Full & Partial Dentures in San Antonio, TX

The Deal with Dentures

When you think of dentures, you may picture older people in movies with false teeth that keep hilariously falling out of their mouths. Hollywood’s portrayal of dentures definitely doesn’t do them justice as they are actually a wonderful way to restore your smile without all the hijinks that you see on the big screen. Dentures are oral prostheses that consist of a gum-colored acrylic base with false (but natural-looking) teeth attached. Dentures come in both full and partial models and are fully customized to your smile. This means that whether you’re missing several teeth or entire arches, dentures can get your smile where it needs to go.

Denture FAQs

What’s the difference between full and partial dentures?

Full dentures are used to replace full rows of missing teeth with your comfort and functionality in mind. Dentures replacing your top arch can be held in place with the use of a denture adhesive such as Poligrip® or Fixodent^®, and dentures replacing your bottom arch fit comfortably on the gums, usually without the aid of adhesives. How partial dentures fit in with your smile vary depending on your unique situation. They often rely on your remaining natural teeth for support. At your consultation, we’ll decide together which denture option is right for you. We work with leading-edge dental labs that specialize in creating advanced dentures that fit seamlessly into your smile without looking fake or obstructing your speech patterns, so you can rest assured that no matter what option we decide on, your new teeth are in great hands!

How do I care for my dentures?

We’ll be sure to go over all denture-care instructions when you come in for your initial consultation and when you leave our office with your fully restored smile, but we’ll go over some of the basics here for your peace of mind. Dentures are specifically designed for your mouth, so avoid any hot liquids or other sources of excess heat to ensure that your dentures don’t distort. Another rule to live by is never to let your dentures dry out. When they’re not in your mouth, keep them moist in a special denture-soaking liquid, so they don’t lose their shape. If they’re allowed to dry out, the acrylic could shrink and lead to ill-fitting dentures. Brush your dentures twice a day for two minutes each time just like you would your natural teeth. However, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a denture-specific toothpaste as the products people with natural teeth use can sometimes be too abrasive for your prosthesis.

What are dental implant-stabilized dentures?

Dental implants consist of screw-like, titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone. These posts are biocompatible which means they fuse with the bone and help stimulate your jaw to prevent loss in bone density. Your dentures can snap onto these implants, allowing for an adhesive-free fit that allows for greater freedom to enjoy a smile that feels, looks, and performs just like your natural teeth. To learn more about dental implants, visit our implants page. Be sure to ask us at your consultation about how dental implants can help stabilize your dentures for the many years to come.

How much do dentures cost?

It’s difficult to pin down the price of dentures, as each and every case is different. No matter what your mouth may call for, we provide a wide array of financial options to help you fit the care you deserve into your unique budget. Visit our financial page to discover how we can help you smile!