Losing teeth, whether from injury, decay, or gum disease, affects far more than your appearance. It can make eating uncomfortable, change the way you speak, and chip away at your confidence. Dentures have helped millions of people regain a complete, functional smile, and today's dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever. If you are considering dentures, knowing what to expect from start to finish can take away much of the uncertainty. At Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, Drs. Leon Kiraj and Liana Muradyan guide patients through every step of the process with patience and care, helping you adjust to a smile that looks and feels right.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. They are crafted to fit your mouth and restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. There are two main types. Full dentures replace all of the teeth on the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both, and rest directly on the gums. Partial dentures replace one or several missing teeth while your remaining natural teeth stay in place, and they attach securely using small clasps or connectors. Which type is right for you depends on how many teeth are missing and the health of your remaining teeth and gums, something we will determine together at your first visit.
Who Can Benefit From Dentures?
Dentures are a good option for many people who have lost some or all of their teeth. You may be a candidate if you have significant tooth loss, struggle to eat or speak clearly, or feel self-conscious about gaps in your smile. Dentures can also support the muscles of the face, which tend to sag when many teeth are missing, helping you look more youthful. During your consultation, we evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and recommend full or partial dentures based on what will serve you best. For missing teeth, we also offer alternatives such as bridges and crowns, and we will help you weigh the options.
The Denture Process Step by Step
Getting dentures is a collaborative process that unfolds over several appointments. Understanding each stage helps you know what is coming and why each step matters for a comfortable, well-fitting result.
1. A Thorough Dental Examination
Everything begins with a complete examination of your mouth. We assess your gums, any remaining teeth, and the underlying bone, often using X-rays to get a full picture. If any teeth need to be removed or any gum issues need to be addressed first, we will discuss that plan with you. This foundation is essential, because healthy tissue helps your dentures fit comfortably and last longer. We will also talk through your preferences for the shape, size, and shade of your new teeth so they look natural and suit your face.
2. Making the Dentures
Once your mouth is ready, we take precise impressions and measurements. These molds capture the exact contours of your gums and any remaining teeth so your dentures can be built to fit you specifically. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians craft your custom dentures. This stage typically takes a few weeks, since careful craftsmanship is what makes the difference between dentures that feel awkward and dentures that feel natural. In some cases, you may try in a wax model first so adjustments to fit and appearance can be made before the final set is completed.
3. Fitting the Dentures
When your dentures are ready, you return for a fitting. We place the dentures, check how they sit against your gums, and evaluate your bite. It is very common to need small adjustments at this stage, and that is exactly what the fitting appointment is for. We fine-tune the fit so the dentures feel secure and comfortable, with no painful pressure points. Do not hesitate to tell us about any spot that rubs or feels off, because getting the fit right is key to your long-term comfort.
4. Adapting to Your New Dentures
There is a natural adjustment period after you start wearing dentures. In the first days and weeks, your mouth gets used to the feel of the appliance, and your cheeks, tongue, and muscles learn to hold the dentures in place. It is normal to notice increased saliva, minor soreness, or a feeling of fullness at first. These sensations fade as you adapt. Eating and speaking take a little practice, and we offer guidance to make this transition smoother. Most patients feel comfortable within a few weeks.
Eating and Speaking With Dentures
Learning to eat with dentures is easiest if you start slowly. Begin with soft foods cut into small pieces, and chew using both sides of your mouth at the same time to keep the dentures stable. Over time you can reintroduce more foods, though very hard, sticky, or chewy items may always require extra care. Speaking also improves with practice. Some words may sound different at first, and reading aloud at home is a great way to retrain your speech. If your dentures click or slip while talking, gently biting down and swallowing can reposition them. These challenges ease quickly as you get used to your new smile.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper daily care keeps your dentures fresh, comfortable, and long-lasting, and protects the health of your gums. Good habits make a real difference.
- Brush your dentures daily with a soft brush and a non-abrasive cleaner to remove food and plaque
- Rinse them after meals to clear away debris
- Soak them overnight in water or a denture solution to keep them moist and maintain their shape
- Handle them over a folded towel or a basin of water so they are not damaged if dropped
- Clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth daily to keep your whole mouth healthy
- Keep up with regular dental visits so we can check the fit and your oral health
Never use very hot water on your dentures, as it can warp them, and avoid stiff brushes or harsh household cleaners that can scratch the surface.
What to Do If Your Dentures Are Damaged or Loose
If your dentures crack, chip, break, or suddenly feel loose, resist the urge to fix them yourself. Over-the-counter glues and at-home repairs can damage the dentures further and may harm your mouth. Instead, call our office so we can repair or adjust them properly. Over time, the shape of your gums and jaw can change naturally, which may cause dentures to fit less snugly. When that happens, we can reline or adjust your dentures to restore a secure, comfortable fit. Prompt professional attention keeps small problems from turning into bigger ones.
Comfort and Gentle Care in Glendale
We know that getting dentures can feel like a big step, and we are committed to making the experience comfortable and reassuring. Our Glendale office is mercury-free and built around gentle, all-ages care. Drs. Kiraj and Muradyan, a USC-trained husband-and-wife team, take the time to listen, explain each step, and make sure you feel supported from your first exam through every adjustment. Our 4.9-star rating across more than 300 reviews reflects how much our patients value that attentive, personalized approach.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of dentures depends on whether you need full or partial dentures and on any preparatory care your mouth requires. We will provide a clear estimate and discuss your options before treatment begins, so there are no surprises. We accept all PPO insurance plans, and many plans help cover the cost of dentures. Please note that we are not able to accept Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and plan a solution that fits your needs and budget.
Immediate Dentures Versus Conventional Dentures
If you need teeth removed before getting dentures, you may wonder whether you will have to go without teeth while you heal. There are generally two approaches. Conventional dentures are made and placed after the gums have healed from any extractions, which usually takes several weeks but allows for the most precise fit. Immediate dentures are placed right after teeth are removed so you are not without teeth during healing, with adjustments or a reline made later as the gums settle into their final shape. Each approach has advantages, and we will help you decide which fits your situation and preferences. Either way, our goal is to keep you comfortable and confident throughout the transition.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
With good care, dentures can last for many years, but they are not permanent and will eventually need to be relined, repaired, or replaced. This is partly because the dentures themselves experience normal wear, and partly because your mouth changes over time. The bone and gum tissue that support dentures gradually change shape, which can affect the fit. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor the fit and condition of your dentures and make adjustments as needed, so they continue to feel secure and function well. Do not wait until dentures become loose or uncomfortable to be seen, because a poor fit can cause sore spots and make eating difficult.
Common Concerns About Dentures
It is completely normal to have concerns before getting dentures, and addressing them ahead of time makes the experience much easier. Many patients worry that dentures will look obvious or unnatural, but today's dentures are crafted to closely resemble natural teeth and gums, and we work with you to choose a shape and shade that suits your face. Others worry about dentures slipping, which good fit and, if needed, denture adhesive can address. Some people are concerned about how dentures will feel; while there is an adjustment period, most patients adapt well and come to feel at ease wearing them. We encourage you to bring any questions or worries to your consultation, because the more comfortable and informed you feel, the smoother your transition will be.
Why Choose Infinite Dental Wellness for Your Dentures
Restoring a smile with dentures is as much about trust and comfort as it is about technical skill. Our Glendale patients choose Infinite Dental Wellness because we combine experienced, USC-trained dentistry with a warm, patient-centered approach. We take time to understand your needs, explain your options clearly, and follow through with the adjustments that make your dentures truly comfortable. Our mercury-free practice and 4.9-star rating across more than 300 reviews reflect our dedication to gentle, quality care for patients of all ages. When you trust us with your smile, we are committed to helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.
Schedule Your Denture Consultation Today
A complete, confident smile can change how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself every day. If you are ready to explore dentures, or simply have questions about whether they are right for you, our Glendale team is here to help. We offer full and partial dentures, gentle care, and same-day emergency appointments when you need them. Call Infinite Dental Wellness today at (818) 541-1110 to begin your journey toward a smile you will love.