Missing teeth can make it harder to chew, speak clearly and feel confident in your smile. At Capital Dental Group, our team provides custom dentures in Bakersfield, California, to replace several missing teeth or a full arch of teeth with a restoration designed for comfort, function and appearance.
Dentures can be a good option for patients who need to replace multiple teeth, but they are not the only option. If you are frustrated by loose dentures, slipping, sore spots or difficulty chewing, our team can also discuss implant-supported dentures or full-arch tooth replacement.
To learn more about dentures in Bakersfield, California, contact Capital Dental Group today or call 661-861-8000 to schedule a visit with our dentists and dental specialists.
How Dentures Can Help Your Smile
Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace missing teeth. They can restore the appearance of your smile, improve facial support and help you chew and speak more comfortably.
Dentures may be recommended if you are missing several teeth, missing all teeth in an upper or lower arch or need teeth removed due to decay, gum disease, injury or failing dental work. Your denture will be customized to fit your mouth and support a more natural-looking smile.
Across the practice, documented restorative experience includes more than 2,600 denture cases, more than 1,400 partial denture cases and more than 500 implant-supported or snap-in denture cases.
Types of Dentures
During your consultation, our team will help determine whether a full denture, partial denture or implant-supported option is right for your smile.
- Full dentures: Full dentures replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch. They rest on the gums and are designed to restore the appearance and function of a complete smile.
- Partial dentures: Partial dentures replace several missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. They are customized to fit around your remaining teeth and help fill gaps in your smile.
- Implant-supported dentures: Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants for added stability. This option may be helpful for patients who want more support than traditional removable dentures can provide.
Our team will explain the benefits and limitations of each option so you can make an informed decision.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are used when all teeth in an upper or lower arch need to be replaced. They can help restore the shape of your smile, support your facial profile and improve your ability to eat and speak.
A full denture is custom made to fit your mouth. Because your gums and jaw can change over time, dentures may need adjustments, relines or replacement to maintain a comfortable fit.
If you already wear full dentures and they feel loose or unstable, our team can review whether a new denture, denture adjustment or implant-supported option may be better for your needs.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when you are missing several teeth but still have healthy natural teeth remaining. A partial denture fills the open spaces in your smile and helps prevent nearby teeth from shifting.
Partials may be made with different materials depending on your needs, comfort and oral health. During your visit, our team will evaluate your remaining teeth and gums to determine whether a partial denture is the right choice.
If your missing teeth are in one area of the mouth, we may also discuss other replacement options, such as a multiple tooth replacement solution or implant-supported bridge.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Traditional dentures can work well for many patients, but some people want more stability. If your dentures slip, move while eating, create sore spots or make it difficult to chew confidently, implant-supported dentures may be worth considering.
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants placed in the jawbone. This added support can help reduce denture movement and improve comfort, function and confidence.
For patients missing most or all teeth, our team may also discuss full-arch dental implants. If you are interested in implant-supported dentures, dental implant consultations are free and include complimentary CT scans to help evaluate your bone support and treatment options.
Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Dentures and dental implants can both replace missing teeth, but they work differently. Dentures are removable appliances that rest on the gums. Dental implants are placed in the jawbone and can support crowns, bridges, dentures or full-arch restorations.
Dentures may be a good option if you want a removable solution or are not ready for implant treatment. Dental implants may be a better fit if you want added stability, improved chewing support or a more secure option for replacing missing teeth.
Our team can help you compare dentures, implant-supported dentures and dental implants based on your oral health, comfort, stability needs and long-term goals.
Adjusting to New Dentures
Adjusting to dentures can take time. Some patients notice mild soreness, increased saliva or changes in speech during the first few weeks. These issues often improve as your mouth adapts and your denture fit is adjusted.
To help with the adjustment period, our team may recommend that you:
- Start with softer foods while learning to chew with your dentures
- Cut food into smaller pieces
- Practice speaking and reading aloud at home
- Remove your dentures as instructed to let your gums rest
- Call us if your dentures create sore spots or feel loose
Dentures should feel secure and comfortable. If they rub, slip or make eating difficult, please contact our team so we can check the fit.
How to Care for Dentures
Daily care helps keep your dentures clean and protects your oral health. Dentures should be cleaned regularly and handled carefully to avoid damage.
In most cases, denture care includes:
- Removing and rinsing dentures after meals when possible
- Cleaning dentures with a soft brush and nonabrasive cleaner
- Brushing your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth each day
- Soaking dentures as recommended when they are not being worn
- Keeping up with routine dental cleanings and exams
Even if you no longer have natural teeth, regular dental visits are still important. Our team can check your gums, oral tissues, bite and denture fit.
When Should Dentures Be Replaced?
Dentures do not last forever. Over time, your mouth can change, and your denture may begin to feel loose, worn or uncomfortable.
You may need a denture adjustment, reline or replacement if you notice:
- Your dentures slip when eating or speaking
- You have sore spots or gum irritation
- Your bite feels uneven
- Your dentures look worn or no longer fit well
- You avoid certain foods because chewing is difficult
- Your facial support or smile appearance has changed
If your current dentures are no longer working well, our team can help you understand whether a new denture, partial denture or implant-supported option would be best.
Schedule a Denture Consultation
If you are missing several teeth, wearing loose dentures or ready to replace an old appliance, Capital Dental Group can help you review your options. We provide full dentures, partial dentures and implant-supported denture options for patients in Bakersfield, California.
Call 661-861-8000 today to schedule a denture consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
What are dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth. They can replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch or several missing teeth when some natural teeth remain.
What is the difference between full and partial dentures?
Full dentures replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while fitting around remaining natural teeth.
What are implant-supported dentures?
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants for added stability. They may be recommended for patients who want more support than traditional removable dentures can provide.
Are implant-supported dentures better than regular dentures?
Implant-supported dentures can provide more stability than traditional dentures, but the best option depends on your oral health, bone support, goals and whether you want a removable or implant-supported restoration.
How long does it take to get used to dentures?
Adjusting to dentures may take a few weeks. You may notice mild soreness, changes in speech or increased saliva at first. If your dentures continue to feel uncomfortable, our team can check the fit.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Most patients can eat many foods with dentures after an adjustment period. Starting with soft foods and cutting food into smaller pieces can help. If chewing remains difficult, implant-supported dentures may be an option to discuss.
How do I take care of my dentures?
Clean your dentures daily with a soft brush and nonabrasive cleaner. Brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth each day, and keep up with regular dental visits so our team can check your denture fit and oral health.
What areas do you serve?
Our team provides full dentures, partial dentures and implant-supported denture options in Bakersfield, California, and the surrounding areas of Butterwillow, Shafter, Tehachapi and Wasco, California.