Dentures

Recent advances in denture materials and laboratory techniques have changed how we approach tooth replacement. While dental implants and fixed bridges are excellent long-term choices for many patients, removable dentures continue to provide a dependable way to restore chewing, speech, and a natural-looking smile when those alternatives are not suitable or desired.

At the office of J.Patrick Wharry, DDS, we design and fabricate removable prostheses with an emphasis on comfort, fit, and a lifelike appearance. Our clinical process combines careful impressions, thoughtful tooth selection, and collaboration with experienced dental technicians so your denture complements your facial features and daily routine.

We take time to review each patient’s priorities — durability, ease of care, or maximum stability — and recommend a solution that aligns with oral health, remaining teeth, and long-term goals. Whether you need a partial denture to work alongside natural teeth or a complete denture for an entire arch, our team guides you through each step with clear explanations and steady support.

Why missing teeth affect more than just your smile

Losing teeth changes the way forces move through the mouth. When gaps are left unattended, adjacent teeth can drift, opposing teeth may over-erupt, and the bite can become uneven. These changes increase the risk of wear, jaw discomfort, and additional tooth loss if a replacement plan is delayed.

Beyond mechanical concerns, missing teeth alter facial support. Teeth help prop up the lips and cheeks; without them the lower face can appear sunken, which often makes people look older than they feel. A well-made denture restores that supporting structure and helps preserve a balanced facial profile.

There are also practical effects on daily life. Difficulty chewing can discourage people from enjoying a varied, nutritious diet, and gaps in the dental arch may change speech patterns. Addressing tooth loss with an appropriately designed denture reduces these secondary problems and helps patients regain confidence in social and mealtime situations.

How removable dentures recreate natural function and comfort

Removable dentures replace missing teeth with prosthetic teeth set into a gum-colored base that rests on the oral tissues. When fitted correctly, the base spreads bite forces over a broad area of the ridge to protect underlying bone and soft tissues while restoring the ability to bite and chew more efficiently.

One practical advantage of removable appliances is accessibility: they can be removed for cleaning, which makes it simpler to maintain both the prosthesis and the oral tissues beneath it. This daily access supports good oral hygiene and reduces the likelihood of irritation or infection under the denture.

Modern denture teeth and base materials are engineered for realistic shape, translucency, and wear resistance. During the clinical and laboratory stages — from impressions to try-ins — details like tooth position, occlusion, and lip support are refined to create a prosthesis that looks coordinated with your facial features and functions well for everyday activities.

Choosing the denture style that matches your needs

Selecting the right removable option depends on how many teeth remain, the condition of those teeth, the shape of the ridge, and your personal goals for appearance and maintenance. A focused clinical exam and discussion about lifestyle help determine whether a partial, complete, or implant-assisted denture will be most effective.

Partial dentures are designed to fill specific gaps while integrating with the remaining natural teeth. They prevent unwanted tooth movement, restore chewing surfaces, and can be fabricated in a variety of frameworks to balance strength with a discreet profile.

Complete dentures replace an entire dental arch when most or all teeth are missing. Their stability comes from a combination of close-fitting tissue adaptation, suction on the upper arch, and, when necessary, supplemental methods such as adhesives or implant attachments to improve retention and patient comfort.

Complete-arch solutions: full dentures and their options

Full dentures are crafted to replace every tooth in either the upper or lower jaw. Proper fit relies on accurate impressions, careful bite registration, and attention to the contours of the jaw ridges. With those elements in place, full dentures restore facial support and provide a functional surface for eating and speaking.

Traditional timing and immediate options explained

A conventional full denture is produced after extractions and soft-tissue healing, which can create a stable, long-lasting fit once tissues have settled. Alternatively, an immediate denture is inserted right after tooth removal so the patient is never without teeth during healing; immediate prostheses typically require relining or adjustments as the tissues remodel.

• Immediate denture

  An immediate denture is placed at the time of extractions to maintain appearance and function during the healing period. Because the shape of the gums changes as healing occurs, follow-up visits are important to reline or adjust the appliance for comfort and fit.

• Overdenture

  An overdenture fits over remaining tooth roots or specially prepared abutments, using those structures for added support and retention. This approach can help preserve bone levels and increase stability compared with a conventional denture.

• Implant-supported dentures

  When implants are incorporated, the denture anchors to secure attachments for greatly improved stability. Implant-retained options are especially helpful for lower-arch prostheses, where conventional dentures tend to shift more during function.

Partial dentures to preserve natural teeth and bite

Partial dentures replace one or several missing teeth while preserving the health and position of remaining teeth. They can be designed with discreet clasps, precision attachments, or flexible base materials that blend with oral tissues and provide comfortable function.

A carefully chosen partial prevents adjacent teeth from drifting into empty spaces, maintains proper occlusion, and restores the chewing surface without unnecessarily altering healthy teeth. The design is individualized based on the number, position, and condition of the teeth that remain.

We discuss how each partial will feel day-to-day — from speaking to cleaning — so you can choose a design that fits your routine and hygiene preferences without sacrificing durability.

Design and lab steps that lead to predictable outcomes

Excellent results start with a deliberate treatment plan. We review your oral health, document ridge anatomy, and identify any preparatory treatments that will improve the long-term success of a denture. Clear communication and realistic expectations set the stage for a smooth process.

Fabrication typically includes several clinical visits: diagnostic records and impressions to capture ridge shape, wax try-ins to verify tooth position and bite, and a final insertion where occlusion and aesthetics are refined. These checkpoints reduce surprises and help ensure the prosthesis performs well in daily life.

In some cases, small surgical or restorative procedures improve the comfort and fit of the denture — for example, smoothing sharp bone edges or adjusting neighboring teeth that interfere with the appliance. When such steps are appropriate, we explain the rationale and timing so you understand how they contribute to a better long-term result.

Living with your denture: adapting and maintaining long-term comfort

Adapting to a new denture is a short learning curve for most patients. Early weeks can bring changes in speech or saliva production and occasional sore spots. With brief practice—reading aloud to adjust speech or beginning with softer foods for chewing—patients typically regain confidence within days to weeks.

Routine daily care extends the life of a denture and protects oral health. Rinse and brush the appliance after meals, use a recommended soaking solution overnight when appropriate, and maintain hygiene for any remaining natural teeth and soft tissues to prevent irritation beneath the denture.

Periodic follow-up appointments are essential. During these visits we evaluate fit, address sore areas, and advise relines or adjustments as the supporting tissues change with time. For patients who need extra retention, we also discuss adhesive options or implant attachments that may suit their anatomy and lifestyle.

• Adjusting to a new prosthesis

  Small changes in speech and chewing are common at first. Short daily sessions—reading, speaking, and practicing with soft foods—help you adapt more quickly. If a persistent sore develops, a targeted adjustment typically resolves it.

• Temporary saliva changes

  An increase in saliva is a normal, short-term response as the mouth accommodates the new appliance. Saliva levels usually stabilize as your tissues become accustomed to the denture.

• Speaking and eating with confidence

  With practice, clear speech and comfortable chewing return. Starting with softer foods and gradually introducing firmer textures helps build confidence and lets you identify any areas that need fine-tuning.

• Caring for your denture

  • Rinse after meals and clean your denture daily with a brush made for prostheses. Soaking overnight keeps the base hydrated and helps control bacteria.

  • Continue brushing any remaining natural teeth and the gums to maintain oral health and prevent irritation beneath the denture.

  • Remove the denture at bedtime to allow the gums to rest and reduce the risk of long-term inflammation.

• Enhanced retention options

  For added stability, choices such as adhesives or implant-retained attachments can be evaluated. We’ll explain how these options affect function and maintenance so you can decide what suits your needs.

• Routine follow-up and relines

  Periodic visits allow us to monitor fit and recommend relines or adjustments when tissues change. These maintenance steps help preserve comfort and long-term function.

If you’re considering dentures or want to know which removable option fits your situation best, our Fort Worth practice can review the choices and create a personalized plan. Contact us to learn more and to schedule a consultation.