. Overall oral health, bone volume, and the condition of remaining teeth are important factors in determining suitability. A thorough clinical exam and diagnostic records help identify whether a removable denture or an implant-supported option is preferable.

Patients who want easier home care or who need to preserve existing tooth structure may find dentures particularly appropriate. Individuals with uncontrolled medical conditions may need medical clearance or stabilization before starting treatment, and the practice will coordinate care when necessary. Smoking and bone loss can affect outcomes, so these issues are addressed during planning.

Denture treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including medical and dental history, digital images, impressions, and bite records to document jaw relationships. At Towne Dental & Orthodontics the team uses these records to plan tooth placement, lip and cheek support, and occlusion so the final prosthesis looks and functions naturally. Trial arrangements and adjustments at the setup stage let patients preview appearance and provide feedback before final fabrication.

Laboratory processes involve tooth selection, wax setups, and careful processing of the denture base to achieve a comfortable fit. When implants are part of the plan, surgical and restorative phases are coordinated to integrate attachments and ensure predictable retention. Final delivery includes fitting, occlusal adjustments, and patient education about wear and care.

A conventional denture is fabricated after teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which generally produces a more precise fit with fewer early adjustments. An immediate denture is inserted at the time of extractions so the patient leaves the office with teeth in place, providing immediate aesthetics and function during healing. Because tissues remodel after extraction, immediate dentures commonly require relining or adjustment to maintain optimal fit as healing progresses. An overdenture preserves selected tooth roots or prepared teeth to enhance stability and slow bone resorption.

Each option has trade-offs between convenience, stability, and the need for future adjustments, and the decision is based on clinical factors and patient priorities. The practice discusses expected healing timelines and follow-up care so patients understand the steps involved. Proper follow-up and relines can keep any chosen appliance functioning well over time.

Implant-supported dentures use dental implants as anchors to increase retention and reduce movement compared with conventional removable plates. They can be designed as removable overdentures that clip to attachments or as fixed hybrid prostheses attached to multiple implants for a nonremovable solution. Implant support often improves chewing efficiency and patient confidence when compared with a denture that relies solely on gum support.

Not every patient is a candidate for implant-supported options; bone quantity, medical history, and surgical considerations determine feasibility and timing. When implants are recommended the restorative plan coordinates with surgical placement and healing to ensure long-term integration and proper attachment design. Patients in Waller, TX and surrounding communities are evaluated for implant placement as part of an individualized treatment plan.

Daily hygiene for dentures includes rinsing and brushing the prosthesis to remove food debris and plaque and cleaning any remaining natural teeth and soft tissues to protect oral health. Use a soft denture brush and nonabrasive cleaner or mild soap rather than regular toothpaste, which can be abrasive to denture surfaces. Soaking removable dentures overnight in water or a recommended cleanser helps control stains and bacteria while allowing gums to rest.

Removing dentures at night reduces the risk of irritation and supports tissue health, but patients should follow the practice’s guidance if a different schedule is advised. Regular professional checkups let clinicians assess fit, tissue health, and whether relining or repair is needed. Promptly report any persistent soreness, changes in bite, or loose fit so adjustments can be made before problems worsen.

Adapting to new dentures commonly involves temporary changes such as increased saliva, altered speech, and soreness in areas where the appliance contacts soft tissue. These reactions usually improve over days to weeks as muscles and tissues accommodate the prosthesis and patients practice speaking and eating. Starting with soft foods and cutting items into smaller pieces can help maintain nutrition while gaining confidence with chewing.

Minor sore spots are often resolved with conservative adjustments to the denture’s borders or pressure areas during follow-up visits. Consistent wear as instructed helps accelerate adaptation, but patients should reduce wearing time if severe pain or ulceration occurs and seek care promptly. The practice provides guidance on exercises and strategies to speed recovery and optimize function.

Denture checkups are recommended at least annually or more frequently if problems arise, so clinicians can evaluate fit, tissue changes, and occlusion. Over time, natural bone and soft tissue remodel, which may loosen fit and require relining, rebasing, or repair to restore stability and comfort. Timely maintenance preserves function, prevents sores, and extends the useful life of the prosthesis.

Small repairs, such as fixing a broken tooth or adjusting a clasp, are typically performed in the office or by the dental laboratory and should be completed promptly to avoid further damage. Major services like rebasing or fabrication of a new prosthesis are considered when relines cannot restore adequate fit. Regular professional care also includes screening for oral pathology and reviewing the health of any remaining natural teeth.

Dentures can initially affect speech and eating, but most patients learn to articulate clearly and restore comfortable chewing with time and practice. Practicing speaking slowly, reading aloud, and working on specific sounds helps reduce lisps or slurred words, while beginning with soft, easy-to-chew foods builds confidence. Gradually increasing chewing on both sides and avoiding sticky or hard foods at first will make the transition smoother.

Eating with dentures often improves as fit is refined through adjustments and relines, and implant-supported options can further enhance biting force and food variety for some patients. Maintaining strong oral musculature through simple exercises and returning for routine adjustments supports long-term function. If persistent difficulty with speech or eating continues, the dental team will reassess fit, occlusion, and the need for further modification.