Missing several teeth, or all of them, changes how you eat, speak, and smile. Dentures are a proven way to restore all three without implant surgery, and they're custom-shaped to your mouth and designed to look natural. If you're researching dentures in Folsom, this page explains the types, the process, what the first weeks feel like, and how to make a denture last.
Dr. Hamid Nasr has 30 years in dentistry, and he also places and restores dental implants. That means you'll hear about every reasonable option, from a simple partial to implant-supported teeth, and choose the one that fits your mouth, your budget, and your priorities.
Types of dentures: partial, full, and implant-supported
- Partial denture. Replaces one or several missing teeth when you still have healthy natural teeth. A lightweight frame holds the replacement teeth and clasps onto your remaining teeth, which also keeps them from drifting into the gaps.
- Full (complete) denture. Replaces all the teeth on the upper or lower jaw. An upper denture usually stays in place with suction against the palate. A lower denture sits on a narrower ridge, with the tongue and cheeks moving around it, so it's often harder to keep steady.
- Implant-supported denture. A small number of dental implants in the jaw anchor the replacement teeth. Depending on the design, the denture either attaches to the implants and still comes out for cleaning, or is fixed in place as a full-arch bridge that only the dentist removes.
Which type suits you depends on how many healthy teeth you have, the condition of your gums and jawbone, and what matters most to you: cost, stability, or keeping things simple.
Your options
Three ways to replace several teeth
Partial denture
Fills gaps between your remaining teeth; clips on with small clasps.
Full denture
Replaces a whole arch and rests on the gums.
Implant-supported
Attached to implants, so it's far more stable — removable or fixed.
Getting dentures in Folsom, step by step
A well-made denture is built in stages, and each stage is a chance to get the fit and the look right.
- 1Exam and planning. Dr. Nasr examines your remaining teeth, gums, and jaw, takes digital X-rays, and talks through your goals. If any teeth need treatment or removal first, the plan lays out the order and timing.
- 2Impressions or digital scans. Detailed records of your gums and any remaining teeth let the base of the denture follow your mouth closely.
- 3Bite records. We measure how your upper and lower jaws line up and how much space the new teeth need, and choose the size, shape, and shade of the teeth with you.
- 4Try-in. The teeth are set in wax so you can check the look, your bite, and how you speak before the denture is finished. Changes are easy at this stage.
- 5Delivery. Your finished denture is fitted, the bite is checked, any pressure points are adjusted, and you go home with care instructions.
- 6Adjustments. Sore spots are common in the first weeks. Short follow-up visits smooth them out.
The number of visits varies from person to person, and you'll get a timeline at the start.
Getting used to new dentures
Most people need a few weeks to adapt, and it gets easier every day.
- Eating: Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, and chew on both sides at the same time to keep the denture steady. Work up to firmer foods gradually. Very hard or sticky foods may always be a challenge.
- Speaking: A few words may feel strange at first. Reading aloud for a few minutes a day helps your tongue and lips adjust.
- Sore spots: Call us instead of waiting it out, and never trim or bend a denture yourself.
- Adhesive: A well-fitting denture shouldn't need much. A small amount can add confidence, especially with a lower denture, but needing more and more is a sign the fit has changed.
Caring for your dentures
Good habits protect both the denture and your mouth:
- Take your dentures out at night, unless we've told you otherwise, so your gums can rest.
- Brush them daily with a soft brush and a denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste can be abrasive and leave scratches that collect stains and bacteria.
- Soak them overnight in water or a denture-soaking solution so they don't dry out and lose their shape.
- Rinse after meals, and handle them over a folded towel or a sink of water in case you drop them.
- Never use hot or boiling water, which can warp them.
- Clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth every day.
Keep up with regular checkups, even if you have no natural teeth left. We check the fit of the denture and the health of your gums and the soft tissues of your mouth.
How long do dentures last? Relines and replacement
After teeth are lost, the jawbone slowly shrinks, so a denture that fit well at first gradually loosens. Watch for slipping, new sore spots, clicking when you talk, or trouble chewing.
A reline reshapes the fitting surface of the denture to match your gums as they are now, and it often restores a snug fit. Over the years the teeth also wear down and the base ages, so dentures eventually need to be replaced. Regular checkups let us catch these changes early. Avoid home reline kits, which can change your bite and irritate your gums.
Dentures vs. implant-supported teeth
Implants address the main limits of a conventional denture: movement, reduced chewing power, and ongoing bone loss. A few implants can hold a denture firmly in place, and a fixed full-arch bridge on implants feels much closer to natural teeth. Dr. Nasr places and restores full-arch implants in the office, planned with 3D cone-beam imaging. If you're missing just one or a few teeth, a single dental implant may be an option.
Implants aren't right for everyone, and a conventional denture remains a solid, affordable choice for many people. Our comparison of implants, bridges, and dentures lays out the trade-offs.
Patients looking for dentures in Folsom and El Dorado Hills come to our East Bidwell office. To talk through your options, book a consultation or call (916) 983-8777.
