Partial and Complete Dentures
Restore Your Smile With Dentures in Arlington Heights, IL
Missing teeth can make eating uncomfortable, change the way you speak, and over time, contribute to bone loss in the jaw. At Associates for General Dentistry, we offer custom dentures in Arlington Heights, IL, that are designed to restore both the function and the look of your smile. Whether you are missing a few teeth or an entire arch, we have options that can work for you.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable prosthetics that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and are crafted to look natural. There are several types of dentures, and the right option depends on how many teeth you are missing and the condition of your remaining teeth and gums. The three most common options are:
- Partial Dentures – Used when some natural teeth remain. Partial dentures attach to a metal framework that connects to your existing teeth, filling in the gaps.
- Full Dentures – Designed for patients who have lost all of their teeth in an arch. Full dentures rest on the gums and are held in place through natural suction or a mild adhesive.
- Denture Implants – An implant-supported option where the denture is anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone. This provides greater stability and is the closest alternative to natural teeth.
The Benefits of Choosing Dentures
Replacing missing teeth is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term oral health. Left untreated, gaps in the smile can cause remaining teeth to shift, increase the risk of gum disease, and lead to jawbone deterioration over time.
Beyond oral health, dentures also make a meaningful difference in daily life. Patients consistently report improvements in their ability to eat a wider variety of foods, speak more clearly, and engage socially without feeling self-conscious about their smile.
The Denture Process at Our Dental Clinic
Getting dentures involves several appointments, but the process is straightforward, and our team will guide you through each step. Here’s how our process works:
- Consultation and Evaluation – We begin by assessing your oral health, including the condition of your gums and jawbone. If any remaining teeth need to be extracted, or if existing dental issues need to be addressed first, we will take care of that before moving forward.
- Impressions – Precise impressions of your mouth are taken and sent to a dental lab, where your dentures are custom-fabricated to fit your jaw and match the appearance of natural teeth.
- Fitting and Adjustments – Once your dentures are ready, we will fit them and make any necessary adjustments for comfort and function. It is common to have a few follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit, especially as your mouth adjusts.
- Adjustment Period – Most patients need a few weeks to fully adapt to wearing dentures. Eating soft foods initially and practicing speaking aloud can help speed up the process. Any ongoing discomfort beyond the first few weeks should be brought to our attention.
Are Dentures Right for You?
Dentures are a good fit for patients experiencing moderate to significant tooth loss, particularly those with healthy gum tissue and sufficient jawbone density to support a prosthetic. You may be a strong candidate for dentures if you:
- Are missing multiple teeth or an entire arch
- Have teeth that are too damaged or decayed to be saved
- Are looking for a more cost-effective alternative to implants
- Want to improve your ability to eat and speak comfortably
- Are interested in implant-supported options for added stability
Why Choose Associates for General Dentistry
Losing teeth is a significant experience, and we approach every denture case with both clinical skill and genuine care for patient comfort. At Associates for General Dentistry, our dentures are custom crafted for each patient and fitted with attention to both aesthetics and function. We also offer follow-up adjustments as needed, and we encourage patients to reach out any time their dentures feel loose or uncomfortable.
Dentures FAQs
The main types of dentures are partial dentures, full dentures, and denture implants. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while anchoring to remaining natural teeth. Full dentures replace an entire arch. Implant-supported or permanent dentures are secured with dental implants for a more stable, long-lasting result.
Traditional dentures typically last between 5 and 10 years before they need to be relined or replaced. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor the fit and adjust before issues develop. Implant-supported dentures tend to last significantly longer due to their stable foundation.
We recommend removing your dentures before bed. Leaving them overnight can irritate the gum tissue and increase the risk of oral infections.
Rinse your dentures after meals to remove food debris. Brush them daily with a soft-bristled brush and a denture-safe cleaner. Store them in water or a soaking solution overnight.
Traditional dentures are removable and held in place by suction or adhesive. Permanent dentures, also called implant-supported or implant dentures, are anchored to dental implants in the jawbone.
Most dental insurance plans classify dentures as a major restorative procedure and cover around 50% of the cost, though the specifics depend on your plan.
Ready to Explore Your Denture Options?
Tooth loss does not have to hold you back. Our team at Associates for General Dentistry is here to help you find a solution that restores your smile and fits your life. Call our Arlington Heights office or book online to schedule your consultation and learn which type of dentures is right for you.