What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable or implant-supported restorations that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They can improve chewing, speech, appearance, and overall comfort after tooth loss.
Traditional dentures rest on the gums, while implant-supported dentures connect to dental implants placed in the jaw. Implant-supported options generally provide greater stability and can help preserve the jawbone by stimulating the surrounding bone.
During your consultation, we evaluate your oral health, anatomy, and treatment goals to determine which option may be appropriate for you.
Types of Dentures
The right type of denture depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of your remaining teeth and jawbone, and your preferences for comfort and stability.
Traditional Dentures
Traditional removable dentures rest directly on the gums. They can replace a full arch of missing teeth without requiring dental implants.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace several missing teeth when some healthy natural teeth remain. They help restore function while filling gaps in your smile.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants anchored in the jaw. This added support can reduce movement while eating and speaking and may decrease reliance on denture adhesives.
If implants are appropriate for you, Highland Dental Center can coordinate your surgical and restorative care in one office.
Why Choose Highland Dental Center for Implant-Supported Dentures?
We perform the implant process from diagnosis and planning through implant placement and denture restoration at Highland Dental Center.
Keeping care in one office can reduce the need for outside referrals and help Dr. Daniel Theurer coordinate the surgical, functional, and cosmetic aspects of treatment.
If additional bone support is necessary, we also provide bone grafting to create a stronger foundation for dental implants.
Our office uses technology, including CBCT scanning and an iTero digital scanner, to evaluate your anatomy and precisely plan treatment. For patients who feel anxious about dental procedures, we also offer oral conscious sedation and IV sedation.
What to Expect With Implant-Supported Dentures
Every treatment plan is different, but the process may include:
- A comprehensive examination with X-rays and CBCT scanning to evaluate bone and surrounding structures
- A personalized treatment plan and discussion of sedation options
- Bone grafting, if needed, to create adequate support for implants
- Dental implant placement using local anesthesia or IV sedation when appropriate
- Digital impressions for denture design, fit, and appearance
- Final denture placement and adjustments to refine the fit and bite
We also use our Midas 3D printer and digital workflows to efficiently refine restorations.
Throughout treatment, our team works to make longer appointments more comfortable, with amenities such as warm eucalyptus face towels and massage chairs.
What are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures?
For appropriate candidates, implant-supported dentures can offer several advantages over traditional removable dentures, including:
- Greater stability while chewing and speaking
- Less slipping or movement
- Reduced dependence on denture adhesives
- Support for preserving jawbone after tooth loss
- A customized appearance designed to complement your facial features
Our goal is to create a restoration that functions well while also looking natural.
How We Create Natural-Looking Dentures
A denture should restore more than missing teeth. It should also complement your smile and facial features.
Highland Dental Center combines clinical planning with cosmetic dentistry experience to customize the shape, shade, positioning, and proportion of your denture.
Our process may include:
- Shade matching under natural light
- Customized tooth shape and positioning
- Careful gum contouring for a natural transition
- Try-in appointments to preview the appearance and fit
We use digital models and laboratory collaboration to fine-tune the restoration before final delivery.
The goal is a denture that looks appropriate for you rather than drawing attention to the dental work itself.
Am I a Candidate for Implant-Supported Dentures?
Candidacy depends on several factors, including the condition of your gums, the amount and quality of available jawbone, your overall oral health, and your treatment goals.
Some patients may need bone grafting before implants can be placed. During your consultation, Dr. Daniel Theurer can evaluate your anatomy and explain whether traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures, or another approach is most appropriate.
How Long Does the Denture Process Take?
The treatment timeline varies from patient to patient.
Traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures follow different treatment paths. For implant-supported dentures, timing can also depend on whether you need bone grafting, how your implants heal, and the complexity of your case.
After your examination, our team can give you a more personalized idea of what to expect.
Care, Maintenance, and Follow-Up
Regular care helps keep dentures comfortable and protects the surrounding gums and tissues.
For removable dentures, proper cleaning and periodic relines can help maintain fit and hygiene.
Implant-supported dentures also require consistent oral hygiene and routine dental checkups to protect the implants and surrounding tissues.
After placement, we schedule follow-up visits to check your bite, comfort, and fit and make adjustments when necessary. If repairs or additional adjustments are needed, we can handle them in our office.
Sedation options remain available for follow-up procedures when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
How long do dentures last?
Dentures can last for several years, but changes in your gums and jaw may affect their fit over time. Regular dental visits can help identify when adjustments, relining, or replacement may be needed.
Do implant-supported dentures come out?
Some implant-supported dentures are removable, while others are designed to remain securely attached. Dr. Daniel Theurer can explain which option best fits your needs and preferences.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Most patients can enjoy a wide variety of foods once they adjust to their dentures. Implant-supported dentures may provide additional stability and confidence while chewing.
How do I know which type of denture is right for me?
The best option depends on factors such as your oral health, remaining teeth, jawbone, and goals. A consultation at Highland Dental Center can help determine whether traditional, partial, or implant-supported dentures are appropriate.
Schedule a Denture Consultation in Salt Lake City
If missing teeth are making it harder to eat, speak, or feel comfortable with your smile, Highland Dental Center can help you explore your denture options.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Theurer to learn more about traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures, bone grafting, sedation options, and creating a natural-looking result.
Contact Highland Dental Center in Salt Lake City to schedule your visit.