Dentures and partials
A denture is a set of replacement teeth that you can take out and clean. A complete denture replaces all the teeth in an arch. A partial denture fills gaps and clips to the teeth you still have.
What happens
Plan on four to six visits over a month or two.
- 01
Step 1: Exam and impressions
We look at your mouth and take impressions or a scan of your gums and teeth.
- 02
Step 2: A try-in
You try the teeth set in wax, so you can see the shape and color before the final denture is made.
- 03
Step 3: The fitting
We fit the denture, check your bite, and show you how to put it in and take it out.
- 04
Step 4: Adjustments
Gums change and sore spots appear. We see you again to adjust the fit.
A denture can also be made to snap onto implants. It costs more and takes surgery, and it can be added later.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
Sore spots in the first weeks are common, and we adjust them. Eating soft food first helps. Speech can feel different for a while.
If you wait
Teeth that are loose or broken can be painful, and gaps can let other teeth shift. You can also choose implants, a bridge, or leaving the gaps.
Risks and after-care
A new denture needs relining as your gums change. A poor fit can rub or cause sores, so call us rather than wait. Take it out at night and clean it daily.
How it's billed
By the denture, with a written estimate before anything begins. Many dental plans pay for part of a denture.
How fees work
Questions about dentures and partials
How long does a denture last?
No one can promise that. Dentures wear and gums change, so most need adjusting, relining or replacing over time. We see you to check the fit.
Can I eat normally?
Most people eat soft food first and add firmer food as they get used to it. Tell us what you're eating when you come in for an adjustment.
Can you fix a broken denture?
Often, yes. Call us, and we'll tell you whether it can be repaired and when we can see you.
Provided by a general dentist
Dentures are provided by Dr. Wael Zeidan, DMD, a general dentist licensed in Washington, or by Dr. Mabel Durham, DDS, who completed a residency in prosthodontics and is a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics.