What Is a Denture?

A denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. Dentures restore the ability to chew, speak clearly, and smile with confidence — and they support the facial structure that collapses when teeth are lost.

Types of Dentures

Complete Denture

Replaces all teeth in the upper, lower, or both arches.

• Conventional complete denture — placed after all teeth are removed and gums have healed (8–12 weeks)

• Immediate denture — placed the same day teeth are extracted; requires relining as the gums heal

Partial Denture

Replaces some but not all teeth when healthy natural teeth remain.

• Clasps onto remaining teeth for support

• Prevents remaining teeth from shifting

• More affordable than replacing every tooth with an implant

Implant-Supported Overdenture

A denture anchored to 2–4 dental implants for significantly improved stability and comfort.
See [Implant Overdenture] for full details.

Cosmetic Flexible Denture

Made from a flexible, gum-colored resin (Valplast or similar).

• No visible metal clasps

• More comfortable for some patients

• Good option for partial dentures

Complete vs. Partial Denture

Feature Complete Denture Partial Denture

Teeth replaced All teeth in arch Some teeth

Support Gum tissue and bone Remaining teeth + gums

Stability Relies on suction/adhesive More stable with clasps

Bone preservation Limited Better with implant support

What to Expect — Denture Process

Step 1 — Initial Consultation

Dr. Kim evaluates your remaining teeth, gum health, bone levels, and facial structure to determine the best denture type for you.

Step 2 — Impressions & Records

• Detailed impressions of your mouth

• Bite registration to establish proper jaw relationship

• Shade and shape selection for the teeth

Step 3 — Try-In Appointment

• Wax denture tried in to evaluate fit, bite, aesthetics, and phonetics

• Adjustments made before final fabrication

Step 4 — Delivery

• Final denture delivered and adjusted

• Home care and wearing instructions provided

• Follow-up appointments scheduled

Typically completed over 4–6 appointments across several weeks

Adjusting to New Dentures

Most patients require an adjustment period of 4 to 8 weeks:

• Minor soreness is normal as gums adapt

• Speech may feel different initially — this resolves with practice

• Eating soft foods at first is recommended

• Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Kim to make necessary adjustments

Long-Term Considerations

• Dentures should be relined or remade every 5–7 years as the jawbone changes shape

• Never sleep in dentures unless specifically instructed

• Annual check-ups are important even for patients with no remaining teeth

• Bone loss continues under conventional dentures over time — implant support can slow this significantly

Why Prosthodontic Expertise Matters for Dentures

Denture fabrication is a core area of prosthodontic specialty training. The difference between a well-made denture and a poorly fitting one is enormous — affecting comfort, chewing ability, speech, and appearance. Dr. Kim’s training ensures every detail, from tooth selection to bite relationship to gum contour, is optimized for your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.