Dentures in Germantown, TN, can replace multiple missing teeth, restore chewing and speaking function, and help rebuild the appearance of your smile. At Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our dentists provide complete and partial dentures based on how many teeth are missing and the condition of your remaining teeth and oral structures.
Whether you are missing several teeth or all of the teeth in one or both arches, dentures can provide a removable tooth-replacement option designed around your individual needs.
To learn whether complete or partial dentures may be right for you, call Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 901-681-0777 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Patrick Person or Dr. Baker Darlington.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace multiple missing teeth. They are custom made to fit your mouth and restore the appearance and function of your smile. Depending on your needs, our dentists may recommend either a complete denture or a partial denture.
Complete Dentures
A complete denture is used when all of the teeth in an upper or lower dental arch are missing. Complete dentures are designed to replace the visible teeth, restore facial support and help improve chewing and speaking ability.
Depending on your individual needs, our dentists may also discuss denture adhesive or other ways to improve stability and comfort.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is used when several teeth are missing but healthy natural teeth remain. Partial dentures often use a framework or clasps that connect to remaining teeth for support and stability. They help fill spaces in the smile while preserving the natural teeth that are still present.
Our dentists will evaluate the condition and location of your remaining teeth to determine whether a partial denture fits your needs.
Who May Benefit From Dentures?
Dentures may be a good option for patients who are missing multiple teeth and want a removable way to restore their smile. Our dentists may recommend dentures if you:
- Are missing several teeth
- Are missing all of the teeth in one dental arch
- Have remaining teeth that can support a partial denture
- Need a removable alternative to fixed tooth replacement
- Want to improve chewing and speaking after tooth loss
- Want to restore facial support and smile appearance
Benefits of Complete and Partial Dentures
Well-designed dentures can provide both functional and cosmetic benefits. Depending on your situation, dentures may help:
- Replace multiple missing teeth
- Improve chewing ability
- Improve speech affected by tooth loss
- Restore a fuller smile
- Support facial appearance
- Fill spaces that may affect the position of remaining teeth
- Provide a removable tooth-replacement option
What Happens During the Denture Process?
The process begins with an evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite and supporting structures. Our dentists will determine which type of denture fits your needs and discuss what to expect during treatment.
The process may include:
- Dental evaluation: We examine your mouth and review how many teeth need to be replaced.
- Treatment planning: We determine whether a complete or partial denture is more suitable.
- Impressions or digital scans: Detailed information is captured to help create your custom appliance.
- Denture fabrication: Your denture is created to fit your mouth and restore your smile.
- Fit and adjustment: Our dentists check the fit and make adjustments as needed.
Digital Impressions for Denture Treatment
Our practice uses modern dental technology to support treatment planning. When useful, Primescan digital impressions can help capture detailed information about your teeth and oral structures. Digital scanning may improve comfort by reducing the need for traditional impression material in certain situations.
Dentures vs. Dental Bridges
Dentures and bridges can both replace missing teeth, but they work differently. Dentures are removable, while a porcelain dental bridge is fixed in place and usually replaces one tooth or several teeth in a row.
Our dentists can help you compare the options based on how many teeth are missing, the condition of your remaining teeth and your long-term goals.
Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Dental implants may also be used as part of tooth-replacement treatment. Unlike removable dentures, implant-supported restorations use implants placed in the jaw to support replacement teeth.
Our practice provides dental implant restorations, and our dentists can explain whether dentures, implants or another restorative option may better fit your needs.
You can also view examples of completed implant treatment on our dental implants before and after page.
What if Teeth Need to Be Removed First?
Some patients need one or more teeth removed before receiving a complete or partial denture. If this is necessary, our dentists can provide tooth extractions and explain how the healing process may affect the timing of your denture treatment.
We will also discuss your tooth-replacement plan before treatment whenever possible so you understand what to expect.
Adjusting to New Dentures
It can take time to adjust to wearing new dentures. You may initially notice changes in chewing, speaking or the way the appliance feels in your mouth. These usually improve as you become more familiar with wearing the denture. Our dentists can make adjustments if certain areas feel sore, loose or uncomfortable.
How to Care for Dentures
Good denture care helps protect the appliance and the health of your gums and remaining teeth. Our team recommends caring for your dentures by:
- Removing and cleaning your dentures as directed
- Using denture-cleaning products rather than abrasive household cleaners
- Keeping your gums and tongue clean
- Cleaning any remaining natural teeth every day
- Storing dentures properly when they are not being worn
- Keeping regular dental appointments
Our team can give you personalized instructions based on the type of denture you wear.
Do Dentures Need to Be Adjusted Over Time?
Yes. Your gums and supporting structures can change over time, which may affect how your dentures fit. If your denture becomes loose, uncomfortable or unstable, contact our office for an evaluation rather than trying to adjust it yourself.
Regular dental exams allow our dentists to monitor the fit of your appliance and the health of your oral tissues.
Experienced Denture Care
Dr. Person has provided comprehensive restorative dentistry for more than 37 years and has extensive experience helping patients replace missing teeth with bridges, implant restorations and removable prosthetic options.
Dr. Darlington has provided restorative care since beginning his dental career in 2022 and treats patients with missing teeth and other restorative needs.
Together, our dentists evaluate each patient’s remaining teeth, bite and treatment goals before recommending a tooth-replacement option.
Schedule a Denture Consultation in Germantown, TN
If you are missing several or all of your teeth, complete or partial dentures may help restore your ability to eat, speak and smile with greater confidence.
Call Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 901-681-0777 to schedule an evaluation with our dentists and learn more about dentures in Germantown, TN.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
What are dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace multiple missing teeth. Complete dentures replace all teeth in an arch, while partial dentures replace several missing teeth when natural teeth remain.
What is the difference between complete and partial dentures?
A complete denture replaces all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch. A partial denture replaces several missing teeth and uses the remaining natural teeth for support.
How long does it take to get dentures?
The timeline varies based on your oral health, whether teeth need to be removed first and the type of denture being made. Our dentists will explain the expected process during your consultation.
Will dentures feel uncomfortable at first?
New dentures can feel unfamiliar while you adjust to them. Some temporary soreness or changes in chewing and speaking may occur, and our dentists can make adjustments if needed.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Dentures are designed to improve chewing after tooth loss, but it may take time to adjust. Starting with softer foods and gradually returning to a broader diet can make the transition easier.
How do I clean my dentures?
Dentures should be cleaned regularly using products recommended for removable dental appliances. You should also keep your gums, tongue and any remaining natural teeth clean.
Are dentures my only option for replacing multiple missing teeth?
No. Depending on your oral health, other options may include dental bridges or implant-supported restorations. Our dentists can help you compare the advantages of each approach.
Where can I get dentures in Germantown, TN?
Our dentists at Person & Darlington Family and Cosmetic Dentistry provide complete and partial dentures for patients with multiple missing teeth. Call 901-681-0777 to schedule a consultation.
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