Dentures are a reliable, time-tested solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring a complete, confident smile. At Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, CA, patients frequently ask whether dentures are the right choice for their particular situation. Like any dental treatment, dentures come with both advantages and considerations, and whether they are the best fit for you depends largely on your lifestyle, your budget, and your goals for both the appearance and the function of your smile. This guide explains the types of dentures available, how they are made, their benefits and limitations, and how to care for them, so you can make an informed decision.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. They are crafted to look natural and to restore essential functions such as chewing and speaking, while also supporting the muscles of the face for a fuller, more youthful appearance. Missing teeth are more than a cosmetic concern. Gaps can make eating and speaking difficult, allow remaining teeth to drift out of position, and contribute to bone loss in the jaw. Dentures address these issues in a non-invasive, no-surgery way, which is one reason they remain one of the most popular tooth-replacement options for patients of all ages.
What Are the Types of Dentures?
There are three main types of dentures: temporary, partial, and complete. The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing and on your individual needs.
Temporary Dentures
We can provide patients with temporary dentures while they are undergoing another dental procedure to replace a missing tooth, such as while a dental bridge is being fabricated. Temporaries ensure that patients throughout the Glendale area keep a natural-looking smile during the waiting period. This is an excellent solution when a tooth is knocked out during a sports game or an accident and you need an immediate fix. A temporary denture is typically secured with a thin metal wire that works much like a retainer, so it can be taken in and out whenever you like. Keep in mind that a temporary denture is meant to be worn for only a few months and will need to be replaced with a longer-term solution. If you are looking for an immediate way to replace a missing tooth, call (818) 541-1110.
Partial Dentures
If only a few of your teeth are missing, partial dentures are an excellent solution for replacing them. Unlike a full set, a partial is held in place by a base that is the same color as your gums, and a metal framework with clasps typically secures it to your remaining natural teeth to keep it from shifting or falling out. As long as you still have healthy natural teeth, you cannot wear a complete denture, which makes a partial the appropriate choice. Partials also help keep your remaining teeth from drifting into the empty spaces. We treat many patients across Glendale who want to compare a partial denture with a fixed option such as a bridge. The two function differently, because partial dentures are removable while a bridge is permanently cemented in place. If you live in the Glendale area, call for a consultation and we can provide a list of options to consider.
Complete Dentures
When all of your teeth are missing in an arch, complete dentures can replace them. This is the type of denture most people picture, and modern technology has made today's complete dentures far more comfortable and natural-looking than older versions. If you proceed with a complete set, your gums generally need to heal for about eight to twelve weeks after any remaining teeth have been removed. Following extraction, the bone and gums begin to shrink, so waiting allows the tissues to settle into a stable shape, which helps ensure that your complete dentures fit securely. Some patients prefer not to wait and choose immediate dentures, which are placed right after extraction. Immediate dentures avoid a period without teeth, but because the gums and bone keep changing as they heal, they will require adjustments and relines later on.
How Are Dentures Made?
Creating dentures begins with a dental appointment in our Glendale office. At this visit, we examine your gums and any remaining teeth to determine whether dentures are the best solution for you and, if so, which type. We then take molds, or impressions, of your teeth and gums so the dentures can be fabricated in a dental laboratory. Often we take several impressions and measurements to capture exactly how your jaw functions and moves, along with notes on tooth shade and shape so the result looks natural and complements your face. Using this information, the lab builds a set of dentures designed to fit comfortably and look like your own teeth. Once the dentures are ready, we check the fit and appearance and make any necessary adjustments. We are glad to discuss every step in more detail during your consultation.
Benefits of Dentures
Patients throughout the Glendale area appreciate how convenient and practical dentures are. Whether you need a full or partial set, dentures replace teeth in a non-invasive way with no surgical procedure to recover from, and temporary dentures can often be fitted immediately. The advantages include:
- A non-surgical, non-invasive way to replace missing teeth.
- Restored ability to chew a wider variety of foods and improve nutrition.
- Clearer speech compared with living with missing teeth.
- Support for the facial muscles, which helps prevent a sunken appearance.
- A natural-looking, confident smile.
- A cost-effective option, often more affordable than fixed alternatives.
- Removable design that makes thorough cleaning easy.
Considerations and Limitations of Dentures
The biggest adjustment with dentures is that they do not feel exactly like natural teeth. Many of our patients agree that while dentures are functional and attractive, you still have to care for them as a separate appliance, removing and cleaning them daily. Modern techniques have made dentures more secure and comfortable than they used to be, but they remain a removable appliance and can occasionally feel loose when eating or speaking, especially as the jaw changes shape over time. If you are currently dealing with loose or uncomfortable dentures, call Infinite Dental Wellness at (818) 541-1110, because an adjustment or reline can often restore a snug, comfortable fit.
Comfort, Technology, and Settling In
We use careful impressions and modern materials to make dentures that fit as comfortably and look as natural as possible. Even so, adjusting to new dentures typically takes about two to four weeks. During this period you may notice increased saliva, a few minor sore spots, some temporary difficulty speaking certain words, and a learning curve when eating. Starting with soft foods, cutting food into smaller pieces, chewing on both sides at once, and practicing speaking aloud all help you adapt more quickly. We schedule follow-up adjustment appointments to relieve any sore spots and fine-tune the fit, so the transition is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
How Do I Care for My Dentures?
Good daily care keeps your dentures clean, fresh, and long-lasting. Every night, take your dentures out and rinse them thoroughly, then use a denture brush to remove food particles before rinsing again. Avoid abrasive regular toothpaste, which can scratch the surface, and use a non-abrasive denture cleaner instead. You should also brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush to remove plaque and stimulate the tissue, and an antiseptic mouthwash can help freshen your breath and reduce bacteria. Store your dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight so they do not dry out and warp, and always clean them over a folded towel in case you drop them. With proper care, dentures typically last about five to ten years, and regular checkups help them last as long as possible. For more guidance, see our dedicated denture care page.
What Should I Do If My Dentures Break?
If your dentures break, do not try to repair them yourself with super glue or household adhesives. These products can cause further damage to the denture and may contain chemicals that are harmful to your mouth. Instead, save all of the pieces and contact Infinite Dental Wellness at (818) 541-1110 right away. Many denture repairs and adjustments can be completed quickly, sometimes the same day, depending on the type of damage. We also offer same-day emergency appointments so you are not left without your smile.
How Much Do Dentures Cost in Glendale, CA?
The cost of dentures in Glendale varies by type and by the materials chosen. Basic full dentures generally range from about $1,000 to $3,000 per arch, while mid-range and premium dentures made with higher-grade materials cost more. Partial dentures typically range from about $1,000 to $3,000. PPO insurance often covers a portion of the cost. We accept all PPO insurance plans but do not accept Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal. Infinite Dental Wellness provides options for different budgets, and our team will review your benefits and give you a clear estimate before treatment begins.
Why Choose Infinite Dental Wellness
Infinite Dental Wellness is led by Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan, a USC-trained husband-and-wife team committed to gentle, comprehensive care for patients of every age. With a 4.9-star rating across more than 300 reviews, a mercury-free philosophy, and same-day emergency availability, our Glendale practice is a trusted choice for tooth replacement. We take the time to understand your goals, explain your options clearly, and craft dentures that fit comfortably and look natural, so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Schedule Your Denture Consultation
Are Dentures Right for You?
Dentures are a versatile solution that can work for almost anyone who is missing some or all of their teeth, but the best way to know whether they are right for you is a thorough evaluation. Good candidates generally have healthy gums and enough bone ridge to support the appliance, and they are ready to commit to the daily care and periodic adjustments that keep dentures comfortable. During your consultation, we examine your gums, any remaining teeth, and your bite, discuss your goals for appearance and function, and review your budget so we can recommend the option that fits your life. For some patients a partial denture is ideal, for others a complete set makes the most sense, and in certain situations a fixed bridge or crown may be a better choice for replacing a small number of teeth.
Whatever path you choose, our role is to give you clear, honest guidance so you can make a confident decision. We will explain the pros and cons of each option in plain language, answer all of your questions, and never pressure you toward treatment you do not need. Replacing missing teeth does more than improve your smile; it supports your nutrition, your speech, your facial structure, and your overall confidence. With the right plan and attentive follow-up care, dentures can help you enjoy all of those benefits comfortably for years to come.
If you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch, dentures may be the comfortable, affordable solution you are looking for. We will examine your mouth, walk you through every option, and customize your dentures to fit perfectly and match your smile. To get started, call (818) 541-1110. We will schedule your consultation as soon as possible and help you on the path to a better, brighter smile.