Restorative care

Full and partial dentures in Lehi

When several teeth are gone, a family dinner or a quick photo can feel like work. Dentures can restore your smile and put more foods back on your plate.

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What are dentures?

Dentures are teeth you can take out, set in a base tinted like gums. A full set replaces every tooth on the upper or lower jaw. A partial fills spaces between the natural teeth you have left. Every set is made for one mouth only.

Comes in full, partial and implant-held styles
Built from molds taken of your own mouth
Small fit tweaks over the years are normal

Who dentures can help

Here are some reasons people choose dentures:

Most or all of the upper or lower teeth are missing
A number of teeth are loose, broken or wearing out
Chewing is hard, or words do not come out clearly
Cheeks and lips look sunken without the support of teeth
You want an approach that is simpler than placing many implants

Your dentist starts by checking your gums, the teeth you still have and your jawbone. With a few strong teeth left, a partial or a bridge might be a smarter fit. If you are worried about a denture sliding around, implant-supported dentures can lock it down.

What to expect

Planning visit. After an exam and x-rays, you and your dentist pick the denture style that matches your needs.
Extractions, if any. Teeth that cannot be saved come out first. You will learn how long the gums need to heal.
Molds and bite. Impressions of your mouth and a record of how you bite go to a dental lab.
Try-in. You may test a wax model to see how the teeth look and fit before the final set is made.
Delivery and tune-ups. You get your denture, then come back for small fixes to ease any rubbing.

Types of dentures

Traditional full dentures are built after the gums have healed from extractions.
Immediate dentures are seated at the extraction visit, so you leave with teeth. As the gums shrink, they often need to be refit.
Partial dentures hook onto your natural teeth to close the gaps.
Premium dentures use finer teeth and base materials for a more lifelike look and a snugger fit.

Living with your dentures

Give yourself time to adjust. Begin with soft foods in small bites, and chew with both sides at the same time. Reading a book out loud is a good way to train your speech. At bedtime, take the denture out so your gums can rest, and keep it in water or a soak so it stays moist. Clean it daily with a soft brush and wash away any adhesive. Do not forget to brush your gums and tongue as well. Regular checkups let your dentist test the fit and screen for signs of oral cancer.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

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FAQ

Questions about dentures

How long until dentures feel normal?

For many people, a few weeks does it. Sore spots in the early days are common. Let us know so we can ease them instead of putting up with it.

Will dentures look natural?

The teeth are chosen in a size, shape and shade that flatter your face. You get to preview them at a try-in before they are final.

Do I need adhesive?

A snug denture may need little or no adhesive. Some people like a dab for peace of mind. Needing more each week is a sign the fit should be checked.

How long do dentures last?

Gums and bone slowly change shape. Because of that, a denture often needs a reline after a few years and a new set later on. Your dentist checks the fit at each visit.

Does insurance cover dentures?

Plenty of plans pay a share. What you owe depends on the plan and the denture style. We can look up your coverage and give you an estimate first.

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