Advances in dental materials and techniques have made replacing missing teeth more natural and reliable than ever. While dental implants and fixed bridgework are excellent options for many patients, removable dentures continue to be a practical and effective solution for restoring a complete smile and everyday function.
At the office of Edward J. Sharkey, DMD, we design and craft dentures with an emphasis on comfort, facial balance, and long-term function. Our approach pairs modern materials with careful planning so dentures look natural and support clear speech and efficient chewing.
Every denture we create is tailored to a patient’s anatomy, habits, and goals. We take time to evaluate oral health, discuss realistic expectations, and recommend the type of denture that will best meet each individual’s needs.
Losing teeth affects more than appearance — it can alter how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. Teeth play an essential role in breaking down food for digestion, guiding clear speech, and preserving the structure of the jaws and cheeks. When teeth are missing, these functions are disrupted.
Over time, the absence of tooth roots leads to gradual bone loss in the jaws. This change in bone volume and shape can make the face appear sunken and lead to shifting of remaining teeth, which can create bite problems and further functional challenges. Replacing missing teeth helps preserve facial contours and maintain the balance of your bite.
Addressing tooth loss also reduces the risk of additional wear and stress on surrounding teeth. Whether the cause was decay, gum disease, injury, or a medical condition, timely restoration restores confidence and minimizes the chance of future complications.
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth set in a base that fits over the gums. The base is shaped and shaded to mimic natural gum tissue, while the teeth are selected for size, color, and form that suit your face and bite. Properly made dentures restore appearance and help you speak and chew more effectively.
Unlike fixed bridges or implant crowns, dentures can be taken out for cleaning and overnight rest, which makes daily hygiene straightforward. This removability also allows for periodic adjustments and relines to maintain a comfortable fit as oral tissues change.
Today’s denture materials and fabrication techniques allow for more lifelike results than in the past. With careful shade selection and tooth arrangement, a well-crafted denture can blend naturally with your facial features and existing teeth.
Selecting the proper denture depends on how many teeth remain, the condition of the supporting tissues, and your personal goals for appearance and function. Our evaluations consider oral health, bone support, and daily habits so we can recommend the most appropriate design for lasting comfort.
Complete, partial, and implant-assisted dentures each have specific advantages. A partial denture fills gaps left by a few missing teeth and helps stabilize surrounding teeth, while a complete denture replaces an entire arch when all teeth are absent. Implant-supported options combine the removability of dentures with the improved retention that implants provide.
Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower arch. They sit on the gums and rely on tissue support and suction for retention. Design details — such as tooth position, occlusion (bite), and gum contour — are customized to provide the best combination of comfort and function.
A conventional complete denture is fabricated after teeth have been extracted and the tissues have healed. Waiting for healing can improve the precision of the final fit, and patients benefit from a careful series of steps that confirm bite, esthetics, and comfort before the denture is finalized.
Immediate denture
An immediate denture is placed at the time of extraction so a patient does not have a period without teeth. Because tissues change as they heal, immediate dentures often require follow-up adjustments or relines to restore an optimal fit.
Overdenture
An overdenture gains stability from remaining tooth roots or specially designed attachments on preserved teeth. This approach can preserve bone and improve retention compared with a conventional denture.
Implant-supported denture
Implant-supported dentures anchor to strategically placed dental implants and offer enhanced stability and bite efficiency. These options are available for both partial and full-arch restorations and can dramatically reduce movement during function.
When several natural teeth remain, a removable partial denture replaces missing teeth while preserving the healthy ones. Partials attach with clasps or precision attachments and help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into empty spaces.
Partial frameworks can be made from various materials such as cast metal alloys, flexible resins, or hybrid materials. Each option offers different balances of strength, esthetics, and comfort; we discuss the best choice during treatment planning.
Our goal is to design a partial denture that restores chewing function, fills gaps discreetly, and supports your long-term oral health with minimal impact on the remaining dentition.
At the office of Edward J. Sharkey, DMD, we take a thoughtful approach to denture selection and fabrication so every prosthesis aligns with individual needs and expectations.
Creating a successful denture begins with a detailed assessment: medical and dental history, oral examination, and diagnostic imaging as needed. Understanding the condition of the gums and underlying bone guides decisions about extractions, pre-prosthetic shaping, or implant placement when appropriate.
Precise impressions, bite records, and try-in appointments allow us to evaluate esthetics and function before the final prosthesis is finished. These steps help ensure the denture supports a comfortable bite and a natural-looking smile that complements facial features.
We coordinate care with specialists when a case calls for surgical implant placement or advanced oral surgery. That collaboration helps provide integrated solutions that combine stability, esthetics, and long-term predictability.
Whether a denture is completed in a few visits or requires a staged approach with surgical and restorative steps, consistent communication and careful execution of each phase are essential to a strong outcome.
Adjusting to a new denture takes time. It’s normal to experience increased saliva, minor soreness, and the need to practice speaking and chewing. Wearing the denture and returning for timely adjustments helps pinpoint pressure areas and improves comfort quickly.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward: rinse after meals, brush the denture daily with a nonabrasive brush, and soak overnight in water or a recommended cleanser. It’s also important to clean any remaining natural teeth and the gums to protect oral tissues.
Some dentures benefit from added retention, whether through careful relines, attachment systems, or implant support. Over time, routine checkups let us monitor fit, evaluate tissue changes, and recommend relines or repairs as needed to keep the prosthesis functioning well.
Regular follow-up exams allow us to assess your oral health, check the fit and condition of your denture, and make any adjustments to preserve both comfort and function for the long term.
In summary, dentures remain a practical and adaptable way to restore smiles and everyday function. If you have questions about whether a denture is the right solution for you or would like more information about the process, please contact us for more information.
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 Edward J. Sharkey, DMD, 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 Edward J. Sharkey, DMD, 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.
