Dentures are an affordable way to replace any number of missing teeth in your mouth. They have a long history of success and continue to earn a place in the list of options for rebuilding your smile.
Basically, dentures are removable substitutes for missing teeth. Full dentures are used when a person is missing all their natural teeth, while partial dentures replace only a few missing teeth here or there to eliminate gaps and improve chewing. Denture treatment is customized specifically to each patient. Dr. Baldwin can help you decide which option works best for you.
Signs You May Need Dentures
Teeth don’t disappear overnight — it’s more of a gradual slide, and after a while you start realizing something isn’t lining up the way it used to. Maybe you’re chewing on one side more than the other, or skipping foods you used to enjoy because they just don’t feel good anymore. Sometimes the change shows up in your speech or in the way your bite feels when teeth no longer line up the way they used to. Sore spots on the gums, repeated dental emergencies, teeth that move or loosen easily — all signs that something bigger is going on. When several teeth can’t be restored predictably, dentures in Las Vegas become a practical next step to bring back comfort, stability, and confidence.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures today look and feel far different from the bulky versions people remember from decades ago. Dentures do a lot more than give you back your smile. Modern materials make them lighter, smoother, and easier to adapt to, and the design focuses on helping you chew, speak, and smile comfortably again.
If you want a replacement option that looks like your own teeth and doesn’t feel over-the-top, there are choices in Las Vegas NV that stay budget-friendly and still look natural. Plenty of patients ask about implant support when they’re done with shifting dentures and sticky paste. We’re happy to explain how that works if you want to explore this option.
Types of Dentures
Dentures aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different designs serve different needs, depending on how many teeth are missing and how stable the remaining teeth are. Sometimes replacing a full arch is the best call, while in other cases a smaller appliance does the job. Below is a simple breakdown of the main types we offer here, so you can see how each one works and who it’s right for.
Full Dentures (conventional and implant-supported)
Sometimes dental problems get far enough along that small fixes just aren’t enough anymore. Taking out the last few teeth on the top or bottom may be the safest way to move forward. Full dentures are an economical and efficient way to restore your function and smile.
A full denture is built on a slim acrylic base that sits comfortably against the gums. Porcelain or acrylic replacement teeth built into the base give the appearance of natural teeth.Dr. Baldwin works with you to choose tooth shapes and shades that fit your features and look like they belong to you. This also gives you the option to customize the way you look; whether you want a “new” smile, or want to recreate the one you had.
While dentures boast a long history of successful use, modern technology offers some options to enhance the way dentures fit and the way you look. In many cases, dentures can be secured more firmly to your jaw with the use of dental implants, placed in the jaw. Implant-supported dentures stay put better because they connect to the implants instead of resting only on the gums. If you want to learn more about that setup, Dr. Baldwin can explain what’s involved when you come in.
Partial Dentures
Whether you’ve lost one tooth or many, chewing and smiling can become more difficult because of the gaps in your smile. A partial denture fills the empty spots in your smile so chewing isn’t a chore and your teeth look complete again. Partial dentures also help keep the nearby teeth in place instead of drifting into those open areas.
Most partial dentures contain a thin metal framework that is designed with small metal clasps that wrap around the gum line of existing teeth. This allows for a smooth, non-bulky feel. Your natural teeth help anchor the framework, making the partial feel steady during the day and simple to take out when needed. Where teeth are missing, natural-looking replacement teeth are attached, and gum-colored acrylic is used to cover the metal framework. Remember your mouth and your needs are unique, and Dr. Baldwin works with skilled technicians to create a solution that is functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.
You can also pair a partial with a couple of implants, which helps it stay put without relying on as much metal. Dentures inherently bring some challenges, especially to new wearers. Here at Baldwin, our goal is to minimize the everyday frustrations and keep you as comfortable as possible.
Choosing between these options depends on what feels comfortable for you and what gives you the function you need day to day. Dr. Baldwin will talk with you about what you need and help you sort through the choices so you feel confident about the option you pick.
What’s the Process for Getting Dentures?
The process usually starts with a full exam so Dr. Baldwin can see which teeth can be saved and which ones can’t. Once a plan is in place, impressions are taken so your dentures match your gums and bite. If any teeth need to be removed, we will get that scheduled before the final fitting as your mouth will need to heal. Temporary dentures may be used while your mouth adjusts so you’ll have some teeth during the transition. Your final dentures are crafted in a dental lab and adjusted carefully during your fitting so they feel comfortable and stable. Follow-up visits help fine-tune pressure points and make sure everything settles in the way it should.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dentures work?
Dentures replace your missing teeth by sitting directly on the gums or by attaching to dental implants for extra stability. Dentures are shaped around your mouth. Once you’ve adapted to wearing them, they move with your mouth in a natural way, giving you back function and confidence without major surgery.
How long do dentures last?
Most dentures last anywhere from five years to upwards of ten years, though the exact timeline depends on daily wear, gums and jaws shifting and changing, and how well they’re cared for. Seeing your dentist from time to time helps catch small fit changes before they turn into something uncomfortable.
How do I take care of my dentures?
It’s simple to care for dentures, almost as simple as your regular daily oral care. Brushing your dentures gently, giving them a quick rinse after meals, and soaking dentures overnight in a denture cleanser keeps them in good condition. Bring them to your dental visits so Dr. Baldwin can check the fit and surface wear.
Do I need to remove my dentures at night?
Yes. Taking your dentures out at night gives your gums a break from daytime pressure. Most people soak their dentures overnight to keep them moist and keep the material from drying out. Sleeping in dentures tends to press on the gums in ways that can leave them a little sore by morning.
How often do I need to get my dentures replaced?
If your dentures begin to feel loose, create rubbing spots, or throw off your bite, that’s usually the point where a reline or a new set will help you feel comfortable again.
Most patients need new dentures every several years because the shape of the mouth changes. Over time, everyday use changes how dentures fit, even when you take good care of them.
What is the difference between dentures and implant-supported dentures?
Traditional dentures rest directly on the gums and rely on suction or clasps. Implant-supported dentures connect to small posts placed in the jaw, which helps them stay put and feel steadier during the day. Choosing between the two usually comes down to what feels right for your lifestyle and budget, so it’s worth talking through your day-to-day habits with your dentist.
Are dentures covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans chip in on the cost, but each one does its own thing. You may pay a deductible percentage or fixed amount toward treatment. Our team can look over your plan with you so you understand what’s included and what your out-of-pocket costs might be before starting treatment.
How much do dentures cost?
Dentures can range quite a bit in price because it depends on the style you choose, the materials, and whether you need any prep work first. Full and partial dentures usually cost less than implant-supported options, but each case is different. The best way to get a real number is to have your dentist look things over and talk through your options.
Why Choose Baldwin Distinctive Dentistry for Dentures?
A lot of people walk in here already feeling a little worn out from dealing with dental issues. What usually stands out to them isn’t a feature of the office but the sense of relief that comes from finally having a plan. You don’t feel talked over or brushed aside. You get clear answers, honest options, and space to ask whatever you need to ask. By the time you’re heading out, things feel a bit lighter. You know what’s happening next, and that alone makes the whole process easier to handle.
