Services
Dentures
Modern dentures are built through a custom, multi-step process aimed at a natural fit and appearance. The stereotype of a generic mold pulled off a shelf is a couple of generations out of date.
The three main types
- Full dentures replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth, resting on the gums.
- Partial dentures fill in gaps where some natural teeth remain, typically clipping onto those remaining teeth for stability.
- Implant-supported dentures are a full or partial denture anchored to a small number of dental implants, which significantly reduces shifting compared with a denture resting on the gum alone.
How a denture is made
The process starts with impressions and measurements of your bite, followed by a wax try-in appointment where you and Dr. Ali check fit, appearance, and bite alignment before anything is finalized. That try-in is the easiest point at which to make adjustments. The final denture is then processed and fitted, with follow-up visits to address any spots that need adjusting once you're using it day to day.
The adjustment period is normal, not a sign of a bad fit
Nearly everyone goes through a period of adaptation with a new denture: some change in speech, extra saliva at first, and a learning curve with eating that usually improves within a few weeks as the muscles of the cheeks and tongue learn to hold it in place. Sore spots in the first couple of weeks are common, and follow-up adjustment visits exist specifically for them. That's a normal part of the process, not something to just tolerate.
Keeping dentures in good shape
- Remove and rinse dentures after eating to clear away food particles.
- Brush them daily with a denture brush and a non-abrasive cleanser. Regular toothpaste is often too abrasive and can scratch the surface.
- Take them out at night and soak them in water or a denture-cleaning solution. Dentures can warp if they dry out, and gums generally benefit from the nightly break.
- Handle them over a folded towel or a full sink of water in case they're dropped.
When a reline or replacement makes sense
The bone and gums under a denture continue to change shape gradually over years, even after teeth are gone, so a denture that fit well initially can loosen over time. Most dentures need a reline (a refitting of the base) periodically and a full replacement roughly every five to ten years, though this varies by individual. Bring up a denture that's slipping, causing sore spots, or making chewing difficult instead of adapting around it.