Dentures in Springfield
Dentures made to fit your smile.
Whether you are missing a few teeth or a full arch, dentures can help you eat, speak, and smile more comfortably. We offer full, partial, and implant-supported options.
What are dentures?
Teeth can be lost to injury, decay, gum disease, or even genetics. Without them, it can be hard to eat, speak, or smile normally. Dentures are made of artificial teeth and gums, and they can replace all of the teeth on an upper or lower jaw, or just a section of missing teeth.
Today’s dentures are made from a hard resin, customized to your mouth, and made to look like natural teeth. If you would like, we can make them look similar to your old teeth. They are more fragile than natural teeth, so handle them with care: dropping them can chip, crack, or break them.
Dentures are not only for older patients. People of all ages can benefit from them, and they can help restore both the function and the look of a smile.
Full, partial, and implant-supported dentures
Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. They are often the most cost-efficient way to replace a full set of upper or lower teeth.
Partial dentures replace a section of missing teeth and fit around the teeth you still have. They can be a good choice when a bridge is not an option. If several of your remaining teeth are likely to be lost to decay or disease, your dentist may instead recommend full dentures.
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants in your jaw, so you do not need adhesive and do not take them out to clean them. Partials can also be anchored with one or two implants. Your dentist will help you decide which type fits your needs after an exam and consultation.
Getting your dentures
First, your dentist evaluates your smile and removes any teeth that need to come out. If you have a long history of decay, your dentist may recommend removing remaining teeth that are likely to be lost anyway. After extractions, your gums need time to heal before your permanent dentures are fitted.
Next, we take impressions of your gums and send them to a dental lab, where your dentures are made. You wear a temporary set in the meantime. When your dentures are ready, we check the fit in your mouth and make any adjustments needed.
Expect a settling-in period of a few days to a few weeks. Eating and speaking may feel awkward at first, so talk as much as you can and practice eating. Your dentist may ask you to wear your dentures for a full 24 hours at first to check for sore spots, then adjust them as needed.
Caring for your dentures
Each night, take your dentures out and place them in cool water with a denture cleaning solution. This gives your mouth a break and gives you clean dentures in the morning. Brush your dentures to remove food particles and bacteria, and brush your gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to help prevent bad breath and gum disease.
If you have implant-supported dentures, brush them morning and night, as you would natural teeth.
Keep up with your dental visits, at least once a year, so your dentist can check the fit of your dentures and the health of your gums and jaw.
Is this right for me?
Dentures may be a good fit if you:
- Are missing enough teeth that biting and chewing are difficult
- Are missing all of the teeth on your upper or lower jaw
- Have teeth that need to be removed because of decay or gum disease
- Want a lower up-front cost than dental implants
- Cannot have dental implants for medical reasons
- Already wear dentures that need to be checked or replaced
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
- An exam and consultation to choose between full, partial, or implant-supported dentures.
- Any extractions you need, with time for your gums to heal.
- Impressions of your gums sent to a lab, with a temporary set to wear in the meantime.
- A fitting, with adjustments as needed.
- A settling-in period of a few days to a few weeks, and checkups at least once a year.
Questions we hear
Dentures FAQs
Do I need to be missing all of my teeth to get dentures?
No. If you are missing only some of your teeth, partial dentures may be an option. If you are missing more teeth, or all of them, full dentures may be a better fit. Your dentist will help you find the right solution.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures often last five to ten years. That can vary based on how you care for them and on changes in your jaw that may mean they need replacing.
Do I still need to see the dentist with dentures?
Yes. Even with full dentures, plan to visit at least once a year so your dentist can check how your dentures fit and look at the health of your gums and jaw.
How long does it take to get used to dentures?
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Eating and talking may feel strange at first. Talking as much as you can and practicing eating can help, and your dentist can adjust your dentures if they cause sore spots.
Will my dentures stay in place?
Dentures are customized to fit your mouth. Full and partial dentures can also be held with a denture adhesive. Implant-supported dentures attach to implants in your jaw, so they stay in place without adhesive.
Are dentures less expensive than implants?
Dentures generally have a lower up-front cost than dental implants. They are also an option for people who cannot have implants for medical reasons.
Ready when you are
Let’s make your next visit something to smile about.
New patients are welcome. Call us or send a request, and we will help you take the next comfortable step.
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