Full or Partial Dentures

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 Dodson Brothers Dentistry, 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 Dodson Brothers Dentistry, 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 prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. They consist of lifelike artificial teeth set into a base that matches the color and contour of the gums and is designed to sit comfortably over oral tissues. Modern dentures restore basic chewing function, support facial tissues, and improve the appearance of the smile when properly fitted.

Removable dentures allow the wearer to take the appliance out for daily cleaning and overnight rest, which can help maintain tissue health and hygiene. Designs vary depending on whether remaining teeth, roots, or implants will provide support, and each option affects stability and function. With careful planning and fit, dentures can help patients speak more clearly and eat a wider variety of foods than they could without replacement teeth.

Full, or complete, dentures replace all teeth in a single arch and are used when no natural teeth remain in that arch. Partial dentures fill one or more gaps when healthy natural teeth are still present and often use clasps or precision attachments to engage those teeth for support. The choice between full and partial depends on the number and condition of remaining teeth, the shape of the jawbone, and the patient’s functional and esthetic goals.

Partial dentures can help stabilize neighboring teeth and prevent unwanted drifting, while complete dentures are designed to restore an entire dental arch and facial support. Materials and framework options for partials range from flexible resins to metal-based designs combined with acrylic or composite teeth. A clinician will recommend the design that balances comfort, durability, and appearance for the individual patient.

Implant-supported dentures use dental implants as anchors to increase retention and stability of the prosthesis, reducing movement during speaking and chewing. Implants can support a full-arch denture with fixed or removable attachments, which often improves chewing efficiency and patient confidence compared with conventional removable dentures. This option is commonly recommended when a patient has adequate bone volume or can undergo bone grafting to support implants.

Not every patient is a candidate for implant-supported solutions; candidacy depends on overall health, jawbone condition, and treatment goals. When appropriate, implant attachments can be added later to an existing denture or included during initial planning to enhance long-term function. A careful clinical evaluation and imaging help determine whether implants are advisable and how many anchors will achieve the desired stability.

Immediate dentures are placed at the same appointment as tooth extraction so the patient does not go without teeth during the healing period, while conventional dentures are fabricated after tissues have healed and are shaped to the healed anatomy. Immediate dentures offer the advantage of continuous esthetics but commonly require adjustments, relines, or refinements as the gums and bone remodel following extractions. Conventional dentures generally provide a more precise long-term fit because they are made after healing is complete.

Choosing between immediate and conventional approaches involves weighing convenience against the potential need for follow-up care and adjustments. In some cases, an immediate denture is used as a transitional prosthesis and later replaced by a conventional denture for optimal long-term fit. Your clinician will discuss timing strategies that best match your clinical situation and personal preferences.

Successful dentures begin with a thorough clinical exam, diagnostic records, and, when needed, digital imaging to assess tissue contours, bite relationships, and remaining teeth. The process typically includes impressions, bite registrations, and try-in appointments so tooth position, occlusion, and esthetics can be refined before final processing. These steps allow the team to create a prosthesis that balances comfort, function, and appearance.

The office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry works closely with experienced dental technicians during fabrication to ensure consistent quality and attention to detail. Skilled lab work and careful clinical communication reduce the likelihood of excess movement and help the denture feel more natural in daily life. Planning also considers how the prosthesis will behave over time and whether future relines, repairs, or implant attachments might be needed.

Daily hygiene for dentures includes rinsing them after meals to remove loose debris and brushing the prosthesis with a soft brush and nonabrasive cleaner to prevent staining and plaque buildup. It is important to soak dentures overnight in water or a recommended denture cleaner to maintain moisture and cleanliness, and to avoid harsh household cleaners that can damage the material. Patients should also gently clean any remaining natural teeth, the gums, and oral tissues to reduce the risk of irritation or infection.

Proper handling reduces the chance of accidental damage, so hold dentures over a soft towel or a sink filled with water when cleaning. Regularly inspect the fitting surface and the teeth for wear, cracks, or rough spots and report concerns to your clinician promptly. Routine dental visits allow the team to monitor tissue health and perform professional maintenance such as adjustments, relines, or repairs as needed.

Adjusting to new dentures commonly involves a period of increased saliva production, minor changes in speech, and altered chewing mechanics as the mouth adapts to the appliance. Practicing speaking out loud and starting with softer foods helps the transition, and gradual progression to firmer textures improves function over time. Soreness or pressure points can occur but are usually relieved with brief adjustments by the dental team.

Follow-up appointments are an important part of the adjustment phase so fit can be evaluated and minor refinements made to eliminate sore spots and improve comfort. Over time, patients typically gain confidence in eating and speaking as the muscles of the mouth adapt to the new prosthesis. If persistent discomfort or instability occurs, your clinician can review alternative retention options such as relines or implant attachments.

The lifespan of a denture depends on factors such as material quality, daily care, changes in oral tissues, and the amount of wear the prosthesis experiences. Many dentures function well for several years, but normal wear, staining, and gradual changes in the jawbone and gums can reduce fit and efficiency over time. When the base no longer adapts closely to the tissues, a reline can restore intimate contact and improve stability.

In addition to relines, dentures may require repair or eventual replacement if teeth become worn, fractured, or if esthetics no longer meet the patient’s expectations. Regular checkups allow your clinician to monitor tissue changes and recommend relines, adjustments, or a remake before fit becomes a problem. Proactive maintenance helps extend the functional life of the prosthesis and supports ongoing oral health.

Candidates for dentures include people who have lost multiple teeth or who need full-arch replacement because remaining teeth are not restorable, and those who prefer a removable solution for oral rehabilitation. Preparatory steps often include comprehensive oral examinations, treatment of gum disease or decay, and extraction of nonrestorable teeth so the tissues are healthy before prosthetic work begins. When bone loss is significant, additional planning such as grafting or consideration of implant support may be discussed.

A candidacy evaluation also considers medical history, restorative goals, and daily function to determine the most appropriate denture design. Collaboration between the clinician and dental laboratory helps match the prosthesis to the patient’s anatomy and lifestyle. Clear communication about expectations and the anticipated timeline ensures a smoother treatment experience.

To explore denture options and determine which approach best meets your needs, request an examination with a qualified clinician who can provide a full oral evaluation and discuss appropriate solutions. During a consultation you will review clinical findings, available denture types, and the sequence of care so you understand what to expect from planning through follow-up. This visit is also an opportunity to ask questions about daily care, expected outcomes, and any concerns about function or appearance.

To schedule an appointment or speak with our team, contact Dodson Brothers Dentistry in Kihei and request a denture consultation so the clinicians can assess your situation and recommend personalized next steps. Our staff will explain the evaluation process and coordinate any diagnostic records needed to begin treatment planning. A careful, step-by-step approach helps ensure predictable results and long-term comfort with your new prosthesis.