Dentures In San Jose, CA: What Patients Should Know
My AZ Dental provides patient-focused information about dentures in San Jose, CA, so you can make informed choices about your oral health. For many adults, dentures restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. This guide covers how dentures work, types of dentures, benefits of dentures, the treatment timeline, and day-to-day care.
Dentures Explained
Patients often ask, What are dentures, and how do they work? Dentures are custom-made prosthetic teeth that replace several or all missing teeth. They rest on the gums or attach to dental implants to restore function and appearance. Types of dentures include complete dentures for full tooth loss, partial dentures when some natural teeth remain, immediate dentures placed right after extractions, and implant-supported dentures that lock onto dental implants for stability.
Complete dentures commonly use an acrylic base tinted to match gum color. Partial dentures may use a metal framework or flexible materials that clasp onto existing teeth. A proper fit relies on precise impressions, careful bite records, and a lab process that shapes the denture to your gums and bite. Over time, natural bone changes can alter the fit, which is why relines or adjustments are part of long-term denture maintenance.
How Dentures Can Help You
Replacing missing teeth can impact much more than appearance. Well-designed dentures can improve comfort, daily function, and oral health.
- Restore Chewing Power So You Can Enjoy A Wider Range Of Foods.
- Improve Speech Clarity By Supporting Lips, Cheeks, And Tongue Position.
- Support Facial Structure And Reduce A Sunken Appearance Around The Mouth.
- Protect Remaining Teeth By Distributing Bite Forces More Evenly.
- Offer Removable, Non-Surgical Options Or Added Stability With Implant-Supported Dentures.
If you are comparing partial dentures vs full dentures, consider how many teeth are missing, the health of remaining teeth, and long-term goals such as implant readiness.
The Denture Process
Your denture journey follows a series of careful steps designed for fit and comfort.
- Consultation And Evaluation: A comprehensive exam, X-rays or scans, and a discussion of goals and budget help choose between types of dentures.
- Impressions And Measurements: Detailed molds and bite records guide tooth shape, size, and alignment.
- Try-In Appointment: A wax mock-up lets you preview tooth position and bite before the final denture is made.
- Extractions If Needed: Immediate dentures can be placed the same day as extractions, with relines during healing.
- Delivery And Adjustments: The finished denture is fitted, pressure spots are corrected, and chewing tips are reviewed.
- Follow-Up And Relines: As gums heal and change, adjustments or relines improve comfort and stability.
Timelines vary. Some patients complete treatment in several weeks, while immediate dentures may need more follow-up visits as tissues heal and reshape.
What To Expect Day To Day
Adapting to new dentures takes practice. Mild soreness and extra saliva are common during the first days. Small bites and soft foods help while you learn how dentures work with your bite. Reading aloud can improve speech. Over-the-counter adhesives can add security, but adhesives should not compensate for a poor fit.
Daily cleaning prevents stains and odor. Rinse after meals, brush the denture gently with a non-abrasive cleanser, and clean your gums, tongue, and any natural teeth. Soak the denture overnight in a recommended solution, and avoid hot water that can warp the material. Most dentures last five to seven years, with periodic relines. Implant-supported dentures can slow bone changes and may offer greater stability for active lifestyles.