828 NE A St, Grants Pass, OR 97526
What Are Dentures and Partials?
Tooth loss can affect far more than your smile. It changes the way you chew, the way you speak, and often the shape of your face over time as your jawbone adjusts to missing teeth. Dentures and partials are custom-made replacement teeth designed to reverse that, restoring the look, function, and structure of a healthy, complete smile.
At A Street Dental in Grants Pass, we work with patients throughout Southern Oregon, including Josephine County, Myrtle Creek, Canyonville, Selma, and communities along the coast, who are dealing with anything from a single missing tooth to a full arch that needs replacing. Beyond the fitting itself, our team takes the time to walk you through which option fits your specific situation, what to expect during healing, and how to keep your new teeth comfortable and functional for years to come. Whether you're replacing teeth for the first time or need an existing denture adjusted or remade, we'll help you find the right path forward.
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Which Is the Right Option for You?
If you're comparing tooth replacement options, the right choice usually comes down to how many natural teeth you have left and how healthy your gums are. Here's how the two compare:
Partial Dentures
A partial denture helps restore the form and function of your jaw by replacing one or several missing teeth. This removable, natural looking dental appliance is made from a combination of metal and acrylic, which makes it sturdy enough to handle years of chewing and speaking. Keep in mind that our team is always here to assist you in selecting the right partial denture for your unique needs.
Full Dentures
Sometimes called complete dentures, these replace every tooth in an upper or lower arch. Made from acrylic and shaped to fit snugly against your gum tissue, full dentures are held in place primarily by suction, with adhesive available if extra hold is needed. This is typically the right path once most or all of your natural teeth are gone.
Caring for Your Dentures or Partials
A little daily care goes a long way toward keeping your new teeth comfortable, functional, and looking their best. Both dentures and partials should be removed and cleaned daily with a denture-specific cleaner rather than regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive, and left to soak overnight so they don't dry out or warp. It's also worth keeping up with yearly checkups, even if nothing feels wrong, since your gums, jawbone, and any remaining natural teeth continue to change shape over time and can affect how well your appliance fits. With consistent care, a well-made set of dentures or partials can last up to ten years before it needs to be replaced or relined.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures or Partials
It's normal for a new denture or partial to feel a little unfamiliar at first. Here's what helps most patients settle in during those early weeks:
- Start with softer foods and gradually work back to your normal diet as you get used to chewing with your new appliance.
- Practice reading out loud or speaking slowly at first if certain words feel awkward, since your tongue and cheeks need time to adjust.
- Expect some minor soreness or increased saliva in the first few days, both of which typically settle down on their own.
- Come back in for an adjustment if any spot feels like it's rubbing or pinching, rather than trying to tough it out.
- Give it two to four weeks before judging the fit and feel, since most of the adjustment happens in that window.
Ready to Talk About Dentures or Partials?
Whether you're missing a few teeth or need a full replacement, we'll walk you through your options and what to expect at every step. Reach out to our team today, and we'll get you scheduled for a consultation.
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