Advances in dental materials and techniques have made replacing missing teeth more predictable and natural-looking than ever. While dental implants and fixed bridgework are excellent long-term solutions for many patients, removable dentures remain a reliable and time-tested option for restoring a complete smile and daily function.
At the office of Crowns Now Family Dentistry, we design and fabricate dentures to prioritize comfort, function, and aesthetics. Each prosthesis is planned with attention to facial proportions, speech, and chewing mechanics so patients regain confidence and the ability to eat and speak without hesitation.
Our approach is individualized: we evaluate oral health, remaining teeth, and lifestyle needs to recommend a denture solution that blends durability with a natural appearance. Whether you need a partial replacement or a full set, we focus on predictable outcomes delivered with clear communication and compassionate care.
Losing one or more teeth affects more than appearance. Gaps can alter how you speak and make certain foods harder to chew, which in turn can influence nutrition and quality of life. Over time, missing teeth also shift the bite and the position of neighboring teeth, which may create further dental problems if left unaddressed.
Beyond functional issues, tooth loss can subtly change facial contours. Without the support of natural teeth, the lips and cheeks may flatten and the lower face can appear collapsed. Dentures are designed to restore that support, helping to preserve facial shape and a more youthful profile.
Replacing teeth sooner rather than later helps prevent secondary complications such as unwanted tooth migration and excessive wear on remaining teeth. Whether you are missing a few teeth or an entire arch, a carefully made denture can reestablish comfortable function and a balanced bite.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that rest on the gums and replace missing teeth with lifelike artificial teeth set into a supportive base. They provide an accessible solution for patients who prefer non-permanent restorations or for situations where fixed treatment is not feasible.
Partial dentures fill gaps when some natural teeth remain, using clasps or precision attachments to stabilize the appliance. Full dentures replace an entire upper or lower arch and rely primarily on tissue contact, saliva, and muscle coordination for retention.
Because dentures are removable, they offer advantages for hygiene and maintenance: the prosthesis can be cleaned thoroughly outside the mouth, and the gums and any remaining teeth are easier to inspect and treat during routine checkups.
Choosing the right type of denture depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of the surrounding oral tissues, and your personal goals for appearance and function. Our team evaluates each case thoroughly and discusses pros and cons so you can make an informed choice that matches your needs.
Removable solutions fall into two broad categories: full (complete) dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures are appropriate when all teeth in an arch are absent or must be removed, while partial dentures are designed to replace multiple missing teeth while preserving healthy remaining teeth.
Modern partial denture frameworks can be made from cast metal, flexible resin, or hybrid materials depending on desired strength and esthetics. For patients seeking extra retention or improved chewing stability, overdentures and implant-assisted designs can combine the ease of a removable appliance with the added support of attachments or implants.
Complete dentures are customized to restore form and function for an entire arch. The process involves careful records of jaw relationships and facial proportions so teeth are positioned for comfortable speech and effective chewing. Design choices address tooth shape, color, and the degree of tissue coverage.
Some patients receive a conventional complete denture after all extraction sites have healed, which can provide an accurate and stable fit. Others benefit from an immediate denture placed at the same appointment as extractions so they do not go without teeth during healing—this option often requires follow-up adjustments as tissues remodel.
Immediate Denture
Immediate dentures are inserted right after teeth are removed, offering continuous tooth replacement throughout healing. Because the gums and bone change shape during recovery, these appliances typically need relines or adjustments to maintain comfort and function.
Overdenture
An overdenture gains extra stability by resting on retained tooth roots or specially placed attachments. Preserving tooth roots when possible can slow bone loss and improve the feel and retention of the denture.
Implant-Supported Dentures
These dentures attach to a small number of dental implants to dramatically increase retention and reduce movement during eating and speaking. Implant-supported designs range from removable styles that clip on to fixed hybrid solutions, offering a continuum of stability and convenience.
Partial dentures replace one or several missing teeth while preserving healthy adjacent teeth. They close gaps that would otherwise allow neighboring teeth to drift, maintaining occlusal stability and reducing the risk of additional dental problems.
Retention for partials can come from discreet clasps or precision attachments that tuck into restorations on existing teeth. Contemporary materials and design philosophies aim for a lightweight, low-profile appliance that blends with natural teeth and maximizes comfort.
When properly designed and cared for, a partial denture not only restores chewing ability and appearance but also serves as a long-term tool for protecting the remaining dentition and bite alignment.
At Crowns Now Family Dentistry, our prosthetic planning emphasizes predictable fit, natural appearance, and long-term oral health. We consider tissue condition, bite relationships, and patient preferences to recommend the most appropriate solution.
Creating a well-fitting denture is a careful, multi-step process that blends clinical evaluation with skilled laboratory fabrication. It begins with a comprehensive exam, diagnostic records, and thoughtful planning to determine the best tooth positions, bite relationships, and appliance design.
Impressions and try-in appointments let you and the clinician preview tooth size, color, and alignment. These try-ins are key moments for fine-tuning esthetics and phonetics before the final denture is processed and finished.
Occasionally, pre-prosthetic procedures—such as smoothing bony ridges or extracting non-restorable teeth—are recommended to ensure the denture will sit comfortably against the tissues. Advanced imaging and digital records often improve predictability and communication with the dental laboratory.
Whether a case requires a single arch denture or a combination of restorations, coordinated planning helps reduce the need for extensive adjustments and supports a faster path to a comfortable, functional outcome.
Getting accustomed to a new denture typically takes a short adjustment period. New appliances can create temporary changes in salivation and speech; practicing speaking and starting with softer foods make the transition smoother. Minor pressure points are often corrected through quick in-office adjustments.
Hygiene is essential for both the denture and the mouth beneath it. Rinse the prosthesis after meals, brush it gently each day with a tool designed for dentures, and soak it overnight per recommended cleaner instructions. Cleaning the gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth helps maintain tissue health and reduces the risk of irritation or infection.
Periodic follow-up appointments allow us to check fit and function and to perform relines when tissue contours change. Relines restore intimate contact between the denture base and the tissues, improving comfort and chewing efficiency as the jawbone remodels over time.
For patients who seek additional stability, options such as implant-assisted attachments can reduce movement and make daily wear more secure. Our team will review these alternatives when appropriate and coordinate care with implant providers if needed.
Excellent denture outcomes are the product of careful diagnosis, thoughtful communication, and meticulous craftsmanship. We combine clinical assessment with skilled laboratory work to create prostheses that look natural and restore reliable function.
Your role in follow-up care is just as important: regular dental visits let us monitor oral health, adjust fit, and recommend interventions when tissue changes occur. This collaborative approach preserves comfort and function over the long term.
If you’re considering a denture or want to learn which option best fits your situation, our team is ready to guide you through the process with clear explanations and practical recommendations tailored to your needs.
For more information about dentures and the choices available, please contact our office. We’re happy to answer questions and help you plan the best path to restoring a confident, functional smile.
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 Crowns Now Family Dentistry, 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 Crowns Now Family Dentistry, 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.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and the supporting structures. They restore the ability to chew, speak clearly, and maintain facial support that natural teeth provide. Because they sit on the gums, dentures can be removed for daily cleaning and inspection of oral tissues.
Modern denture teeth and bases are designed to look natural and to distribute biting forces across the mouth. Proper design considers jaw relationships, speech mechanics, and facial proportions to achieve comfortable function. With careful planning and follow-up, dentures provide predictable restoration of daily oral activities.
There are two main removable categories: full (complete) dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures replace an entire upper or lower arch when all teeth are missing, while partial dentures fill gaps when some natural teeth remain and often use clasps or precision attachments for retention. Materials and frameworks vary, including flexible resins, cast metal, and hybrid options chosen to balance strength and esthetics.
Within these categories are specialized designs such as immediate dentures placed at the time of extraction, overdentures that use preserved roots for added support, and implant-assisted dentures that connect to implants for enhanced stability. Each design has distinct fit and maintenance considerations that influence comfort and long-term performance. A clinician evaluates your oral condition and lifestyle to recommend the most appropriate type.
Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to anchor the prosthesis, which greatly improves retention and reduces movement during eating and speaking. Some implant-supported options are removable by the patient and clip onto attachments, while others are fixed to a bar or framework for a more permanent solution. By transferring chewing forces to the jawbone, implants also help slow bone loss compared with tissue-supported dentures.
Traditional removable dentures rely primarily on tissue contact, saliva, and muscular control for retention and may require relines as tissues change. Implant-assisted designs generally offer better chewing efficiency and comfort, especially for lower-arch prostheses that are prone to movement. Your clinician can review implant candidacy, surgical considerations, and long-term care when discussing these options.
The denture process begins with a comprehensive clinical exam and diagnostic records to evaluate oral health, bite relationships, and tissue contours. Impressions and try-in appointments allow for evaluation of tooth size, position, and esthetics so adjustments can be made before the final prosthesis is processed. When extractions or pre-prosthetic procedures are needed, those steps are coordinated to ensure a comfortable fit once healing occurs.
Depending on the chosen approach, patients may receive an immediate denture at the time of extraction or a conventional denture after healing is complete. Follow-up visits are important for adjusting pressure areas, checking fit, and scheduling relines if tissue contours change. Clear communication between patient and clinician during these stages helps achieve a predictable and functional result.
Daily care includes rinsing the denture after meals, brushing it gently with a denture brush or nonabrasive cleaner, and soaking it overnight according to product instructions. Cleaning the gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth with a soft brush helps maintain tissue health and reduces the risk of irritation or infection. Removing the prosthesis at night gives the gums a chance to recover and helps preserve oral tissues.
Regular dental visits allow your clinician to examine the fit of the denture and the condition of the tissues beneath it, and to perform relines or adjustments as needed. Avoid using abrasive toothpaste or household cleaners on dentures, as these can damage the surface and alter fit. Proper daily hygiene and periodic professional care extend the life and comfort of the prosthesis.
Adapting to a new denture often involves temporary changes such as increased salivation, minor speech alterations, and sensitivity in the gums as tissues get used to the appliance. Practicing speech, starting with softer foods, and taking small bites can help you adjust more quickly. Minor sore spots are common early on and can usually be relieved with simple in-office adjustments.
As the mouth heals or adapts, follow-up appointments are important to refine fit and occlusion so chewing efficiency improves over time. If an immediate denture was placed after extractions, expect additional relines as tissues remodel. Communicating any persistent discomfort or functional concerns to your clinician ensures timely corrections.
Denture longevity depends on factors such as materials, oral hygiene, changes in jawbone and soft tissue, and how consistently the appliance is maintained. Over time the jawbone naturally remodels, which can alter fit and reduce retention, making relines necessary to restore intimate contact with the tissues. Wear of denture teeth from normal use may also affect chewing efficiency and esthetics over the years.
Periodic examinations allow your clinician to monitor fit, tissue health, and tooth wear so relines, repairs, or full replacements can be scheduled when function or comfort declines. Early detection of fit changes helps avoid sore spots and functional problems, and coordinated follow-up preserves the appliance’s effectiveness. Your dental team will recommend the appropriate interventions based on clinical findings.
Yes. Dentures restore the vertical height and support lost when teeth are missing, helping to maintain lip and cheek fullness and reducing the appearance of a collapsed lower face. By replacing missing teeth, dentures also help prevent unwanted tooth migration and uneven wear on remaining dentition. Properly contoured prostheses provide the facial support needed for a balanced, natural profile.
From an oral health perspective, replacing teeth sooner rather than later reduces the risk of secondary problems such as bite changes and progressive tooth shifting. Regular dental care and well-fitting prostheses contribute to nutrition, speech, and overall quality of life. The clinician’s goal is to design a denture that supports both esthetics and long-term oral health.
Improving stability can be achieved through design choices such as precision attachments for partials, overdentures that use preserved roots, or implant-assisted attachments that anchor removable prostheses. Selecting appropriate tooth shape, occlusal scheme, and base extension also contributes to retention and balanced function. Material choices and careful laboratory work further enhance comfort and performance.
For many patients, small investments in attachments or implant support markedly increase chewing efficiency and confidence while speaking. Your dental team will review the clinical benefits, surgical considerations, and maintenance needs of each stability-enhancing option. Coordinated planning ensures that chosen solutions integrate well with the rest of your oral care.
Determining whether dentures are the best option begins with a thorough clinical evaluation that considers oral health, remaining teeth, jawbone condition, and personal goals for appearance and function. Your dentist will explain the differences among full, partial, overdenture, and implant-assisted approaches, and will discuss any recommended pre-prosthetic procedures. Understanding the practical trade-offs between removable and fixed alternatives helps you make an informed decision.
At the office of Crowns Now Family Dentistry, our team coordinates diagnostics, treatment planning, and lab communication to present options that align with your needs and lifestyle at our Greenville, Greer, Irmo, and Woodruff offices. We emphasize clear explanations and predictable outcomes so patients can choose the solution that best supports long-term comfort and oral health. If you are considering dentures, scheduling an evaluation is the first step toward a tailored treatment plan.
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