Advances in dental materials, digital planning, and lab techniques mean replacing missing teeth is more natural-looking and functional than ever. While dental implants and bridgework provide long-term fixed options for many patients, removable dentures continue to be a dependable solution for restoring a complete smile and reliable oral function.
At our practice, dentures are crafted from high-quality materials and designed to balance aesthetics, comfort, and durability. Each prosthesis is carefully contoured to support facial anatomy, restore proper bite relationships, and allow patients to speak, smile, and chew with restored confidence.
We focus on individualized care—listening to your priorities, assessing your oral health, and recommending denture options that match your lifestyle and clinical needs. Our goal is to deliver predictable outcomes that help you feel comfortable and secure with your new smile.
Tooth loss is common and can arise from decay, gum disease, trauma, congenital conditions, or medical issues. Beyond the obvious cosmetic impact, missing teeth can alter the way you chew and speak, shift how forces travel through your mouth, and influence the long-term health of remaining teeth and jawbone.
When teeth are absent, neighboring teeth can drift into the empty spaces, creating bite problems and making it harder to clean between teeth—factors that may increase the risk of further decay or gum disease. Over time, the lack of natural tooth roots to stimulate the jaw can lead to gradual bone loss and changes to the shape of the lower face.
Addressing missing teeth sooner rather than later helps preserve oral function and facial support. Removable dentures—whether partial or complete—are established options for rebuilding a full, functional smile while protecting the health of the remaining teeth and soft tissues.
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and the supporting tissues. They combine artificial teeth set into a base that mimics the gums and is shaped to sit comfortably on the ridges of the jaws. Modern denture teeth are designed for a lifelike appearance and improved wear resistance.
Because dentures are removable, they allow for easy cleaning of both the appliance and the oral tissues beneath. This removability also makes them versatile: partial dentures fill gaps when some natural teeth remain, while full dentures replace an entire arch when all teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing.
Although implants and bridges can offer fixed alternatives, many patients prefer removable prostheses for their simplicity, reparability, and the ability to inspect and maintain the gums and any remaining teeth directly.
Selecting the most appropriate denture begins with a thorough clinical evaluation. We review the condition of remaining teeth, the health of the gums and bone, your medical history, and your functional and cosmetic goals. From there, we recommend a solution that meets your needs while planning for comfortable fit and reliable function.
Two primary categories of removable prostheses are full (complete) dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures restore an entire dental arch, while partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth and are supported by the surrounding natural teeth and gums.
Complete dentures can be delivered in different ways depending on timing and clinical requirements. A conventional full denture is fabricated after all extractions have healed; it offers a precise fit once the tissues are stable. In contrast, an immediate denture is placed at the time of tooth removal so the patient leaves the appointment with teeth, though adjustments and relines are often needed as healing occurs.
Immediate dentures provide an immediate cosmetic solution and help maintain lip and cheek support during healing, but they frequently require subsequent relining or conversion to a conventional denture once the tissues remodel. An overdenture is another complete option that gains extra stability by attaching to retained tooth roots or specially placed implants, delivering improved retention and chewing comfort.
Immediate Denture
An immediate denture is placed right after teeth are removed so a patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing phase. Adjustments are common as the gums and bone change shape during recovery.
Overdenture
An overdenture uses remaining natural roots or attachments to improve fit and preserve bone. This option can be a conservative way to enhance denture stability while maintaining some natural tooth structure.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants for superior retention and stability compared with a conventionally retained denture. They are especially helpful for lower-arch prostheses, where retention can otherwise be more challenging.
Partial dentures are designed to fill gaps while preserving the alignment of the remaining teeth. They typically anchor to adjacent teeth using clasps or precision attachments and can be made from a variety of materials, including lightweight resins or metal frameworks.
A well-designed partial denture not only restores esthetics and chewing function but also helps prevent drifting of surrounding teeth and maintains the overall balance of the bite.
Material and design choices are guided by the number and position of missing teeth, the health of the supporting teeth, and patient preferences for appearance and maintenance.
Our team pays careful attention to occlusion (how your teeth meet), tooth selection, and the shape of the base to deliver a prosthesis that looks natural and functions reliably.
Creating a comfortable, attractive denture is both a science and an art. The process begins with a full review of medical and dental history, a clinical exam, and diagnostic imaging as needed to assess bone levels and tissue contours. This comprehensive approach ensures the denture will support function and facial aesthetics.
When extractions or other preparatory treatments are necessary, we coordinate the timing carefully so the final prosthesis fits well and supports oral health. In some cases, we recommend pre-prosthetic procedures to reshape the jaw ridges or remove irritations that could interfere with a proper fit.
Precision impressions, careful shade and tooth-shape selection, and trial fittings are all part of the fabrication sequence. We work closely with experienced dental technicians to refine the fit and appearance at each step so your denture meets both functional and cosmetic expectations.
Where implants are part of the plan, implant placement and healing are integrated into the treatment timeline to provide secure anchor points for overdentures or implant-supported prostheses when appropriate. Paulussen Dental combines in-house planning with trusted laboratory partners to produce predictable, natural-looking results.
Receiving a new denture is the start of a transition period rather than an instant finish. Early on, some patients notice increased saliva production, minor speech changes, and the need to relearn certain chewing patterns. These responses are normal and typically resolve with time and practice.
Adjusting to a new denture
It can take a few days to several weeks to feel fully comfortable. Small sore spots are common during the initial wear and can be relieved with minor adjustments. Try to wear the denture as recommended so we can identify pressure areas and make precise corrections.
More saliva than usual
A temporary increase in saliva is a natural response to a new appliance. This typically settles down as the mouth adapts.
Speaking with ease
Practice helps. Reading aloud and regular conversation speed adaptation. Within a short time most patients regain natural speech patterns.
Getting used to eating with a denture
Begin with soft foods and chew gently using both sides of the mouth. Over time, your tongue and muscles will coordinate more effectively, allowing a wider variety of foods to be enjoyed.
Taking care of your dentures
Rinse dentures after meals and brush them daily with a brush designed for prostheses to remove plaque and debris. Soak them overnight in water or a recommended cleanser to maintain hygiene and shape.
Clean any remaining natural teeth and gently care for your gums and tongue to protect oral tissues and overall health.
Remove dentures at night to give your tissues a rest and help prevent irritation or inflammation.
Added stability options
For many patients, adhesives provide adequate retention, but when extra stability is needed, options such as implant attachments or precision clips can dramatically improve comfort and function.
Follow-up care and relines
Routine dental checkups allow us to evaluate fit, oral health, and the condition of remaining teeth. As the jaw and gums change over time, relines or adjustments may be recommended to restore optimal comfort and stability.
We are committed to helping patients transition confidently to life with dentures. If you’d like more information about denture options, adjustment tips, or whether a denture is the right solution for you, please contact us to speak with a member of our team.
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 Paulussen 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 Paulussen 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 appliances that replace missing teeth and the supporting gum tissue. They consist of prosthetic teeth set into a base shaped to fit the jaw ridges and restore facial contours. Modern denture materials and tooth shapes are designed for a natural appearance and improved wear resistance.
Patients who have lost multiple teeth because of decay, periodontal disease, trauma or congenital conditions often benefit from dentures. A well-fitting denture restores chewing ability, helps with speech and supports facial soft tissues to reduce the collapsed appearance that can follow tooth loss. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, medical history and functional goals to determine whether a removable prosthesis is an appropriate option.
Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth and rest on the gums and underlying bone, while partial dentures fill gaps when some natural teeth remain and typically anchor to adjacent teeth with clasps or precision attachments. Implant-supported dentures use dental implants as anchors, providing greater retention and stability than conventionally retained appliances. Overdentures retain natural roots or attach to implants to preserve bone and improve comfort.
The choice among these options depends on the number and position of missing teeth, the condition of remaining teeth and bone, and the patient's functional and aesthetic priorities. Partial dentures help prevent drifting of natural teeth, whereas implant-retained solutions can restore more efficient chewing and reduce movement. Your treatment plan will be guided by a clinical exam and diagnostic imaging to identify the best long-term approach.
Denture planning begins with a comprehensive medical and dental history, a clinical exam and diagnostic imaging as needed to assess bone levels and tissue contours. The process typically includes preliminary and final impressions, a bite registration to establish proper occlusion, tooth selection for shade and shape, and try-in appointments to verify fit and appearance. Close collaboration with skilled dental technicians ensures the prosthesis balances aesthetics, phonetics and function.
If extractions or pre-prosthetic procedures are required, the team coordinates timing so the final denture will fit predictably once tissues have healed. For implant-retained options, implant placement and healing are integrated into the timeline before attachments are incorporated into the prosthesis. Attention to occlusion, base contour and trial fittings helps reduce postoperative adjustments and improve long-term comfort.
At Paulussen Dental, treatment begins with a detailed consultation to review oral health, discuss goals and present appropriate denture options. We use diagnostic records and careful measurements to design a prosthesis that addresses functional needs and facial support, and we schedule trial fittings so you can approve tooth position and appearance before the final prosthesis is delivered. When extractions or implants are part of the plan, we coordinate sequencing and follow-up to promote predictable healing and fit.
During delivery you will receive instructions about wear, cleaning and eating practices, and the team will check pressure areas and occlusion to make early adjustments as needed. Follow-up visits in the weeks after delivery allow us to fine-tune fit and address common transitional issues. Long-term care includes routine exams to monitor oral tissues, remaining teeth and the condition of the denture.
Immediate dentures are fabricated in advance and placed at the time of tooth removal so the patient leaves the appointment with teeth in place. They provide immediate aesthetics and support for lips and cheeks during the initial healing phase, which can improve comfort and self-confidence. Because tissues change as they heal, immediate dentures typically require relines or adjustments to maintain a proper fit.
Conventional dentures are made after tissues have fully healed following extractions, offering a more precise long-term fit without the need for early relines. Immediate dentures are a transitional solution that often leads to a conventional denture once healing is complete, or they can be relined to become the long-term prosthesis if appropriate. Your clinician will explain the sequence that best meets your clinical needs and expectations.
Implant-retained overdentures attach to implants placed in the jaw, creating secure anchor points that dramatically reduce movement of the prosthesis compared with a conventionally retained denture. This added stability improves chewing efficiency, reduces sore spots and helps many patients feel more confident when speaking and eating. Implant attachments come in several designs, including ball, bar and locator systems, each offering different levels of retention and ease of use.
For the lower jaw in particular, implant-supported or -retained dentures often provide a major improvement in comfort and function because the lower ridge can be more challenging for conventional retention. The number and position of implants are determined by bone availability and functional requirements, and the restoration is planned to distribute forces evenly. A surgical and restorative treatment plan ensures the implants and prosthesis work together for long-term success.
Daily denture care begins with rinsing the appliance after meals to remove food debris and particles, followed by gentle brushing with a soft brush and a cleaner formulated for dentures. Avoid abrasive household cleaners and hard brushes that can scratch the surface and accelerate wear; instead use nonabrasive denture paste or a mild soap. Soak dentures overnight in water or a denture cleanser as recommended by your dentist to help remove stains and bacteria while preserving the shape of the base.
In addition to cleaning the prosthesis, it is important to clean any remaining natural teeth, gums and tongue each day to maintain oral health and reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. Remove dentures at night to allow tissues to rest and to reduce the risk of irritation or inflammation. Regular dental checkups let your clinician assess fit, hygiene and tissue health and provide professional cleaning or advice as needed.
The adjustment period varies by individual but commonly includes transient changes such as increased saliva production, minor speech alterations and the need to relearn chewing patterns. Small sore spots may develop as your tissues adapt to the new prosthesis and can usually be relieved by minor adjustments performed in the office. Practicing speaking and eating with soft foods, and gradually introducing firmer foods, helps accelerate adaptation and improves comfort.
Wearing the denture as instructed during the early phase allows the team to identify pressure areas and make precise corrections. Most patients notice significant improvement within a few weeks, although complete adaptation can take longer depending on prior denture experience and oral anatomy. Ongoing follow-up ensures persistent issues are addressed promptly to maintain function and confidence.
Dentures may require relines when the shape of the jaw and gums changes over time, which can compromise fit and retention; routine checkups help identify when a reline is needed. Repairs are sometimes needed after accidental damage such as cracks or broken teeth, and timely repair can often restore function without replacing the entire prosthesis. The lifespan of a denture depends on material, wear patterns and changes in oral anatomy, so periodic assessment is essential.
Relines and repairs are conservative ways to extend the useful life of a denture, while full replacement is considered when wear, deterioration or persistent fit problems cannot be resolved. Implant attachments and clips may also need maintenance or replacement as components wear. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate maintenance schedule and advise when relining, repair or replacement will best preserve comfort and function.
Maintaining oral health with a partial denture or remaining natural teeth requires daily attention to both the prosthesis and natural teeth. Clean around abutment teeth carefully to remove plaque at the gum line and between teeth, and use floss, interdental brushes or other aids recommended by your dentist to reach areas under clasps and attachments. Regular professional exams and cleanings are important to monitor the health of supporting teeth and gums and to catch problems early.
When natural roots are retained to support an overdenture, special hygiene around these roots and attachment components is necessary to prevent infection and maintain bone support. Follow-up visits let your clinician evaluate tissue health, adjust the prosthesis as needed and provide guidance on brushes, cleansers and techniques tailored to your situation. Consistent home care combined with routine dental care helps preserve remaining teeth and supports the longevity of the denture.
