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Advances in dental materials and clinical techniques have made restoring a complete, natural-looking smile more reliable than ever. While fixed solutions such as bridgework and dental implants remain excellent options for many patients, removable dentures continue to be a practical and well-proven way to replace lost teeth and restore everyday function.
At the office of Frankford Dental Group, we design and fabricate dentures using modern materials and careful clinical planning to achieve a secure fit, comfortable wear, and a pleasing appearance. Our approach balances form and function so that patients can speak clearly, eat with confidence, and enjoy a natural facial profile.
We recognize that every patient’s situation is unique. Our team focuses on individualized treatment planning that considers oral health, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance to help each patient arrive at the denture solution that best fits their needs.
Losing one or more teeth affects daily life in ways people don’t always expect. Beyond the visible gap, missing teeth can alter how the bite functions, change chewing patterns, and make speech less clear. These functional shifts can reduce comfort and make certain foods harder to eat.
Over time, absent teeth can also influence the shape of the face. Without tooth roots stimulating the jawbone, gradual bone loss can lead to a thinner, sunken appearance around the mouth. Restoring teeth with a well-fitted denture helps support facial tissues and can improve overall facial balance.
Addressing tooth loss proactively also helps protect your remaining teeth. Gaps allow adjacent teeth to drift and tilt, which may create uneven wear or make oral hygiene more difficult. A thoughtfully designed denture can stabilize the bite and reduce force on vulnerable teeth.
A denture is a removable dental appliance made of artificial teeth set into a supportive base that rests on the gums. The base can be crafted to match the color of natural gum tissue, and the teeth are selected to complement your facial features and remaining dentition for a balanced, natural look.
Removable dentures come in many designs. Some replace a few missing teeth and attach to the remaining teeth for support, while others replace an entire arch of teeth. Because they are removable, dentures make it easier to clean both the appliance and the mouth, which supports long-term oral health.
Although dentures replace the visible portion of the tooth, they do not replace tooth roots. In some cases, combining dentures with other treatments—such as implants that anchor the prosthesis—can improve retention and chewing ability while preserving jawbone where possible.
Selecting the right denture begins with a careful clinical exam. We assess the condition of remaining teeth, the health of the gums, and the shape and density of the supporting bone. This information helps determine whether a partial denture, a full denture, or a denture that integrates with implants is the best path forward.
Full dentures replace every tooth in the upper or lower arch and are tailored to the individual’s bite and facial proportions. Partial dentures fill one or more gaps when some healthy teeth remain; they often use clasps or precision attachments to blend support and stability with a discreet appearance.
Within those categories are several practical variations. For example, an immediate denture is placed at the time teeth are removed so the patient never goes without teeth during healing. An overdenture uses remaining tooth roots or implants to add support, and implant-supported dentures attach to small posts in the jaw to reduce movement and increase chewing efficiency.
Our team will review these options and explain the expected benefits and day-to-day differences so you can choose a solution that aligns with your goals for comfort, function, and appearance.
Complete dentures replace all teeth in an arch and are customized to the contours of your mouth. When natural teeth must be removed, we plan the timing of the denture carefully to allow for healing and to achieve the best long-term fit and comfort.
An immediate denture can be delivered the same day teeth are extracted, providing an immediate cosmetic result. Because tissues change during healing, these dentures often need adjustments or relining to maintain fit as the gums and bone remodel.
Overdentures
Overdentures gain extra stability by using preserved tooth roots or small implants as anchors. This approach can improve comfort, preserve jaw structure longer, and make the denture feel more secure during eating and speaking.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures attach to strategically placed dental implants. They provide improved retention and reduced movement compared with conventional dentures, making them a strong choice for patients who want greater stability without fixed bridgework.
Partial dentures are designed to work with the remaining natural teeth to restore function and appearance. They help prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into empty spaces and can be made from a range of materials, from traditional cast metal frameworks to flexible resin bases that emphasize comfort.
Material selection, clasp design, and the choice between a removable and an attachable option are guided by clinical findings and patient preferences. Our goal is to create a partial denture that blends durability with a discreet, natural look.
A reliable denture starts with careful planning. We take a full medical and dental history, perform a clinical exam, and use diagnostic imaging as needed to map the oral anatomy. These steps let us design a prosthesis that supports proper bite relationships and natural-looking tooth placement.
Impressions and bite records are taken with precision so that the lab can replicate the details that affect fit and function. During try-in appointments we evaluate aesthetics, phonetics, and comfort, making incremental refinements until the denture meets both functional and cosmetic goals.
In some cases, preliminary procedures—such as smoothing irregular bone, extracting compromised teeth, or placing small implants—are recommended to achieve the best support and long-term outcome. Our clinicians discuss these recommendations and the expected timeline so patients know what to expect at each stage.
When the final denture is completed, we confirm fit and teach patients how to insert, remove, and care for the appliance so it integrates smoothly into their daily routine.
Adapting to a new denture is a short learning process for most patients. Early on you may notice increased saliva, slight changes in speech, or sensitivity in the soft tissues. These reactions are normal and usually ease as your mouth adjusts over days to weeks.
Practical strategies—such as practicing speaking aloud, starting with soft foods, and chewing on both sides of the mouth—help with the transition. If soreness develops, a timely adjustment can relieve pressure spots and improve overall comfort.
Daily care is essential for the longevity of the denture and the health of your mouth. Rinse and brush the denture regularly with appropriate cleaners, remove it overnight to allow tissues to rest, and continue cleaning any remaining natural teeth and gums to reduce the risk of infection or irritation.
Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor fit, perform relines when tissue changes occur, and check the condition of any remaining teeth or implants. Ongoing professional care keeps the denture functioning well for years to come.
Restoring a confident smile with dentures combines clinical skill, thoughtful planning, and careful follow-up. At Frankford Dental Group, our team aims to provide clear guidance about the options available and to craft prostheses that meet patients’ expectations for comfort, chewing ability, and appearance.
Whether you are exploring a partial denture to fill a few gaps or considering a full arch replacement, we will walk you through the process and tailor treatment to your needs. Our focus is on predictable care that helps you enjoy daily activities—eating, speaking, and smiling—without hesitation.
If you’d like more information about denture options or want to schedule a consultation, please contact our office to speak with a member of our team. We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the best path to a restored smile.
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 Frankford Dental Group, 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 Frankford Dental Group, 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.
A denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces missing teeth and the supporting structures around them. It consists of artificial teeth set into a gum-colored base that sits on the oral tissues and restores chewing surfaces and facial support. While dentures replace visible tooth structure, they do not replace tooth roots unless combined with implants.
Properly designed dentures help reestablish bite relationships, improve chewing efficiency, and support the soft tissues around the mouth to reduce a collapsed or sunken appearance. They also make oral hygiene easier by allowing thorough cleaning of both the appliance and the remaining natural teeth. With careful planning and fit, dentures can restore daily functions such as speaking, eating, and smiling with confidence.
Removable dentures include full (complete) dentures for an entire arch and partial dentures that replace one or more missing teeth while using remaining teeth for support. Within those categories are variations such as immediate dentures placed at the time of extraction and transitional models used during healing. Material choices and design features vary to balance durability, comfort, and aesthetics.
Overdentures use preserved tooth roots or implants for added stability, and implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants to reduce movement and increase chewing efficiency. Partial dentures may use metal frameworks, flexible resin bases, or precision attachments to blend function with appearance. Your clinician will review the practical differences so you can choose the design that best meets your functional and cosmetic goals.
Candidates for dentures include people who have lost multiple teeth, those whose remaining teeth are not restorable, and patients who need a reliable removable option to restore function and appearance. The suitability of a denture depends on oral health factors such as the condition of the gums, the shape and volume of the supporting bone, and the presence of any remaining healthy teeth. A comprehensive clinical exam and diagnostic imaging help determine candidacy.
Some patients benefit from combining dentures with implants or overdenture approaches when jawbone and medical history permit, as these options can improve retention and chewing performance. Others may prefer a conventional removable denture due to medical considerations, treatment timeline, or personal preference. Your dental team will discuss alternatives and recommend the approach that aligns with your oral health and daily needs.
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants placed in the jawbone, which act as anchors to limit movement and provide a more secure fit compared with conventional dentures. Overdentures can use preserved tooth roots or smaller implants to preserve bone and reduce denture shifting during eating and speaking. Both strategies help distribute bite forces more evenly and enhance comfort for many patients.
The choice between an implant-retained and a conventional denture depends on bone quantity, overall health, and the patient’s treatment goals. Implant solutions often require additional planning and healing time but can significantly improve chewing efficiency and confidence. Your clinician will explain the implant process, expected benefits, and the timeline for integration and final prosthesis attachment.
Denture planning begins with a full medical and dental history, a clinical exam, and diagnostic imaging as needed to assess the oral anatomy and supporting bone. Precise impressions and bite records are taken to capture details that affect fit and occlusion, and provisional try-ins allow evaluation of aesthetics, speech, and comfort before the final prosthesis is fabricated. This staged approach reduces surprises and helps the laboratory produce a denture that meets functional goals.
If extractions, minor bone smoothing, or implant placement are recommended, the treatment timeline will be coordinated to allow healing and achieve the best long-term fit. Try-in appointments provide opportunities to refine tooth position, shade, and the overall appearance so the final denture feels natural. Once delivered, the denture is adjusted as needed and patients receive detailed instructions for insertion, removal, and care.
Daily denture care includes rinsing and brushing the appliance to remove food particles and dental plaque, cleaning any remaining natural teeth and gums, and removing the denture overnight to allow tissues to rest. Use a soft denture brush and nonabrasive cleaners designed for prostheses to avoid damaging the acrylic or tooth surfaces. Avoid using common household abrasives that can create rough spots where bacteria accumulate.
Regularly inspect the denture for signs of wear, cracks, or fit changes and bring the appliance to follow-up visits for professional cleaning and evaluation. Keeping the denture moist when not worn prevents warping, and storing it in water or a denture solution overnight is recommended unless your clinician advises otherwise. Routine care helps maintain oral health and extends the useful life of the prosthesis.
The lifespan of a denture varies with materials, oral conditions, and how well it is maintained, but many dentures require professional attention or replacement every five to eight years. Natural changes in oral tissues and jawbone occur over time, so a denture that fit well initially may become loose or uncomfortable as the mouth remodels. Relining, rebasing, or minor repairs can restore fit when tissue changes are moderate.
When wear, fracture, or significant changes in bite or appearance occur, a new prosthesis may be recommended to ensure optimal function and comfort. Regular dental checkups allow clinicians to monitor fit and identify the best time for relining or replacement before problems escalate. Timely maintenance preserves chewing ability and reduces stress on any remaining natural teeth or implants.
Adjusting to new dentures often causes temporary changes in speech and eating as the muscles of the mouth learn to coordinate with the prosthesis. Common early issues include slight slurring, increased saliva, and preference for softer foods until you become accustomed to the appliance. Practicing speaking aloud, reading passages, and starting with small bites of soft foods while chewing on both sides can speed adaptation.
If persistent speech difficulties or sore spots develop, timely adjustments by your dental team can improve phonetics and comfort. Gradual progression to more challenging foods strengthens oral muscles and increases confidence while eating. With consistent practice and follow-up care, most patients regain clear speech and functional chewing within a few weeks.
Contact your dental office if you experience persistent soreness, sharp pain, loose fit, cracking or visible damage to the denture, or sudden changes in how the denture engages the bite. These issues can lead to sores, difficulty eating, or accelerated wear of remaining teeth and should be evaluated promptly to avoid further complications. If an implant-retained or overdenture component becomes detached or sore, arrange an appointment to address the attachment and surrounding tissues.
Regular follow-up visits support early identification of fit changes and maintenance needs, but unplanned problems warrant sooner attention. Keeping a close dialogue with your dental team ensures timely relines, repairs, or adjustments and helps maintain comfort and function over time. Prompt care reduces the risk of infection and supports more predictable long-term results.
At Frankford Dental Group, clinicians combine careful clinical planning with modern materials and laboratory collaboration to create dentures that balance function and aesthetics. Precise impressions, bite records, and staged try-ins allow the team to evaluate phonetics, fit, and facial support so the final prosthesis complements the patient’s features and daily needs. Attention to detail during each step helps reduce adjustment visits and improves overall satisfaction with the result.
Patient education and ongoing maintenance are integral to the practice’s approach, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor fit, perform relines, and address any concerns that arise. When appropriate, clinicians discuss implant-retained options or overdentures to enhance stability and preserve jawbone. This combination of planning, technology, and personalized care supports predictable, long-lasting outcomes for denture patients in Lubbock and the surrounding community.
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