Understanding Your Denture Options

Modern dentures have come a long way from the artificial-looking prosthetics of the past. Today’s dentures are crafted with advanced materials and techniques that create natural results. The teeth are carefully selected to complement your facial features, and the gum-colored base is designed to blend seamlessly with your natural tissues.

Full Dentures

Full dentures replace all the teeth in your upper or lower arch, or both. They rest directly on your gum tissue and stay in place through suction, natural oral forces, and sometimes denture adhesive. Dr. Fernandez creates full dentures when you’ve lost all your teeth in one or both arches due to decay, gum disease, injury, or other reasons.

The upper denture typically provides better stability because it covers the roof of your mouth, creating a strong suction seal. Lower dentures can be trickier to stabilize since they rest on a smaller ridge, and your tongue movement can affect them. Dr. Manzanares takes precise impressions and measurements to maximize the fit and retention of your dentures.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures fill in the gaps when you’re missing some teeth but still have healthy, natural teeth remaining. These removable appliances have replacement teeth attached to a base that matches your gum color. The partial connects to your natural teeth using clasps or precision attachments that hold everything securely in place.

Removable full and partial dentures are offered in metal and acrylic. Metal framework partials are thinner, stronger, and more durable than all-acrylic versions. The metal sits comfortably against your palate or under your tongue without the bulk that acrylic sometimes requires. Acrylic partials work well as temporary solutions or when budget is a primary concern.

Partial dentures prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position, restore your ability to chew effectively, and complete your smile. They’re removable, which makes cleaning easy and allows you to maintain excellent oral hygiene around your natural teeth.

Implant-Supported Dentures

If you are looking for a more permanent solution, Dr. Gilbert Fernandez can also discuss our implant-supported denture options with you. These advanced dentures attach to dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone, providing stability and function that traditional dentures can’t match.

Implant-supported dentures don’t slip or move when you eat or speak. You can bite into foods confidently and enjoy a more varied diet without worrying about your dentures shifting. The implants also stimulate your jawbone, preventing the bone loss that typically occurs with traditional dentures.

Several implants—usually four to six per arch—are strategically placed to support your denture. The denture may snap onto the implants with special attachments or permanently fixed in place and only removable by your dentist. Both options provide excellent stability far beyond what conventional dentures offer.

While implant-supported dentures require a larger initial investment and involve surgical procedures, many patients find the improved comfort, function, and confidence well worth it. Dr. Manzanares evaluates your bone density, overall health, and personal preferences to determine if this option suits your needs.

The Denture Process

Creating dentures involves multiple appointments to ensure proper fit, function, and aesthetics. Dr. Fernandez starts by taking detailed impressions of your mouth. These impressions capture the exact contours of your gums and any remaining teeth, providing the foundation for comfortable dentures.

At subsequent appointments, Dr. Manzanares determines your bite relationship, selects the size and shade of your teeth, and has you try on a wax version of your denture. This try-in stage is crucial—you’ll see how the denture looks, and Dr. Fernandez can make adjustments before the final denture is processed.

Once you approve the appearance, the denture goes to the lab for final processing. When it’s ready, Dr. Manzanares carefully places it, checks the fit and bite, and makes any necessary adjustments. He’ll also teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your new denture.

Adjusting to New Dentures

Getting used to dentures takes time and patience. They’ll initially feel strange because your mouth isn’t accustomed to having something removable. Speaking might feel awkward for the first few days, and you’ll produce more saliva than usual as your mouth reacts to the new appliance.

Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, and gradually work back to your normal diet as you gain confidence. Practice reading aloud to help your mouth adapt to forming sounds with the denture in place. Most people adjust within a few weeks and wonder why they waited so long to replace their missing teeth.

Dr. Fernandez expects you’ll need some adjustments during the first few weeks. Sore spots can develop as your denture settles and your gums adapt. Don’t try to adjust the denture yourself—contact our office and we’ll make the necessary modifications to eliminate discomfort.

Caring for Your Dentures

Proper care extends the life of your dentures and keeps your mouth healthy. Remove and rinse your denture after eating to wash away food particles. Brush it daily with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner—regular toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch the surface.

Soak your denture overnight in a denture-cleaning solution to remove bacteria and keep it moist. Dentures need to stay hydrated to maintain their shape. Handle them carefully over a folded towel or sink full of water to prevent breakage if you drop them.

Even without natural teeth, you still need regular dental visits. Dr. Manzanares examines your mouth, checks your denture’s fit, and monitors for oral health issues. Your gums, tongue, and jaw ridge need attention to stay healthy.

Denture Longevity

Dentures typically last five to seven years before needing replacement. Your mouth changes over time as your gum tissue and bone naturally resorb, which affects how your denture fits. Relining the denture periodically can extend its useful life by accommodating these changes.

Dentures in Albuquerque

Call 505-898-8063 to schedule a consultation with our dentist and team today. Dr. Gilbert Fernandez and Dr. Michael Manzanares provide dentures in Albuquerque that restore your confidence and ability to enjoy life fully. Whether you need full dentures, partial dentures, or implant-supported options, you’ll receive personalized care and beautiful results that make a real difference in your daily life.