What Are Dentures?
A smile that is missing teeth can hurt a person’s confidence and make everyday things like eating and speaking more difficult. At Smith Family Dentistry, we offer dentures to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Our dentures are carefully designed to fit comfortably, and our team works hard to make sure every step of the process, from your first consultation to your final fitting, is a positive one.
Beyond restoring appearance, dentures also help support the structure of your face and jaw, which can shift once teeth are lost. Whether you need a full set of dentures or a partial to fill in a few gaps, our Saginaw, MI, team is here to help you find the right fit for your smile and your lifestyle.
Schedule a ConsultationOur Denture Options
Every patient’s needs are different, which is why we offer a few different types of dentures depending on your situation. We provide:
- Conventional full dentures: placed after the gum tissue has fully healed, offering a stable, long-term fit for patients missing all of their teeth
- Immediate full dentures: placed right away after teeth are removed and adjusted over time as your gums heal, so you’re never without teeth
- Partial dentures: designed for patients who still have some healthy natural teeth, filling in the gaps left by missing teeth while working around the teeth you still have
How Do You Know Which Denture Is Right for You?
Choosing between a full denture, an immediate denture, or a partial denture depends on a few key factors, including how many teeth you’re missing, the condition of your remaining teeth and gums, and how quickly you’d like a restored smile. Patients having all of their teeth removed often start with an immediate denture, so they’re never without teeth, then transition to a conventional denture once healing is complete.
Patients who still have healthy natural teeth are often better candidates for a partial denture, since it can work in coordination with the teeth you already have. Our team will walk you through these options during your consultation and help you choose the one that best fits your smile and lifestyle.
What to Expect During the Process
Getting fitted for dentures is a multi-step process designed to give you a comfortable, natural-looking result. It starts with our team evaluating your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine which type of denture is right for you. Then we take a detailed impression of your mouth to design a denture that fits precisely. Once your denture is ready, we check the fit and comfort, making adjustments as needed. It takes some time for you to get used to your new denture. As your mouth adjusts, we may need to fine-tune the fit over a few follow-up appointments.
Caring for Your Dentures
Taking care of your new dentures helps them last and keeps your mouth healthy. Dentures should be removed and cleaned daily, and it’s important to give your gums a rest by leaving them out overnight. Regular checkups at our Saginaw, MI office also allow us to make sure your dentures continue to fit well over time, since your mouth can change shape gradually as you age.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Missing teeth don’t have to hold your smile back. Call Smith Family Dentistry in Saginaw, MI, today to schedule a consultation and find out which type of denture is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Dentures
Most patients need a few weeks to adjust to speaking and eating with new dentures. Our Saginaw, MI team is available for follow-up adjustments during this period.
Yes, immediate dentures are placed right after teeth are removed, though they’ll need adjustments over time as your gums heal and change shape.
Dentures should be removed and cleaned daily, and it’s best to leave them out overnight to give your gums a chance to rest.
If you still have healthy remaining teeth, a partial denture may be a better option than a full denture. Our team at Smith Family Dentistry can confirm during your consultation.
Dentures may need periodic adjustments or eventual replacement as your mouth naturally changes shape over time, so regular checkups are important.
It’s normal to notice a slight adjustment period with speech and eating, but most patients adapt within a few weeks and find their new dentures feel natural.
A full denture replaces all of your teeth, while a partial denture fills in gaps for patients who still have healthy remaining teeth. Our Saginaw, MI team can help determine which is right for you.