Frequently Asked Questions

All dentures are not created equally. Just like any consumer service or product there are low, medium and high quality dentures. All licensed dentists are allowed to make dentures, but most dentists rarely see denture patients and only do the occasional denture when someone walks into their office needing one. Some dental schools don’t even require the dental students to make a denture on a live patient. In most cases a dental technicians actually makes the dentures, and their skill level can vary greatly. Don’t be afraid to see more than one dentist before making a final decision. Choose a dentist who has taken extra training in denture contruction and delivery, always view before and after photo’s from the dentists you are considering, and ask the dentist for the phone numbers of previous patients for references. Remember you are the one who has to live with your new dentures, not the dentist. Your dentist should be someone you can trust, talk to, express your concerns and most of all, will be there if there is a problem after delivery of your new denture.

There will be a difference in the amount of pressure you can bite down with using your new dentures. People with all of their natural teeth can exert approximately four hundred fifty pounds (450) per square inch of pressure when they bite or chew. Full denture wearers generally can exert approximately thirty-five (35) pounds of pressure per square inch. This may be the biggest change and you may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should diminish. One or more follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness be sure to consult your dentist

A full denture, also called a complete denture, replaces all of the natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips. By replacing missing teeth, dentures not only support sagging facial muscles, but also may improve a person’s ability to speak and eat. A removable partial denture fills in the space created by missing teeth and fills out your smile. Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored acrylic bases, which are connected by metal framework, and attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. Precision attachments are nearly invisible, but often require crowns on your natural teeth for a precise fit, and generally cost more than those with metal clasps. Partial denture should fit with relative ease; however, inserting and removing it will require some practice. Never force the partial denture into position by biting down, as this could bend or break the clasps. A partial denture usually cost more than a full denture since it is custom designed to fit around existing teeth and require metal framework or attachments for support.