Senior woman with beautiful dentures

Dentures and Partials

Replacing Missing Teeth

Dentures are the most traditional replacements for missing teeth. They often improve the quality of life in patients with tooth loss who struggle to perform daily activities such as eating and speaking. Our goal for denture patients at Stewart Dental Group is to restore confidence and stability to your smile.

Benefits of Dentures

Replacing missing teeth improves your overall dental health by reducing the risk of gum disease, bone loss, bite problems, receding gums and more. Wearing dentures can also:

  • Restore the ability to enjoy the foods you love

  • Improve your ability to speak clearly

  • Fill out your face

  • Improve your self-confidence

Types of Dentures

These devices take the place of all or some missing teeth. Traditional dentures are removable and worn throughout the day. We also offer a permanent denture solution to patients looking to replace missing teeth with implants. Our treatment options include:

Complete or full

Replaces all or nearly all of the upper teeth, lower teeth or both. They sit on the gums and can sometimes cover a few existing teeth.

Partial

Replaces some, not all, of the teeth. Artificial teeth are attached to a metal framework with a plastic base that blends into the natural tooth. Dental crowns can also be used to improve the fit of a partial denture. This is a good option for patients with existing teeth.

Fixed or implanted

Prosthetic teeth surgically implanted in the mouth. These types are non-removable and offer comfortable, long-term stability.

Denture Treatment at Stewart Dental

Creating your devices is a multi-step process that takes a couple of months, and our team supports you through every step with compassion and expertise. Doctors Melissa and Randall begin by examining your smile and discussing your treatment options. They will assess your bite and gums, and decide if any damaged teeth need to be removed before you can be fitted for your devices.

Depending on the type of denture you receive, the first step is removing any existing damaged teeth. These extractions are performed in our office with local anesthesia. Patients must then wait between 6 to 8 weeks for the gums to fully heal. Sometimes, a temporary denture is immediately placed after tooth removal so that patients do not have to go several weeks without teeth. Since gums shrink after extraction, this should be a temporary solution.

Your appliances will be made from impressions of your teeth. Several casts or molds are tried on and adjustments are made to create your perfect-fit appliances. As your cheek and tongue muscles adjust to your new teeth, you may feel a bit strange at first. However, most people adjust to their new smile fairly quickly.

Taking Care Of Your Dentures

In order to keep your appliance clean, soak it at night in a denture solution. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any food particles or adhesive, if you use it. Bacteria can grow quickly, and it is important to clean them every day. Fixed dentures should be diligently cleaned per our dentists’ instructions.

Dentures And Partials FAQs

Dentures and partials are a removable solution to replace missing teeth. Dentures replace all teeth in an arch (full dentures), while partials replace some missing teeth and attach to remaining natural teeth. You might need dentures or partials if you have significant tooth loss due to factors like aging, dental decay, gum disease or trauma.

Modern dentures and partials are designed to be comfortable and functional. While an adjustment period is common, most patients adapt quickly to wearing them. They can restore your ability to speak and eat, but there might be some initial challenges. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable with these activities and the fit can be adjusted by your dentist if necessary.

Dentures

Proper care is essential to maintain the longevity and hygiene of your dentures or partials. To clean them, remove them from your mouth and brush them gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a denture cleanser. You should also rinse them after meals and soak them overnight to prevent drying out and warping. Regular dental check-ups are crucial to ensure they fit correctly and are in good condition.

Yes, they can often be adjusted or repaired by a dentist or dental technician. If your dentures become loose or uncomfortable, schedule an appointment for an adjustment to ensure a proper fit. If they are damaged, a repair may be possible depending on the extent of the damage. Avoid attempting to fix them yourself, as this can lead to further problems.

The lifespan of these devices can vary depending on factors such as the quality of materials, daily care and changes in your oral health. On average, they may last about 5 to 10 years or more with proper maintenance and regular check-ups. However, over time, the fit may change due to natural changes in your mouth, and replacement may become necessary to maintain comfort and functionality. Dr. Melissa Stewart will assess the condition of your dentures or partials during your regular appointments and advise you on when it’s time for a replacement.