Whether you’re missing a few teeth or facing the idea of full dentures, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. Dentures have come a long way over the years. Today’s options are more comfortable, natural-looking, and functional than ever before. But let’s be honest—making decisions about your smile can still feel overwhelming.

At Vartanian Dental Group, we believe that understanding your options is the first step toward feeling confident in your decision. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common questions patients have when considering dentures.

What are the different types of dentures?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dentures. The right choice depends on how many teeth you need to replace, your lifestyle, and your budget. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

1. Complete Dentures: If you’re missing all your teeth on your upper or lower jaw (or both), complete dentures are the way to go. These rest directly on your gums and can be removed for cleaning.

2. Partial Dentures: If you still have some natural teeth left, partial dentures fill in the gaps. They usually clip onto the remaining teeth with metal or flexible plastic clasps.

3. Implant-Supported Dentures: Looking for maximum stability? These dentures attach to dental implants that are surgically placed in your jawbone. They feel more like natural teeth and won’t slip or move while eating or talking.

4. Immediate Dentures: These are placed on the same day your natural teeth are removed, so you never have to go without teeth while your gums heal. We’ll talk more about these in a moment.

5. Snap-In Dentures: A hybrid between traditional dentures and implants, these snap onto attachments that help keep them secure without being fully fixed like implant-supported dentures.

Choosing the right type of denture depends on your oral health, preferences, and what you want in terms of comfort and appearance. When you visit us at Vartanian Dental Group, we’ll walk you through your options and help you find the best fit.

Can I get my teeth pulled and dentures in the same day?

In many cases, yes—you can. This is where immediate dentures come into play.

Here’s how it works: Your dentist takes impressions of your mouth before any teeth are removed. Then, once the teeth are extracted, your custom-made immediate dentures are ready to be placed the same day.

Benefits of immediate dentures include:

• You never have to be without teeth during the healing process.
• They help protect your gums and reduce bleeding.
• They allow you to maintain normal speech and chewing while you heal.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Immediate dentures are often considered a temporary solution. As your gums heal and shrink over the following months, adjustments will likely be needed, or a new denture may be created.
• Not every patient is a candidate. The decision depends on your overall oral health and whether your gums and jawbone can support the immediate denture.

If you’re considering this option, schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll examine your mouth, discuss your goals, and determine if same-day dentures are right for you.

How long do you have to wait to get dentures after teeth are pulled?

If you’re not going the immediate denture route, there’s usually a healing period before your dentures can be fitted. Typically, patients wait about 6 to 8 weeks after tooth extraction before getting their final dentures. Why the wait?

After teeth are removed, the bone and gum tissue need time to heal and stabilize. Fitting dentures too soon can lead to poor fit, discomfort, and the need for constant adjustments as your mouth continues to change shape.

Here’s what to expect during the healing period:

• Swelling and tenderness in the gums for the first few days
• Gradual shrinking of the gum and bone tissue over several weeks
• Regular check-ins with your dentist to monitor healing progress

For some, especially those getting implant-supported dentures, the healing period may be longer to allow the implants to fully integrate with the jawbone.

While waiting might feel frustrating, it’s an important part of making sure your final dentures fit well and function comfortably for years to come.

What else should I know before getting dentures?

If you’re still on the fence or have more questions, here are a few extra things to consider:

Adjusting takes time: Even the most perfectly fitted dentures feel a bit unusual at first. It’s normal to experience some soreness, changes in how you speak, and increased saliva production in the beginning. Your gums and mouth need time to get used to the new appliance. For most people, this adjustment period lasts a few weeks, and with a little patience and practice, things start to feel natural again. Don’t be surprised if you need to come in for minor adjustments as your mouth adapts.

Maintenance matters: Good oral hygiene doesn’t stop once you have dentures. In fact, it becomes even more important. Daily cleaning helps prevent stains, bad odors, and gum infections. You’ll also need to store your dentures properly when they’re not in use to keep them from drying out or warping. And just like before, regular dental checkups are essential—not just for the dentures, but to monitor the health of your gums, tongue, and the rest of your mouth.

Your smile can look amazing: Today’s dentures are a far cry from the bulky, obvious appliances of the past. Modern materials and advanced customization techniques mean dentures can be designed to look incredibly natural. We can match the color, shape, and size of your teeth to complement your face and even restore some of the youthful fullness to your lips and cheeks. In many cases, patients feel like their new smile looks even better than their original teeth.

You’re not alone: Millions of people wear dentures, and they enjoy full, active lives—including eating many of their favorite foods and speaking confidently in social situations. If you have concerns or fears, it’s completely normal, and we’re always here to answer your questions.

Let’s talk about your options

At Vartanian Dental Group, we’re here to help you explore the best tooth replacement option for your lifestyle, appearance, and budget. Whether you’re ready for dentures or just beginning to think about them, our team is happy to answer your questions and walk you through the process—step by step.

Schedule an appointment today and let’s create a smile you’ll love.