Traditional Dentures
Should I get traditional dentures?
Traditional dentures, occasionally known as full dentures, are one of the most time-tested and effective solutions for replacing missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost teeth due to age, injury, or other circumstances, dentures provide a cost-effective and non-invasive option to restore your smile and improve oral function.
At VIVID Prosthodontics, we take pride in crafting natural-looking, high-quality dentures that fit comfortably and help you regain confidence. Dr. Sumar explains everything you need to know about traditional dentures, including:
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What traditional dentures are and how they work.
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Who is an ideal candidate for dentures.
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The step-by-step process of creating and fitting your dentures.
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Why consider traditional dentures without implants
How Do I Care for My Traditional Dentures?
Maintaining proper hygiene is vital to the success of the denture. Similar to natural teeth, dental plaque will form on the surface of the prosthesis. Your denture should be taken out daily for cleaning. Ideally, they should not be worn while sleeping.
Follow these two simple cleaning steps daily:
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Fill a washing basin with warm water to prevent fracture of the denture.
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Apply soap onto a soft bristle toothbrush and thoroughly clean every surface of the prosthesis. Denture cleaning solution such as Polident® or Efferdent® is not recommended on soft liners, however, they can be used on hard acrylic.
We recommend that you clean your denture daily at home and schedule yearly examinations with Dr. Sumar to ensure your dentures are fitting & functioning at their best.
At VIVID Prosthodontics, we prioritize creating dentures that not only fit well but also look natural and feel comfortable. Our in-house lab ensures precision and quality throughout the process.
What are Immediate Dentures?
Immediate dentures, often called same-day dentures, healing dentures, or interim dentures are temporary dentures placed immediately after dental extractions to support healing and maintain your smile. The purpose is to maintain function and esthetics during the healing phase. While we strive for an ideal fit, as bone & tissue remodel it may be necessary to place a soft liner for comfort & function. Your interim denture will require adjustments & relines, this may need to be done multiple times.
These temporary dentures may be used for up to 6 - 12 months.
How Do Dentures Stay in Place?
For upper traditional dentures, retention is achieved through a seal between the denture and the soft palate, creating suction that keeps the denture secure. Lower traditional dentures, however, can be more challenging due to the movement of the tongue and surrounding muscles, making retention a key factor in their functionality. Traditional dentures may experience stability issues over time, especially without the added support of dental implants. This can lead to shifting or movement, compounded by natural changes in the shape and structure of the mouth.
For some patients, denture adhesive may enhance stability, but others may need to consider alternative options, such as implant-supported removable or fixed dentures, for the highest retention and the most natural bite.
Read more about implant-supported dentures here.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Traditional dentures are ideal for individuals looking for a cost-effective, non-invasive way to replace their teeth. They are particularly suited for those who prefer to avoid extensive surgery or want a fast solution to restore their smile. Whether you need full dentures for one arch or both, this option is tailored to your unique oral anatomy.
What Are Traditional Dentures?
Traditional complete dentures are custom-made prosthetics designed for patients who no longer have any teeth on the upper arch, lower arch, or both. Traditional dentures are held in place primarily by suction between the ridges of your mouth - this is why it is so important that they are fitted properly. The upper traditional denture also get extra retention from the palate.
Your Traditional Dentures Journey
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Initial Consultation: During this visit, we assess your oral health and discuss your goals for replacing missing teeth.
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Impressions: We take detailed molds of your mouth to create a precise fit for your dentures.
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Wax Try-In: A trial version of your dentures is created using wax to ensure the size, shape, and aesthetics meet your expectations. Adjustments can be made at this stage.
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Final Fabrication: Using advanced techniques and materials, our in-house lab crafts your definitive dentures, ensuring a natural-looking and long-lasting result.
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Insertion & Adjustment: At the final appointment, we insert your dentures and make minor adjustments for a perfect fit.
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Ongoing Care: Over time, we offer relines and prosthetic maintenance to ensure your dentures continue to fit comfortably and perform well.
Your Traditional Dentures Journey
I - Fabrication of your interim denture followed by the removal of your teeth with an oral surgeon or Periodontist.
I I - Once the tissue & bone is stable we fabricate your definitive traditional denture over four clinical appointments.
I I I - Your new smile is here! Your custom denture is ready to use. We recommend yearly exams with Dr. Sumar, as occasional relines & adjustments will be needed over time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traditional Dentures
Yes, modern dentures are designed to mimic the look of natural teeth and gums. At Vivid Prosthodontics, we use advanced materials and techniques to craft dentures that blend seamlessly with your facial features, giving you a confident and natural-looking smile.
Traditional dentures typically last between 5 to 7 years. Over time, natural changes in your mouth, such as bone resorption or soft tissue adjustments, may impact the fit of your dentures. Routine checkups and timely adjustments can extend their usability and maintain comfort.
The cost of traditional dentures depends on several factors, including the specific treatment plan, any additional adjustments needed, and the customization of your prosthesis.
To get an accurate estimate tailored to your needs, we recommend booking a consultation. During this appointment, we’ll guide you through the process, discuss your options, and provide a detailed quote based on your unique requirements.
While there is an adjustment period, most patients regain their ability to eat a wide variety of foods. With practice and the right fit, traditional dentures provide the stability needed for chewing. With that said, being a prosthesis, traditional dentures only offer about 25% the biting force of natural teeth.
In cases where additional retention is needed, denture adhesives or implant-supported options can further enhance functionality.
You may need an adjustment or relining if you experience any of the following:
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Looseness or instability: Your dentures don’t stay in place as well as they used to.
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Sore spots or discomfort: Persistent irritation or pressure points may indicate a poor fit.
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Changes in speech or chewing: Difficulty speaking or eating could signal the need for an adjustment.
Regular checkups (we recommend annually) allow us to assess the fit and make necessary modifications to ensure your dentures remain comfortable and effective.
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The choice between traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures depends on your individual needs and goals:
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Traditional Dentures: A cost-effective, non-invasive option ideal for those looking for an efficient and removable solution.
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Implant-Supported Dentures: Being retained with dental implants they provide superior retention and stability, especially for the lower arch. While they require surgery and are more expensive then traditional dentures, they offer unmatched durability and functionality.
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Benefits of Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures offer an effective, reliable solution for restoring your smile and confidence. Here are some of the key benefits they provide:
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Affordable and Accessible: Traditional dentures are one of the most cost-effective options for replacing missing teeth, making them accessible to a wide range of patients.
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Non-Invasive Option: Unlike dental implants, traditional dentures do not require surgery, making them an ideal choice for individuals seeking a simple and non-invasive solution.
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Natural-Looking Appearance: Modern dentures are made completely out of acrylic. Advances in materials and craftsmanship allow dentures to closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth, enhancing your smile and facial aesthetics.
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Improved Functionality: Dentures restore much of your ability to chew and speak with ease, helping you enjoy your favorite foods and communicate confidently.
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Custom Fit for Comfort: Each denture is custom-molded to fit snugly against your gums, ensuring comfort and retention.
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Restores Facial Structure: By supporting the cheeks and lips, dentures help maintain the natural contours of your face, reducing the sunken look caused by tooth loss.
Explore the possibilities of restoring your smile with traditional dentures—crafted for comfort, functionality, and a look you'll love.
How much do Traditional Dentures cost?
The cost of traditional dentures depends on several factors, including the specific treatment plan, any additional adjustments needed, and the customization of your prosthesis.
To get an accurate estimate tailored to your needs, we recommend booking a consultation. During this appointment, we’ll guide you through the process, discuss your options, and provide a detailed quote based on your unique requirements.
CARING FOR YOUR DENTURES
Denture Relines
Relines are required for many reasons with the most common reason being bone resorption. Bone resorption is caused by the normal process of aging or after natural teeth have been extracted. The procedure re-fits the surface of a denture to the tissues of the mouth. This is done by placing a new acrylic base into the denture along the healing oral structures of the mouth. A reline will bring back comfort and stability while discouraging food from going under the denture.
These are the two most common types of relines:
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A soft/hard chairside reline: This reline is often used on uncomfortable dentures that are difficult to wear. It provides extra comfort when the fit of the denture has changed.
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Lab processed reline: Similar to a chairside reline, however the acrylic is processed labside and produces a harder, less porous material. This is ideal for denture teeth that are still in good condition but the denture no longer fits well. A rebase is performed to improve the retention and comfort of the denture.
Your Traditional Dentures Journey
I - Fabrication of your interim denture followed by the removal of your teeth with an oral surgeon or Periodontist.
I I - Once the tissue & bone is stable we fabricate your definitive traditional denture over four clinical appointments.
I I I - Your new smile is here! Your custom denture is ready to use. We recommend yearly exams with Dr. Sumar, as occasional relines & adjustments will be needed over time.