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Restore Your Smile With a Denture Designed for You
At Wesmark Family Dentistry, we create personalized dentures for patients who need to replace several teeth or a complete arch. Your dentist will evaluate your mouth, discuss your priorities and help you compare full, partial and implant-supported options.
Whether you are getting dentures for the first time or replacing an older appliance, our goal is a comfortable fit, a natural appearance and a treatment plan you understand.
Denture Options at Wesmark Family Dentistry
Dentures are removable or implant-supported appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. A well-designed denture can improve chewing and speech while supporting the lips and cheeks. Because every smile is different, the right design depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of the remaining teeth and gums, bone support, lifestyle and budget.
Your consultation may include an examination and dental X-rays. We will explain which options fit your needs, whether any teeth require treatment first and what you can expect at each stage.
Denture Options at Wesmark Family Dentistry
Full Dentures
Full, or complete, dentures replace all teeth in the upper arch, lower arch or both. They rest on the gums and are custom-made to fit the contours of your mouth. Full dentures may be appropriate when no healthy natural teeth remain in an arch or when the remaining teeth cannot be predictably restored.
Removable Partial Dentures
A partial denture fills spaces left by several missing teeth while working around healthy natural teeth. It can help restore chewing function, improve the appearance of your smile and reduce unwanted movement of the remaining teeth. Your dentist will evaluate whether a partial denture, dental bridge, or another option offers the best fit for your situation.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures connect to dental implants placed in the jaw. Compared with conventional removable dentures, they may provide greater stability during eating and speaking. Depending on the treatment plan, the final appliance may be removable or fixed.
Implant treatment requires adequate bone and healthy gums, and not every patient is a candidate. Learn more about dental implants, or schedule an evaluation to discuss whether implant support is appropriate for you.
Which Denture Option Is Right for Me?
The right denture option depends on how many teeth you're missing, the health of your remaining teeth and gums, and your goals for comfort, function and long-term oral health. Here are a few factors we consider when helping you choose:
- Number of missing teeth: Full dentures suit patients missing all teeth in an arch, while partial dentures work well when some healthy teeth remain.
- Bone and gum health: Adequate jawbone density and healthy gums may make you a good candidate for implant-supported dentures.
- Budget and insurance coverage: Conventional dentures typically cost less upfront than implant-supported options.
- Desired stability: Implant-supported dentures offer more stability for chewing and speaking than removable dentures.
- Treatment timeline: Conventional dentures can often be completed faster, while implant-supported dentures require a healing period.
- Long-term oral health goals: Implants also help preserve jawbone, which conventional dentures do not.
If you have several missing or damaged teeth that cannot be saved, tooth extractions may be recommended before denture placement. To compare your options further, read our guide on dental implants vs. dentures, or schedule a consultation with our team to discuss what's best for your smile.
What to Expect When Getting Dentures
Initial Consultation and Exam — We evaluate your oral health, take X-rays and discuss your goals to help determine the best denture option for you.
Preparation, If Needed — Any remaining teeth that cannot be saved are removed, and your gums are given time to heal before impressions are taken.
Impressions and Measurements — We take detailed impressions and bite measurements to ensure your dentures fit comfortably and function properly.
Fitting and Adjustments — You will try on a wax or trial version of your dentures so we can check fit, appearance and bite before the final version is made.
Final Placement and Follow-Up — Once your dentures are ready, we make any final adjustments and schedule a follow-up visit to confirm your comfort and fit.
Denture Cost and Payment Options
The cost of dentures varies based on the type you choose, the number of teeth being replaced and whether any preparatory treatment, such as extractions, is needed. Implant-supported dentures generally cost more than conventional removable dentures because of the surgical component involved.
We accept a range of payment options, including major dental insurance plans and financing, to help make treatment more affordable. Contact us to review your options and get a personalized cost estimate during your consultation.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper care helps your dentures last longer, fit better and keep your mouth healthy. Follow these tips to keep your dentures in good condition:
- Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleanser to remove food particles and plaque.
- Soak your dentures overnight in a denture-cleaning solution or water to help them keep their shape.
- Rinse your dentures after eating to remove loose food debris.
- Handle your dentures carefully, and clean them over a folded towel or a sink filled with water in case you drop them.
- Clean your gums, tongue and any remaining natural teeth daily to keep your mouth healthy.
- Visit our office regularly so we can check the fit of your dentures and the health of your mouth.
Dentures, Bridges or Dental Implants?
Dentures, dental bridges and dental implants all replace missing teeth, but they work differently. Dentures are removable and typically cost less upfront, a dental bridge anchors a replacement tooth to neighboring teeth, and dental implants are surgically placed to provide the most stable, long-term solution.
Not sure which option fits your smile and budget? Read our comparison of removable plates vs. anchored bridges, or schedule a consultation and our team will help you find the best solution for your needs.