Dentures & Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue.  They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.  A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.”  A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks.  During this time the patient will go without teeth.  Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process.  Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for dentures:

  • Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
  • Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
  • Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
  • Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks.  Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture.  Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit.  At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

You will be given care instructions for your new dentures.  Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

Testimonials.

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Testimonials

Dr. Loughlin had a great chairside manner! He explained all my options and didn't talk down to me. I like that his treatment plan started from the simplest, least expensive solution instead going with the most expensive and extensive option.

Charlene B.

Dr. Laughlin is amazing. He is kind, patient, gentle and honest! I had a previous dentist talk me into a bunch of cosmetic dentistry I didn’t need and the work was done poorly. At the time, I was very self conscious about my smile. I wanted some bonding and needed a couple implants due to bruxism. My previous dentist talked me into getting crowns on all my healthy upper teeth to “improve my bite.” The work was so bad another dentist told me to hire an attorney and recommended I see Dr. Laughlin. I‘m so grateful I did.

Unlike other dentists who have acted like I’m being a diva for feeling like the bite or the color is off, Dr. Laughlin ordered a new crown when he noticed the color was not quite the shade we spoke about. I told him I thought it would be ok but he said we are striving for perfection. I’ve never had this kind of experience in a dental chair. He placed the other crown for me as a temp and swapped them out when the new one arrived. He is so generous with his time and his staff is wonderful. I’ll be redoing all my previous work with him.

I also love that it is a private office. I hate going to dentists with a somewhat open floor plan. Who wants a bunch of people walking by looking at you while you are having dental work done?!

Unfortunately, he is out of my network but I would have saved money in the long run if I had gone to him first. To anyone looking for high quality cosmetic dentistry, I can not say enough about Alamo Prosthodontics!

Cristine K.

It was my great surprise and relief when I was worked in as an emergency for the loss of a filling in my tooth due to lighting down on bread at a local restaurant. Dianne the receptionist of many years was so understanding and concerned to help me get worked in rapidly the staff of Ci Ci and others was most sympathetic about my condition. I had to leave town the next day for 2 days and they worked me in before I had to leave town.
They explained the needed procedure after the dentist's evaluation and friendly manner of describing what needs to be done and putting my mind at ease that repair would be uncomplicated.

What a great place to trust your dental care to!! Caring, concern, sympathetic listening, and desire to let me know the alternatives of care make me a return patient for years to come.

David T.

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