How dentures support your face and your daily life
When teeth are missing, the cheeks and jaw can begin to sag without that underlying structure for support, leading to a more aged appearance. Dentures restore that structure, bring back your smile, and give you the chance to enjoy foods you may have had to avoid while missing teeth.
It is worth understanding that dentures function differently from natural teeth. The range of foods a denture wearer can comfortably eat varies from person to person, and our team can walk you through what to eat and how to prepare certain foods - such as cutting meat into smaller pieces - to make chewing easier. Speaking with dentures sometimes takes a little practice too, particularly with sounds like "s" or "th," but any early difficulty typically fades with time.
What dentures are made of
Every denture starts with a plastic base shaped and tinted to resemble your gums. The teeth attached to that base are most often made from plastic acrylic. Both the gum-colored base and the tooth portions are customized so the finished denture looks as natural as possible in your mouth.
Top dentures are held in place by suction between the denture and the roof of your mouth (the palate). Lower dentures have less surface area to hold against, so they tend to feel slightly less secure and may take a little longer to get used to.
Full dentures and partial dentures - what is the difference?
Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth and rely on palate suction to stay in place. Partial dentures are designed for people who still have some natural teeth remaining; they clip onto those existing teeth to stay secure.
Partials come in two main forms. A cast partial uses a metal base with metal clips - it tends to be thinner and more durable, though the clips may be visible when you smile depending on which teeth are involved. A flexible plastic partial uses plastic clips that are less noticeable. Our team can explain which option may suit your situation best - reach out to us to start that conversation.
What getting dentures at Sendero Dental Studio involves
The process typically spans more than one appointment. We begin by taking a mold or scan of your gums and any remaining teeth, then use that record to create a denture shaped to every contour of your jaw. When the denture is ready, you come back to try it on so we can confirm the fit is comfortable and secure. If any adjustment is needed, we take care of it before you leave.
Caring for your dentures at home
Good denture care is just as important as caring for natural teeth. Both full and partial dentures are removable, and we recommend taking them out at night so your gums can rest and your saliva can naturally lubricate the soft tissue in your mouth.
Clean your dentures each night with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a dedicated denture brush and denture toothpaste. To avoid breakage, lay a towel on the counter or fill the sink with water before you start - dropping dentures on a hard surface is a common cause of damage. Soak them overnight in a denture solution to keep them moist, since drying out can cause the material to become brittle.