--- title: "Dentures Wildwood, MO | Comfortable Tooth Replacement" description: "Restore your smile with custom dentures in Wildwood, MO. Natural-looking, comfortable solutions for missing teeth. Schedule your consultation!" url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentures publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- ![The 3D imaging unit at Town Center Dental](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/_astro/3d-imaging.COvrf4mM_zh2gb.avif) # Dentures Dentures are removable teeth that replace missing teeth. Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch. Partial dentures replace some. They need daily cleaning, regular fit checks and a few weeks of adjustment. Your dentist can tell you whether dentures, implants or a bridge suit your mouth. [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866) ## Removable Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and help restore your smile, says the American Dental Association. ## Adjustment takes time New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you get used to them. ## Daily cleaning matters Brush dentures daily to remove food and plaque, and keep them in water when not worn. ## Fit changes Mouths change. Keep regular checkups so your dentist can check that dentures still fit. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, more than 35 million Americans are missing all of their teeth in one jaw, if not both. Full or partial dentures can help restore the function and aesthetics of missing teeth. Dentures are a removable prosthesis of one or more teeth. In some cases the supporting structures of the alveolar bone must be replaced and will require a larger denture. Restoring your smile and quality of life can be a very exciting time. Here at Town Center Dental we want to help you on your journey to a healthy smile. We are here to provide you with the best oral care. There are alternatives to restoring your smile. While dentures are available, in some cases other modes of treatment may be more preferable. Reach out to us today to find out what’s right for you. ## Complete dentures Complete dentures can either be conventional or immediate. One or more teeth may need to be removed for a denture to be placed in the mouth. With a conventional denture, the gums need eight to 12 weeks to heal before the denture is made and positioned in the mouth. Immediate dentures, unlike conventional, can be made in advance and positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. The wearer does not have to endure the healing period without teeth. However, the physical aftereffects of losing all teeth in one jaw is that the gums and supporting dental bones shrink. The wearer of an immediate denture may need multiple visits to the dentist during the healing process to adjust the denture, so it fits properly. Immediate dentures should only be considered a temporary solution until a complete denture is made. Complete dentures can be made of gum-colored acrylic resin, with acrylic or porcelain teeth. Porcelain teeth can last longer than acrylic teeth, which wear against each other more easily. However, acrylic resin dentures are lighter. They make for a stronger denture because acrylic adheres to the base of the denture more securely and is easier to adjust. ## Partial Dentures Partial dentures are prostheses to replace one or more missing teeth. They can be used in place of a dental bridge. The two most common, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing options for partial dentures are cast metal and flexible partial dentures. Cast metal partials consist of a gum-colored acrylic base, and false teeth made from either acrylic or porcelain. Two or more clasps attach to adjacent teeth holding the denture in place. Cast metal partials are ideal for long-term use. Flexible dentures are considered to be a more aesthetically pleasing option. They attach to the teeth using pink acrylic clasps, attached to a flexible plastic material. Partial dentures can be used for a long time, but are prone to degradation, cracking, or chipping. A damaged partial may have to be replaced altogether if damaged. ## Denture Considerations People who are losing teeth may consider dental implants. Dental implants can reduce the atrophy of dental bone structures if done early and dentures may not be needed; however many people may not be eligible for dental implants depending on their jaw structure. If you are considering dentures or implants Town Center Dental can help you determine which treatment plan would best suit you and your oral health needs. One of our dentists can discuss options with you and recommend the best treatment plan. Reach out to us at [636-273-5866](tel:6362735866) for more information. Daily denture care at a glance When What to do Why Morning Brush gums, tongue and roof of mouth before you insert dentures Helps circulation and removes plaque With adhesive Read the directions and look for the ADA Seal Products with the Seal have been evaluated Daily Rinse, then brush all surfaces with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleanser Removes food and plaque without scratching When out Keep them in water Helps keep them from warping Every visit Ask for a fit check Mouths change over time ## How do I clean dentures at home? Use a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser. The American Dental Association says dentures should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque, and brushing can keep teeth from staining. Rinse before brushing and brush gently over all surfaces so they do not get scratched. Also brush your gums, cheeks, roof of the mouth and tongue every morning with a soft brush before you put dentures in. When dentures are out, keep them covered in water so they do not warp. Your dentist can recommend cleansers and adhesives; look for the ADA Seal. See our guide to [denture care and repair](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/denture-care-and-repair) and [denture adhesive](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/denture-adhesive). Write down your questions before the visit. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect and explain each step before it starts. ## What should I expect in the first weeks? Dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks. They may feel loose while your cheek and tongue muscles learn to hold them in place. Minor irritation or soreness is not unusual, and saliva flow can increase for a time, says the American Dental Association. Those problems should go away as your mouth adjusts. If sore spots do not settle, or dentures stop fitting well or become damaged, call your dentist. For repairs, see [denture repair](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/denture-repair), and a [reline](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/denture-reline) can improve fit over time. Immediate dentures may need a reline or remake after your jaw has healed. If you are unsure, call (636) 273-5866. The team can answer questions and help you book a visit. The office is open Monday to Thursday. Every mouth is different. After your exam, your dentist explains how this applies to you and what your choices are. ## Are dentures my only option? No. Compare dentures with [bridges](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bridge) and [dental implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant). The American Dental Association notes that an overdenture can fit over a small number of remaining natural teeth, and implants can serve the same function. See [overdenture](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/overdenture) and [implant-supported denture](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/implant-supported-denture). Which option fits depends on your teeth, gums, bone, health and budget. Your dentist walks you through the steps for each. Read the [dentures versus implants guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dentures-vs-implants), and see the [tooth replacement overview](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-replacement). Ask the office to check your insurance and give you an estimate. The office does not publish fees. The team looks at your plan and your treatment, then gives you an estimate for your own case. Keep your follow-up visits. They let your dentist check how things are going and answer new questions. ## Questions about dentures [Read the guideDenture care, relines and repairs](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/denture-care-and-repair) ### How do I clean dentures at home? Brush them daily with a soft brush and a non-abrasive cleanser, and rinse first. The American Dental Association says this removes food and plaque. Keep them in water when not worn. Brush your gums and tongue too. ### Why do new dentures feel strange? New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks, says the American Dental Association. They may feel loose while your muscles adapt, and minor soreness is not unusual. Call your dentist if it does not settle. ### Do I still need dental checkups with dentures? Yes. The American Dental Association says to schedule regular checkups, so your dentist can check that dentures fit and your mouth is healthy. Call sooner if they stop fitting well or become damaged. Your dentist can explain more at your visit. ### Should I use denture adhesive? Some people do. The American Dental Association says to read the instructions and use it exactly as directed. Look for products with the ADA Seal. Ask your dentist if you need it or if the fit needs work. ### Can a dentist repair a broken denture? Often yes. Call the office during open hours and tell the team what happened. The American Dental Association says to contact your dentist if dentures stop fitting well or become damaged. See the denture repair page. ## Related services - [Full Denture Repairs](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/denture-repair) - [Dental Implants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-implant) - [Dental Bridge](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bridge) - [Senior Dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/senior-dentistry) - [Tooth Replacement](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-replacement) ## Sources - [American Dental Association MouthHealthy: Dentures](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dentures) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)