Losing several or all teeth can affect eating and speaking and may change the appearance of the smile. At Advanced Dental Concepts, we provide dentures in Laguna Beach for patients who need to replace multiple missing teeth. Treatment is planned according to the number of teeth missing, the condition of any remaining teeth, the supporting oral tissues, and individual needs.
When May Dentures Be Considered?
Dentures may be considered when several teeth are missing or when all teeth in an upper or lower arch need replacement. Missing teeth can sometimes make biting and chewing more difficult and may also affect speech, depending on which teeth are missing. However, changes in speech can have other causes.
Dentures may also need to be evaluated when they become loose, uncomfortable, or unstable during eating. After tooth loss, the gums and supporting bone can gradually change shape, which may affect how a denture fits over time.
Before recommending treatment, we examine the gums, remaining teeth, bite, and other relevant structures.
Full and Partial Dentures
The type of denture suggested primarily depends on how many teeth are missing and the condition of any remaining natural teeth.
Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while working around the natural teeth that are still present. Full dentures are designed to take the place of all the teeth in an upper or lower arch and are supported by the underlying oral tissues.
Planning and Adjusting to Dentures
Denture treatment starts with a thorough examination of the mouth and any remaining teeth. We closely evaluate factors such as gum health, bite alignment, areas without teeth, and available support structures. Then, we take the necessary measurements and records to ensure the denture fits well and matches the bite properly.
Once the denture is ready, we evaluate how it fits and functions in the mouth. Adjustments may be needed if certain areas cause discomfort or interfere with the bite. Adapting to new dentures can also take time. Eating and speaking may initially feel different while the mouth becomes accustomed to them.
Traditional full and partial dentures are removable dentures, which means they can be taken out for cleaning and as otherwise instructed.
Caring for Dentures
Dentures should be cleaned every single day to remove food debris, plaque, and other deposits. Any remaining natural teeth, along with the gums and tongue, should also be kept clean.
Follow the dental team’s instructions for cleaning, removing, and storing your dentures. Avoid using hot or boiling water, as heat can distort some denture materials.
Regular dental visits remain important even if no natural teeth are present. These visits allow the dentist to check the condition and fit of the denture as well as the health of the oral tissues. A denture that becomes loose, damaged, uncomfortable, or difficult to use should be evaluated.
Denture Care in Laguna Beach
Having comprehensive dental services in one place ensures that the health of remaining teeth and other oral needs are addressed alongside any tooth replacement options. When necessary, digital X-rays and 3-D imaging are available to facilitate thorough assessments and effective treatment planning.
For patient comfort, the practice offers amenities such as massage dental chairs, noise-canceling headphones, and individual tablets, providing additional relaxation or distraction during appointments.
Our Laguna Beach office welcomes patients from Laguna Village, Woods Cove, North Laguna, and Arch Beach Heights.
Discuss Your Tooth Replacement Options
If you are missing several or all of your teeth, or an existing denture no longer fits comfortably, schedule an evaluation at our Laguna Beach office. We can assess your oral health, discuss available tooth-replacement options, and determine whether dentures may be appropriate for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Partial dentures fill gaps when some natural teeth are still present, while full dentures are used when an entire upper or lower arch has no remaining teeth.
Yes. Changes in fit can occur over time. An evaluation can help identify the reason for looseness or discomfort and determine the appropriate next step.
Yes. Eating and speaking may initially feel different while you become accustomed to wearing and using the new denture.
Yes. Dental visits allow the gums, other oral tissues, denture fit, and overall oral health to be evaluated.
