1933 Franciscan Way, West Chicago, IL 60185
Advances in dental materials and techniques have made replacing missing teeth more natural and reliable than ever. While dental implants and fixed bridgework are powerful options for many patients, removable dentures remain a practical and widely used solution for restoring a complete, functional smile.
At West Chicago Smiles, we design dentures with attention to aesthetics, comfort, and long-term function. Our approach focuses on precise fit and natural appearance so patients can speak, eat, and smile with confidence.
We believe each patient deserves a treatment plan tailored to their oral health, lifestyle, and goals. Whether a removable partial or a full denture is best for you, our team prioritizes predictable results and ongoing support.
Losing teeth affects more than appearance; it alters how your mouth works and how your face ages over time. Missing teeth can change the way you bite and chew, reduce the variety of foods you can comfortably eat, and make clear speech more difficult for some people.
When gaps remain unfilled, neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space. This movement can create misalignment, uneven wear, and new areas where decay or gum disease can take hold. Over months and years these changes may complicate future restorative options.
Facial support is another key concern. Teeth help preserve the shape of the jaw and lower face; without them, the mouth and cheeks can lose volume and appear sunken. Dentures help restore that support and can make an immediate, visible difference in facial balance.
Addressing tooth loss sooner rather than later often simplifies treatment and improves outcomes. Removable dentures provide a reliable way to rebuild oral function and protect remaining teeth and supporting tissues from further compromise.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices made to rest comfortably on the gums and replace missing teeth. They include natural-looking artificial teeth set into a gum-colored base that supports chewing, speaking, and smiling.
Unlike fixed restorations, removable dentures can be taken out for cleaning and overnight rest. This makes it easier to care for the tissues and any remaining natural teeth, and simplifies hygiene routines for many patients.
Modern denture materials and fabrication techniques allow for lifelike textures and tooth shapes that blend with the patient’s natural features. Properly designed dentures also redistribute chewing forces to protect sensitive areas and maintain oral comfort.
Selecting the ideal denture depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of the remaining teeth and gums, and the underlying bone support. A careful clinical evaluation helps determine whether a partial denture or a full denture will deliver the best long-term result.
Partial dentures are designed to fill gaps when some healthy teeth remain. They use clasps or precision attachments to anchor to adjacent teeth and prevent unwanted drifting while restoring appearance and function.
Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in an arch when extractions or long-standing tooth loss have left the jaw without natural dentition. They sit on the gum and rely on contours of the mouth and, when appropriate, adhesive or attachments for retention.
For many patients, hybrid solutions—such as overdentures or implant-stabilized dentures—combine the removable convenience of a prosthesis with added support from remaining teeth or dental implants. We evaluate each case individually to design a solution that balances comfort, stability, and oral health.
Complete (full) dentures can be tailored to replace the entire set of upper teeth, lower teeth, or both arches. The final decision about timing and type reflects tissue health, healing after extractions, and the patient’s functional needs.
Immediate dentures are placed right after teeth are removed so patients do not go without teeth during healing. They may require adjustments as the gums remodel. Conventional full dentures are fabricated after the tissues have healed for a more definitive fit.
Overdentures add support by using attachments on remaining teeth or small dental implants. These attachments increase stability and can improve chewing efficiency while still allowing the prosthesis to be removed for cleaning.
Partial dentures come in a variety of framework styles and materials—cast metal frameworks, flexible resins, and hybrid constructions—each offering different balances of strength, comfort, and aesthetics. The best material for a patient depends on oral anatomy and personal preferences.
Whichever design is chosen, the goal is the same: to restore the appearance and function of missing teeth without causing harm to the remaining dentition or soft tissues.
Crafting a well-fitting denture is both an art and a science. It starts with a comprehensive evaluation of your medical and dental history, a detailed exam of the mouth, and, when useful, diagnostic imaging to assess bone and tissue contours.
From there we use precise impressions, careful bite records, and patient-centered tooth selection to create a prosthesis that balances comfort, function, and appearance. Try-ins and incremental adjustments help us refine the fit before delivering the final appliance.
In some cases, preparatory procedures—such as smoothing bone, extracting nonviable teeth, or working with implants—improve long-term comfort and retention. Our team will explain the rationale for any recommended steps and how they contribute to a predictable outcome.
We take time to ensure the new denture supports normal chewing patterns and feels secure during speech. That attention to detail reduces the need for extensive adjustments later and helps patients adapt more quickly.
Adjusting to a new denture is a process. In the first days and weeks you may notice increased saliva production, minor pressure points, or slight changes in speech. These reactions are common and usually improve with time and small adjustments.
Start with soft foods and smaller bites as you regain confidence chewing. Practice reading aloud or speaking slowly to speed the return of natural speech patterns. If you feel a persistent sore spot, keep wearing the denture until your adjustment visit so we can identify and relieve the exact area of irritation.
Cleaning your denture daily is essential. Rinse after meals, brush with a denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner, and soak overnight in water or a recommended denture solution. Also continue to care for any remaining natural teeth and the soft tissues of the mouth to preserve overall oral health.
Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor fit and function. Over time the shape of the mouth changes, and occasional relines or minor repairs help maintain comfort and stability for years to come.
Our staff is committed to helping patients feel supported at every stage—from selecting the right type of denture to mastering care and maintenance. If you have questions about how a denture might fit into your treatment plan, our team is ready to explain the options and next steps.
In summary, removable dentures remain a versatile and effective way to restore missing teeth, protect oral health, and rebuild confidence. Contact us to learn more about denture solutions and how they may help you regain comfort and function.
Today, it’s easier than ever to replace missing teeth and achieve natural-looking, durable, and long-lasting results! Depending on a patient’s dental needs, lifestyle, expectations of care, and budget, choices can include conventional fixed bridgework, dental implants, or removable partial and complete dentures. At the office of West Chicago Smiles, we’ll discuss all your options in care and answer all your questions as you choose the solution that’s right for you.
With advances in dental materials and technology, today’s dentures are more comfortable and realistic-looking than ever before.
Whether you wear partial or complete dentures, it’s essential to see the dentist for routine care. Besides checking the fit and condition of your dentures and making any necessary adjustments, you’ll also receive a comprehensive exam to check on the health of any remaining teeth as well as the soft and hard tissues in and around the oral cavity.
A same-day denture offers an accelerated design and fabrication process that allows a patient to go from impression taking to denture insertion in a single day.
For patients who don’t want to wait after having teeth extracted, an immediate denture can be inserted the same day your teeth are removed. Sometime later you may need the denture relined to address any changes in its fit once the extraction sites have completely healed.
While no one wants to drop or break a partial or complete denture, accidents do happen. The good news is that in some cases, your partial or complete denture is reparable. It all depends on the extent of the damage. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you’ve broken or damaged your denture. We’re happy to help.
The simple act of taking your partial denture in and out can cause certain types of metal clasps to loosen over time. When you come in for your checkup visit or contact our office for an adjustment, we’ll assess the fit of your partial and tighten the clasps for improved stability and comfort.
While rebuilding a complete smile is a worthwhile investment, our office is sensitive to the costs involved in dental care. We customize care and will discuss which treatment options address your needs, lifestyle, and budget. How much a new denture will cost depends on the type of the prosthesis, its design, and the materials used to fabricate the supportive base, teeth, and clasps or precision attachments. Dentures that include the placement of dental implants for added retention and stability typically involve additional costs.
If you have dental insurance, your coverage may include a new or replacement set of dentures. Our staff is happy to review your coverage with you to ensure you are maximizing your insurance benefits while minimizing any out of pocket expenses.
At the office of West Chicago Smiles, we provide an extensive range of dental services, including the latest and most effective methods to help patients with missing teeth rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. As skilled and experienced professionals, we recognize that every patient is different, and every smile is unique. We’re passionate about what we do and take great pride in providing personalized treatment plans while treating our patients as valued partners in care.
