Advances in dental materials, digital design, and fabrication techniques make replacing missing teeth more reliable and natural-looking than ever. While dental implants and fixed bridgework are excellent long-term options for many patients, removable dentures remain a practical and widely used solution for rebuilding a complete, functional smile.
At the office of Lorber Dental NY, PLLC, we craft dentures using high-quality materials and careful laboratory processes to achieve a comfortable fit and a pleasing appearance. Our approach balances form and function so patients can eat, speak, and smile with confidence while preserving facial contours.
We take time to understand each patient’s goals, oral health, and daily habits, then tailor denture design and care recommendations accordingly. Whether you need a partial denture to fill a few gaps or a complete denture to restore an entire arch, our focus is on predictable results and ongoing support.
Losing teeth affects more than aesthetics. Gaps in the dental arch change how forces are distributed when you chew, which can accelerate wear and shifting of remaining teeth. Over time this can complicate future restorative work and make everyday tasks like chewing certain foods more difficult.
Beyond function, missing teeth can influence facial structure. Without tooth roots stimulating the jawbone, gradual bone resorption can lead to a collapsed appearance around the mouth and changes in facial profile. Restoring lost teeth helps preserve support for the lips and cheeks and can improve overall facial balance.
The emotional impact is also important. Many people report reduced confidence after tooth loss, which can affect social interactions and quality of life. Well-designed dentures aim to restore a natural appearance while returning essential tooth function, helping patients feel more comfortable in daily life.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. A full denture replaces an entire arch, while a partial denture fills in one or more spaces and uses remaining teeth for support. Both types are designed to recreate the look and position of natural teeth and restore proper chewing function.
Removability is a practical advantage: dentures can be taken out for cleaning and to give oral tissues a daily break. Proper daily care and periodic professional checkups help keep both the denture and the underlying tissues healthy. With appropriate maintenance, well-made dentures provide a dependable solution for many patients.
Modern denture bases and teeth are made from materials that resist stains, mimic natural translucency, and offer comfortable wear. Dentures can be personalized to match tooth shades, shapes, and bite relationships, ensuring an outcome that looks natural and suits the patient’s facial features.
Selecting the most suitable denture starts with a careful clinical evaluation of your remaining teeth, gum health, and bone anatomy. For some patients, a removable partial denture is the most conservative way to replace a few missing teeth. For others, a complete denture is the best option when an entire arch is deficient.
Full and partial dentures differ in design and retention methods. Partial dentures typically use clasps or precision attachments anchored to neighboring teeth. Full dentures rely on intimate contact with the gum-covered jaw ridge for stability; when needed, additional measures can improve retention.
We discuss the pros and cons of available options—including how well they match your lifestyle and functional needs—so that the final plan reflects your priorities and clinical realities.
Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower arch. A conventional complete denture is fabricated after any remaining teeth are removed and healing has taken place, which allows for a more accurate fit to the healed tissues.
Immediate denture
An immediate denture is placed at the same appointment as extractions, so the patient does not go without teeth during healing. Because the tissues change shape as they heal, immediate dentures commonly need adjustments or a reline to maintain comfort and fit.
Overdenture
An overdenture uses remaining natural tooth roots or specially prepared abutments to provide extra stability. Retaining a few natural roots can help preserve jawbone and improve denture support while still giving the replacement teeth needed for daily function.
Implant-supported dentures
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants placed in the jaw for significantly improved retention and chewing efficiency. Depending on the case, implants may be used to anchor a removable overdenture or a fixed prosthesis, enhancing comfort and confidence.
Removable partial dentures restore one or several missing teeth and help stabilize the remaining dentition by preventing unwanted drifting. Design options for partial frameworks include cast metal, flexible resin, or hybrid materials tailored to the specific clinical situation.
When designed correctly, partial dentures distribute chewing forces evenly and work in harmony with the remaining teeth, preserving bite relationships and supporting oral health.
Our team evaluates each case individually and recommends the denture type that best preserves oral structures while meeting a patient’s comfort and aesthetic goals.
Creating a successful denture involves a careful blend of clinical assessment, diagnostic imaging, and collaboration with skilled dental technicians. We analyze bite relationships, jaw movement, and how the denture will interact with lips and cheeks to ensure both comfort and natural appearance.
At Lorber Dental NY, PLLC, we use thorough impressions and, when appropriate, digital imaging to capture the precise contours of the jaws. These references guide laboratory steps such as tooth selection, arrangement, and final contouring to produce a restoration that functions well and looks harmonious with the face.
Occasionally, preparatory treatments—such as smoothing bone irregularities or removing problematic teeth—are recommended to create the best foundation for a denture. When implants are part of the plan, we coordinate surgical and prosthetic phases to optimize long-term outcomes.
Every denture case includes staged check-ins to confirm fit, bite, and comfort so adjustments can be made quickly and efficiently during the process.
Receiving a new denture is a transition that typically requires an adjustment period. Mild soreness or increased saliva flow is common initially and usually resolves within days to weeks. During this time, a few targeted adjustments can greatly improve comfort.
Practice speaking and eating gradually. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, chew on both sides, and avoid hard or very sticky items until you build confidence. Reading aloud or repeating phrases can speed up adaptation to speaking with a prosthesis.
Good daily maintenance preserves long-term hygiene and appearance. Rinse dentures after meals, brush them gently with a brush designed for removable prostheses, and soak them in water or a recommended cleanser when not in use. Also continue to care for any remaining natural teeth and soft tissues with regular brushing and professional exams.
Adjustments and fit
Minor sore spots or pressure areas are addressed through quick in-office adjustments. Wearing the denture for short intervals before an adjustment visit helps pinpoint problem areas more accurately.
Temporary changes in saliva
An increase in saliva is a normal short-term response as your mouth adapts to the prosthesis and typically subsides with time.
Speaking and eating strategies
Practicing speech and gradually reintroducing foods will help you regain comfort. Avoid biting with only one side and use smaller bites until your oral muscles adapt.
Daily cleaning routine
Rinse and brush dentures after meals and brush any remaining natural teeth and gums to keep tissues healthy.
Soak dentures overnight in water or a recommended cleaner to maintain hygiene and keep the base from drying out.
Remove dentures at bedtime to allow gum tissues to rest and reduce the risk of irritation.
Improving stability
Denture adhesive can help in some cases, and implant attachments or overdentures are effective options for patients seeking added retention.
Follow-up and relines
Routine visits include checks of fit and tissue health. As jaw shape changes over time, relining or other adjustments may be recommended to restore optimal fit.
We are committed to clear communication and ongoing support throughout the denture process. If you have any further questions about dentures or whether they are the right option for you, please contact our office for more information.
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue to restore the appearance and function of a dental arch. Full dentures replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch, while partial dentures fill one or more gaps and use remaining teeth for support. They are designed to recreate natural tooth position and chewing surfaces so patients can eat, speak, and smile with greater confidence.
Beyond aesthetics, dentures help reestablish proper chewing forces and oral balance, which can protect remaining teeth and the jaw from adverse changes. Modern denture materials mimic natural tooth translucency and resist stains, improving both comfort and longevity. With appropriate care and periodic professional checks, well-made dentures provide a reliable solution for many patients seeking to restore function.
Determining whether dentures are the best choice begins with a thorough clinical evaluation that includes an assessment of existing teeth, gum health, jawbone anatomy, and overall medical history. At the office of Lorber Dental NY, PLLC we discuss each patient’s daily habits, aesthetic goals, and functional expectations so that treatment options reflect individual needs. For some patients a removable partial denture is the most conservative choice, while others may benefit from a complete denture or an implant-retained solution.
We also consider long-term oral health implications such as tooth wear, shifting of adjacent teeth, and the potential for bone loss in edentulous areas. If implants are a possibility, we explain how they can improve retention and chewing efficiency compared with conventional dentures. The final recommendation balances clinical findings, patient preferences, and realistic outcomes so you can make an informed decision.
There are several common denture types: conventional full dentures, immediate dentures, removable partial dentures, overdentures, and implant-supported dentures. Conventional full dentures are made after healing from extractions to fit the healed tissues closely, while immediate dentures are placed at the time of extraction to avoid a period without teeth and typically need subsequent adjustments or relines. Removable partial dentures replace a few missing teeth and use clasps or precision attachments to anchor to neighboring teeth.
Overdentures retain selected natural roots or abutments to enhance stability and preserve jawbone, and implant-supported dentures use dental implants to significantly improve retention and chewing function. Each type offers trade-offs in stability, maintenance, and potential surgical involvement, so the best choice depends on clinical anatomy and lifestyle needs. Your dentist will review advantages and limitations of each option to design a plan that meets your functional and aesthetic priorities.
The denture fabrication process starts with a comprehensive exam, diagnostic impressions, and records of bite relationships to capture the precise contours of your jaws and how your teeth come together. At Lorber Dental NY, PLLC we combine clinical measurements with laboratory craftsmanship—selecting tooth shapes, shades, and arrangement to harmonize with your facial features and speech patterns. When appropriate, digital imaging or scans may be used to improve accuracy and communicate details with the dental laboratory.
Several staged appointments allow for try-ins, adjustments to occlusion and esthetics, and verification of fit before final delivery. If extractions or preparatory procedures are required, the timeline will be coordinated so the denture fits properly as tissues heal. Once delivered, minor in-office adjustments and a brief adaptation period are common as we refine comfort and function.
Daily denture care helps maintain hygiene, appearance, and the health of underlying tissues. Rinse dentures after meals to remove food particles, brush them gently with a denture brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush using a nonabrasive cleanser, and avoid household toothpaste that can scratch the denture surface. Also brush and floss any remaining natural teeth and clean the gums, tongue, and palate to reduce plaque and keep oral tissues healthy.
Soak dentures overnight in water or a recommended denture cleaner to prevent the base from drying and to reduce bacterial buildup, and always follow the product instructions for soaking solutions. Remove dentures at bedtime to allow gum tissues to rest and to lower the risk of irritation. Bring dentures to regular dental visits so fit and tissue health can be evaluated and any necessary relines or repairs performed promptly.
Adjusting to new dentures typically takes days to several weeks and varies by individual factors such as previous denture experience and oral anatomy. During the initial period you may notice mild soreness, increased saliva, or minor changes in speech and chewing; these responses are normal and usually subside as oral muscles and tissues adapt. Practicing speech aloud, reading passages, and starting with soft, small pieces of food can accelerate adaptation and reduce frustration.
Follow-up visits are important during this phase so sore spots or pressure areas can be identified and adjusted quickly. Over time, as you build confidence in chewing and speaking, you can gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods and activities. If persistent discomfort or functional problems occur, further evaluation can determine whether a reline or different prosthetic option would improve outcomes.
Yes, dentures can be combined with dental implants to enhance stability, retention, and chewing efficiency. Implant-supported dentures use implants to anchor either a removable overdenture or a fixed prosthesis, reducing movement and improving comfort compared with conventional tissue-supported dentures. This approach can be especially beneficial for patients with resorbed ridges or those who have difficulty with denture retention.
The planning process includes evaluating bone volume, implant site placement, and prosthetic design to ensure predictable long-term results. When implants are part of the treatment plan, the dental team coordinates surgical and prosthetic phases so the final denture complements implant placement and provides optimal function. Implant-retained options expand the functional range of dentures while helping preserve jawbone health.
Comfort and stability begin with accurate impressions, careful bite records, and a detailed evaluation of how the denture will interact with lips, cheeks, and tongue during function. We check occlusion, jaw movements, and esthetic proportions during try-in appointments so tooth position and vertical dimension support comfortable chewing and natural appearance. Skilled laboratory work combined with clinical verification helps produce dentures that distribute forces evenly and minimize sore spots.
After delivery, prompt adjustments address pressure areas and improve fit as tissues adapt. For patients seeking extra retention, options such as denture adhesives, overdentures, or implant attachments can be discussed. Periodic relines or rebasing may be recommended over time to maintain intimate contact between the denture base and the jaw ridge as oral contours change.
Follow-up appointments typically occur shortly after delivery to check fit, comfort, and bite, and to make any needed adjustments to relieve sore spots or improve occlusion. Regular maintenance visits allow the dental team to monitor tissue health, evaluate wear of denture teeth, and determine whether relining or repair is necessary to restore optimal fit and function. These appointments also provide an opportunity to review cleaning technique and address any patient concerns about speech or eating.
As the jaw and soft tissues change over months and years, routine checkups help detect issues early so corrective steps can be taken before complications arise. For implant-retained dentures, maintenance includes inspection of attachments and peri-implant tissues to preserve long-term performance. Consistent professional care supports comfort, hygiene, and the continued success of the prosthesis.
Dentures can have a positive impact by restoring facial support that may have been lost with missing teeth, which helps maintain lip and cheek fullness and contributes to a more balanced facial profile. Functionally, dentures reestablish chewing surfaces so many patients can enjoy a broader variety of foods, although it is wise to introduce harder or stickier foods gradually while building chewing strength. Speech may change briefly as you adapt to the prosthesis, but most people regain clear speech through practice and small adjustments to the denture if needed.
Well-designed dentures aim to harmonize form and function so that bite relationships and tooth position support both efficient chewing and natural esthetics. If certain functional demands exceed the capabilities of a conventional denture, alternatives such as implant support can be considered to improve stability and chewing performance. Ongoing follow-up and occasional refinements ensure the denture continues to meet your needs for appearance and function.
Quick Links
