Dentures in Clovis, CA

Restore Your Smile with Custom Dentures in Clovis

Looking for dentures in Clovis, CA? Clovis Country Dental provides personalized denture solutions for patients who are missing some or all of their natural teeth. Dentures can restore your ability to chew and speak while helping improve the appearance of your smile.

Depending on the number of missing teeth, your oral health, and your treatment goals, we may recommend partial dentures, complete dentures, immediate dentures, conventional dentures, or overdentures.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding oral structures. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and can be used when several or all natural teeth are missing.

Dentures can help:

Replace missing teeth
Improve chewing function
Support clearer speech
Restore the appearance of your smile
Provide a removable option for replacing multiple teeth

If you are missing only one or a few teeth, alternatives such as dental bridges or dental implants may also be appropriate.

Types of Dentures

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are designed for patients who still have some natural teeth. They replace several missing teeth and may use clasps or other components to help keep the denture in position.

Partial dentures can be removed for cleaning and should be cared for regularly along with your remaining natural teeth.

Full or Complete Dentures

Complete dentures, also called full dentures, are designed for patients who have lost all or most of their natural teeth in an arch.

They replace multiple missing teeth with a removable restoration designed to fit the shape of your mouth and gums.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are prepared before teeth are extracted and can be placed soon after the teeth are removed.

They can provide a temporary replacement while your gums and jaw tissues heal. Because your mouth can change during the healing process, adjustments or relining may be necessary.

If you need teeth removed before receiving dentures, our dental extractions service can help address teeth that cannot be predictably restored.

Conventional Dentures

Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gums and supporting tissues have had time to heal.

Because the denture is fabricated after healing, the fit can be evaluated based on the healed shape of your mouth.

What Are Overdentures?

Overdentures are removable dentures that receive additional support from remaining natural teeth or dental implants.

For patients with suitable bone and oral health, implant-supported dentures may provide additional stability compared with traditional removable dentures.

If you are considering implant-supported tooth replacement, learn more about our dental implants service.

Who May Benefit from Dentures?

Dentures may be an option for patients who have lost several or all of their natural teeth because of:

Extensive tooth decay
Severe tooth damage
Tooth loss related to gum disease
Injury or trauma
Age-related tooth loss
Other oral health conditions

Your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw, and overall oral health before recommending the most appropriate tooth replacement option.

If you still have teeth that may be restored, treatments such as dental crowns or root canal treatment may help preserve them instead of removing them.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants and Bridges

Dentures are only one way to replace missing teeth. Depending on your situation, your dentist may also discuss dental implants or bridges.

Dentures

Dentures are removable and can replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch.

Dental Implants

Dental implants replace missing tooth roots and can support individual crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth by using neighboring teeth or implants for support.

The best option depends on your oral health, the number of missing teeth, available bone, personal preferences, and treatment goals.

What Is the Denture Process?

Getting dentures typically involves several steps.

1. Dental Examination

Your dentist examines your teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues. Existing teeth that need treatment may need to be addressed before your denture is made.

Regular dental exams and cleanings are also important for monitoring your overall oral health.

2. Impressions or Digital Scanning

Detailed impressions or digital scans may be used to create a model of your mouth and design a properly fitting restoration.

Clovis Country Dental also offers impressionless dentistry using digital scanning technology.

3. Denture Design and Fabrication

Your dental team works with the appropriate laboratory process to create dentures based on the shape of your mouth and your treatment needs.

4. Fitting and Adjustments

Once your dentures are ready, your dentist checks the fit, comfort, appearance, and bite. Adjustments may be needed as you become accustomed to wearing your new dentures.

Getting Used to New Dentures

It can take time to become comfortable with new dentures. You may initially notice changes in how you chew, speak, or produce saliva.

Start with softer foods and gradually introduce more foods as you become comfortable. Chewing on both sides of your mouth can help distribute pressure more evenly.

If your dentures cause persistent soreness, looseness, or difficulty chewing, contact your dentist for an evaluation and possible adjustment.

How to Care for Your Dentures

Proper denture care helps maintain the appliance and protect your oral health.

Clean Your Dentures Every Day

Remove your dentures and clean them regularly using a soft denture brush and an appropriate denture-cleaning product. Avoid abrasive cleaners that may damage the surface.

Clean Your Gums and Remaining Teeth

Even if you wear complete dentures, your gums and oral tissues still need regular cleaning.

If you have partial dentures, continue brushing and cleaning your natural teeth every day.

Our dental hygiene care page provides additional information about maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Remove Dentures When Recommended

Removing dentures when you sleep may give your gums and oral tissues time to rest. Follow your dentist’s specific recommendations for wearing and storing your dentures.

Handle Dentures Carefully

Dentures can break if dropped. Handle them carefully and keep them in an appropriate soaking solution or water when they are not being worn, according to your dentist’s instructions.

When Should Dentures Be Replaced or Adjusted?

Your mouth naturally changes over time, and dentures can become loose or uncomfortable as your gums and jaw tissues change.

Contact your dentist if you notice:

Dentures slipping while speaking or eating
Persistent gum irritation
Difficulty chewing
Cracks or damage
Changes in your bite
Significant changes in fit

Your dentist can determine whether an adjustment, reline, repair, or replacement is appropriate.

Dentures and Bone Health

When teeth are lost, the jawbone can gradually change because it no longer receives stimulation from natural tooth roots.

If you are considering implant-supported dentures, your dentist may evaluate the amount and condition of available bone. In certain situations, a bone graft may be considered as part of an implant treatment plan.