If you’ve lost permanent teeth, dentures can restore your smile and reduce the risk of gum recession. At Wellness Dental in Austin, Texas, experienced general and implant dentist Francisca Giple-Johnson, DDS, regularly partners with area dental labs to create and manufacture custom dentures. Call the office today to request a denture consultation or book online.

What are dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. They restore your smile, make it easier to bite and chew, and prevent your remaining teeth from shifting. 

What are the types of dentures?

At Wellness Dental, Dr. Giple-Johnson offers several types of dentures, including:

Partial dentures

A partial denture includes several artificial teeth and a wireframe. The artificial teeth fill the gaps in your smile and the wireframe attaches to small metal clasps, holding the denture in place.

Complete dentures

Complete dentures have a full row of artificial teeth and replace your upper or lower dental arch. You apply an adhesive to the bottom or top of the dentures, preventing them from moving out of position.

Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures have a full row of artificial teeth like complete dentures. The difference is that Dr. Giple-Johnson attaches them to implants –– small titanium screws inserted into your tooth sockets. The screws fuse with your bone, providing a permanent base for your dentures.

Dr. Giple-Johnson can recommend dentures that align with your needs.

What does getting dentures involve?

At Wellness Dental, getting dentures takes a series of visits over several weeks or months.

Partial and complete dentures

Dr. Giple-Johnson takes digital impressions of your mouth and sends them to a nearby denture lab. Technicians at the lab use your impressions to create partial or complete dentures that fit perfectly. When the lab finishes your dentures, you return to Wellness Dental and try them on.

Implant-supported dentures

If you want implant-supported dentures, Dr. Giple-Johnson inserts several implants into your empty tooth sockets. Several months later, when the implants finish integrating with your bone, you return to Wellness Dental. Dr. Giple-Johnson takes scans of your mouth and sends them to a denture lab. The lab creates a custom set of implant-anchored dentures.

When your dentures are finished, you visit Wellness Dental for the last time. Dr. Giple-Johnson attaches the dentures to your implants and provides care instructions.

How long do dentures last?

Dentures last 5-7 years* on average, but you can extend their use with good oral hygiene. Dr. Giple-Johnson recommends rinsing your dentures after meals and snacks and brushing them at least once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you have partial or complete dentures, soak them regularly in an approved cleaning solution.

Call Wellness Dental to see if you can benefit from dentures or click the online booking feature.

*Individual results may vary.