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Dentures & Partial Dentures
Dentures are a trusted solution for replacing missing teeth. Patients frequently ask Dr. Jai about dentures to figure out if they're the right fit for their particular needs. As with any dental solution, there are pros and cons — whether or not dentures work for you depends largely on your lifestyle and the goals you have for both the appearance and functionality of your smile.
Temporary Dentures
Dr. Jai often provides temporary dentures while a patient is undergoing a procedure to replace a missing tooth — including after a tooth is knocked out during sports or in an accident — so there's a natural-looking smile in the meantime. They're secured with a wire similar to a retainer and can be taken in and out as needed. A temporary denture is only meant to be worn for a few months before being replaced.
Partial Dentures
If only a few teeth are missing, a partial denture — held in place by a gum-colored plastic base, usually with a metal framework — is the right solution rather than a full set. As long as you still have natural teeth in place, a full set isn't an option, and cosmetic dentistry works differently since it's typically permanent rather than removable.
Complete Dentures
When all teeth are missing, a complete denture replaces them. Modern technology has made these more comfortable and natural-looking than the stereotypical version most people picture. If you proceed with a full set, your gums typically need 8 to 12 weeks to heal after teeth are removed — bone and gums shrink somewhat during that period, and waiting ensures a secure, lasting fit. Many patients prefer immediate dentures instead, which skip the waiting period but need adjustment later once the gums and bone settle into their permanent size.
How Dentures Are Made
We examine your gums and remaining teeth to determine if dentures are right for you and which type fits best. Several molds or impressions are taken to capture how your jaw moves, and the lab uses these to create dentures that look natural and fit precisely — with adjustments made afterward if needed.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures are convenient — non-invasive with no surgical element, and temporary dentures can be fitted immediately for a quick solution. If something that feels more like a natural tooth matters more to you, a cosmetic dentistry procedure may be a better fit instead.
The Downside of Dentures
The biggest challenge is that dentures don't feel like natural teeth — they're functional, but unlike cosmetic procedures that let you forget you ever lost a tooth, dentures remain something you have to think about. They can become loose while eating or speaking, though modern techniques have made this less common than in the past.
An Alternative: Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients wanting more security than a traditional removable denture, implant-supported dentures combine the two — metal posts are implanted under the gums, and the denture is secured to them, giving you the speed of a denture with the stability of implant technology.
Caring for Your Dentures
Remove them every night, rinse thoroughly, and use a denture brush to clear food particles before rinsing again. Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, and an antiseptic mouthwash afterward helps kill lingering bacteria and freshen breath. Dentures should soak overnight and go back in the following morning.