Full or partial?
Full dentures
A full denture replaces all the teeth in the upper or lower arch. The upper denture is held by suction against the roof of the mouth; lower dentures tend to move more because they rest on a narrower ridge, which is why many patients ask about implant support.
Partial dentures
A partial denture fills gaps when you still have some healthy natural teeth. It clips onto those teeth and can be taken out for cleaning. A partial also keeps your remaining teeth from drifting into the spaces.
Implant-supported dentures
A denture can snap onto a small number of dental implants so it stays put when you eat and talk. In our office, implants are placed by a visiting specialist, and Dr. Tamkeen designs and fits the denture.
Getting your dentures
- ConsultationWe examine your mouth, talk about your goals and budget, and explain your options.
- Impressions and bite recordsWe record the shape of your mouth and how your jaws meet.
- Try-inYou see and test the tooth shape, shade and fit before the final denture is made.
- DeliveryWe fit your new denture and make adjustments so it's comfortable.
- Follow-upSore spots are normal at first. We adjust as needed while you get used to it.
Living with dentures
Expect a few weeks of adjustment. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and chew on both sides. Reading aloud helps speech settle. Take dentures out at night, clean them daily, and keep coming in for checkups: your gums and jawbone slowly change shape, so dentures need occasional relines to keep fitting well.
Insurance and cost
We accept most PPO dental plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, United Concordia and Guardian. Many plans cover part of the cost of dentures. We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment. Financing is available for larger treatment plans.