Advances in dental materials and techniques have made replacing missing teeth more natural, comfortable, and reliable than ever. While fixed solutions such as dental implants and bridgework remain excellent choices for many patients, removable dentures continue to be a practical and well-established way to restore a complete, functional smile.
At Flossophy Dental, we design and fabricate dentures using contemporary materials and careful craftsmanship to create a secure fit and an attractive appearance. Our approach balances function and aesthetics so patients can speak, eat, and smile with confidence while maintaining natural facial contours.
We take a personalized approach to denture care. Every recommendation is based on a thorough evaluation of oral health, lifestyle needs, and long-term goals so the prosthesis you receive supports daily function and overall well-being.
Losing one or more teeth changes more than your smile. Gaps in the dentition can make it harder to speak clearly, limit the variety of foods you can comfortably eat, and contribute to uneven wear on the remaining teeth. These functional changes influence nutrition, social interactions, and day-to-day confidence.
When tooth roots are no longer present to stimulate the jawbone, gradual bone remodeling can occur. Over time this can alter facial support and make the lower third of the face appear more collapsed or sunken. Replacing missing teeth helps preserve chewing function and helps maintain the facial proportions that support a natural appearance.
Addressing tooth loss early also reduces the chance that neighboring teeth will shift into empty spaces. Properly designed dentures — whether partial or complete — restore alignment, protect the integrity of remaining teeth, and reestablish a balanced bite.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and the supporting structures. They consist of lifelike artificial teeth set into a base that fits over the gums. Modern denture teeth and acrylic bases are available in a range of colors, shapes, and translucencies to mimic natural dentition.
Unlike fixed restorations, removable dentures are taken out for cleaning and overnight rest. This design makes it easy to maintain both the appliances themselves and the underlying gum tissue. Proper daily care of a denture and continued monitoring of oral tissues are essential for long-term comfort and oral health.
Removable options can be customized to match individual needs: some patients require a full denture for an entire arch, while others are served by partial dentures that fill in specific gaps and help stabilize the remaining teeth.
Selecting the most appropriate denture depends on how many natural teeth remain, the health of those teeth, the condition of the gums and bone, and the patient’s preferences for maintenance and stability. A careful clinical evaluation helps determine whether a partial denture, a conventional full denture, or a denture that gains added support from implants is the best solution.
Full (complete) dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower arch. They are designed to fit snugly over the gums and provide a natural-looking smile while restoring chewing function. Partial dentures, by contrast, fill in for several missing teeth while using the remaining teeth for retention and support.
For patients seeking enhanced retention and fewer movements during function, implant-supported or implant-retained dentures can be an excellent option. These solutions combine the benefits of removable appliances with the increased stability afforded by dental implants, improving chewing efficiency and patient comfort.
Complete dentures can be delivered in different ways depending on timing and clinical needs. A conventional full denture is made after extraction sites have healed and tissues have stabilized, which can provide a precise, long-term fit. Immediate dentures, on the other hand, are placed at the time of tooth removal so a patient does not have to go without teeth during healing; these often require adjustments as tissues remodel.
Immediate dentures provide an immediate cosmetic and functional result after extractions, but because healing changes the shape of the gums, relines or replacement prostheses are commonly needed once healing is complete. These transitional appliances help maintain facial contours and allow patients to adapt to wearing a prosthesis while the mouth heals.
Overdentures
Overdentures are complete dentures that gain extra support from remaining natural tooth roots or from implants. That support can improve stability, preserve bone, and offer better bite function compared with a conventional denture alone.
Implant-supported dentures
These dentures are secured by strategically placed implants and specialized attachments. The result is enhanced retention and a reduction in movement during speech and chewing, which many patients find easier to manage in everyday life.
Partial dentures are available with a variety of frameworks and attachment systems. Traditional metal frameworks provide strength and durability; newer flexible resins offer a less obtrusive feel for some wearers. Precision attachments can create a discreet fit without visible clasps, blending function with a more esthetic appearance.
A well-designed partial denture not only fills gaps but also prevents unwanted drifting of adjacent teeth, helps distribute chewing forces, and reestablishes a stable bite relationship across the arch.
Our clinical process includes evaluating remaining teeth for longevity and structural integrity so that a partial prosthesis complements, rather than compromises, existing dentition.
Designing a comfortable, durable denture begins with a thorough examination and careful planning. We assess jaw relationships, bite dynamics, soft tissue contours, and any underlying medical considerations. Diagnostic records and precise impressions create the foundation for a well-fitting prosthesis.
Lab communication and stepwise try-ins are important parts of the process. Choosing tooth shade, size, and position is a collaborative step — aiming to restore both function and a result that looks natural with the face and smile. Occlusion (how the teeth come together) is adjusted so chewing forces are evenly distributed.
When implants are part of the plan, coordination between surgical placement and prosthetic design ensures the final denture aligns with implant locations and attachment systems. This integrated approach minimizes surprises and helps produce a predictable outcome.
Adapting to a new denture is a process. Initially you may notice increased saliva production, slight changes in speech, or areas of pressure that require adjustment. These responses are common and usually resolve with a few follow-up visits during which occlusion and fit are refined.
Eating with a new denture is best approached gradually: start with soft foods, cut items into small pieces, and chew evenly on both sides. With practice most people regain comfortable function and can enjoy a normal variety of foods again.
Denture care habits are straightforward but essential. Rinse and brush the appliance daily with a brush designed for dentures, soak it overnight in water or a recommended cleanser, and continue to care for any remaining natural teeth and gums with routine brushing and professional checkups.
Adjustment visits
Minor sore spots are common early on and can be relieved quickly in the office. Bringing a denture that has been worn for a little while helps the clinician identify pressure points accurately.
Relines and tissue changes
As gums and bone change over time, relining a denture can restore a comfortable fit. Regular evaluations allow us to recommend relines or other refinements when necessary to maintain function.
Support and follow-up care
Ongoing checkups include oral examinations to monitor the health of the tissues, review the fit of the denture, and address any new concerns that arise so your prosthesis continues to provide reliable service.
Our team works closely with each patient to develop a denture plan that matches their expectations for comfort and natural appearance. Whether you are replacing a single arch or transitioning from natural teeth to a complete prosthesis, careful planning and attentive follow-up help ensure a successful outcome.
In summary, modern dentures are a versatile, effective way to restore tooth function, preserve facial support, and improve day-to-day comfort. If you have questions about which denture option is right for you or want to discuss next steps, please contact us for more information.
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 Flossophy 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 Flossophy 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 supporting gum structures. They consist of artificial teeth set into a base that rests on the gums and is shaped to restore natural contours and function. Modern denture materials are designed to mimic the color, translucency, and shape of natural teeth for an esthetic result.
Removable dentures are taken out for cleaning and overnight rest, which helps maintain both the appliance and oral tissues. Proper fit and balanced occlusion are essential so the denture distributes chewing forces evenly and supports comfortable speech and eating. With appropriate care and periodic professional checks, dentures can restore daily function and improve quality of life.
Common denture options include full (complete) dentures that replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch and partial dentures that fill specific gaps while using remaining teeth for support. Immediate dentures are placed at the time of extractions so a patient does not go without teeth during healing, and transitional prostheses may require adjustments as tissues remodel. Overdentures use retained natural roots or implants for added support and stability.
Implant-supported and implant-retained dentures attach to strategically placed implants, providing enhanced retention and reduced movement during function. Partial denture frameworks may be metal, flexible resin, or use precision attachments to minimize visible clasps. The choice of material and design is tailored to oral health, esthetic goals, and functional needs.
Good candidates for dentures include patients who have lost several or all teeth in an arch and who seek to restore chewing, speech, and facial support. A thorough clinical evaluation of the remaining teeth, gums, and underlying bone helps determine whether a partial denture, full denture, or an implant-assisted solution is most appropriate. Medical history and lifestyle factors, such as manual dexterity and oral hygiene habits, also influence candidacy and long-term success.
Patients with healthy soft tissues and sufficient bone for implant placement may be considered for implant-supported options to improve retention. For those who are not surgical candidates, well-designed conventional dentures can still provide reliable function and esthetics. Discussing goals and expectations with the clinician helps align treatment choice with desired outcomes.
Conventional dentures are fabricated after extraction sites have healed and tissues have stabilized, which often yields a precise long-term fit. Immediate dentures are placed at the time of tooth removal so patients have immediate esthetic and functional benefits, but they typically require relines or adjustments as healing changes tissue contours. Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants for improved stability and reduced movement compared with conventional removable appliances.
Because immediate dentures are fitted before healing is complete, follow-up visits are important to address sore spots and to reline or remake the prosthesis as needed. Implant-supported solutions may involve additional surgical and restorative steps but can significantly enhance chewing efficiency and patient comfort. The clinical situation and patient priorities guide which approach is recommended.
Denture planning begins with a comprehensive oral examination, assessment of bite relationships, and diagnostic records including precise impressions. Laboratory communication and stepwise try-ins allow the clinician and patient to choose tooth shade, shape, and position so the prosthesis complements the face and smile. Accurate occlusal adjustments during the try-in phase help ensure even distribution of chewing forces in the final prosthesis.
When implants are involved, the restorative plan coordinates with surgical placement so attachments align correctly with the final denture design. Quality lab craftsmanship and attention to detail in material selection and processing contribute to a comfortable, durable outcome. Clear communication between clinician, dental laboratory, and patient is a key factor in predictable results at each stage.
Adapting to a new denture commonly involves a short adjustment period during which increased saliva production, small speech changes, and minor sore spots may occur. These responses are normal and typically subside with time and small clinical refinements. Regular follow-up visits are important so the clinician can relieve pressure areas, refine occlusion, and ensure fit as you become accustomed to the appliance.
Eating should be approached gradually by starting with soft foods, cutting items into smaller pieces, and chewing evenly on both sides. With consistent practice most patients regain comfortable function and expand their diet over several weeks. If persistent discomfort or difficulty arises, prompt evaluation helps identify needed adjustments or corrective steps.
Daily care for dentures includes rinsing and brushing the appliance with a brush designed for dentures and a nonabrasive cleanser, and soaking it overnight in water or a recommended denture solution. Removing the denture while sleeping allows oral tissues to rest and reduces risk of irritation or infection. It is also important to continue caring for any remaining natural teeth and gums through routine brushing and professional checkups.
Handle dentures carefully to avoid dropping or damaging them, and avoid abrasive household cleaners that can scratch acrylic or teeth. Bring the appliance to dental visits so the clinician can assess fit, wear, and tissue health and perform professional cleaning or adjustments as needed. Proper daily habits and periodic professional maintenance prolong comfort and function.
Changes in gum and bone contours over time can reduce denture retention and comfort, making relines or rebasing necessary to restore a close fit. Relines fill in gaps between the denture base and tissues, while repairs address fractures, broken teeth, or worn components that compromise function. Regular clinical evaluations help identify the right timing for relines or repairs before fit problems lead to sores or functional limitations.
Replacement may be recommended when a denture is extensively worn, when esthetic goals change, or when underlying oral conditions evolve so the prosthesis no longer meets functional needs. Implant attachments and maintenance components also have serviceable lifespans and may require replacement or servicing. Routine follow-up allows clinicians to recommend appropriate refinements to support long-term success.
Replacing missing teeth with a well-designed denture helps restore the vertical dimension of occlusion and support facial soft tissues, which can reduce the appearance of a collapsed lower third of the face. By reestablishing proper tooth relationships, dentures also help distribute chewing forces and protect remaining natural teeth from excessive wear or drifting into empty spaces. In these ways, dentures contribute to both function and facial esthetics.
Overdentures and implant-supported prostheses can further preserve bone by providing stimulation to the jaw, which slows the rate of bone resorption compared with an unsupported conventional denture. Regular dental exams are necessary to monitor tissue health, detect issues early, and ensure that the prosthesis continues to support oral health goals. Thoughtful planning seeks to balance esthetic, functional, and long-term health considerations.
Choosing the appropriate denture involves an evaluation of how many teeth remain, the health of those teeth and supporting bone, the patient’s functional goals, and preferences for maintenance and stability. Discussing the advantages and limitations of full, partial, overdenture, and implant-supported options with your clinician helps align the treatment with your lifestyle and oral health objectives. In-office assessments and diagnostic records provide the clinical basis for a recommended plan.
After delivery, follow-up care typically includes a series of adjustment visits to refine fit and occlusion, periodic checks to monitor tissue health, and maintenance of any implant attachments when used. If you prefer local care, schedule consultations at the Bourbonnais, IL office to review options and next steps with the clinical team. Clear communication and scheduled follow-up help ensure a reliable, long-term outcome.
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Contacting Flossophy Dental is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
