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Modern materials and better laboratory techniques have made replacing missing teeth more predictable and natural-looking than ever. While fixed options such as dental implants and bridgework are excellent choices for many patients, removable dentures remain a reliable and flexible way to restore a complete smile for people with partial or total tooth loss.
At Towne Dental & Orthodontics, we use carefully selected materials and proven fabrication steps to create dentures that fit comfortably and support the facial contours that frame your smile. Attention to detail at every stage — from impressions to final adjustments — helps ensure a practical appliance that looks lifelike and performs well for daily life.
We approach denture treatment with practical planning and individualized care. Our team evaluates each patient’s oral health, functional needs, and lifestyle so that the prosthesis makes eating, speaking, and smiling as natural and confident as possible.
Losing teeth affects more than the visible appearance of your mouth. Gaps can change how your jaw functions, alter the position of remaining teeth, and make chewing certain foods more difficult. Over time, those functional changes can influence your nutrition, speech clarity, and even the way your face appears.
When a tooth is removed, the bone that supported it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. That bone can slowly resorb, which may change facial support and make the lower third of the face appear sunken. Replacing missing teeth restores both the oral surface area needed for chewing and the support that helps preserve facial balance.
There’s also a practical side to addressing tooth loss sooner rather than later: teeth adjacent to an empty space tend to shift into the gap. That movement can create bite problems and uneven wear, complicating future restorative work. A well-designed denture can prevent or limit such shifting by filling voids and stabilizing the remaining dentition.
Finally, regaining a complete set of teeth often improves confidence and daily comfort. Even when fixed restorations are not the preferred option, a removable denture can return important functions and help patients engage more fully in social and professional activities.
A denture is a removable prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. It holds artificial teeth in a base that rests on the gums and, when made with careful attention to fit and occlusion, helps restore chewing ability and speech patterns that can be altered by tooth loss.
Removable prostheses offer the benefit of easy removal for cleaning and soft tissue care. That accessibility makes it possible to maintain the health of any remaining teeth and the gums beneath the appliance. For many patients, this ease of maintenance is an important advantage compared with some fixed options.
Dentures vary widely in design depending on whether they replace a whole arch or just a few teeth. They can be held in place by the shape of the mouth, by clasps that attach to neighboring teeth, or by attachments to dental implants that provide additional retention and stability. The design choice depends on oral health, jawbone condition, and personal preferences.
With realistic tooth shapes and natural color choices, modern dentures can produce results that look balanced and attractive. Beyond aesthetics, a successful denture restores function while protecting the health of the soft tissues it contacts and the remaining natural teeth.
Choosing the right type of denture requires a careful evaluation of the mouth: how many teeth remain, the condition of those teeth, the shape of the gums and bone, and the patient’s goals. Our approach begins with a full examination and diagnostic records so we can recommend the most appropriate design for each situation.
The two broad categories of removable prostheses are full (complete) dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch, while partial dentures fill the gaps left by several missing teeth and connect to the remaining teeth for support and retention.
Partial dentures are particularly useful when some healthy teeth remain; they can restore appearance and chewing while preventing neighboring teeth from drifting. Frameworks for partials can be made from traditional cast metal, flexible resin materials, or newer hybrid combinations that balance strength and comfort.
Complete dentures restore either the upper arch, the lower arch, or both. The final design will take into account lip and cheek support, the relationship between upper and lower jaws, and the position of the remaining bone and soft tissues. Properly aligned teeth and balanced occlusion are essential to comfort and to minimizing sore spots.
A conventional full denture is made after natural teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Because it is fabricated once healing is complete, this type of denture often provides a precise fit with fewer follow-up adjustments. An immediate denture, by contrast, is placed at the time of extractions so the patient does not go without teeth during healing; it offers immediate aesthetics and function but typically requires relining as the tissues remodel.
Immediate Denture
An immediate denture lets you leave the dental office with a restored smile on the same day as extractions. Because healing changes the tissue contours, these prostheses usually need an eventual reline or replacement to maintain optimal fit and comfort.
Overdenture
An overdenture is supported in part by remaining natural tooth roots or specially prepared teeth. Those retained roots help preserve bone and add stability to the denture when compared with a plate that relies entirely on gum support.
Implant-Supported Dentures
When dental implants are used as anchors, the denture gains significant retention and resistance to movement. Implant-supported designs range from removable overdentures that clip to attachments to fixed hybrid prostheses that are secured in place by multiple implants.
Partial dentures bridge gaps while relying on healthy adjacent teeth for support. Well-designed partials not only restore tooth appearance but also help maintain proper alignment of the remaining teeth and support healthy chewing function.
Material choices and attachment styles vary, allowing us to select an option that balances strength, esthetics, and patient comfort. Whether a metal framework or a flexible resin is best will depend on the specific clinical situation and the patient’s preferences.
Our goal is to make a partial that feels secure, is easy to care for, and blends naturally with the remaining teeth so the result appears cohesive and comfortable.
A strong denture outcome begins with a clear plan. We start by reviewing medical and dental history, taking digital images and impressions, and discussing how you want your denture to feel and function. This collaborative planning helps align clinical needs with practical expectations.
Our team looks for issues that might affect fit or longevity, such as remaining tooth health, bone levels, or soft tissue contours. When necessary, preparatory procedures — including extractions or soft-tissue adjustments — are scheduled to create a stable, supportive foundation for the prosthesis.
Precision at each step — from bite records to tooth selection and trial fittings — reduces the need for later adjustments and improves overall comfort. When implants are part of the plan, we coordinate surgical and restorative phases so the final denture integrates smoothly with implant attachments.
Most importantly, we set realistic timelines and explain what to expect at each visit, so patients feel informed and confident about their treatment choices.
Adapting to a new denture is a process that varies by patient. During the first days and weeks you may notice increased saliva, changes in speech, and sensitivity in areas that contact the denture. These reactions are common and typically lessen as the mouth adjusts. We recommend practicing speech and starting with softer foods, gradually returning to a normal diet as comfort improves.
Minor sore spots can occur as tissues adapt. If irritation develops, wearing the denture for shorter periods until an adjustment appointment is often helpful. Our clinicians make precise, conservative modifications to relieve pressure points while preserving overall fit and function.
Regular hygiene is essential for denture longevity and oral health: rinse and brush the prosthesis daily, clean any remaining natural teeth and soft tissues, and soak removable appliances overnight in water or a recommended cleanser. Removing dentures at night allows gums to rest and reduces the risk of irritation.
Over time, tissue and bone changes may alter the fit of a denture. Periodic checkups let us assess fit and performance and recommend relines or repairs when needed so the denture continues to feel stable and function effectively.
If you have additional questions about which denture option is right for you or what the treatment timeline looks like, please contact us 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 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.