A denture should let you eat, talk and laugh without thinking about it. Most complaints we hear about dentures come down to fit, and fit is something we can fix.
Your options
| Type | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Full denture | Replaces every tooth in the upper or lower arch; rests on the gums | Patients who have lost all their teeth and want the most affordable option |
| Partial denture | Replaces several teeth, held by clasps on the remaining teeth | Patients with healthy teeth left who want to avoid surgery |
| Implant-retained (snap-on) denture | A removable denture that clicks onto two to four implants | Anyone whose lower denture floats, slips or needs adhesive |
| Fixed implant denture | A full arch screwed to four to six implants; you do not take it out | Patients who want the closest thing to natural teeth |
| Immediate denture | Made before extractions and placed the same day teeth are removed | Never going without teeth during healing |
Why implants change everything for a lower denture
An upper denture gets suction from the palate. A lower one has nothing to hold onto except the tongue and cheeks, which is why it moves. Two implants in the front of the lower jaw give it something to snap onto. Chewing force goes up several times, the adhesive goes in the trash, and the bone under the denture stops shrinking. Because Dr. Wolbaum places implants in our office, the whole conversion happens here. See dental implants.
How we make them
- Exam and planning
We look at the remaining teeth and bone, discuss what you want to be able to eat, and settle on the type of denture and the cost. - Impressions and bite records
Several short visits to capture the shape of your gums, how your jaws meet, and the tooth shade and shape you want. - Try-in
You see the teeth set in wax and approve the look before the denture is finished. - Delivery and adjustments
New dentures need two or three small adjustments in the first weeks. Those visits are included.
Common questions
How long do dentures last?
Five to ten years. Gums and bone change shape over time, so a reline every few years keeps the fit snug.
Can you fix my existing denture?
Often, yes. Repairs, relines and adding a tooth to a partial are usually done within a day or two.
Will I be able to eat normally?
With a conventional denture, expect to work up to tougher foods over a few weeks. With implant-retained dentures, most patients eat nearly everything.