
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), 3.75% of adults 20 to 64 in the United States are completely edentulous. For the overall population in this age group, the average number of remaining teeth is 24.92 out of a total of 32 permanent teeth.
One of the ways to replace missing teeth to restore oral function and appearance is with dentures. Depending upon the needs of a case, dentures can be used to replace either a few teeth that have been lost or all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaws. In addition to reestablishing the look of a complete and natural smile, dentures also restore support to the natural contours of the face to eliminate the “sunken” appearance that results from losing multiple teeth. Whether teeth have been lost for reasons of tooth decay, gum disease, a medical condition, congenital anomaly, or trauma, dentures are an effective method of care.
Dentures are removable appliances that are designed to precisely and comfortably rest on top of the gums that cover the jawbones. They can be taken out of the mouth for brief periods of time to fulfill the oral hygiene requirements of maintaining the underlying tissues, cleaning the dentures, and sleeping.
Types of Dentures
The two main types of dentures are: full dentures and partial dentures. Both types are custom fabricated based on the exact specifications obtained from dental impressions and detailed functional as well as esthetic information provided by the dentist.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, which can also be referred to as, “complete dentures,” are designed to replace all of the upper or lower teeth. A complete maxillary denture, more commonly known as a, full upper denture, typically consists of a base that covers the roof of the mouth with a full complement of artificial teeth set around the section covering the dental arch. On the other hand, a complete mandibular denture, or full lower denture, is designed to accommodate the tongue and is horseshoe shaped with teeth set along the portion that covers the underlying dental arch.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is a type of removable prosthesis that is designed to restore a complete and functional smile in cases where multiple teeth are missing or require extractions, while some healthy teeth remain in the dental arch. Custom fabricated for a precise fit and cosmetically pleasing appearance, partial dentures are typically secured and stabilized with clasps or precision attachments to select teeth adjacent to the edentulous areas. Depending upon the number of teeth being replaced as well as the functional and aesthetic requirements of the case, a partial denture can be fabricated from a combination of cast metal and acrylic materials, acrylic alone, or thermoplastic resins such as ValplastTM, Flexite®, Duroflex® and tcs®.

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 Chadha & Co Dental, 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 Chadha & Co Dental, 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 surrounding gum tissue. They consist of artificial teeth set into a supportive base that rests on the gums and may be made from acrylic, composite, or hybrid materials designed to mimic natural tooth color and translucency. Dentures restore chewing function and help support facial soft tissues, which can preserve facial contours and contribute to clearer speech.
Because they are removable, dentures permit thorough cleaning of both the prosthesis and the tissues beneath it, which supports gum health and allows regular inspection of any remaining natural teeth. Modern denture design combines precise impressions, bite records, and careful try-in appointments to achieve comfortable fit, proper occlusion and an appearance tailored to the patient. Regular professional follow-up is important to monitor fit and oral health as tissues adapt over time.
Removable dentures generally fall into two broad categories: complete (full) dentures and removable partial dentures. Complete dentures restore an entire upper or lower arch when all natural teeth are missing, while partial dentures replace one or several teeth and rely on adjacent teeth for support through clasps or precision attachments. Within these categories, options include conventional and immediate dentures, overdentures that fit over retained roots, and implant-supported prostheses that attach to dental implants for improved stability.
Choosing the right denture depends on the number of missing teeth, the condition of the gums and bone, bite relationships, and the patient’s goals for function and appearance. Clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging help determine whether nearby teeth or implants can provide additional retention or support. A clinician will explain the advantages and limitations of each design so the chosen solution balances comfort, function and long-term oral health.
Candidates for dentures typically include people who have lost multiple teeth or an entire dental arch and seek a removable restoration to restore function and aesthetics. Suitability depends on oral health factors such as the condition of remaining teeth, gum health, bone volume, and any active infections that should be treated before prosthesis fabrication. Overall health, healing capacity and personal goals for chewing, speaking and appearance are also considered during treatment planning.
Patients who desire additional retention or have concerns about stability may be evaluated for implant-supported options, which can often improve comfort and chewing efficiency. For those with remaining teeth that are salvageable, alternatives such as bridges or implant restorations may be discussed to determine the most appropriate long-term approach. A thorough clinical examination and clear discussion of expectations help clinicians guide each patient to the best restorative choice.
Denture fabrication begins with a detailed clinical exam, accurate impressions and bite records to capture the shape of the gums, ridge relationships and jaw alignment. Contemporary workflows often combine traditional impression techniques with digital scanning and CAD/CAM processes to improve precision and streamline communication between the dental team and the laboratory. Laboratory steps include waxing and try-in stages that allow adjustments to tooth position, bite and aesthetics before final processing to achieve optimal fit and appearance.
Try-in appointments are an important opportunity to confirm tooth shade, shape and how the prosthesis relates to facial proportions, and they help minimize surprises at delivery. Once the final denture is complete, clinicians perform adjustments to eliminate pressure points and refine occlusion, ensuring comfort and function. Ongoing follow-up ensures the prosthesis remains well-adapted as oral tissues change over time.
Implant-supported dentures attach to titanium implants placed in the jaw to provide increased retention and stability compared with tissue-supported prostheses. These prostheses can be designed as fixed restorations or as removable overdentures that lock onto implant attachments, and they significantly reduce movement during chewing and speaking. By transmitting functional forces to the bone, implants also help preserve jawbone volume and reduce the rate of ridge resorption that occurs after tooth loss.
Implant-supported solutions often improve chewing efficiency and patient confidence, particularly for lower-arch prostheses that tend to be less stable when tissue-supported alone. Treatment requires surgical placement of implants and a healing period before attachments or a final prosthesis are connected, so planning considers bone quantity and patient health. A clinician will assess candidacy for implants and discuss the surgical and restorative sequence to achieve predictable outcomes.
Daily denture care includes rinsing the prosthesis after meals, brushing it with a soft brush designed for dentures, and soaking it overnight in water or a recommended cleaner to preserve shape and hygiene. Avoid using abrasive household cleaners or hot water, which can damage the prosthesis, and be gentle when handling dentures to prevent accidental drops. Cleaning both the denture and the underlying oral tissues helps reduce plaque accumulation and supports gum health.
Keep routine dental visits so a clinician can evaluate the fit of the denture and the condition of any remaining teeth and soft tissues, and to provide professional cleaning when needed. If adhesives are used, follow product instructions and clean adhesive residues daily to maintain hygiene. Promptly report persistent irritation, sore spots or changes in fit so necessary adjustments or relines can be performed.
Adapting to new dentures typically involves an initial adjustment period during which increased saliva production, mild soreness and changes in speech are common. Most people notice gradual improvements in comfort, speaking and chewing over days to weeks as oral muscles learn the contours of the prosthesis. Minor sore spots and pressure areas may appear early on but can usually be resolved through simple chairside adjustments.
If persistent looseness, significant pain, or difficulty eating and speaking continue beyond the adjustment phase, the denture should be evaluated for refitting, relining or alternative retention options such as implant attachments. Practicing speech exercises and starting with soft, cut foods can accelerate adaptation and reduce frustration. Regular follow-up appointments ensure that early issues are addressed before they affect oral health or daily function.
Dentures do not remain static because oral tissues remodel and change shape over time, so periodic relines and adjustments are a normal part of long-term maintenance. The need for a reline or adjustment depends on factors such as bone resorption, weight change, and the fit and condition of the prosthesis, which is why routine dental checkups are important. Professional evaluations allow clinicians to assess tissue health, confirm occlusion and recommend relines or repairs when the prosthesis no longer seats intimately.
Minor repairs, such as replacing a broken tooth on a denture, can often be completed quickly in a dental laboratory, while more extensive wear or persistent fit problems may require fabrication of a new prosthesis. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance helps prolong the functional life of the denture and supports the health of underlying oral tissues and any remaining natural teeth. Discussing a personalized maintenance plan with your dental team ensures predictable care over time.
Yes, properly designed partial dentures can fill gaps left by missing teeth and help prevent adjacent teeth from drifting into those spaces. Partial frameworks use clasps or precision attachments to engage neighboring teeth for support and stabilization, which helps maintain proper tooth alignment and occlusion. By restoring contacts and distributing chewing forces, partial dentures also contribute to improved function and comfort during eating.
Maintaining the health of the abutment teeth that support a partial denture is essential, so good oral hygiene and regular dental exams are required to monitor for decay or periodontal changes. If supporting teeth become compromised over time, the prosthetic design may need to be revised or alternative restorative strategies considered. Careful planning and follow-up preserve both the partial denture and the overall dental health of the mouth.
Preparation for denture treatment begins with a comprehensive medical and dental history, a detailed clinical exam and diagnostic imaging when indicated to identify infections, periodontal concerns or anatomic limitations. Any necessary preparatory procedures, such as extractions or periodontal therapy, are completed to create a stable foundation for the prosthesis, and treatment planning addresses whether implants will be used to enhance retention. Clear communication about aesthetic goals, tooth shape and shade, and functional expectations helps guide the design of the denture.
The overall process typically includes preliminary impressions, custom trays or scans, bite records, try-in appointments, and a final delivery visit with subsequent follow-ups for adjustments. If implants are part of the plan, the surgical and restorative phases are coordinated to allow for proper healing and attachment of the prosthesis. Your care team at Chadha & Co Dental will explain each step, set realistic expectations and schedule the appropriate follow-up to ensure a predictable outcome.

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