Dentures in Pacific Palisades, CA

Whether it is because of an unexpected accident, poor oral maintenance, or genetics, some people, unfortunately, experience the loss of a tooth—or several teeth. Aside from an unattractive aesthetic, missing teeth can cause trouble speaking or eating, and may contribute to a variety of other dental issues.

Dentures are a common solution for missing teeth. They are known for their ability to restore the smile and improve oral functionality.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that are used to replace missing teeth. Dentures are individually made to fit the mouth of the patient and come in two forms: full and partial. Full dentures are typically used for patients that are missing all of their teeth, whereas partial dentures are for those that are only missing a few.

Dentures are designed to be removable while also being secure enough to look natural and function properly when worn.

The crown restorations for dentures are made from porcelain or hard resin, and the gum line is made from a flesh-colored acrylic.

"I can't praise Pali Dentists enough. The care is incredible -- both doctors have years of experience and their personalities are delightful. Who ever knew the dentist could be such a pleasant experience?!"

- Amy S.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?

A good candidate for dentures is someone who:

Has a series of missing teeth (two or more) or has chosen to remove all of their teeth
Has sufficient healthy gum tissue and jawbone
Is having trouble with normal oral functions such as chewing or speaking due to their missing teeth

What Are the Benefits of Dentures?

Dentures offer different benefits for different patients, depending on their needs. Some of the benefits of dentures include:

Restoring the smile
Increasing the ability to chew and eat
Easing speech
Preventing further damage to natural teeth
Improving confidence and self-image

older woman happy dentures from the pali dentist

How Can I Get Dentures?

An initial dental appointment is needed to evaluate your current situation. This appointment will serve as a consultation where you can set goals and come up with a plan for treatment with your dentist. During this stage, a fitting is taken so that a mold can be made for the dentures.

Some patients may need to have extractions or other dental work completed before they can move forward. If a patient does not require any additional work done, they may not need to return to the dental office until their dentures are ready to be picked up.

When the dentures are ready to be taken home, the patient will come in and have the dentures placed in their mouth. Any last-minute adjustments or changes will be identified during this time, and if the modification is minor, it may be able to be handled within the appointment. Your dentist will give detailed instructions on how to care for your natural teeth and your dentures.

In most cases, patients will have to return to the dentist regularly to make sure that the dentures are functioning properly and do not need replacing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures

Can I sleep in my dentures?

It may be safe to wear your dentures at night on occasion. Preferably, you should remove your dentures every night to give your bones and gums time to relax and clean your dentures. Keeping your dentures in all day puts pressure on the surrounding tissues, so it’s good to take a break while you sleep.

You can place your dentures in water overnight to keep them fresh. If you do want to wear your dentures for social reasons, find time during the day to take a break and clean your dentures and your mouth. Wearing dentures for 24 hours without proper oral hygiene poses a serious risk to your oral health.

How long will dentures last?

Dentures can last between five and seven years, although some people maintain them in good condition for far longer. Dentures wear down over time, just like natural teeth. Since your mouth constantly changes, it’s important to wear your dentures often to ensure a proper fit. However, you may still need adjustments from time to time. When you do, come into Palisades Dentists. We recommend scheduling a bi-annual checkup (twice a year) just as you did before you received your dentures.

If you experience irritation, it is important to see the dentist right away to maintain your oral health and comfort.

Can I eat normally with dentures?

Yes, you can eat normally with dentures — within reason. Many patients experience an adjustment. It’s important to exercise patience when it comes to getting used to your new teeth. You may find that you adjust rather quickly after a bit of practice.

In the beginning, we suggest that new denture wearers avoid hard or sticky foods. Additionally, you can use three or four pea-sized dabs of denture adhesive to hold your dentures in place. This provides the stability you need to speak, chew, and breathe normally with your dentures in.

What other services are offered at the Palisades Dentists?

Want to Learn More?

If you think you may need dentures and would like to learn more about your options, please contact the Palisades Dentists at 310-459-2303 or fill out this form to make an appointment.