Dentures & Partial Dentures

Living with missing teeth can affect your ability to speak, eat comfortably, and smile with confidence. At Northwest Dentistry, we offer high-quality complete and partial dentures designed to restore function, improve appearance, and support your overall oral health.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are crafted to closely resemble your natural teeth and can even enhance the appearance of your smile and facial structure.

Types of Dentures

There are two main types of dentures depending on your needs:

Complete Dentures

Used when all teeth in an arch (upper or lower) are missing. These can be:

  • Conventional Dentures – Made after the gums have healed following tooth extraction, usually within 4–6 weeks.
  • Immediate Dentures – Prepared in advance and placed immediately after tooth removal so you never have to go without teeth during the healing phase. Adjustments are later made for a perfect fit.

Partial Dentures

Ideal when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture fills the gaps left by missing teeth and helps prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place, preserving your bite and alignment.

Why Choose Dentures?

Dentures offer several functional and aesthetic benefits, including:

  • Restoring a complete smile after multiple tooth loss
  • Supporting facial muscles to prevent a sunken or aged appearance
  • Improving chewing ability and digestion
  • Helping with speech clarity
  • Preventing remaining teeth from shifting (with partial dentures)

With proper care, dentures are durable and long-lasting, though adjustments or repairs may be needed over time due to natural changes in the mouth.

The Denture Process — What to Expect

Getting dentures usually involves a series of appointments over a few weeks to ensure the best fit and comfort.

  1. Impressions & Measurements – Detailed molds and bite records are taken to design your custom denture.
  2. Try-In Sessions – Wax models are tested to check the look, shape, and bite alignment before final fabrication.
  3. Final Placement – The finished denture is adjusted and fitted for comfort, stability, and a natural appearance.
  4. Follow-Up Adjustments – Minor refinements may be made as your mouth adjusts to your new denture.

It’s normal to experience temporary soreness, increased saliva, or slight difficulty speaking or chewing at first. With time and practice, dentures become comfortable and feel more natural.

Caring for Your Dentures

To keep your dentures in great condition:

  • Clean them daily to remove plaque and food particles
  • Maintain good gum and oral hygiene
  • Store dentures properly when not in use
  • Schedule regular dental visits for adjustments and checkups

At Northwest Dentistry, our goal is to provide you with dentures that look natural, feel comfortable, and restore your confidence.