Thanks to advances in dental materials, technology, and methods of care, it’s easier than ever before to replace missing teeth with the most natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing treatment outcomes. While dental implants and fixed bridgework provide effective and satisfying solutions for missing teeth, removable dentures remain a tried and true method for reestablishing a complete smile.
At the office of Briter Dental, we fabricate dentures from the highest grade of dental materials for a precise and comfortable fit. Our dentures are meticulously designed to rebuild beautiful smiles and support natural facial contours while enabling patients to speak, smile, and chew with renewed confidence and ease.
We’re dedicated to helping patients to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile and take pride in offering personalized solutions to address their dental needs, lifestyle, and budget.
According to recent statistics, it’s estimated that across the country, over 175 million adults have lost at least one tooth, and close to 40 million are missing all of their teeth. In most of these cases, tooth loss is the end result of extensive dental decay, advanced gum disease, a traumatic injury, a congenital anomaly, or associated with a medical condition.
In addition to the psychological and social consequences having embarrassing gaps in your smile often produce, missing teeth can affect your ability to speak clearly and eat a satisfying and nutritious diet. Left unaddressed, missing teeth can also cause gradual changes to your appearance and the alignment of your remaining teeth. These changes not only affect your bite, but they have the potential to create more unsightly and unhealthy gaps in your smile. Furthermore, without the support of a complete set of teeth, facial contours may also begin to look more sagged and haggard over time.
While it’s never too late to rebuild a complete and beautiful smile, it’s always best to replace missing teeth sooner than later. Both partial and full dentures from the office of Briter Dental offer an effective and satisfying solution for reestablishing a complete smile.
Dentures are removable appliances that are designed to precisely and comfortably rest on top of the gums that cover the jawbones. They consist of natural-looking artificial teeth set in a supportive base. In addition to offering a cost-effective solution for the replacement of missing teeth, dentures are quite versatile. They can be used to replace either a few teeth that have been lost or all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaws.
While conventional bridgework and dental implants offer fixed solutions for rebuilding complete smiles, partial and full dentures are removable oral appliances. This statement means it’s possible to take dentures out of the mouth to clean and maintain the health of the underlying tissues and any remaining teeth, as well as clean the dentures themselves, or remove them while sleeping.
You can rest assured that rebuilding your smile is in the best of hands at the office of Briter Dental. As skilled and experienced providers of care, we’ll carefully evaluate all aspects of your smile, the health and integrity of any remaining teeth, along with the surrounding tissues and the supporting bone to develop a treatment plan that satisfies the functional and aesthetic requirements of your case.
The two main types of removable dentures are full dentures and partial dentures. Which of these types offers the best solution for your smile depends on how many natural teeth are still present in your mouth and the health of these remaining teeth. While a partial denture can offer an effective solution in cases where some sturdy natural teeth remain, you may be a candidate for a complete denture when all the upper or lower teeth are missing or require extraction.
Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, can effectively replace all the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both the upper and lower teeth. As with other types of dental solutions, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for every case. The ultimate design, fabrication, and insertion of a full denture can vary based upon a patient’s specific needs.
This type of denture is fabricated and placed after all of the remaining teeth are removed, and the surrounding tissues have adequately healed. Fabricating a full denture when healing is complete supports a precise and comfortable fit.
Immediate Denture
With an immediate denture, a patient does not have to go without teeth while waiting for complete healing of the extraction sites. Although an immediate denture offers the advantage of not having to go without teeth for any length of time, it can require a reline and adjustments as the tissues remodel and heal. In some cases, for optimal comfort and fit, a conventional denture may eventually be required.
Overdenture
An overdenture is a type of complete denture that receives added stability and support from special attachments that are secured to the remaining underlying teeth or specialized dental implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
As the name implies, this type of denture attaches to a select number of strategically placed implants in the upper or lower jaw. These small surgical posts provide precise points of attachment for the overlying denture and add a significant measure of stability and retention.
In situations where some sturdy teeth remain, partial dentures can offer an effective solution for the replacement of missing teeth. Partial dentures typically achieve adequate retention and stability with clasps or precision attachments on the teeth adjacent to the edentulous areas (the spaces formerly occupied by the missing teeth).
Removable partial dentures can fill the void left by individual missing teeth and multiple ones to restore the look and function of a complete smile. At the same time a partial denture fills the gaps left by missing teeth; it also stabilizes the dentition and bite and prevents unwanted drifting of the remaining natural teeth.
As with full dentures, partial denture design and fabrication varies based on a patient’s specific needs. With advances in dental materials and technology, partial denture wearers have more options than ever before. Today, a partial denture’s supportive framework can be fabricated from various materials, including cast metal, flexible resins, and hybrid materials.
At the office of Briter Dental, we’re dedicated to building healthy and beautiful smiles. As your trusted partner in care, you can depend on our office to design and fabricate a denture that will look good, fit comfortably, and serve you well for years to come.
Fabricating an attractive, well-fitting, and long-lasting denture requires a comprehensive understanding of oral function, facial aesthetics, dental materials, and appliance design. At the office of Briter Dental, we maintain a position at the forefront of advances in care and successfully combine the art and science of dentistry to provide patients with outstanding treatment outcomes.
Once we’ve had an opportunity to review your medical and dental history, assess all aspects of your smile, and discuss your expectation of care, we’ll discuss the best options for restoring and rebuilding your smile.
Based upon a comprehensive analysis of your case, including advanced diagnostic imaging, we’ll advise you if any dental work, additional procedures, or extractions are required prior to the fabrication of a partial or complete denture. It’s essential that any remaining teeth are healthy and have sufficient bone support. Sometimes, a pre-prosthetic procedure to improve the tissue anatomy and ensure a denture’s optimal fit is recommended.
Having a denture or set of dentures made is a sophisticated process involving dental impressions, framework try-ins, selecting the right shade, shape, and size of the artificial teeth, and making sure that the bite and all aspects of oral function are comfortable and healthy. Whether it takes a single visit or a few visits to fabricate a partial or complete denture, a satisfying and healthy outcome relies on the careful execution of every step in care.
At the office of Briter Dental, our patients' care and comfort are our top priorities. Our goal is to help patients enjoy optimal oral health and to keep them well informed every step of the way.
Adjusting to wearing a new denture
Getting used to wearing a new denture, especially a full denture, can take a little time. It’s not unusual to need some minor adjustments as you begin to speak, chew, and function with your new teeth. It can take a few adjustments to fit completely and feel comfortable. If you have a sore spot, try to wear the denture at least the day before your adjustment visit. In this way, we can see exactly where we need to relieve the area causing your irritation.
More saliva than usual
One of the natural responses to a new denture is for your mouth to produce more saliva. Not to worry, this is only a temporary reaction. The flow of saliva gradually decreases back to a normal level.
Speaking with ease
While it may seem challenging to speak clearly at first with a new denture, that feeling will pass within a few days. It’s important to keep talking, as usual, to allow yourself to adapt to your new set of teeth. You can help things along by reading some passages from printed materials or a computer out loud.
Getting used to eating with a denture
If this is your first denture, it can also take some time to adapt to eating with your new prosthesis. Getting used to eating with a full denture is typically more challenging than doing so with a partial denture. It’s best to start with soft foods and to avoid chewing on just one side. Your tongue, lips, cheeks, and soft tissues will soon adapt to chewing with your new denture, and from then on, you’ll be able to eat with ease.
Taking care of your dentures
It’s essential to keep your denture clean! Rinse your dentures after eating and brush them daily. In this way, you can prevent stains and bacteria from accumulating on your new set of teeth. It helps to use a brush designed for dentures. Also, remember to soak your dentures in water when you’re not wearing them and at least once a week in the recommended denture cleaner.
Brush any remaining teeth as well as your gums to keep them clean and the tissues healthy and firm. If you wear an upper denture, rinse and gently clean the roof of your mouth as well.
Take your dentures out at bedtime. This practice gives the gums and the jawbone a chance to rest, helping to prevent irritation and infection as well as bone resorption (shrinkage).
Added stability
Due to the status of the underlying tissues and other factors, there are some cases where full dentures benefit from additional means of retention. While denture adhesive is often sufficient, full dentures that are implant-supported or clip onto special attachments offer added stability and retention.
Follow-up care
Maintaining oral health and overall well-being involves routine checkups and care. At these visits, we not only check the fit and condition of your dentures but we also perform a comprehensive exam to check the status of any remaining teeth as well as assess the health of all of the soft and hard tissues in and around the oral cavity.
Relines
Over time, the tissues supporting the denture can change. As the shape and contours of these tissues shrink or remodel, your denture may not fit as comfortably or feel as stable as it once did. A separate procedure, which is known as a reline, may be recommended.
At the office of Briter Dental, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. If you have any additional questions or concerns about your new dentures, feel free to contact our office.
Today, it’s easier than ever to replace missing teeth and achieve natural-looking, durable, and long-lasting results! Depending on a patient’s dental needs, lifestyle, expectations of care, and budget, choices can include conventional fixed bridgework, dental implants, or removable partial and complete dentures. At the office of Briter Dental, we’ll discuss all your options in care and answer all your questions as you choose the solution that’s right for you.
With advances in dental materials and technology, today’s dentures are more comfortable and realistic-looking than ever before.
Whether you wear partial or complete dentures, it’s essential to see the dentist for routine care. Besides checking the fit and condition of your dentures and making any necessary adjustments, you’ll also receive a comprehensive exam to check on the health of any remaining teeth as well as the soft and hard tissues in and around the oral cavity.
A same-day denture offers an accelerated design and fabrication process that allows a patient to go from impression taking to denture insertion in a single day.
For patients who don’t want to wait after having teeth extracted, an immediate denture can be inserted the same day your teeth are removed. Sometime later you may need the denture relined to address any changes in its fit once the extraction sites have completely healed.
While no one wants to drop or break a partial or complete denture, accidents do happen. The good news is that in some cases, your partial or complete denture is reparable. It all depends on the extent of the damage. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you’ve broken or damaged your denture. We’re happy to help.
The simple act of taking your partial denture in and out can cause certain types of metal clasps to loosen over time. When you come in for your checkup visit or contact our office for an adjustment, we’ll assess the fit of your partial and tighten the clasps for improved stability and comfort.
While rebuilding a complete smile is a worthwhile investment, our office is sensitive to the costs involved in dental care. We customize care and will discuss which treatment options address your needs, lifestyle, and budget. How much a new denture will cost depends on the type of the prosthesis, its design, and the materials used to fabricate the supportive base, teeth, and clasps or precision attachments. Dentures that include the placement of dental implants for added retention and stability typically involve additional costs.
If you have dental insurance, your coverage may include a new or replacement set of dentures. Our staff is happy to review your coverage with you to ensure you are maximizing your insurance benefits while minimizing any out of pocket expenses.
At the office of Briter Dental, we provide an extensive range of dental services, including the latest and most effective methods to help patients with missing teeth rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. As skilled and experienced professionals, we recognize that every patient is different, and every smile is unique. We’re passionate about what we do and take great pride in providing personalized treatment plans while treating our patients as valued partners in care.
Dentures are removable dental prostheses that replace missing teeth and the supporting structures around them. They consist of artificial teeth set into a gum-colored base that rests on the oral tissues and distributes chewing forces across the jaw. Properly designed dentures restore basic functions such as speaking, chewing and smiling while supporting facial contours.
Modern dentures are crafted from durable materials that aim to look natural and fit comfortably against the gums. A successful outcome depends on accurate impressions, careful bite registration and precise tooth selection to match shape and shade. Regular checkups help ensure the denture continues to function well as oral tissues change over time.
Full dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw or both, while partial dentures fill in gaps when some natural teeth remain. Full dentures rely on tissue coverage and suction, sometimes with the aid of adhesives or implants, whereas partial dentures are designed to clasp or attach to the remaining teeth for retention. The choice between full and partial depends on the number and condition of existing teeth as well as the health of the underlying bone and gums.
Partial dentures also help stabilize adjacent natural teeth and prevent unwanted drifting or tilting into empty spaces. Treatment planning evaluates the strength and position of remaining teeth to decide whether they can support a partial prosthesis or if alternative solutions are preferable. A customized design ensures the prosthesis meets both functional and aesthetic needs.
Immediate dentures are made in advance and placed on the same day teeth are extracted so the patient does not go without teeth during healing. They provide immediate esthetics and function but often require adjustments or relining as tissues remodel. Overdentures sit over retained tooth roots or attachments and can help preserve bone and improve stability compared with conventional tissue-supported dentures.
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants that are surgically placed in the jaw and provide increased retention and chewing efficiency. These prostheses range from bar-retained to locator-style attachments depending on the number and position of implants. Your clinician will review medical and oral health factors to determine which option offers the best long-term stability and comfort.
Candidacy for dentures is determined by a clinical evaluation that includes a review of your dental and medical history, an examination of remaining teeth and tissues, and imaging as needed. Patients with extensive tooth loss, nonrestorable teeth, or advanced periodontal disease are commonly considered for full or partial dentures. Good overall health, realistic expectations and a willingness to maintain oral hygiene are important factors for success.
During your consultation the office of Briter Dental will discuss all suitable options, including whether tooth preservation, extractions or implant placement are recommended before prosthesis fabrication. Treatment is individualized to address functional needs, facial support and aesthetic goals. In some cases, staged treatment or combination therapies provide the most predictable outcome.
Fabrication typically begins with detailed impressions and records to capture the shape of the gums, bite relationships and jaw movements. These records guide the laboratory in creating diagnostic models, trial setups and final prostheses that restore function and appearance. Try-in appointments allow adjustments to tooth position, bite and esthetics before the final dentures are processed.
The final delivery includes careful fit checks, occlusal adjustments and patient instruction on insertion, removal and care. Some cases require multiple visits to refine fit and comfort, particularly when healing follows extractions. Clear communication between the patient, clinician and dental laboratory is essential to achieve a predictable, comfortable result.
New dentures often require an adaptation period during which patients may notice increased saliva production, changes in speech and mild soreness in areas of tissue contact. These reactions are normal and typically subside as the mouth adjusts; practicing speaking and eating soft foods can accelerate adaptation. Minor adjustments are common in the early weeks and should be addressed promptly to avoid persistent irritation.
Your clinician will schedule follow-up visits to evaluate fit and function and to make necessary reliefs or occlusal corrections. If sore spots develop, brief recordings of when and how they occur help identify the precise location for adjustment. With proper care and timely adjustments, most patients achieve comfortable function within a few weeks.
Daily care includes rinsing dentures after meals, brushing them with a soft denture brush and nonabrasive cleanser, and soaking them overnight in water or a recommended denture solution. Avoid using regular toothpaste or hard brushes that can scratch the denture surface, and never soak dentures in very hot water. Always handle them over a soft surface or a sink filled with water to reduce the risk of breakage if dropped.
In addition to cleaning the prosthesis, brush remaining natural teeth, gums, tongue and palate to maintain oral health and reduce bacterial buildup. Remove dentures at night to allow the tissues to rest and to help prevent irritation and infection. Regular clinical examinations will ensure the underlying tissues remain healthy and that the prosthesis continues to fit properly.
Dentures can loosen over time because the gums and bone that support them naturally remodel and resorb, changing the shape of the mouth. Weight loss, medical conditions and long-term tissue changes can also affect denture stability. When retention diminishes, patients may experience difficulty chewing, sore spots and diminished confidence when speaking or smiling.
Solutions for loose dentures range from relining the existing prosthesis to improve the fit, to fabricating a new denture if tissue changes are significant. For greater long-term stability, implants can be used to anchor the denture and reduce movement. Your clinician will assess tissue condition and discuss the most appropriate option to restore comfort and function.
Routine follow-up visits are important after delivery and periodically thereafter to monitor fit, oral health and tissue changes. An initial follow-up is commonly scheduled shortly after delivery to check for sore spots and functional issues, with additional visits as adjustments are made. After that, annual or semiannual checkups help detect changes early and maintain the health of any remaining teeth and supporting tissues.
A reline may be recommended when the denture no longer fits snugly because of tissue shrinkage, when chewing becomes less efficient, or when discomfort arises despite adjustments. Relines refill the internal surface of the denture to reestablish proper contact with the gums and can extend the useful life of a prosthesis. At the office of Briter Dental we emphasize ongoing maintenance to preserve comfort and oral health.
The lifespan of a denture varies with material, care, oral changes and how well the prosthesis is maintained, but many dentures provide several years of satisfactory service. Over time wear of the teeth, discoloration, and progressive tissue changes can compromise function and appearance. Regular evaluations allow clinicians to track these changes and recommend replacement when necessary to restore proper form and function.
Signs that replacement may be needed include persistent looseness despite relining, significant wear of the artificial teeth, difficulty chewing or speaking, and recurring sore spots. Timely replacement helps prevent secondary problems and ensures that the prosthesis continues to support facial contours and oral health. Discussing expectations and long-term planning with your dental team helps determine the best timing for renewal.