Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and support everyday functions such as speaking and chewing. They may replace an entire arch of teeth or fill spaces left by several missing teeth.

Choosing dentures involves more than selecting a replacement for missing teeth. Fit, materials, oral health, maintenance requirements, and long-term comfort can all influence which option may be appropriate. This guide explains the main types of dentures, how they are made, what affects their cost, and what patients can expect as they adjust to wearing them.

For information about available treatment options, visit our page about custom denture options in Burlington.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made tooth replacements that rest on the gums and surrounding oral tissues. Depending on the design, they can replace all the teeth in the upper or lower arch or only a portion of missing teeth.

A denture generally includes artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored base. The base is shaped to fit the contours of the mouth, helping the appliance remain stable during normal use.

Dentures may help:

  • Restore chewing ability
  • Improve speech affected by missing teeth
  • Support the lips and cheeks
  • Fill visible gaps in the smile
  • Reduce unwanted movement of remaining teeth
  • Improve confidence during social situations

The amount of improvement varies based on the number of missing teeth, jawbone condition, denture design, and the accuracy of the fit.

What Are the Main Types of Dentures?

Different denture designs address different patterns of tooth loss. A dental evaluation is usually needed before determining which type is suitable.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures replace all the teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both. They are commonly recommended when no healthy natural teeth remain in the affected arch.

A complete denture rests directly on the gums. The upper appliance may cover part of the roof of the mouth, while the lower denture is shaped around the tongue.

Two common forms of complete dentures include:

Conventional Dentures

Conventional dentures are created after the remaining teeth have been removed and the gums have had time to heal. Waiting for healing can help the dental team create an appliance based on the mouth’s more stable shape.

Because the gums and bone change after extractions, the healing period may last several weeks or months.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are prepared before tooth removal and inserted shortly after the teeth are extracted. They allow the patient to avoid going without teeth during the initial healing period.

However, the shape of the gums can change significantly as healing progresses. Immediate dentures may require adjustments, relining, or eventual replacement to maintain a comfortable fit.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth when healthy natural teeth remain. They fill the spaces between existing teeth and may help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.

A removable partial denture may use:

  • A metal framework
  • An acrylic base
  • Flexible materials
  • Clasps that attach to remaining teeth
  • Precision attachments designed for a less visible connection

The appropriate material depends on the location of the missing teeth, the condition of the remaining teeth, appearance preferences, and budget.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Some dentures can be connected to dental implants placed in the jawbone. The implants provide additional support and may reduce movement while speaking or eating.

Implant-supported options are not suitable for every patient. Bone volume, oral health, medical history, and treatment goals all need to be evaluated before implants are recommended.

Patients comparing removable dentures and implant-supported options can learn more on the practice’s dental implant treatment page.

How Are Dentures Made?

The denture process typically involves several appointments. Each stage helps the dental team evaluate the mouth and create an appliance that fits the patient’s oral structures.

1. Oral Examination

The process begins with an evaluation of the teeth, gums, bite, and jaw. X-rays may be recommended to examine bone levels, tooth roots, or other structures below the gums.

Any active oral health problems may need to be treated before the denture is made.

2. Impressions and Measurements

Impressions are taken to record the shape of the gums, palate, and remaining teeth. Measurements may also be used to evaluate the relationship between the upper and lower jaws.

These records help the laboratory create a denture that follows the natural contours of the mouth.

3. Bite Registration

The dental team records how the upper and lower jaws meet. This step helps determine the height, alignment, and position of the artificial teeth.

An incorrect bite can contribute to discomfort, difficulty chewing, or instability.

4. Trial Denture

A trial version may be created using wax. The patient and dental team can evaluate the appearance, tooth position, bite, and overall shape before the final denture is completed.

Changes can often be made during this stage.

5. Final Placement

The finished denture is placed and checked for pressure areas, movement, bite alignment, and comfort. Minor adjustments are common, especially during the first several weeks.

What Makes Dentures Fit Properly?

A denture should fit closely against the gums without creating excessive pressure. However, even a well-made denture can require an adjustment period.

Several factors influence fit:

  • The shape of the jawbone
  • Gum contours
  • Saliva production
  • Muscle coordination
  • The number and position of remaining teeth
  • Changes following tooth extraction
  • The accuracy of impressions and measurements
  • Wear or damage to the appliance

The mouth also changes naturally over time. Bone and gum tissue can gradually shrink after tooth loss, which may cause a previously comfortable denture to loosen.

A loose denture should not be ignored. It may create sore spots, affect chewing, or move during speech. A dental professional can determine whether an adjustment, reline, repair, or replacement is needed.

What Is the Adjustment Period Like?

New dentures can feel unfamiliar at first. Patients may notice changes in speech, saliva flow, chewing, or muscle coordination.

Common early experiences include:

  • Mild gum tenderness
  • A feeling of fullness in the mouth
  • Increased saliva production
  • Difficulty pronouncing certain words
  • Food collecting beneath the appliance
  • Minor movement while chewing
  • Needing more time to eat meals

These issues often improve as the mouth and facial muscles adapt. Reading aloud and practicing difficult words may help with speech adjustment.

Starting with softer foods can also make eating more manageable.

How Should You Eat With New Dentures?

Eating with dentures takes practice. New wearers should begin slowly and avoid putting too much pressure on one side of the appliance.

Helpful strategies include:

  • Cut food into small pieces
  • Chew slowly
  • Use both sides of the mouth
  • Begin with soft foods
  • Avoid biting directly into hard foods
  • Limit sticky or chewy foods during the adjustment period
  • Be cautious with very hot foods and drinks

As comfort and control improve, firmer foods can usually be added gradually.

Dentures do not have the same biting force as natural teeth. Some foods may remain difficult to eat even after the patient becomes accustomed to the appliance.

How Do You Clean Dentures?

Dentures collect food particles, plaque, and bacteria just as natural teeth do. Daily cleaning helps control odor, staining, and buildup.

A basic cleaning routine may include:

  1. Rinse the denture after meals.
  2. Place a towel or water-filled basin beneath it to reduce the risk of breakage if dropped.
  3. Brush the appliance with a soft denture brush.
  4. Use a cleanser designed for dentures.
  5. Rinse the denture thoroughly before placing it back in the mouth.
  6. Clean the gums, tongue, palate, and remaining teeth separately.

Regular toothpaste may be too abrasive for some denture materials. Bleach, boiling water, and harsh household cleaners should also be avoided unless specifically recommended by a dental professional.

Should Dentures Be Removed at Night?

Many patients are advised to remove their dentures while sleeping. This gives the gum tissue time to rest and makes it easier to clean both the mouth and the appliance.

Dentures may need to be stored in water or a denture-soaking solution when not being worn. Allowing certain materials to dry out can affect their shape.

Patients should follow the storage instructions provided for their specific appliance. Implant-supported dentures or other specialized designs may have different care requirements.

How Long Do Dentures Last?

Dentures do not last forever. Daily wear, material changes, jawbone shrinkage, and changes in the bite can affect their condition over time.

Signs that a denture may need professional attention include:

  • Frequent slipping or movement
  • Persistent sore areas
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Cracks or broken teeth
  • Changes in speech
  • A visibly worn surface
  • Changes in facial support
  • Needing increasing amounts of denture adhesive
  • A bite that no longer feels even

Some dentures can be adjusted or relined. Others may need to be remade if the fit, structure, or appearance has changed significantly.

How Much Do Dentures Cost?

The cost of dentures varies based on the type of appliance and the care required before it is made.

Factors that may affect the final cost include:

  • Complete or partial design
  • Denture materials
  • Number of teeth being replaced
  • Extractions or preparatory treatment
  • Laboratory fees
  • Temporary or immediate dentures
  • Relines and adjustments
  • Implant placement
  • Insurance coverage
  • Geographic location

A basic removable denture generally costs less than an implant-supported restoration. However, price should not be the only consideration. Fit, durability, comfort, materials, and follow-up care can influence the overall value of the treatment.

A written treatment estimate can help patients understand which services are included.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for dentures when they are considered medically necessary. The amount depends on the plan’s annual maximum, deductible, waiting period, replacement rules, and percentage of coverage.

Before treatment, patients may want to ask:

  • Is there a waiting period?
  • What percentage of the denture cost is covered?
  • Are extractions covered separately?
  • How often will the plan pay for replacement?
  • Are relines and repairs included?
  • Does the policy cover implant-supported appliances?
  • Is preauthorization required?

Insurance coverage does not always reflect the full cost of care. Patients should review both the estimated insurance benefit and their expected out-of-pocket expense.

Are Denture Adhesives Necessary?

A properly fitted denture should not rely entirely on adhesive for stability. However, some patients use a small amount of adhesive for added confidence.

Adhesive may help with:

  • Minor movement
  • Food particles entering beneath the denture
  • Added stability during social situations
  • Temporary changes before an adjustment

Using large amounts of adhesive may indicate that the denture no longer fits correctly. Persistent looseness should be evaluated rather than covered up with additional product.

When Should Dentures Be Evaluated?

Patients should schedule an evaluation when they notice ongoing pain, looseness, damage, or changes in function.

Professional attention may be needed for:

  • Sores that do not heal
  • Persistent gum irritation
  • Cracks in the denture base
  • Broken or loose artificial teeth
  • Difficulty keeping the appliance in place
  • Sudden changes in the bite
  • Pain while chewing
  • Signs of infection
  • Changes in the appearance of the gums

Even patients without natural teeth should continue receiving oral examinations. Dentists can inspect the gums, tongue, jaw, soft tissues, and denture fit.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Dentures

Patients can make more informed decisions by asking clear questions during the consultation.

Consider asking:

  • Which type of denture is appropriate for my pattern of tooth loss?
  • Will I need any treatment before the denture is made?
  • How many appointments are involved?
  • Will I receive a trial fitting?
  • What materials will be used?
  • Are adjustments included?
  • How should the appliance be cleaned?
  • How often should the fit be checked?
  • What happens if the denture breaks?
  • Are implant-supported options suitable for me?
  • What costs are not included in the initial estimate?

Clear communication helps establish realistic expectations about comfort, function, appearance, and maintenance.

Making an Informed Decision About Dentures

Dentures can restore important functions after tooth loss, but the results depend on thoughtful treatment planning, accurate measurements, proper care, and ongoing evaluation.

Patients should compare the available designs, understand the expected adjustment period, and consider both short-term affordability and long-term maintenance. A denture that fits properly and receives regular care is more likely to remain comfortable and functional.

To discuss treatment availability and receive a personalized evaluation, explore Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry’s denture services.