
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 Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One 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 Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One 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 dental appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. They consist of artificial teeth set in a supportive base that rests on the gums and distributes chewing forces across the mouth. Properly designed dentures restore function and help maintain facial contours that can change after tooth loss.
Dentures work by fitting closely to the oral tissues and, when applicable, using remaining teeth or dental implants for added support and retention. They are removed for cleaning and allow access to the gums and any natural teeth for home care. Modern denture materials and careful fabrication aim to provide a natural appearance and comfortable fit.
The two primary categories of removable dentures are full (complete) dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures fill gaps left by one or more missing teeth and are anchored to remaining teeth with clasps or precision attachments.
Within these categories there are variations such as immediate dentures placed at the time of extraction, overdentures that gain extra stability from remaining teeth or attachments, and implant-supported dentures that attach to dental implants for improved retention. Material and design options range from traditional acrylic bases to frameworks made from flexible resins or metal alloys, each selected based on function and patient needs.
Good candidates for dentures include patients who are missing multiple teeth or all teeth in one or both arches and who have healthy enough oral tissues to support a removable prosthesis. A comprehensive dental examination evaluates the health of remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine whether a partial or full denture is appropriate.
Candidates also need realistic expectations about adaptation and maintenance, and may be offered alternative options such as fixed bridgework or implant-supported prostheses when clinically indicated. The final recommendation is personalized based on oral health, functional needs, and long-term restorative goals.
The denture process begins with a thorough oral evaluation and diagnostic records, which may include impressions, bite registrations, and photographs to assess jaw relationships and facial aesthetics. Lab-fabricated dentures go through stages such as preliminary impressions, final impressions, wax try-ins to verify tooth position and bite, and a final delivery appointment to ensure fit and esthetics.
Careful adjustments are often necessary after insertion to relieve pressure points and improve comfort, and periodic relines may be recommended as tissues remodel. Collaboration between the clinician, the dental laboratory, and the patient ensures a prosthesis that meets functional and aesthetic requirements.
Daily cleaning is essential to prevent plaque, stains, and odors; rinse dentures after eating and brush them gently with a denture brush or soft toothbrush using a nonabrasive cleanser. Avoid using regular toothpaste on acrylic dentures because abrasives can cause scratches that harbor bacteria, and always handle dentures over a soft surface or water to reduce the risk of breakage if dropped.
Remove dentures at night to give oral tissues a chance to rest and soak them in water or a recommended denture cleaner to keep them hydrated and free of deposits. In addition to denture care, maintain oral hygiene for any remaining natural teeth and soft tissues, and bring your dentures to regular dental visits for professional assessment and adjustments.
Adjustment to new dentures varies by individual but typically takes several weeks for most people to feel comfortable with speech and chewing. Early reactions can include increased saliva, minor soreness, and difficulty pronouncing certain words, all of which usually improve with consistent wear and practice.
Follow-up appointments are important to refine fit and address sore spots; adjustments made during these visits help speed adaptation. If persistent pain, significant movement, or difficulty eating and speaking continue, a dentist should evaluate the denture for needed refinements or alternative solutions.
Yes, dentures can temporarily affect speech and eating while you adapt to the new shape and feel in your mouth. Practicing speech exercises such as reading aloud, repeating challenging words, and speaking slowly can accelerate adjustment and help you regain clarity of speech.
When eating, start with soft foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly using both sides of the mouth to stabilize the denture. Gradually reintroduce firmer foods as you become more comfortable, and report persistent difficulty to your dentist so they can check fit, occlusion, and retention.
Implant-supported dentures are removable or fixed prostheses that gain additional stability by attaching to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. Compared with conventional dentures that rely primarily on tissue support, implant-supported options provide superior retention, reduced movement, and often improved chewing efficiency.
These prostheses can help preserve jawbone by transmitting functional forces to the bone and may be recommended for patients seeking greater stability or who experience problems with conventional denture retention. A thorough evaluation, including imaging to assess bone volume and health, determines whether implants are a suitable option.
Dentures should be reviewed at regular dental visits so the dentist can assess fit, tissue health, and wear of the prosthesis; many patients are seen for evaluations every six to twelve months or as clinically indicated. Because oral tissues and bone change over time, a denture that once fit well may become loose or cause sore spots and require maintenance.
A reline is a common procedure to restore intimate contact between the denture base and the tissues when the shape of the mouth changes, and it can extend the functional life of the prosthesis. Prompt attention to looseness, persistent soreness, or changes in bite helps prevent complications and maintain oral health.
Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental emphasizes a personalized and evidence-based approach to denture treatment that begins with a comprehensive examination and diagnostic planning. The practice combines modern materials, digital diagnostics when appropriate, and careful laboratory collaboration to design dentures that address function, comfort, and facial aesthetics.
Throughout treatment patients receive education on care, scheduled follow-ups for adjustments and relines, and guidance on options such as overdentures or implant-supported solutions when clinically appropriate. This integrated pathway helps patients achieve predictable outcomes and long-term oral health.
Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental
112-10 Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11419Park One Dental
1601 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (516) 354-0033