Dentures
Denture Services
In Business Since 2006Locally OwnedWhere Your Smile Is Our Priority
Learn More About Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It is composed of acrylic resin, sometimes in combination with various metals. Weatherford Dental Care can produce the right dentures for you. You can call us
to find out more. We work with many insurance providers and we will also handle paperwork.
Types of Dentures
Complete dentures are designed to replace all the teeth, while a partial denture fills in the spaces created by certain missing teeth and prevents other teeth from shifting position.
Patients who are candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for patients who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability as well as speech and provides support for facial muscles. It greatly enhances the facial appearance and smile.
Complete or full dentures are made when all your natural teeth are missing. You can have a full denture on your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
Complete dentures are called "conventional" or "immediate" according to when they are made and when they are placed in the mouth. Immediate dentures are inserted without delay after the removal of the remaining teeth.
For this to be possible, the dentist takes measurements and makes the models of the patient's jaws during the preliminary visit.
One advantage of immediate dentures is that the patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums can shrink over time, mostly during the period of healing in the first six months after the removal of teeth.
When gums shrink, immediate dentures may require rebasing or relining to fit correctly. A conventional denture can then be made once the tissues heal. Healing may take at least six to eight weeks.
An overdenture is a removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants. The natural teeth must be prepared to provide stability and support for the denture itself.
Partial dentures are often a solution when several teeth are missing.
Removable partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by a metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments.
Precision attachments are generally more esthetic than metal clasps tend to be and are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth may improve the fit of a removable partial denture. They are usually required with attachments.
Partials with precision attachments generally cost more than those with metal clasps.
How Are Dentures Made?
The denture process takes about one month and five appointments. It involves the following:
- The initial diagnosis is made
- An impression and a wax bite are made to determine vertical dimensions and proper jaw position
- A "try-in" is placed to assure proper color, shape and fit
- The patient's final denture is placed, following any minor adjustments
First, an impression of your jaw is made using special materials. Also, measurements are made to show how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them. This called the bite relationship. The color or shade of your natural teeth will also be determined.
The impression, bite, and shade are given to the dental laboratory so a denture can be custom-made for your mouth.
The dental lab makes a mold or model of your jaw, places the teeth in a wax base, and carves the wax to the exact form wanted in the finished denture. Usually, a "wax try-in" of the denture will be done at the dentist's office, so any adjustments can be done before the denture is completed.
The denture is completed at the dental laboratory using the "lost wax" technique. A mold of the wax-up denture is made, the wax is removed, and the remaining space is filled with pink plastic in dough form. The mold is then heated to harden the plastic. The denture is then polished and ready to be worn.
Getting Used to Your Denture
For the first few weeks, a new denture might feel awkward or bulky. However, your mouth will eventually become used to wearing it. Inserting and removing the denture does require some practice.
Your denture should always easily fit into place. Never force the partial denture into position by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps.
At first, you may be asked to wear your denture constantly. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it's still the quickest way to identify those denture parts that may need adjustment.
If the denture puts too much pressure on a particular area, that spot will become sore. Your denture can be adjusted to fit more comfortably. After making adjustments, you may need to take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed. You can put it back in when you wake up in the morning.
Start out by eating soft foods that are cut into small pieces. Chew on both sides of the mouth to keep even pressure on the denture. Always avoid sticky or hard foods, including chewing gum.
Care of Your Denture
It's best to stand over a folded towel or a sink of water when handling your denture. This in case you accidentally drop it. Brush the denture (preferably with a denture brush) on a daily basis to remove food deposits and plaque. This will keep it from becoming permanently stained.
Avoid using a brush with hard bristles since this can damage the denture. Look for denture cleansers with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture's metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will almost certainly increase the risk of tooth decay.
Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid to clean dentures is acceptable. Other types of household cleaners and many toothpastes are too abrasive and should never be used for cleaning dentures. A denture could lose its proper shape if it is not kept moist.
At night, the denture should be placed in soaking solution or water. However, if the appliance has metal attachments, they could be tarnished if it's placed in soaking solution.
Even with full dentures, you'll always need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning, brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures.
This will remove plaque and stimulate circulation in the mouth. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is always important for maintaining a healthy mouth, not just your body.
Denture Adjustments
Over time, adjusting the denture may be necessary. As you age, your mouth naturally changes. This can affect the fit of the denture. Your bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink, which will result in a loose-fitting denture. Loose dentures can cause various problems not limited to sores or infections.
Dentures that do not fit properly can be adjusted. Avoid using a do-it-yourself kit to adjust your dentures since this can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over the counter often contain harmful chemicals, and we recommend they not be used on a denture.
If your denture no longer fits properly, if it breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, see us immediately. In many cases, dentists can make necessary adjustments or repairs, often on the same day. Complicated repairs, however, may require that the denture be sent to a special dental laboratory.
Over time, dentures will need to be relined, re-based, or re-made due to normal wear. To reline or re-base a denture, we use the existing denture teeth and refit the denture base or makes a new denture base. Dentures may need to be replaced if they become loose and the teeth show signs of significant wear.
Common Concerns
Eating will take some practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you become more accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you're able to return to your normal diet.
Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard foods as well as sharp-edged bones or shellfish.
You may worry about how dentures will affect your speech. Consider how your speech is affected when you have a number of your natural teeth missing.
Pronouncing certain words will require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help. If your dentures "click" while you're talking, you should speak more slowly.
You may find that your dentures occasionally slip as you laugh, cough, or smile. Repositioning the dentures by gently biting down and swallowing should help. If a speaking problem persists, speak to us.
Denture Adhesives
Denture adhesives can provide additional retention for well-fitting dentures. Denture adhesives are not a solution for old, ill-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting denture will cause constant irritation over a long period and may contribute to the development of sores.
These dentures may need a reline or need to be completely replaced. If your dentures begin to feel loose, or cause pronounced discomfort, consult with us immediately.
Denture Upkeep
Dentures today are made from very advanced materials. They're designed to give you a natural appearance. However, keep in mind that just like your teeth, dentures should be cared for in the same way. This includes daily brushing and regular visits to your dentist.
Visiting us regularly is critical to your dental health. We can make minor adjustments that ensure that your dentures continue fitting naturally and comfortably.
Just like natural teeth, dentures need to be cleansed of plaque, food particles, and other debris. Keeping your dentures in top shape will also help keep the soft tissues of your mouth healthy. An unclean or malformed denture will cause infections and irritation.
Cleaning Techniques
Remember to rinse and brush your dentures after every meal and soak them in denture solution overnight. This also allows your gums to breathe while you sleep.
Here are some tips for keeping your dentures clean:
- You can brush dentures in a variety of ways. Some people use soap and water or a slightly abrasive toothpaste. Popular denture pastes and creams can be used as well.
- Avoid using highly abrasive chemicals or pastes, or vigorously brushing with hard bristled toothbrushes. These can scratch or even crack dentures.
- Always hold your dentures gently to avoid loosening a tooth.
- Clean your dentures with cool or tepid water over a water-filled sink. Hot water may warp your dentures. A small washcloth placed in the bottom of the bowl will ensure that your denture isn't damaged if it were to fall.
- Soak your dentures overnight in any commercially available product like Efferdent or Polident. Always remember to rinse your dentures before placing them back in your mouth.
- Remember to use a separate toothbrush to clean your own natural teeth, as well as all of your gum tissues. Instead of a toothbrush, a soft washcloth may be used to wipe your gums.
- Over time, even daily care of your dentures may require them to be cleaned by us. A powerful ultrasonic cleaner may be used to remove hard accumulations of tartar as well as other substances.
Visit us at
1325 N Washington St.
1325 N Washington St.
"Five stars."
JoJo L. Morris
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