Dentures
What are Specialty Dentures
Missing teeth do not have to be a way of life. If you are not a candidate for dental implants, consider our other tooth replacement options, including custom-made precision bridges and precision full or partial dentures.
A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and adjacent tissue. Made of resin and porcelain, complete dentures are used to replace all teeth. When some healthy teeth remain, a partial denture can be used. A partial denture also keeps the remaining, healthy teeth from shifting in the mouth.
Implant Supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants. A regular denture rests on the gums, and is not supported by implants.
An implant-supported denture is used when a person doesn’t have any teeth in the jaw, but has enough bone in the jaw to support implants. An implant-supported denture has special attachments that snap onto the implants.
These connections hold the denture firmly in position while still allowing it to be removed for cleaning in many cases.
Benefits Of Dentures
- Permanent placement
- No risk of shifting or slipping during the day
- No need to be removed
- The look and function of natural teeth
- Complete comfort because they do not put pressure on your gums
- The same simple care as natural teeth
- Much easier to eat, bite forcefully, and taste so you can still enjoy all of your favorite foods
- Maintain and support your facial features
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace one or more teeth and fill the gaps caused due to missing teeth while the remaining natural teeth are present in the mouth. Removable devices are a reasonable alternative to bridges or dental implants. The denture generally comprises metal and acrylic materials. It is custom-made and is fixed in the mouth with the support of other remaining natural teeth.
- Partial Denture Metal framework: The framework is the base of a partial denture and is made of metal alloys like cobalt-chromium and titanium. It supports artificial teeth and is designed to fit the patient’s mouth.
- Artificial teeth: Artificial teeth are attached to the metal framework. They are custom-made to match your remaining natural teeth. These teeth can be made of various materials, such as acrylic, porcelain, or composite resin.
- Clasps or connectors: Clasps are made of metal that helps the partial denture attach to the remaining natural teeth. They provide support to the denture.
- Rests: Rests are tiny metal extensions on the framework that help distribute the partial denture’s pressure across the remaining natural teeth and gums.
- Acrylic base: In some cases, the acrylic base is used to fix the artificial teeth to the metal framework for better support and stability
Full Dentures
They are also known as full dentures and are removable devices or plates used for complete tooth loss in the upper or lower jaws. They are a removable alternative to dental implants. They are usually made of acrylic resin or a combination of acrylic resin and metal. It helps to restore chewing and eating functions and provides a natural look.
- Denture base: It is made of pink acrylic material that fits over the gums and jawbone. It is custom-made and acts as a foundation for dentures. It fits snugly on the gum and tissues. Denture adhesives can also be used to improve their fit and help maintain a clean denture.
- Artificial teeth: They are made of acrylic or porcelain and match your teeth’s size, shape and colour. They are fixed over the denture base. Many denture wearers choose teeth that are like their remaining natural teeth to give a more natural look.
- Denture flanges: They are extensions of a denture base that spread over the gums or tissues to prevent them from moving while in use. It offers good support and stability to the denture.
- Denture adhesive: It is an adhesive paste or strip applied to the denture base to provide a firm grip to the denture when in use. The denture adhesive is optional and offers better comfort in holding the denture in the mouth, and aids in maintaining a clean denture.
FAQ – How Can We Help For You?
What types of dentures does Extraordinary Smiles offer patients in the Lehigh Valley?
We offer a full range of denture solutions, including complete (full) dentures for patients missing all teeth on an arch, partial dentures for those missing several teeth, implant-retained overdentures (snap-on), and implant-supported fixed dentures (All-on-4). During your denture consultation, we will match the right solution to your anatomy, lifestyle, and budget.
How long does it take to get dentures made at Extraordinary Smiles?
The process of getting traditional dentures typically takes 4–6 weeks across multiple appointments for impressions, fittings, and adjustments. Immediate dentures (placed the same day as tooth extractions) are available but require follow-up adjustments as your gums heal and change shape. Your doctor will outline your specific timeline at the initial consultation.
How do I clean and care for my dentures properly?
Remove and rinse dentures after meals, brush them daily with a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner (never regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive), and soak them overnight in a denture solution or plain water to prevent warping. Always handle them over a soft surface or basin of water to protect against breakage from accidental drops.
Will my dentures affect how I speak or eat?
There is an adjustment period with new dentures — most patients adapt to speaking and eating within a few weeks. Start with soft, cut-up foods and gradually reintroduce firmer textures. Reading aloud at home accelerates speech adaptation. If you experience persistent difficulty or sore spots, call us for an adjustment appointment. We want your dentures to feel comfortable and function well.
When should I consider upgrading from traditional dentures to implant-supported dentures?
Consider implant-supported dentures if your current dentures slip, cause gum soreness, limit the foods you can eat, or affect your confidence in social situations. Implant dentures also help preserve your jawbone, preventing the facial changes (sunken appearance) associated with long-term conventional denture use. Ask us about implant denture options at your next visit to Extraordinary Smiles.
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