Replacing some teeth, or all of them
Dentures are a removable appliance that replaces some or all of your natural teeth. If all your teeth are missing or need to be removed, you will be fitted for a full set. If some of your natural teeth remain, partial dentures are used instead.
Two kinds of full denture
- Conventional dentures are not fitted until the gums and jaw have fully healed from extraction — which can take eight to twelve weeks. During that period you would be without teeth.
- Immediate dentures are made in advance and fitted straight after extraction, so you are never without teeth. They require more subsequent fittings, because the shape of your jaw and gums changes as healing progresses, but for most people that trade is worth making.
Partial dentures are used when only some teeth need removing. They function much like a bridge, but they come out.
Getting used to them
When you are first fitted, we may ask you to wear them constantly, including while sleeping. That is deliberate: it surfaces any spot that needs reshaping quickly. Once they are properly fitted to your jaw, you can take them out at night.
Care for them as you would real teeth. Brush them to remove food before you take them out, and put them straight into warm water or a denture cleaning solution — never hot water, which will warp them.
It takes time for a mouth to adjust. At first they will feel bulky and strange. That passes.
Aesthetics are not an afterthought here. We work with Expertec Dental Laboratory on our denture cases, and we plan for the result to look like teeth that belong to your face — not like dentures. Have a look at the smile gallery and judge for yourself.
Common questions
Dentures & Partials FAQs
Will I be able to eat normally with dentures?
Yes. When you first get them, start with soft foods and slowly introduce harder ones as you get used to biting and chewing. Chew gently and take smaller bites at first to avoid loosening them as you eat.
How long should I wear my dentures?
At first we may recommend you wear them while sleeping. That speeds up your mouth's adjustment and helps us find any uncomfortable spots quickly. Once your mouth has adjusted, they can be worn through the day and removed at night.
Will my dentures feel uncomfortable?
It takes time to get used to the feel of them. After a few months you should be comfortable eating and talking with them in, with little or no soreness. If you do have soreness, or if the fit is not right, tell us — that is a fixable problem, not something to put up with.
How do I clean my dentures?
Brush them to remove food particles before you take them out, then store them in warm water or a denture cleaning solution. Hot water will warp them permanently, so be careful with the tap.
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New patients are welcome. Call the office and a real person in South Lyon will pick up — or request your appointment online and we'll confirm it with you.
(248) 216-1000