Dentures & Partials
Custom-fitted tooth replacement that looks natural and feels comfortable.
Replacing Missing Teeth — Comfortably and Affordably
Whether you need to replace a few teeth or a full arch, dentures and partials can give you back your smile, your ability to eat comfortably, and your confidence. At River Street Dental, every denture is custom-made to fit your mouth and match your natural teeth as closely as possible.
Dr. Carroll takes the time to get the fit right — because a denture that doesn't fit well isn't just uncomfortable, it can cause real problems down the road. We'll work with you through every step, from impressions to final adjustments.
Your Options
Full Dentures
Replace all the teeth in your upper or lower arch. Custom-made to fit the shape of your mouth and designed to look as natural as possible.
Partial Dentures
Replace one or more missing teeth while keeping your remaining natural teeth in place. They clip or clasp onto your existing teeth for stability.
Immediate Dentures
Placed the same day teeth are extracted so you never go a day without teeth. A great option if you're facing multiple extractions.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients who want a more secure, permanent solution. Dental implants anchor the denture in place — no slipping, no adhesive.
Not sure which option is right? Dr. Carroll will walk you through the pros and cons of each based on your specific situation. We also offer specialty dentures and immediate dentures.
What to Expect with Dentures or Partials
We want to be upfront with you — dentures and partials are a big adjustment. They're not going to feel like your natural teeth, and that's okay. Knowing what's ahead makes the whole process a lot easier.
They'll need some fine-tuning over time.
Your gums naturally change shape, so over the months and years, your denture may start to feel a little looser than it did at first. When that happens, we can add a new layer of material (called a reline) to tighten the fit back up. There is an additional cost for a reline, but it's a straightforward procedure.
Chewing will feel different.
The more teeth a partial is replacing, the more movement you'll notice when you chew. There's a real loss of chewing power compared to natural teeth — and even the best-made full denture can shift, since it's not physically attached to your jaw.
You'll need to relearn how to eat.
Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, and chew on both sides of your mouth at the same time. That might feel strange at first, but it helps keep things stable. Work your way up to larger, firmer foods gradually over the next several weeks. And here's a tip for full dentures: instead of biting down with your front teeth, hold the food near the corners of your mouth and tear it off with a downward motion of your hand. It sounds unusual, but it works much better and keeps the denture from rocking.
Speech takes a little practice, too.
If you've been without teeth for a while — or used to an old, worn denture — your tongue and mouth have adapted to those conditions. A new denture corrects your jaw position, which is a good thing, but it may make certain words feel clumsy at first. This is temporary. Reading out loud and carefully pronouncing each word is one of the best ways to speed things along.
It's going to feel bulky at first.
When a new denture goes in, most people feel like their mouth is suddenly full. Your tongue might feel crowded. If you've gone without teeth for a while, the inside of your cheeks and tongue may have thickened slightly to fill the space. That full sensation usually fades pretty quickly — try not to dwell on it, and it'll feel normal sooner than you'd expect.
Lower dentures are the trickiest.
There's no suction holding a lower denture in place the way there is with an upper. You actually learn to hold it steady with your tongue. It takes patience, and it's the part most people need the most time to adjust to.
Sore spots are normal.
Your denture may shift and rub in certain areas, especially early on. Don't tough it out — come in and we'll adjust it. Some patients need a few adjustment visits in the first couple of weeks, and that's completely expected. We'd rather see you and get it right than have you uncomfortable.
A small number of people really struggle with dentures.
Whether it's a sensitive gag reflex or just the feeling of something foreign in the mouth, adapting can be genuinely hard for some folks. We'll work with you through it, but we believe in being honest about that possibility upfront.
One last thing — keep track of them.
If you've never had a denture before, it's easy to accidentally misplace it. More dentures than you'd think have ended up in the garbage, wrapped in a napkin on a lunch tray. And if you have a dog? They think dentures make excellent chew toys. A dedicated case goes a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get dentures?
The process typically takes several weeks, including impressions, fittings, and adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. If you need immediate dentures (placed the same day as extractions), those can be arranged with some advance planning.
Will dentures look natural?
Modern dentures look much more natural than they used to. We carefully match the size, shape, and shade of the teeth to your face and any remaining teeth. Most people can't tell the difference.
How do I care for my dentures?
Remove them at night and soak them in a cleaning solution. Brush them daily with a soft brush (not toothpaste — it's too abrasive). Rinse after eating. And come in for regular checkups so we can make sure the fit is still good.
Can I upgrade to implant-supported dentures later?
Yes. Many patients start with traditional dentures and later upgrade to implant-supported options for a more secure fit. We can talk through that path anytime.
If you're dealing with missing teeth — or dentures that don't fit the way they should — give us a call. We'll take a look and talk through your options honestly.
Schedule a Consultation
Considering dentures? Let's sit down and talk through what makes the most sense for you.
Book AppointmentWant Something More Secure?
If you want dentures that don't slip or click, ask about our implant-supported options.
Specialty DenturesRelated Reading
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