Dentures are custom-made dental appliances designed to replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch of teeth. Depending on your needs, they may replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower arch or fill specific spaces while preserving your remaining natural teeth.
Modern dentures are carefully designed around your mouth, bite, and facial features to provide a comfortable fit and natural appearance. At Kotch Dental, we evaluate your oral health, remaining teeth, and individual goals to determine the tooth-replacement solution that best fits your needs.
Dentures or another removable appliance may be an option if you are missing several teeth, have experienced extensive tooth loss, or need to replace teeth that can no longer be predictably restored.
You may be a candidate for dentures or a removable appliance if you:
Our doctors will carefully evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and supporting bone before discussing the options best suited to your needs.
The right appliance depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your remaining teeth, and your individual goals. We’ll help you understand the advantages and considerations of each option.
Proper daily care helps keep your appliance comfortable, clean, and functioning well. Removable dentures should be cleaned according to your dental team’s instructions, and your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth should continue to receive careful daily attention.
Regular dental visits remain important even if you no longer have natural teeth. Your mouth and jaw can change over time, affecting the fit of your denture. Routine examinations allow us to evaluate your oral tissues, monitor fit, and recommend adjustments, relining, or replacement when appropriate.
It is normal for new dentures to feel different at first. Speaking and eating may require a short adjustment period while the muscles of your mouth become accustomed to the appliance. Follow-up adjustments can help address areas of discomfort as you adapt.
Dentures are durable, but they are not designed to last forever. Your gums and jaw naturally change over time, which can alter the fit of your appliance. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor these changes and determine when an adjustment, reline, repair, or replacement may be appropriate.
Most patients are able to enjoy a varied diet with properly fitting dentures, although adjusting to eating with a new appliance can take some practice. Starting with softer foods and smaller bites can make the transition easier before gradually returning to a broader range of foods.
Implant-retained dentures can provide additional stability and support for certain patients, but they are not necessary or appropriate in every case. The best option depends on factors such as your oral health, available bone, anatomy, treatment goals, and preferences. We’ll help you compare your options before deciding on treatment.
