Complete Dentures

Full dentures replace all the teeth in your upper arch, lower arch, or both. They consist of a gum-colored acrylic base that sits on your gums and holds a complete set of prosthetic teeth. The upper denture covers the roof of your mouth for suction and stability, while the lower denture has a horseshoe shape that leaves room for your tongue.

We take detailed impressions of your mouth to create dentures that fit your unique anatomy. Proper fit is crucial—dentures that move around cause sore spots, make eating difficult, and affect your confidence. During multiple fittings, we adjust the shape, bite, and appearance until everything feels right.

Partial Dentures

Partials fill in gaps when you still have some healthy, natural teeth remaining. A metal or acrylic framework holds the replacement teeth and attaches to your existing teeth with clasps. The framework distributes chewing forces evenly and prevents the partial from shifting during use.

Partials do more than just fill spaces. They prevent your remaining teeth from drifting out of position, which happens naturally when gaps exist. This drifting can throw off your bite, create jaw pain, and make teeth harder to clean effectively.

Immediate Dentures

Sometimes we extract teeth and place dentures during the same appointment. Immediate dentures let you leave the office with teeth rather than going weeks or months with gaps while your gums heal. We fabricate these dentures before your extractions based on impressions taken while your natural teeth are still present.

Your gums and bone change shape significantly during the first few months after extractions. Immediate dentures require relining or replacement once healing is complete to maintain proper fit. Despite needing adjustments, many people prefer this option because it avoids the social and functional challenges of being without teeth during the healing period.

The Fitting Process for Dentures and Partials in Clearlake

Creating dentures takes several appointments spread over a few weeks. First, we take preliminary impressions and measurements of your mouth. These help us create custom trays for taking final impressions that capture every detail of your gum tissue and surrounding structures.

Next, we establish your bite relationship—how your upper and lower jaws come together. We also select the size, shape, and color of your teeth. You’ll see a wax try-in that shows exactly how your dentures will look, giving you a chance to request changes before the final version is made.

Our doctors check the finished dentures carefully during your delivery appointment, making any needed adjustments for comfort and function. Small modifications often make a big difference in how dentures feel and perform.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Wearing dentures feels strange at first. Your mouth needs time to adapt to having something foreign resting on your gums. Eating and speaking may feel awkward initially, but most people adjust within a few weeks with practice.

Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth evenly to keep your dentures stable. As you gain confidence, gradually reintroduce more challenging foods. Some particularly hard or sticky items may always require caution, but you’ll be able to enjoy a normal diet.

Speaking clearly with dentures takes practice, too. Reading aloud helps you relearn how to position your tongue and lips for proper pronunciation. The awkwardness fades quickly as your muscles adapt to the new situation.

Caring for Your Dentures

Remove and rinse your dentures after eating to clear away food particles. Clean them daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner—regular toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch the acrylic, creating places for bacteria to hide. Handle them carefully over a folded towel or sink filled with water because dropping them on a hard surface can cause cracks or breaks.

Take your dentures out at night to give your gum tissue a chance to rest and recover from the pressure of wearing them all day. Soak them in water or denture solution to keep them from drying out and warping.

Even without natural teeth, you still need regular dental visits. We check the condition of your gums, screen for oral cancer, and assess whether your dentures still fit properly. Gums and bone continue changing over time, so dentures that fit well initially may need relining or replacement after several years.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Traditional dentures rely on suction and the natural contours of your mouth for retention. Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants placed in your jawbone, providing much greater stability. The dentures snap onto the implants, preventing the slipping and movement that some people experience with conventional dentures.

This option costs more than traditional dentures but offers significant advantages. You can eat more confidently, speak without worrying about your dentures shifting, and the implants help preserve your jawbone by providing the stimulation that normally comes from tooth roots.

When to Get Adjustments

New dentures often need minor adjustments during the first few weeks as you identify sore spots or areas that feel uncomfortable. Don’t try to adjust them yourself—home repairs usually make problems worse. We can easily modify the fit and relieve pressure points.

Contact us if your dentures crack, break, or develop rough spots. Continuing to wear damaged dentures can irritate your gums and cause infections. Most repairs can be completed quickly, and we may have loaner dentures available while yours are being fixed.

Missing teeth don’t have to limit your life. Contact Clearlake Dental to explore dentures and partials in Clearlake, CA. We’ll evaluate your situation, discuss which type of restoration suits your needs, and create a comfortable, functional solution. Call today to schedule your consultation and start the process of reclaiming your smile.