Thanks to advances in dental materials, technology, and methods of care, it’s easier than ever before to replace missing teeth with the most natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing treatment outcomes. While dental implants and fixed bridgework provide effective and satisfying solutions for missing teeth, removable dentures remain a tried and true method for reestablishing a complete smile.
At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we fabricate dentures from the highest grade of dental materials for a precise and comfortable fit. Our dentures are meticulously designed to rebuild beautiful smiles and support natural facial contours while enabling patients to speak, smile, and chew with renewed confidence and ease.
We’re dedicated to helping patients to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile and take pride in offering personalized solutions to address their dental needs, lifestyle, and budget.
According to recent statistics, it’s estimated that across the country, over 175 million adults have lost at least one tooth, and close to 40 million are missing all of their teeth. In most of these cases, tooth loss is the end result of extensive dental decay, advanced gum disease, a traumatic injury, a congenital anomaly, or associated with a medical condition.
In addition to the psychological and social consequences having embarrassing gaps in your smile often produce, missing teeth can affect your ability to speak clearly and eat a satisfying and nutritious diet. Left unaddressed, missing teeth can also cause gradual changes to your appearance and the alignment of your remaining teeth. These changes not only affect your bite, but they have the potential to create more unsightly and unhealthy gaps in your smile. Furthermore, without the support of a complete set of teeth, facial contours may also begin to look more sagged and haggard over time.
While it’s never too late to rebuild a complete and beautiful smile, it’s always best to replace missing teeth sooner than later. Both partial and full dentures from the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC offer an effective and satisfying solution for reestablishing a complete smile.
Dentures are removable appliances that are designed to precisely and comfortably rest on top of the gums that cover the jawbones. They consist of natural-looking artificial teeth set in a supportive base. In addition to offering a cost-effective solution for the replacement of missing teeth, dentures are quite versatile. They can be used to replace either a few teeth that have been lost or all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaws.
While conventional bridgework and dental implants offer fixed solutions for rebuilding complete smiles, partial and full dentures are removable oral appliances. This statement means it’s possible to take dentures out of the mouth to clean and maintain the health of the underlying tissues and any remaining teeth, as well as clean the dentures themselves, or remove them while sleeping.
You can rest assured that rebuilding your smile is in the best of hands at the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC. As skilled and experienced providers of care, we’ll carefully evaluate all aspects of your smile, the health and integrity of any remaining teeth, along with the surrounding tissues and the supporting bone to develop a treatment plan that satisfies the functional and aesthetic requirements of your case.
The two main types of removable dentures are full dentures and partial dentures. Which of these types offers the best solution for your smile depends on how many natural teeth are still present in your mouth and the health of these remaining teeth. While a partial denture can offer an effective solution in cases where some sturdy natural teeth remain, you may be a candidate for a complete denture when all the upper or lower teeth are missing or require extraction.
Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, can effectively replace all the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both the upper and lower teeth. As with other types of dental solutions, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for every case. The ultimate design, fabrication, and insertion of a full denture can vary based upon a patient’s specific needs.
This type of denture is fabricated and placed after all of the remaining teeth are removed, and the surrounding tissues have adequately healed. Fabricating a full denture when healing is complete supports a precise and comfortable fit.
Immediate Denture
With an immediate denture, a patient does not have to go without teeth while waiting for complete healing of the extraction sites. Although an immediate denture offers the advantage of not having to go without teeth for any length of time, it can require a reline and adjustments as the tissues remodel and heal. In some cases, for optimal comfort and fit, a conventional denture may eventually be required.
Overdenture
An overdenture is a type of complete denture that receives added stability and support from special attachments that are secured to the remaining underlying teeth or specialized dental implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
As the name implies, this type of denture attaches to a select number of strategically placed implants in the upper or lower jaw. These small surgical posts provide precise points of attachment for the overlying denture and add a significant measure of stability and retention.
In situations where some sturdy teeth remain, partial dentures can offer an effective solution for the replacement of missing teeth. Partial dentures typically achieve adequate retention and stability with clasps or precision attachments on the teeth adjacent to the edentulous areas (the spaces formerly occupied by the missing teeth).
Removable partial dentures can fill the void left by individual missing teeth and multiple ones to restore the look and function of a complete smile. At the same time a partial denture fills the gaps left by missing teeth; it also stabilizes the dentition and bite and prevents unwanted drifting of the remaining natural teeth.
As with full dentures, partial denture design and fabrication varies based on a patient’s specific needs. With advances in dental materials and technology, partial denture wearers have more options than ever before. Today, a partial denture’s supportive framework can be fabricated from various materials, including cast metal, flexible resins, and hybrid materials.
At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we’re dedicated to building healthy and beautiful smiles. As your trusted partner in care, you can depend on our office to design and fabricate a denture that will look good, fit comfortably, and serve you well for years to come.
Fabricating an attractive, well-fitting, and long-lasting denture requires a comprehensive understanding of oral function, facial aesthetics, dental materials, and appliance design. At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we maintain a position at the forefront of advances in care and successfully combine the art and science of dentistry to provide patients with outstanding treatment outcomes.
Once we’ve had an opportunity to review your medical and dental history, assess all aspects of your smile, and discuss your expectation of care, we’ll discuss the best options for restoring and rebuilding your smile.
Based upon a comprehensive analysis of your case, including advanced diagnostic imaging, we’ll advise you if any dental work, additional procedures, or extractions are required prior to the fabrication of a partial or complete denture. It’s essential that any remaining teeth are healthy and have sufficient bone support. Sometimes, a pre-prosthetic procedure to improve the tissue anatomy and ensure a denture’s optimal fit is recommended.
Having a denture or set of dentures made is a sophisticated process involving dental impressions, framework try-ins, selecting the right shade, shape, and size of the artificial teeth, and making sure that the bite and all aspects of oral function are comfortable and healthy. Whether it takes a single visit or a few visits to fabricate a partial or complete denture, a satisfying and healthy outcome relies on the careful execution of every step in care.
At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, our patients' care and comfort are our top priorities. Our goal is to help patients enjoy optimal oral health and to keep them well informed every step of the way.
Adjusting to wearing a new denture
Getting used to wearing a new denture, especially a full denture, can take a little time. It’s not unusual to need some minor adjustments as you begin to speak, chew, and function with your new teeth. It can take a few adjustments to fit completely and feel comfortable. If you have a sore spot, try to wear the denture at least the day before your adjustment visit. In this way, we can see exactly where we need to relieve the area causing your irritation.
More saliva than usual
One of the natural responses to a new denture is for your mouth to produce more saliva. Not to worry, this is only a temporary reaction. The flow of saliva gradually decreases back to a normal level.
Speaking with ease
While it may seem challenging to speak clearly at first with a new denture, that feeling will pass within a few days. It’s important to keep talking, as usual, to allow yourself to adapt to your new set of teeth. You can help things along by reading some passages from printed materials or a computer out loud.
Getting used to eating with a denture
If this is your first denture, it can also take some time to adapt to eating with your new prosthesis. Getting used to eating with a full denture is typically more challenging than doing so with a partial denture. It’s best to start with soft foods and to avoid chewing on just one side. Your tongue, lips, cheeks, and soft tissues will soon adapt to chewing with your new denture, and from then on, you’ll be able to eat with ease.
Taking care of your dentures
It’s essential to keep your denture clean! Rinse your dentures after eating and brush them daily. In this way, you can prevent stains and bacteria from accumulating on your new set of teeth. It helps to use a brush designed for dentures. Also, remember to soak your dentures in water when you’re not wearing them and at least once a week in the recommended denture cleaner.
Brush any remaining teeth as well as your gums to keep them clean and the tissues healthy and firm. If you wear an upper denture, rinse and gently clean the roof of your mouth as well.
Take your dentures out at bedtime. This practice gives the gums and the jawbone a chance to rest, helping to prevent irritation and infection as well as bone resorption (shrinkage).
Added stability
Due to the status of the underlying tissues and other factors, there are some cases where full dentures benefit from additional means of retention. While denture adhesive is often sufficient, full dentures that are implant-supported or clip onto special attachments offer added stability and retention.
Follow-up care
Maintaining oral health and overall well-being involves routine checkups and care. At these visits, we not only check the fit and condition of your dentures but we also perform a comprehensive exam to check the status of any remaining teeth as well as assess the health of all of the soft and hard tissues in and around the oral cavity.
Relines
Over time, the tissues supporting the denture can change. As the shape and contours of these tissues shrink or remodel, your denture may not fit as comfortably or feel as stable as it once did. A separate procedure, which is known as a reline, may be recommended.
At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. If you have any additional questions or concerns about your new dentures, feel free to contact our office.
Today, it’s easier than ever to replace missing teeth and achieve natural-looking, durable, and long-lasting results! Depending on a patient’s dental needs, lifestyle, expectations of care, and budget, choices can include conventional fixed bridgework, dental implants, or removable partial and complete dentures. At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we’ll discuss all your options in care and answer all your questions as you choose the solution that’s right for you.
With advances in dental materials and technology, today’s dentures are more comfortable and realistic-looking than ever before.
Whether you wear partial or complete dentures, it’s essential to see the dentist for routine care. Besides checking the fit and condition of your dentures and making any necessary adjustments, you’ll also receive a comprehensive exam to check on the health of any remaining teeth as well as the soft and hard tissues in and around the oral cavity.
A same-day denture offers an accelerated design and fabrication process that allows a patient to go from impression taking to denture insertion in a single day.
For patients who don’t want to wait after having teeth extracted, an immediate denture can be inserted the same day your teeth are removed. Sometime later you may need the denture relined to address any changes in its fit once the extraction sites have completely healed.
While no one wants to drop or break a partial or complete denture, accidents do happen. The good news is that in some cases, your partial or complete denture is reparable. It all depends on the extent of the damage. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you’ve broken or damaged your denture. We’re happy to help.
The simple act of taking your partial denture in and out can cause certain types of metal clasps to loosen over time. When you come in for your checkup visit or contact our office for an adjustment, we’ll assess the fit of your partial and tighten the clasps for improved stability and comfort.
While rebuilding a complete smile is a worthwhile investment, our office is sensitive to the costs involved in dental care. We customize care and will discuss which treatment options address your needs, lifestyle, and budget. How much a new denture will cost depends on the type of the prosthesis, its design, and the materials used to fabricate the supportive base, teeth, and clasps or precision attachments. Dentures that include the placement of dental implants for added retention and stability typically involve additional costs.
If you have dental insurance, your coverage may include a new or replacement set of dentures. Our staff is happy to review your coverage with you to ensure you are maximizing your insurance benefits while minimizing any out of pocket expenses.
At the office of Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC, we provide an extensive range of dental services, including the latest and most effective methods to help patients with missing teeth rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. As skilled and experienced professionals, we recognize that every patient is different, and every smile is unique. We’re passionate about what we do and take great pride in providing personalized treatment plans while treating our patients as valued partners in care.
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore function and appearance. They are custom fabricated to fit the contours of your mouth and rely on suction, tissue support, or attachments for stability. Properly fitted dentures help with chewing, speaking, and maintaining facial volume where natural teeth are absent.
The prosthesis can mimic the look of natural teeth and gums, and modern materials provide a lifelike appearance. Success depends on accurate impressions, careful adjustment, and regular follow-up care. With appropriate maintenance, dentures can significantly improve daily comfort and oral health.
There are several common types of dentures, each suited to different clinical situations and patient needs. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, while partial dentures fill spaces left by a few missing teeth and are anchored to remaining teeth. Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants for increased retention and stability, offering improved chewing efficiency compared with traditional removable prosthetics.
Within these categories, materials and design options vary to balance comfort, durability, and aesthetics. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate type based on oral anatomy, bone support, and functional goals. Choosing the right option helps ensure long-term comfort and predictable results.
Candidacy for dentures is determined by a comprehensive dental evaluation that considers oral health, bone structure, and personal preferences. Patients with extensive tooth loss, advanced periodontal disease, or nonrestorable teeth often benefit from dentures as a restorative option. A thorough exam, including radiographs and impressions, helps the dentist develop a predictable treatment plan.
Health factors such as healing capacity, chronic medical conditions, and oral hygiene habits are also reviewed to ensure safe and successful treatment. The dental team will discuss alternative solutions, such as implant-supported prostheses, when appropriate to meet functional and aesthetic goals. Shared decision-making helps match the selected denture option to the patient's lifestyle and expectations.
The denture process typically begins with a consultation and comprehensive oral exam to evaluate your needs and review treatment options. Impressions, bite records, and shade selection are taken to create custom models, and try-in appointments may be scheduled to refine fit and appearance before final fabrication. The practice emphasizes patient education and comfort throughout every step to ensure predictable outcomes.
Once the final dentures are delivered, the team provides detailed instructions for insertion, removal, and adaptation. Follow-up visits are scheduled to adjust pressure points and optimize fit as tissues adapt. Ongoing maintenance visits allow the practice to monitor oral health and make necessary refinements over time.
Daily cleaning is essential to preserve the appearance and function of dentures and to protect oral tissues. Remove and rinse dentures after eating, brush them gently with a denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush using a nonabrasive cleaner, and soak them overnight in a recommended denture solution to remove stubborn deposits. Avoid using regular toothpaste or harsh household cleaners that can scratch or damage denture surfaces.
Maintain good oral hygiene for any remaining natural teeth, gums, and tongue by brushing and flossing as instructed. Store dentures in water or soaking solution when not in use to prevent warping. Regular professional checkups allow your dentist to assess fit and perform deep cleaning or repairs as needed.
The lifespan of dentures varies with material, wear patterns, and how well they are cared for, but many prostheses remain functional for several years before requiring replacement. Over time, normal changes in the jawbone and soft tissues can affect fit, leading to looseness or sore spots that indicate the need for relining or replacement. Periodic maintenance such as relines, repairs, and professional cleanings helps extend the useful life of the appliance.
Proper daily care and protecting dentures from drops or extreme temperatures reduce the risk of premature damage. Routine dental visits allow early detection of fit issues and timely intervention to restore comfort and function. Proactive maintenance helps you avoid more extensive adjustments later and preserves oral health.
Adjusting to dentures may temporarily affect speech and chewing as your mouth adapts to the new appliance. Common early challenges include slight changes in pronunciation, increased saliva flow, and a learning curve for chewing efficiently. Practicing reading aloud, speaking slowly, and starting with soft, small bites can help accelerate the adaptation process.
Eating habits should be modified initially by cutting food into manageable pieces and chewing on both sides to distribute pressure evenly. As you become accustomed to the denture, gradually reintroduce firmer foods while monitoring comfort. If persistent speech or chewing problems occur, follow-up visits enable adjustments to improve function and ease adaptation.
During the first weeks after receiving dentures, it is normal to experience mild soreness, increased saliva, and the need for several adjustments to achieve an optimal fit. The oral tissues must adapt to the new contours, and initial appointments are common to relieve pressure points and refine occlusion. Your dental team will provide guidance on managing discomfort and safe practices for insertion and removal.
If specific areas remain painful or if the denture feels unstable, contact the office promptly for an evaluation rather than attempting at-home modifications. Timely professional adjustments reduce the risk of tissue irritation and ensure the prosthesis functions as intended. With proper follow-up care, most patients find comfort and improved oral function within a few weeks.
Yes, dentures can be combined with dental implants to create implant-retained or implant-supported prostheses that offer enhanced stability and retention. Implants act as secure anchors, reducing movement and improving chewing efficiency compared with conventional removable dentures. This hybrid approach is particularly beneficial for lower-arch prostheses, which can be less stable using tissue support alone.
Not every patient is a candidate for implant-retained dentures, and candidacy depends on factors such as bone volume, general health, and oral anatomy. Your dentist can evaluate whether implant options are suitable and explain the surgical and prosthetic phases involved. Implant-supported solutions can provide a significant improvement in comfort and confidence for many patients.
Regular dental checkups are important after receiving dentures to monitor fit, oral tissues, and overall oral health. Typically, an initial series of follow-ups occurs in the weeks after delivery, then routine visits every six to twelve months are recommended to assess function and make adjustments as needed. These appointments also allow for screening of oral tissues and early detection of changes that may affect denture performance.
Prompt evaluation is advised if you notice persistent sore spots, cracking, or decreased stability between scheduled visits. The team at Christopher R. Szydelko, DDS PC can provide routine maintenance, relines, and repairs to keep your dentures comfortable and functional. Proactive care helps maintain oral health and prolong the useful life of your prosthesis.
