Dentures & Partials in Glendale, AZ
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What Are Traditional and Partial Dentures?
Traditional dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore basic function, speech, and appearance. They remain the most common starting point for patients who have lost several or all teeth, and they are an important stepping stone for patients who may upgrade to implant-supported options later.
Traditional Dentures
Complete dentures replace an entire upper or lower arch. They rest on the gums and rely on fit, suction, and sometimes adhesive to stay in place. Modern materials make these dentures lighter, thinner, and more natural in appearance than older styles.
A complete denture may be appropriate when:
- All or most teeth in an arch are missing or need removal
- The ridges and gums are healthy enough to provide support
- A patient wants the most affordable replacement option
- Implants are not the right choice medically or financially
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while preserving natural teeth that remain healthy. They attach to existing teeth using a metal or flexible framework for stability.
Partials may be recommended when:
- Several teeth are missing in one area
- Remaining teeth are strong enough to anchor the appliance
- A patient wants to avoid reshaping teeth for a bridge
- Implants are not desired or not feasible
Why Patients Choose Traditional and Partial Dentures
People often select these options because they:
- Offer the lowest upfront cost
- Provide acceptable function and appearance
- Allow replacement of many teeth quickly
- Can be upgraded later to implant dentures or full-arch implants
Traditional dentures have limitations, including movement during chewing and reduced chewing efficiency compared to implant-supported solutions, but they remain a valid and widely used restorative approach. For many patients, they serve as either a long-term solution or the first step toward a more stable implant option.
Denture and Implant Options Comparison
| Feature | Traditional Dentures | Partial Dentures | Snap-In Overdentures | Fixed Implant Bridges (All-on-4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it replaces | All teeth in an arch | FixedSeveral missing teeth | All teeth in an arch | All teeth in an arch |
| Support | Gums only | Natural teeth + gums | 2–4 implants | 4–6 implants |
| Stability | Most movement | Moderate movement | Secure but removable | Maximum stability, fixed |
| Chewing efficiency | Lowest | Low to moderate | Moderate to high | Highest |
| Bulk / Palate coverage | Upper palate covered | Minimal bulk | Minimal bulk | No palate coverage |
| Speech | May require adjustment | Good | Good | Most natural |
| Bone preservation | Continues bone loss | Slows bone loss near teeth | Slows bone loss | Preserves bone best |
| Maintenance | Remove nightly | Remove nightly | Remove nightly | Brush like natural teeth |
| Longevity | 5–7 years | 5–7 years | 7–10 years | 10–20 years (with maintenance) |
| Appearance | Natural but can shift | Natural | Very natural | Most natural, most lifelike |
| Cost | Lowest | Low | Moderate | Highest |
| Taste changes | Common, due to full-palate coverage | Minimal | Minimal | None |
| Best for | Patients missing all teeth | Patients with remaining healthy teeth | Patients wanting more stability | Patients wanting best function and fixed teeth |
Who Is a Candidate for Traditional or Partial Dentures?
Most patients who are missing teeth can qualify for either traditional full dentures or partial dentures. The right option depends on how many teeth remain, the condition of those teeth, and whether the patient prefers a removable or an implant-supported solution.
Candidates for Complete (Traditional) Dentures
Patients are usually a good match when they:
- Are missing all or most teeth in an arch
- Have remaining teeth that are not healthy enough to keep
- Want the most affordable full-arch replacement
- Prefer a removable option
- Are not ready for or not able to receive implants due to health, anatomy, or cost
- Have enough bone height and width to support a conventional denture base
Candidates for Partial Dentures
Patients are usually a good match when they:
- Are missing several teeth but not all
- Have remaining teeth stable enough to support a framework
- Want to avoid filing down teeth for a bridge
- Prefer a reversible option that does not alter natural teeth
- Are not ready for implants, or implants are not feasible
- Have enougWant to stabilize shifting teeth after extractionsh bone height and width to support a conventional denture base
Considering Implant Options
Some patients qualify for traditional dentures but may see better long-term results with implants. You may be a good candidate for implant-supported options if you:
- Want more stability and less movement
- Want higher chewing efficiency
- Want to slow or prevent bone loss
- Want to avoid adhesives and minimize bulk
- Prefer a solution that feels more natural
Traditional dentures are still a valid option, especially for patients who want the lowest upfront cost or who need a fast replacement. During your assessment at Smile Science Dental Spa, we discuss all suitable paths including traditional, partial, snap-in, and fixed implant solutions.
What to Expect
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Consultation and Evaluation
We review your dental history, examine your remaining teeth and gums, and discuss which options make sense based on anatomy, health, and personal goals. If extractions are needed, we map out the timing so you do not go without teeth. -
Digital Impressions and Bite Registration
We take impressions or digital scans along with a bite record. These determine how your dentures will fit, how your teeth will meet, and how your smile will look. Shade selection and tooth shape matching happen here. -
Try-In Appointment
A wax or resin mock-up lets you preview the fit, bite, and appearance. We can adjust tooth position, length, shade, and smile line. This step ensures the final dentures match your expectations before fabrication. -
Final Denture Delivery
You receive your completed denture or partial. We evaluate comfort, retention, pressure points, phonetics, and chewing contact. Most patients adapt quickly, but small adjustments are normal. -
Follow-Up and Adjustments
As your mouth adapts, minor pressure points or sore spots may appear. We schedule follow-ups to refine fit and comfort. For patients who choose traditional dentures, periodic relines help keep them fitting properly as the ridge naturally changes over time.
Life-Changing Results
Smile transformations from our actual patients
All-on-4® with monolithic zirconia upper and lower.
Snap-in acrylic implant overdentures.
All-on-4® with monolithic zirconia upper and lower.
All-on-4® with monolithic zirconia upper prosthesis.
All-on-6 with zygomatic and pterygoid implants with zirconia on titanium.
All-on-6 with zygomatic and pterygoid implants upper, all-on-4® lower, with monolithic zirconia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between full dentures and partial dentures?
Full (complete) dentures replace all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch. They rest directly on the gums and rely on fit, suction, and sometimes adhesive to stay in place.
Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while preserving any healthy teeth that remain. They attach to those teeth with a metal or flexible framework, which usually gives them a bit more stability than a full denture on its own.
How do removable partial dentures work?
Removable partial dentures use a custom framework that clips or fits around your remaining teeth. The framework supports the false teeth and helps distribute chewing forces across both the denture and your natural teeth.
They are taken out at night for cleaning and for tissue rest, then seated again during the day so you can speak, smile, and chew more comfortably.
How long do dentures and partials last?
Most complete and partial dentures last about 5 to 7 years before they need a reline or replacement, although some last longer with excellent care.
Your gums and bone slowly change shape over time, especially after extractions, so a denture that fits well today may feel loose or cause sore spots several years from now. Regular checkups at Smile Science Dental Spa allow us to monitor the fit and decide when a reline or new appliance is needed.
How long does it take to get dentures made?
For most patients, the process takes a few weeks from start to finish. A typical sequence is:
Consultation and exam
Impressions or digital scans and bite records
Try-in appointment to check the look and bite
Final denture delivery and adjustments
If extractions are needed, we may provide immediate dentures the same day your teeth are removed, then remake or reline the denture once healing is complete.
Are dentures uncomfortable? How long does it take to get used to them?
It is normal for new dentures or partials to feel bulky, loose, or “in the way” at first. Many patients notice sore spots during the first few days or weeks.
With proper adjustments and practice, most people adapt within a few weeks. If you develop persistent sore areas, clicking, rubbing, or difficulty speaking or chewing, we adjust the denture so it sits comfortably on the gums and tissues.
Can I eat normally with dentures? What foods should I avoid at first?
Most patients can return to a wide variety of foods, but there is an adjustment period. In the beginning, it helps to:
Start with soft foods cut into small pieces
Chew slowly and evenly on both sides
Avoid very sticky or hard foods until you are more confident
Traditional dentures usually have the lowest chewing efficiency, partials are better, and implant-retained options are best. If you want more stability and bite strength, we can talk about snap-in dentures or fixed implant bridges at your consultation.
Can I sleep with my dentures or partials in?
In general, complete and partial dentures should be removed at night so your gums and tissues can rest.
There are a few short-term exceptions, such as the first night with immediate dentures after extractions, but on a regular basis it is healthier to:
Take dentures out before bed
Clean them thoroughly
Store them in water or denture solution overnight
Sleeping with dentures every night is linked with higher risk of sore spots, fungal infections, and faster bone loss.
How should I clean my dentures and partials?
Good denture hygiene is simple but important:
Rinse your dentures after meals to remove loose debris
Brush them every day with a soft brush and a non-abrasive cleaner made for dentures (not regular toothpaste)
Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth to keep tissues healthy
Soak dentures overnight in water or a denture cleaning solution unless we give you different instructions
Avoid hot or boiling water, bleach, and abrasive cleaners, which can damage the denture base and teeth.
How do I know if my dentures need to be relined, adjusted, or replaced?
Your dentures may need attention if you notice:
New sore spots or rubbing
More movement or rocking during chewing
Needing more adhesive than before
Changes in your bite or jaw position
Cracks, chips, or a broken clasp
Sometimes a simple adjustment is enough. Other times we reline the denture to refit it to your current gum shape, or we remake it if the denture is worn or the jaw has changed significantly over time.
Are implant dentures better than traditional dentures?
Implant dentures usually provide more stability, stronger chewing, and less rocking or movement than traditional dentures, especially in the lower jaw. They also help slow bone loss where the implants are placed. Cleveland Clinic+1
Traditional dentures remain a valid option when implants are not medically appropriate or do not fit a patient’s budget. At Smile Science Dental Spa in Glendale, we often use traditional dentures as a starting point, then discuss snap-in overdentures or fixed implant bridges with patients who want a more secure, long-term solution.
How much do dentures and partial dentures cost?
Costs vary based on:
Whether you need a full or partial denture
The materials and design used
Whether extractions or other procedures are needed
Whether you choose traditional dentures, snap-in dentures, or fixed implant options
Insurance may cover part of the cost for qualifying procedures. We also work with third-party financing partners so you can spread payments out over time. The most accurate way to understand your costs is a consultation where we review your exam findings, imaging, and your specific treatment plan.
Will people be able to tell I am wearing dentures?
Well-made modern dentures are designed to look natural and match your facial features, lip support, and smile line. Most people will not notice that you are wearing dentures unless you tell them.
That said, very loose or worn dentures can slip, click, or affect speech, which makes them more noticeable. Good fit, good design, and regular maintenance are the key factors that determine how natural your dentures appear and feel.
Glossary & Terms
Having no natural teeth remaining in an upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
A removable appliance that replaces all of the teeth in a single arch. It rests on the gums and relies on fit, suction, and anatomy for retention.
A removable appliance that replaces several missing teeth while keeping the remaining natural teeth. It attaches to those teeth through a metal or flexible framework.
The pink part of the denture that looks like gum tissue. It supports the artificial teeth and sits on the gums or over the ridge.
The bony ridge that used to hold natural teeth. After extractions, this ridge supports complete and partial dentures.
A record of how the upper and lower teeth come together. It helps set your bite correctly so your dentures feel natural when you close and chew.
How the teeth meet when biting and chewing. Proper occlusal design helps distribute forces evenly and protects the prosthesis over time.
A procedure where new material is added to the inside of a denture to improve the fit against the gums after bone and tissue have changed.
The extension of the denture base that wraps into the cheeks and lip areas. Proper flange design helps with retention and lip support, but too much bulk can feel uncomfortable.
A metal or flexible arm that gently grips a natural tooth to help hold a partial denture in place.
The underlying metal or flexible structure of a partial denture that connects the teeth, clasps, and base for strength and stability.
The mechanical stability of an implant at the time of placement. Required for same-day fixed provisionals to be safely attached.
A denture placed the same day teeth are removed, so you do not leave the office without teeth. It often needs relines or replacement once healing is complete.
A removable denture that attaches to dental implants or sometimes to prepared natural roots. It offers more stability than a traditional denture that sits only on the gums.
A type of overdenture that “snaps” onto attachments on dental implants. It is more secure than a traditional denture but still removable for cleaning.
A non-removable set of teeth anchored to implants. It stays in your mouth like natural teeth and is removed only by the dentist for maintenance.
Scheduled checks and professional cleanings to protect implants and bridge.
A reline using a cushioned, silicone-based material applied to the inside of a denture. It improves comfort for patients with sore spots, thin tissue, or recent extractions. Soft relines usually last several months and are often used as a temporary solution during healing.
A reline using a rigid acrylic material to refit the denture to the current gum and ridge shape. Hard relines are more durable than soft relines and are typically done when tissue changes have stabilized.
A strong, lightweight resin widely used for denture teeth, temporary crowns, and full-arch provisional implant restorations. In dentures, PMMA is valued for its smooth finish, polishability, and natural esthetics.
The material used for most denture bases. Heat-cured acrylics are durable, color-stable, and bond well to PMMA denture teeth. Proper processing helps reduce porosity and improve longevity.
A denture occlusion design where the upper palatal cusps contact the broad central fossae of the lower teeth. It reduces lateral forces, improves chewing efficiency, and adds stability for complete denture wearers, especially those with resorbed ridges.
A small raised seal carved into the posterior border of an upper denture. It compensates for tissue movement and helps create suction, improving retention and reducing air leakage during speaking and chewing.
A mobile, fibrous area of gum tissue often caused by bone resorption beneath an old denture. It can compromise denture stability and may require special impression techniques or surgical correction.
A technique performed during the impression stage to shape the edges of the denture so they match the natural functional movements of the cheeks and lips. Proper border molding improves comfort and retention.
A soft, therapeutic material placed inside a denture to help inflamed or damaged tissues heal. Often used before relining or remaking a denture.
How well a denture resists being dislodged vertically. Influenced by suction, fit, saliva, anatomy, and post dam seal.
How well a denture resists horizontal movement during chewing and speaking. Good occlusion and ridge anatomy improve stability.
A wax block placed on a trial denture base to record key information before dentures are made. Wax rims help determine vertical dimension, midline, lip support, smile line, and how the upper and lower jaws should meet. They guide both esthetics and function before tooth setup.
Measurements that record how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other in three dimensions. Jaw relation records determine vertical dimension, centric relation, and proper bite alignment. Accurate jaw relations are essential for comfortable, stable, and functional dentures.
The natural range and path the lower jaw follows during chewing, speaking, and swallowing. Denture teeth must be arranged so they do not interfere with this movement. Proper alignment within the envelope of function reduces sore spots, instability, and denture movement during use.
A stage where denture teeth are arranged in wax so you can preview the smile, bite, and overall appearance before the final denture is processed. The wax allows easy adjustments to tooth position, length, midline, and phonetics before the denture is permanently fabricated.
A condition seen in patients who wear a complete upper denture against natural lower teeth or a lower partial. The mismatch in forces can lead to upper ridge resorption, flabby anterior tissue, overgrowth of the maxillary tuberosities, and uneven loading. It often requires specialized treatment planning and sometimes implants to stabilize forces.
Inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth. In denture wearers, it is often caused by a collapsed bite from worn dentures or poor vertical dimension. It can also be related to fungal infection, irritation, or nutritional factors. Restoring proper denture height and treating the inflammation usually resolves it.
The height of the lower face when the teeth or dentures are in contact. Too little height can cause a collapsed appearance, angular cheilitis, and poor function. Too much height can strain muscles and affect speech.
The jaw position where the condyles are seated in their most stable and repeatable position. Dentures and full-arch prosthetics often use centric relation because it provides consistent, comfortable, and stable occlusion.
The space where the forces of the tongue, cheeks, and lips balance each other. Denture teeth and flanges must fit within this zone for optimal stability and comfort, especially in patients with significant ridge resorption.
A denture impression technique designed to capture soft tissue in its natural resting or functional state. This can improve comfort and retention, especially in complex cases or flabby ridges.
Medical Review & Evidence
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Author: Richard Dawson, DMD
- Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Richard Dawson, DMD
- Last Updated: November 13, 2025
- 12:57 pm
The patient education on this page is aligned with current literature on conventional complete dentures, removable partial dentures, denture hygiene and maintenance, and patient-reported outcomes comparing traditional dentures with implant-retained overdentures. Key references:
Felton DA, Cooper LF, Duqum I, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the care and maintenance of complete dentures: a publication of the American College of Prosthodontists. J Prosthodont. 2011;20(Suppl 1):S1-S12.
PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21324026/
ACP full text (PDF). https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/7._JOP_Denture_Care_Guidelines_Supplement1.pdf PubMed+1
Algabri R, Alqutaibi AY, Altayyar S, et al. Behaviors, hygiene habits, and sources of care among removable complete and partial dentures wearers: a multicenter cross-sectional study. Clin Exp Dent Res. 2024;10(2):e867.
PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38433293/
Open Access. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10909811/ PubMed+1
Drummond LB, Bezerra AP, Feldmann A, Gonçalves TMSV. Long-term assessment of the periodontal health of removable partial denture wearers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Prosthet Dent. 2024.
PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39043477/ PubMed
Bajunaid SO, Alshahrani AS, Aldosari AA, et al. Patients’ satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life of edentulous patients using conventional complete dentures and implant-retained overdentures in Saudi Arabia. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(1):557.
PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35010815/
Open Access. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/1/557 PubMed+1
American Dental Association. Denture Care and Maintenance. Updated April 12, 2023.
ADA Oral Health Topics. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/dentures ADA
American College of Prosthodontists. Dentures & Removable Partial Dentures – Patient Education Resources.
ACP / GoToAPro. https://www.gotoapro.org/dentures/ gotoapro.org+1
This content was reviewed by licensed dentists to ensure accuracy and alignment with current prosthodontic and implant literature on complete dentures, partial dentures, and implant-retained overdentures.
