Full and Partial Dentures

At Barfield Dental, we offer both partial and full dentures. Our patients with missing teeth can benefit from the use of dentures, making it easier to perform necessary functions like eating and speaking. Dentures allow our patients to live their lives to the fullest.

Types of Dentures

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures may take some getting used to and may never feel exactly the same as your own natural teeth, today’s dentures are more natural looking and comfortable than ever. Modern dentures look and feel so natural that no one will suspect that you’re wearing them.

Full dentures and partial dentures are the two main types of dentures. During your exam, Dr. Lee will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for you. Whichever type you choose, our dentures will restore the natural beauty of your smile.

How Do Dentures Work?

Your new dentures will be custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. Our staff will determine the type of dentures that are best for you:

• Regular Denture: If all the teeth in the upper jaw or lower jaw are missing, a regular denture may be used to replace the missing teeth. This set of false teeth is supported only by the soft tissues in the mouth and is removable for easy cleaning. Upon completion of the denture, Dr. Lee and his associates will check the new prosthetic for proper fit and bite and make any necessary adjustments. When you first begin wearing the new denture, you may notice some discomfort and/or the development of sore spots in your mouth. This is normal. However, your denture can be trimmed to prevent further irritation of the soft tissues.
• Immediate/Temporary Full Denture: A temporary full denture is inserted immediately after your remaining teeth are removed. While immediate dentures provide you with the benefit of never having to be without your teeth, they are temporary and must be relined within 2 months after being inserted. This is because the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, causing your denture to become loose.
• Partial Denture: Partial dentures rest on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. In some cases, dental crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors for your denture. Partial dentures also serve as a removable alternative to dental bridges.

Your new dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even months after you begin wearing them. Eating and speaking with dentures may take a little practice. A bulky or loose feeling is not uncommon while the muscles in your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Excessive saliva flow, a feeling that the tongue does not have enough room, and minor irritation or soreness are also not unusual symptoms for people to experience when wearing new dentures.