Dentures
Custom dentures replace a full arch of missing teeth with a removable restoration designed to restore appearance, speech, chewing function, and everyday confidence.
At a glance
A quick overview before exploring the treatment in greater detail.
Removable replacement for a full arch of missing teeth
Custom-designed for fit, function, and appearance
May be conventional, immediate, or implant-supported
Understanding dentures
Dentures are removable restorations used to replace a complete arch of missing teeth. They restore the appearance of the smile, provide support for the lips and cheeks, and help patients return to everyday speaking and eating.
Modern dentures are designed around the shape of the gums, jaw relationship, facial proportions, smile line, tooth shade, and individual preferences. The goal is to create a natural appearance while balancing comfort, stability, and function.
At Prestwicke Dental, we evaluate the gums, remaining teeth, bone support, bite, medical history, expectations, and alternative options before recommending treatment. Depending on the situation, conventional dentures, immediate dentures, implant-supported dentures, or a partial denture may be considered.
Why patients consider this treatment
Potential benefits depend on your diagnosis, treatment goals, and individual oral health.
Replaces a complete arch of missing teeth
Restores the appearance of a full smile
Supports speech and chewing function
Provides support for the lips and facial profile
Custom tooth shape, shade, and arrangement
May be combined with dental implants for added stability
What to expect
A clear process helps you understand each stage of care.
Evaluation
We examine the gums, remaining teeth, jaw relationship, bone support, bite, and treatment goals.
Records and Design
Impressions, measurements, and bite records are used to plan tooth position, shape, shade, and facial support.
Try-In and Fitting
When appropriate, a trial setup allows us to evaluate appearance, speech, bite, and tooth arrangement before completion.
Delivery and Follow-Up
The denture is delivered, adjusted for comfort, and monitored through follow-up visits as the tissues adapt.
How we approach dentures
Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis and condition of the affected teeth and tissues.
Conventional dentures are typically made after the remaining teeth have been removed and the gums have healed. This allows the restoration to be designed around a more stable tissue shape.
Immediate dentures may be inserted on the same day that teeth are removed. They prevent the patient from being without teeth, but the fit often changes as the gums and bone heal, making adjustments, relining, or later replacement necessary.
Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to improve retention and stability. Depending on the design, the denture may remain removable by the patient or be fixed and removable only by the dental team.
New dentures require an adaptation period. Speech, chewing, and comfort usually improve with practice, but sore spots or pressure areas should be adjusted rather than tolerated.
Even patients without natural teeth need routine dental visits. We evaluate the fit of the dentures, examine the gums and oral tissues, screen for changes, and discuss relining or replacement when appropriate.
Is this treatment right for you?
Full dentures may be appropriate for patients who are missing all teeth in one or both arches or whose remaining teeth cannot be predictably restored.
You are missing all teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both.
Your remaining teeth have a poor long-term prognosis.
You want a removable tooth-replacement option.
You want to restore facial support, speech, and chewing function.
You understand that adaptation, maintenance, and periodic adjustments are part of treatment.
What results may look like
A well-designed denture can restore a complete smile, improve facial support, and help patients speak and eat more comfortably. Stability and chewing efficiency vary with anatomy, muscle control, saliva, bone support, and whether implants are used.
Individual outcomes vary based on oral health, diagnosis, treatment selection, healing, habits, and maintenance.
Care centered on clarity, comfort, and long-term health
Every treatment plan is personalized around the patient rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Personalized Care
Recommendations are based on your oral health, concerns, comfort, and long-term goals.
Clear Treatment Planning
We explain findings, alternatives, expected steps, and estimated costs whenever possible.
Modern Dentistry
Digital technology supports accurate diagnosis, communication, and treatment planning.
Common questions about dentures
These answers provide general information. Your visit will address your specific oral health and treatment needs.
How long does it take to get dentures?
The timeline varies depending on whether teeth must be removed, whether healing is needed first, and whether conventional, immediate, or implant-supported dentures are planned.
Will dentures look natural?
Dentures are customized in tooth shape, shade, size, and arrangement to complement the patient’s facial features and smile.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Most patients improve with practice, but chewing efficiency is generally lower than with natural teeth or fixed implant-supported restorations. Starting with softer foods and progressing gradually can help.
Will dentures affect my speech?
Some temporary speech changes are common. Reading aloud and practicing difficult sounds often helps the tongue and muscles adapt.
Do dentures need adhesive?
Some patients use adhesive for added confidence, but a properly fitted denture should not depend entirely on adhesive. Persistent looseness should be evaluated.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures may last for years, but the gums and bone continue to change. Relining, adjustment, repair, or replacement may become necessary over time.
Should I sleep with my dentures in?
In most cases, dentures should be removed at night to allow the tissues to rest and to support proper hygiene, unless different instructions are provided.
How do I clean dentures?
Remove and rinse them after meals, brush them with a denture-safe cleanser, clean the gums and tongue, and store them according to the instructions provided.
Explore related dental care
Depending on your needs, this service may be considered alongside other treatments.
Custom dentures in Algonquin, Illinois
Prestwicke Dental provides conventional, immediate, and implant-supported denture consultations for patients from Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Crystal Lake, Huntley, Cary, Carpentersville, and nearby communities.
Ready to explore your denture options?
Schedule a consultation to compare conventional dentures, immediate dentures, implant-supported dentures, and other tooth-replacement options.