12497 South Tamiami Trail, Unit 2, North Port, FL
Restoring a Full Smile with Dentures
A denture that fits well is one you forget you are wearing. One that does not fit sits in the back of every thought, shifts when you eat and changes what you are willing to say yes to. The difference comes down to how carefully the impression is taken, how well the bite is set and how many adjustments are made before the case is closed. At our North Port office, Dr. Annie Smith oversees every stage of the denture process herself, from the initial assessment through to fit and follow-up, and she does not consider the job done until the denture feels like part of you.
Whether you need a full denture, a partial denture or are considering implant-supported dentures for added stability, Dr. Smith will explain the options that best fit your needs. She will also discuss the benefits and limitations of each, so you know exactly what to expect. Every denture we provide is backed by a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Schedule a Denture Consultation
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue, restoring the appearance of a natural smile and the ability to chew and speak comfortably. They rest on the gum ridge and, in the case of upper dentures, the palate, and are held in place by suction, the natural contours of the mouth and in some cases denture adhesive.
Modern dentures are made from acrylic resin with porcelain or acrylic teeth, designed to closely mimic the look of natural teeth and gum tissue. Properly fitted, they allow most patients to eat a wide range of foods and speak normally with little adjustment period.
What dentures cannot do is prevent the bone resorption that begins when teeth are lost. The jawbone needs the stimulation of tooth roots to maintain its volume, and without that it gradually shrinks. This is why dentures require periodic relining as the jaw changes shape underneath them, and why implant-supported options are worth understanding for patients who want a longer-term solution.
Types of Dentures
- Full dentures.
Replace all teeth in the upper arch, lower arch or both. The upper denture rests against the palate and uses suction for retention. The lower sits on the gum ridge and is inherently less stable because of the tongue and jaw movement around it. Most patients find the upper straightforward and the lower takes more adjustment. - Partial dentures.
For patients who still have some natural teeth remaining. A partial fills the gaps with replacement teeth on a framework that clips to the existing teeth, preventing drift and restoring chewing function. The natural teeth that remain also provide stability the denture can anchor to.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Most patients who have lost several or all of their teeth are candidates for some form of denture, but the right type depends on several factors Dr. Smith assesses at your consultation.
Full dentures
Full dentures suit patients who have lost or are losing all teeth in one or both arches and have adequate bone ridge remaining to support the appliance. Patients with significant bone loss may find conventional dentures unstable and benefit more from an implant supported design.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures work best when healthy natural teeth remain that can serve as anchors. The overall health of those remaining teeth matters, since a partial depends on them for stability and excessive decay or gum disease in the anchor teeth weakens the whole appliance.
Implant supported dentures
Implant supported dentures require enough bone volume to place implants successfully. Where bone loss has been significant, a bone graft may be needed first, and Dr. Smith will tell you if that applies to your case. Overall health also factors in, since implant healing is affected by uncontrolled diabetes, smoking and certain medications.
For patients weighing multiple options, Dr. Smith explains the pros and cons of each in plain language, in English or Spanish, and gives you a written estimate for each route so cost is part of the conversation rather than a surprise at the end.
How Dentures Are Made and Fitted at Wellen Family Dental
Getting a well-fitting denture takes several appointments, and each one matters. Rushing the process is the most common reason a denture does not fit comfortably long-term.
Comprehensive Examination
Dr. Smith assesses the health of any remaining teeth and gum tissue, reviews bone levels on X-ray, and discusses which type of denture suits your situation.
Extractions If Needed
Any remaining teeth being replaced are removed and the gum tissue is allowed time to heal, typically six to eight weeks for conventional dentures, before impressions are taken.
Impressions and Measurements
Detailed impressions capture the shape of your ridges, and bite measurements record how your jaws relate to each other. These are the foundation of a well-fitting result.
Wax try-in
A wax version of your denture is made so you can see the tooth position, shape and color before anything is finalized. This is the appointment to speak up about anything that does not look right.
Delivery and Fit Check
The finished denture is seated, checked for fit, pressure points and your bite. Adjustments are made at this visit.
Follow-up Adjustments
Most patients need one or more follow-up visits in the first few weeks as the gums settle and soft spots become apparent. This is normal and expected, not a sign that something went wrong.
Getting Used to New Dentures
It's normal for new dentures to take a little time to get used to. During the adjustment period, you may notice:
- Increased saliva production during the first week or two.
- Mild sore spots as your gums adapt.
- Temporary changes in speech, especially with S and F sounds.
- The need to start with soft foods cut into small pieces.
- Better stability when chewing evenly on both sides.
- Gradually returning to most foods as you become more comfortable.
Denture Costs and How to Cover Them
Denture cost varies based on the type, the number of arches and whether implants are involved. Dr. Smith provides a written estimate for each option at your consultation so you can compare routes with real numbers rather than estimates.
Most dental insurance plans cover dentures as a major prosthetic service, often around 50% up to the annual maximum, and our team verifies your exact benefits before treatment begins. For patients without insurance, our membership plan takes 20% off dentures and related treatment from $33 a month. Veterans receive 10% off, cash patients receive 5% off, and Cherry and CareCredit financing is available with many plans at 0% interest.
Because dentures are a longer-term investment and a significant decision, our team is happy to go through the numbers in English or Spanish and answer every cost question before you commit to anything.
Start the Conversation About Your Smile
Whether you are missing a few teeth or considering full dentures for the first time, a consultation with Dr. Smith starts with an honest assessment of what your mouth needs and what your options are. No pressure, a written estimate for each route, and everything we place is guaranteed for a full year. Most insurance accepted, membership plan from $33 a month, veterans receive 10% off, and financing is available.
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