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Dentures

Advances in dental materials, digital techniques, and clinical protocols make tooth replacement more predictable and natural-looking than ever. While dental implants and fixed bridgework are excellent options for many people, removable dentures remain a reliable, versatile approach for restoring a complete smile when multiple teeth are missing.

At the office of ProSmiles OC, we design and fabricate dentures using high-quality materials and careful attention to fit, function, and facial aesthetics. Our goal is to deliver prostheses that allow you to speak clearly, eat comfortably, and smile with confidence.

We take a personalized approach, combining clinical expertise with clear communication so you understand the options and the steps involved. Whether you need a partial denture to fill a few gaps or a full denture to replace an arch of missing teeth, we’ll work with you to find a solution that suits your lifestyle and oral health needs.

Why tooth loss changes more than your smile

Losing teeth affects more than appearance; it alters how your mouth functions and how surrounding tissues respond. Gaps can make it harder to chew certain foods, change the way you speak, and lead to gradual shifting of adjacent teeth. Over time, these changes can create bite inconsistencies and uneven wear on remaining teeth.

There’s also a biological consequence: when a tooth is gone, the jawbone in that area gradually remodels and resorbs because it no longer receives the stimulation it once did. This bone loss can change the shape of the jaw and cheeks, subtly altering facial contours and making the lower face appear shorter or more collapsed.

Because the effects of missing teeth often develop slowly, many people don’t notice the full impact right away. Replacing lost teeth — whether with a removable denture, a bridge, or implants — helps restore function and can slow or reduce the progression of bone and tooth alignment changes.

What dentures are and how they integrate with daily life

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. They are built from artificial teeth set in a supportive base that rests on the gums and underlying bone. Modern denture teeth are designed to mimic natural teeth in shape, color, and translucency, producing a lifelike appearance.

A key advantage of removable dentures is their accessibility for cleaning. Taking the prosthesis out daily allows you to clean both the underside of the denture and the soft tissues of the mouth, which supports oral hygiene and tissue health. Removability also makes adjustments and repairs more straightforward when needed.

Although dentures are not permanently fixed like implant-supported restorations, they can be highly effective for restoring chewing ability and speech. When paired with proper care, regular follow-up, and occasional adjustments, dentures can serve reliably for many years as part of a patient’s oral-health strategy.

Choosing the right style: options for full, partial, and supported dentures

Selecting an appropriate denture depends on how many natural teeth remain, the condition of those teeth and the supporting bone, and your personal priorities for comfort and stability. We begin with a thorough clinical examination and diagnostic imaging to recommend the best path forward for your particular situation.

Full Dentures

Full (complete) dentures replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower arch, or both. They are custom-made to fit the contours of the gums and provide a full set of chewing surfaces and tooth display. A well-designed full denture supports facial aesthetics by restoring tooth height and lip support, helping maintain a more youthful facial appearance.

Conventional and Immediate Approaches

Conventional full dentures are fabricated after teeth have been removed and the oral tissues have healed, offering a precise fit for the finalized tissue contours. Immediate dentures are created beforehand and placed at the same appointment as extractions to avoid a period without teeth; these require follow-up adjustments as tissues heal and reshape.

  • Overdentures

    Overdentures fit over remaining tooth roots or attachments and use those natural structures to enhance stability. Preserving strategic roots or root remnants can help maintain bone and provide retention for the appliance.

  • Implant-Supported Dentures

    For added retention and chewing strength, dentures can be secured to dental implants. A small number of implants can significantly improve stability and patient comfort, and may reduce the need for adhesives.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth when healthy natural teeth remain. They typically anchor to adjacent teeth with clasps or precision attachments and help prevent shifting of the remaining dentition while restoring chewing function and appearance.

Partial frameworks come in a range of materials — from cast metal bases to flexible acrylics and modern hybrid options — allowing us to tailor strength, comfort, and aesthetics to each patient’s needs.

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How we design dentures for a natural look and a comfortable fit

Creating a successful denture begins with careful planning. We evaluate bite relationships, facial proportions, remaining teeth, and the condition of the gums and bone. Together with digital records and precision impressions, these data guide tooth selection, placement, and the contouring of the denture base.

The process typically includes aesthetic trials where tooth shade, shape, and arrangement are previewed so you can see and approve the look before final processing. Attention to details such as midline alignment, lip support, and incisal display helps the denture harmonize with your facial features.

Modern laboratory techniques and material science also play a role. High-quality acrylics, resilient liners, and carefully milled or processed teeth increase durability and comfort while minimizing excessive bulk. When implants are part of the plan, precision attachments or bars are designed to distribute forces evenly and enhance long-term stability.

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Adjusting, maintaining, and caring for your dentures over time

Adapting to new dentures is a process that generally takes a few weeks. It’s common to experience increased saliva flow and minor sore spots at first; these issues usually improve as oral tissues acclimate and as we make targeted adjustments. Practice speaking and eat soft foods initially, progressing to firmer textures as comfort improves.

Proper daily care is essential: remove and rinse dentures after meals, brush them gently with a denture brush, and soak them overnight in water or a recommended cleaning solution. Also maintain routine oral exams so we can check the fit, assess tissue health, and monitor any remaining natural teeth.

Over time, natural changes in the jaw and gums can alter denture fit. Relines, remounting, or rebasing may be necessary to restore close contact and comfort. For patients who want greater stability, implant attachments can be added or integrated from the outset to reduce movement and improve function.

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Partnering with you for long-term oral health

Choosing a denture solution is about balancing function, aesthetics, and comfort while considering your oral-health goals. We emphasize clear communication and follow-up so that adjustments and preventive care keep your prosthesis functioning well and your mouth healthy.

Regular checkups let us evaluate fit, check for wear, and address any tissue changes early. With attentive maintenance and periodic professional care, dentures can be a dependable part of a long-term oral health plan.

If you’d like to learn more about denture options, the fitting process, or how dentures might fit into your treatment plan, please contact us for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to replace missing teeth?

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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 ProSmiles OC, we’ll discuss all your options in care and answer all your questions as you choose the solution that’s right for you.

Do dentures provide natural-looking results?

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With advances in dental materials and technology, today’s dentures are more comfortable and realistic-looking than ever before.

Do I still have to see a dentist if I wear dentures?

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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.

What's a same-day denture?

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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.

What is the main benefit of an immediate denture?

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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.

What if I break my denture?

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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.

What if the clasps on my partial have loosened?

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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.

How much do partial or complete dentures cost?

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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.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of dentures?

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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.

Why choose the office of ProSmiles OC?

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At the office of ProSmiles OC, 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.

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