Losing adult teeth can affect far more than your appearance. It changes how you eat, how you speak, and how confident you feel in everyday life. The good news is that modern dentures are more comfortable, natural-looking, and functional than ever before, and getting them is a straightforward, well-guided process. At Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan create custom full and partial dentures that restore your smile and your quality of life. This page walks you through exactly what happens when you replace missing teeth with dentures, what to expect at each step, and how to care for your new smile.
What Happens After You Lose an Adult Tooth
When an adult tooth is lost, the effects begin almost immediately and continue over time if the space is not addressed. Chewing becomes harder, certain words can be more difficult to pronounce clearly, and the remaining teeth may begin to shift toward the gap. The exposed area can also feel sensitive, and gaps create spaces where food and bacteria collect, increasing the risk of gum disease. Replacing missing teeth with dentures restores both function and protection, helping you eat the foods you love, speak clearly, and maintain the health of the teeth and gums you still have.
- Difficulty eating and speaking comfortably
- Sensitive areas of the mouth where the tooth used to be
- Increased risk of gum disease around open spaces
- Shifting of nearby teeth into the gap
- The need for more frequent dental visits if problems go unaddressed
Bone Changes and Tooth Loss
Beyond the visible gap, the loss of a tooth also affects the underlying jaw over time. The portion of bone that once supported the tooth root is no longer stimulated by chewing, and this can gradually change the shape of your gum ridge and even your facial profile. This is one reason we encourage patients not to wait too long after losing teeth to discuss replacement options. Acting sooner helps preserve more of your natural bite alignment and makes the transition to dentures smoother. During your visit, we evaluate the health of your gums and remaining teeth so we can recommend the most comfortable, lasting solution for you.
Types of Dentures We Offer
Dentures are not one-size-fits-all. The right type depends on how many teeth you are missing and the condition of your remaining teeth and gums. At our Glendale office, we offer both full and partial dentures, each custom-made to fit your mouth precisely.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, either the upper, the lower, or both. They consist of a gum-colored base that fits snugly over your gum ridge, holding a complete set of natural-looking replacement teeth. Full dentures restore your ability to chew and speak and support the muscles of your face for a fuller, more youthful appearance. They are an excellent choice when all of the teeth in an arch are missing or need to be removed.
Partial Dentures
When you still have some healthy natural teeth, a partial denture fills in the gaps without disturbing the teeth that remain. A partial uses a custom base with replacement teeth that clasp securely around your existing teeth, blending in naturally. Partials not only restore your smile but also help keep your remaining teeth from shifting out of position. We design every partial to be comfortable, stable, and discreet.
The Dentures Process Step by Step
Thanks to advances in dental technology, getting dentures today is more comfortable and precise than it used to be. While each patient's plan is unique, the general process follows a clear set of steps designed to ensure your dentures look natural and fit well.
- A thorough dental exam and X-rays to evaluate your gums and any remaining teeth
- Any necessary preparatory care, such as treating gum disease or removing teeth that cannot be saved
- Precise impressions and measurements of your mouth to design a custom fit
- Selection of tooth shade and shape so your dentures look natural for your face
- A try-in stage where we check fit, bite, and appearance before the final dentures are made
- Fitting of your finished dentures, with adjustments for comfort
- Follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit as your mouth settles
From your very first appointment, Dr. Kiraj and Dr. Muradyan guide you through every step and answer your questions so you always know what to expect. Our goal is dentures that feel secure, function well, and give you a smile you are proud to share.
How the Dentures Process Begins
Everything starts with a comprehensive examination. We assess the health of your gums, your bite, and any teeth that remain, and we take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface. From there we take detailed impressions of your mouth, which serve as the blueprint for your custom dentures. These impressions, combined with careful measurements of how your jaws come together, allow us to create dentures that fit comfortably and work the way natural teeth should. If any teeth need to be removed or any gum issues addressed first, we will explain that part of the plan clearly so there are no surprises.
How Long Will It Take to Adjust to Dentures?
It is completely normal for new dentures to feel unfamiliar at first. Most patients adjust within a few weeks as the muscles of the cheeks and tongue learn to keep the dentures in place and as eating and speaking begin to feel natural again. In the early days, we recommend starting with softer foods cut into smaller pieces and gradually working back to a fuller diet. Reading aloud can help you get comfortable with speech more quickly. Some minor soreness or extra saliva is common at the beginning and typically fades. If any spot feels persistently uncomfortable, a quick adjustment visit usually solves it, so never hesitate to call us.
Caring for Your Dentures
With good daily care, dentures stay clean, comfortable, and long-lasting. Like natural teeth, they collect food particles and bacteria and need regular attention. The habits below keep your dentures fresh and protect the health of your gums.
- Rinse your dentures after eating to remove food particles
- Brush them daily with a soft brush and a non-abrasive cleaner, not regular toothpaste
- Soak them overnight in water or a denture solution to keep them moist and clean
- Handle them over a folded towel or a basin of water so they are not damaged if dropped
- Continue cleaning your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth each day
- Keep regular checkups so we can verify the fit and your oral health
Over time, your mouth naturally changes shape, which means dentures may need to be relined or adjusted periodically to maintain a snug, comfortable fit. Regular visits to our Glendale office let us catch these changes early and keep your dentures performing their best. We review complete, personalized care instructions with you when you receive your dentures.
Cost and Insurance for Dentures in Glendale
The cost of dentures varies depending on whether you need full or partial dentures and whether any preparatory treatment is required first. We believe in transparent pricing and will walk you through your options and estimated costs before treatment begins, so you can plan with confidence. Infinite Dental Wellness accepts all PPO dental insurance plans, which often help offset the cost of dentures and related care. Please note that we do not accept Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and find an approach that fits your budget.
Why Choose Infinite Dental Wellness for Dentures
Replacing missing teeth is a personal decision, and you deserve a dental team that treats you with patience, expertise, and genuine care. Dr. Leon Kiraj and Dr. Liana Muradyan are a USC-trained husband-and-wife team serving Glendale and the surrounding communities, and our practice has earned a 4.9-star rating with more than 300 reviews. We are a mercury-free office known for gentle, all-ages care, and we offer same-day emergency appointments when urgent needs arise. When you choose us for dentures, you get custom-crafted results, attentive follow-up, and a comfortable experience from start to finish.
If missing teeth are keeping you from eating the foods you enjoy or smiling with confidence, dentures can give you back both. Call Infinite Dental Wellness today at (818) 541-1110 to schedule your consultation in Glendale and take the first step toward a complete, confident smile.
Immediate Versus Conventional Dentures
When teeth need to be removed before dentures are placed, you generally have two timing options to discuss with us. Immediate dentures are made in advance and inserted on the same day your teeth are removed, so you are never without teeth during healing. The tradeoff is that as your gums heal and change shape, immediate dentures usually require relines or adjustments to maintain a good fit. Conventional dentures are made after your gums have healed for a period of weeks, which often results in a more precise initial fit. Neither option is automatically better; the right choice depends on your priorities, your oral health, and your lifestyle, and we will help you weigh them.
Whichever path you choose, our goal is the same: dentures that look natural, feel secure, and let you get back to living comfortably as quickly as possible. We take the time to explain the timeline so you always know what to expect at each stage.
Eating and Speaking With New Dentures
Learning to eat and speak with dentures is a process that rewards a little patience. In the first days, choose soft foods such as eggs, yogurt, cooked vegetables, and soups, and cut everything into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at once to keep the dentures balanced and stable. As your confidence grows, gradually reintroduce firmer foods. Very sticky or extremely hard foods are best approached with care even after you have fully adjusted.
Speech adapts quickly too. Certain sounds may feel different at first, but practicing by reading aloud or repeating challenging words trains your tongue and lips to work naturally with the dentures. If your dentures ever slip while laughing or speaking, gently biting down and swallowing usually reseats them. Within a few weeks, most patients find that eating their favorite meals and chatting with friends feels comfortable and effortless again.
Caring for Your Gums and Overall Oral Health
Dentures restore your smile, but caring for the tissues underneath remains essential. Each day, remove your dentures and gently clean your gums, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue with a soft brush to stimulate circulation and remove bacteria. Give your gums a rest by leaving your dentures out overnight whenever possible, which allows the tissues to recover. If you have partial dentures, continue to brush and floss your remaining natural teeth thoroughly, since they anchor the partial and need to stay healthy. Regular checkups let us monitor your gums, your fit, and your overall oral health so your dentures keep serving you well for years.