Dentures in Durham, NC

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and the gum tissue around them. Which type you need depends on how many teeth are left and whether they are healthy enough to keep.

Complete dentures

Complete dentures — also called full dentures — replace every tooth in the upper arch, the lower arch, or both. They rest on the gums and are taken out for cleaning. Complete dentures in Durham, NC are usually the option when the remaining teeth cannot be saved or have already been removed. Some patients need full dentures in Durham, NC for both arches; others need one arch only, paired with natural teeth or a partial on the other side.

Partial dentures

A partial denture replaces several missing teeth while your natural teeth stay in place. It clasps or rests against the remaining teeth for support, which makes partial dentures in Durham, NC more stable than a full denture and helps stop the remaining teeth drifting into the gap.

Dr. Imeni examines your teeth, gums, bone, and bite before recommending either, because a denture only works well if what supports it is healthy.

Not every denture sits on the gums. Some are anchored to implants, which changes how securely they hold:

• Complete (full) dentures — replace a whole arch, supported by the gums.
• Partial dentures — replace some teeth, supported by the teeth that remain.
• Implant-supported dentures — a denture secured by dental implants instead of by suction, so it does not lift or rock while you eat. Removable for cleaning.
• Hybrid dentures — a full arch fixed permanently to implants and not taken out at all. This is the All-on-4 full-mouth implant approach.

Implant-supported dentures in Durham, NC are worth asking about if you have worn a lower denture and found it loose — the lower arch has the least suction, so it benefits most from implant support. In many cases an existing denture can be retrofitted with implants rather than replaced outright.

Hybrid dentures in Durham, NC are the fixed version of the same idea: the arch is screwed to the implants and never comes out, which suits patients who do not want anything removable at all.

If some teeth can still be saved, dental bridges or single and multiple dental implants may be a better fit than a denture. Dr. Imeni will say so if that is the case.

Consultation and examination

Dr. Imeni reviews your remaining teeth, gum health, bone level, and bite, takes X-rays, and discusses what you want to be able to eat and how you want your smile to look.

Any treatment needed first

Teeth that cannot be saved are removed, and the gums are given time to settle. See tooth extraction in Durham, NC for what that involves.

Impressions and fitting

Impressions or digital scans capture the shape of your gums so the denture is made to your mouth rather than adapted to it. You will usually try in a wax or trial denture and approve the tooth shade, shape, and position before the final one is made.

Delivery and adjustment

New dentures almost always need small adjustments in the first weeks as your gums adapt. This is normal, not a sign something is wrong — come back rather than putting up with a sore spot.

Long-term care

Gums and bone change shape over the years, so a denture that fit perfectly will eventually loosen. That is what denture repairs and relines are for, and daily denture care protects both the denture and the gums underneath.

What is the difference between complete and partial dentures?

Complete dentures replace every tooth in an arch and are supported by the gums. A partial denture replaces only the missing teeth and is supported by the natural teeth still in place. If you have healthy teeth worth keeping, a partial is almost always the better choice — keeping natural roots helps preserve the jawbone.

How do I choose the best dentures for me?

There is no single best denture — the right one depends on how many teeth remain, how much bone you have, whether you have worn a denture before, and your budget. Ask any dentist you are considering to explain why they are recommending a particular design, whether implant support would help in your case, what the denture is made of, how many adjustment visits are included, and what the total cost covers. Dr. Imeni will walk through those points at your consultation.

How long does it take to get dentures?

If no extractions are needed, a straightforward denture usually takes a few visits over several weeks — impressions, a try-in, then delivery. If teeth have to be removed first, the gums need time to heal and settle before a final denture is made, which extends the timeline. Dr. Imeni will give you a schedule for your specific case.

Will my dentures look natural?

Modern denture teeth are made in a wide range of shades, shapes, and sizes, and the trial stage exists so you can see and approve the look before the denture is finished. Bring a photo of your smile from before you lost teeth if you have one — it is genuinely useful for matching tooth shape and position.

Are implant-supported dentures better than regular dentures?

They hold far more securely, which matters most for lower dentures, and they slow the bone loss that continues under a gum-supported denture. They also cost more and require enough bone to place implants. A well-made conventional denture is a perfectly good solution for many people — implant support is an upgrade, not a requirement. Our implant-denture treatment is quoted as one all-inclusive fee covering sedation, the implants, any extractions, bone grafting, the interim denture, and the final denture.

Do dentures change how I eat and speak?

Yes, at first. Most people start with softer foods cut small, and practice reading aloud for a few days while the tongue learns the new shape. Chewing on both sides at once helps keep a full denture stable. Within a few weeks the great majority of patients eat and speak comfortably.

How much do dentures cost in Durham, NC?

Cost depends on whether the denture is complete or partial, what it is made from, whether extractions or implants are involved, and how many arches you are treating. Unlike cosmetic work, dentures are usually considered medically necessary, so dental insurance often covers part of the cost. You will get a written quote before treatment begins — call 919-220-5505 to arrange an evaluation.