Advances in dental materials and techniques have made replacing missing teeth more natural and comfortable than ever. While dental implants and fixed bridgework are excellent long-term solutions for many patients, removable dentures and partials continue to play a vital role in restoring appearance, speech, and chewing function for thousands of people every year.
At the office of Silk Dental Delray Beach (formerly Marc Bilodeau DMD), we design and fabricate removable prosthetics with attention to fit, function, and appearance. Our approach blends modern materials with time-tested craftsmanship so patients can regain confidence and enjoy everyday activities without hesitation.
We work with each patient to create a personalized plan that reflects their oral health, lifestyle, and goals. Whether you need a partial to fill a gap or a full prosthesis to restore an entire arch, our team focuses on predictable results and long-term comfort.
Losing teeth affects more than your smile. Gaps change how the jaw distributes forces during chewing, which can lead to uneven wear, shifting of the remaining teeth, and altered bite mechanics. Over time these changes can make routine oral care more difficult and increase the risk of further tooth loss or periodontal problems.
Beyond oral mechanics, missing teeth can influence overall health and well-being. Difficulty chewing may lead people to avoid certain nutritious foods, and changes to facial support can subtly alter facial contours, affecting how others perceive your expression. Emotional effects are common too — many people report self-consciousness that impacts social interactions and quality of life.
Addressing missing teeth early helps preserve oral function and prevents many secondary problems. Removable solutions — partials or full dentures — are practical, effective ways to restore chewing ability, speech clarity, and facial support while protecting the long-term health of remaining teeth and tissues.
Removable dentures are custom-made appliances that rest on the gum tissues and replace missing teeth with lifelike artificial teeth set into a supportive base. Today’s denture materials mimic natural tooth color and texture while providing a stable platform for speech and eating. The base is contoured to follow the gums and underlying bone, giving both comfort and a natural appearance.
A key advantage of removable prosthetics is maintainability: they can be taken out for daily cleaning and to give the gums a period of rest. This makes it simpler to attend to oral hygiene for both the prosthesis and any remaining natural teeth. For many patients this accessibility supports long-term tissue health and easier home care.
Removable options work well in a wide range of clinical situations. They can restore single missing teeth, multiple gaps, or entire arches. For patients who are not candidates for surgical placement of implants or who prefer a non-surgical route, dentures and partials remain dependable and predictable choices.
A successful denture begins with a careful evaluation of the mouth, remaining teeth, and jawbone. We review your medical history, examine tissue health, and consider how you use your teeth day-to-day. That assessment informs whether a partial, a conventional full denture, or a denture enhanced with attachments or implants will provide the best long-term function and comfort.
Full dentures replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch and can be fabricated as either immediate or conventional prostheses. An immediate denture is delivered at the time of extractions so you aren’t without teeth during healing, while a conventional denture is made after tissues have stabilized for a more precise fit. Both approaches are viable — the choice depends on your clinical situation and personal preferences.
Partials are designed to fit around and work with your remaining teeth. They restore lost teeth while helping prevent the adjacent teeth from drifting into empty spaces, which preserves your bite and makes future care easier. Partial frameworks can be made from a variety of materials — from traditional cast metal to flexible resin options — so we can tailor the design to your comfort and aesthetic priorities.
When all teeth in an arch are missing or require removal, complete dentures are crafted to reestablish bite relationships and facial support. The process involves careful impressions, setup of the artificial teeth for proper alignment and speech, and multiple adjustments to ensure function and comfort. In many cases a final conventional denture provides the most stable long-term fit once healing is complete.
Removable partial dentures rely on clasps or precision attachments to gain retention from the remaining teeth. Beyond restoring missing teeth, a well-designed partial also distributes chewing forces evenly and helps maintain the position of neighboring teeth. Contemporary partials can be discreet and lightweight while delivering reliable function for daily activities.
Immediate prostheses
Immediate solutions provide teeth right after extractions so patients can avoid a period without teeth. Because tissue contours change during healing, these prostheses commonly need relines or adjustments following the first few months.
Overdentures and attachment-retained options
Overdentures may use remaining tooth roots or special attachments to add support and stability. These designs help preserve bone and can improve retention when compared with conventional full dentures.
Implant-assisted dentures
Implant-retained prosthetics attach to strategically placed implants and can dramatically improve stability. They combine the removability of a denture with added retention from implant attachments for a more secure everyday experience.
Our team takes time to explain each option so you can make a confident decision about the type of prosthesis that aligns with your lifestyle and oral health needs.
Creating a denture that fits comfortably and functions well is a multi-step process. We begin with a thorough clinical exam and diagnostic records, including imaging when appropriate. That foundation allows us to anticipate how tissues will respond and to design a prosthesis that balances appearance, phonetics, and chewing efficiency.
Occasionally, pre-prosthetic procedures — such as minor tissue reshaping or the stabilization of remaining teeth — are recommended to optimize fit. Our goal is to make sure the supporting structures are healthy and properly contoured so the final prosthesis seats securely and feels natural in everyday use.
Communication is central to our process. We involve you in shade selection, tooth shape, and the esthetic characteristics of the final prosthesis so the result looks like a natural extension of your face. With careful try-ins and timely adjustments, we work toward a prosthesis you can rely on for years of comfortable service.
Adapting to a new denture is a process — most patients notice improvement within days to weeks, but some adjustments can take a little longer. It’s normal to experience increased saliva production initially, and speaking or chewing may feel different until the muscles and tissues adapt. Regular wear, gentle practice reading aloud, and choosing soft, bite-sized foods at first can speed adaptation.
Follow-up appointments are an essential part of the adjustment period. Small pressure points or sore areas are common early on and can be relieved quickly with targeted adjustments. Over time, the shape of the gums and underlying bone changes, so periodic relines or reshaping may be recommended to preserve fit and function.
Proper daily care extends the life of any prosthesis. Clean your denture each day with a soft brush and recommended cleanser, rinse after meals, and remove the appliance at night to give oral tissues a rest. Continue cleaning any remaining natural teeth and schedule routine exams so we can monitor oral health and the condition of your denture.
Our team provides detailed instructions and will partner with you throughout the transition so your denture becomes a comfortable, dependable part of daily life.
In summary, removable dentures and partials remain a flexible, effective choice for replacing missing teeth. With careful planning, modern materials, and thoughtful follow-up care, they restore appearance, speech, and chewing function for many patients. Contact our office to learn more about which option may be right for you and how we can help you regain a confident, functional smile.
Today, it’s easier than ever to replace missing teeth and achieve natural-looking, durable, and long-lasting results! Depending on a patient’s dental needs, lifestyle, expectations of care, and budget, choices can include conventional fixed bridgework, dental implants, or removable partial and complete dentures. At the office of Silk Dental Delray Beach (formerly Marc Bilodeau DMD), we’ll discuss all your options in care and answer all your questions as you choose the solution that’s right for you.
With advances in dental materials and technology, today’s dentures are more comfortable and realistic-looking than ever before.
Whether you wear partial or complete dentures, it’s essential to see the dentist for routine care. Besides checking the fit and condition of your dentures and making any necessary adjustments, you’ll also receive a comprehensive exam to check on the health of any remaining teeth as well as the soft and hard tissues in and around the oral cavity.
A same-day denture offers an accelerated design and fabrication process that allows a patient to go from impression taking to denture insertion in a single day.
For patients who don’t want to wait after having teeth extracted, an immediate denture can be inserted the same day your teeth are removed. Sometime later you may need the denture relined to address any changes in its fit once the extraction sites have completely healed.
While no one wants to drop or break a partial or complete denture, accidents do happen. The good news is that in some cases, your partial or complete denture is reparable. It all depends on the extent of the damage. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you’ve broken or damaged your denture. We’re happy to help.
The simple act of taking your partial denture in and out can cause certain types of metal clasps to loosen over time. When you come in for your checkup visit or contact our office for an adjustment, we’ll assess the fit of your partial and tighten the clasps for improved stability and comfort.
While rebuilding a complete smile is a worthwhile investment, our office is sensitive to the costs involved in dental care. We customize care and will discuss which treatment options address your needs, lifestyle, and budget. How much a new denture will cost depends on the type of the prosthesis, its design, and the materials used to fabricate the supportive base, teeth, and clasps or precision attachments. Dentures that include the placement of dental implants for added retention and stability typically involve additional costs.
If you have dental insurance, your coverage may include a new or replacement set of dentures. Our staff is happy to review your coverage with you to ensure you are maximizing your insurance benefits while minimizing any out of pocket expenses.
At the office of Silk Dental Delray Beach (formerly Marc Bilodeau DMD), we provide an extensive range of dental services, including the latest and most effective methods to help patients with missing teeth rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. As skilled and experienced professionals, we recognize that every patient is different, and every smile is unique. We’re passionate about what we do and take great pride in providing personalized treatment plans while treating our patients as valued partners in care.
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