Dentures: a solution for extensive tooth loss
At Dr Haim Aseriel's dental clinic in Jerusalem, patients with missing teeth are treated as part of a full mouth rehabilitation plan. Each denture is adapted to the patient's mouth and to their aesthetic and functional needs.
Dentures are made by a dental lab from quality materials. Fitting takes several appointments, during which precise measurements are taken, the fit is checked and adjustments are made based on how the denture feels. The focus is on comfort, function and a natural look.
The goal is to let patients function fully again: eat, speak and smile with confidence. Consultations are held in English, and the plan is explained step by step.
What are dentures? Benefits of removable dentures
The patient takes removable dentures out and puts them back in easily. They are made from special materials that imitate the look of natural gums and teeth (the "false teeth" or "fake teeth" of everyday language) and are adapted to the shape of the patient's mouth.
The benefits of removable dentures include:
- An effective solution for extensive tooth loss, generally less costly than fixed options
- Significantly better chewing and speech
- Support for the facial muscles, preventing the "sunken" look typical of people who have lost their teeth
- Better appearance and self-confidence
- Easy removal for cleaning and maintenance
When do you need dentures?
The need for dentures arises in many clinical situations, when tooth loss significantly affects quality of life.
Extensive tooth loss, whether from advanced gum disease, severe decay, injury or natural aging, is the main indication for dentures.
When there are not enough supporting teeth for a fixed bridge, or when the bone does not allow dental implants, dentures are an effective and reliable solution.
Difficulty chewing and unclear speech are signs that dentures may be needed, at any age and especially as part of dental care for seniors.
What types of dentures are there?
Dentures have evolved significantly in recent decades, and today there are many options. The cost of dentures varies with the type of denture, the materials and the complexity of the case, and each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
The main types of dentures are:
- Full (complete) dentures: replace all the teeth in one jaw.
- Partial dentures (dental partials): replace several teeth, supported by the remaining natural teeth.
- Immediate dentures: placed right after teeth are extracted.
- Implant-supported dentures: anchored to dental implants for better stability; fixed versions are often called "permanent dentures".
- Overdentures: removable dentures held on implants with special attachments.
- Digital dentures: designed and made with a digital (CAD/CAM) process.
The right type of denture depends on several factors, including the condition of the remaining teeth, the bone and gums, budget and, of course, your personal preferences. At the first consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel reviews the options, explains the pros and cons of each, and helps you choose the solution that best suits your needs, both functionally and aesthetically. When only one tooth is missing temporarily, a lightweight dental flipper may be used instead.
Dentures or dental implants?
Dentures and dental implants are two different approaches to restoring the mouth; the table sums up the differences.
| Criterion | Dental implants | Removable dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Type of solution | Fixed | Removable |
| Structure | Titanium posts placed in the jawbone, with crowns on top | Taken out and put back in easily by the patient |
| Bone | Help preserve the jawbone | Possible even when there is not enough bone for implants |
The choice between implants and dentures depends on many factors, such as the quality and volume of the jawbone, medical conditions, smoking and overall oral health. A comprehensive assessment makes it possible to recommend the right option for you. Dentures also generally cost less than implants, which makes them a more accessible option for many patients. Dentures and implants can also be combined: an implant-supported denture gains stability.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
How are dentures made? The steps
Making quality dentures is a precise process with several professional steps.
Assessment and planning
At the first appointment, the dentist assesses the mouth, examines any remaining teeth and checks the tissues and bone. This is the key step where the personal treatment plan is set and the most suitable type of denture is chosen.
Impressions and tooth selection
Accurate impressions of the jaws are taken with dedicated materials and used to make models on which the denture is built. The shade, shape and size of the denture teeth are chosen together with the patient, taking into account how the natural teeth looked, for a natural appearance.
Try-in, delivery and follow-up
Several try-ins follow, with a trial denture that can still be modified for comfort and appearance. Only once the patient is happy with the result is the final denture processed. It is then adjusted to the mouth, and follow-up visits make sure it is comfortable in daily use.
What makes a quality denture?
A quality denture is judged in the mouth, over time, not just by how it looks on the day it is delivered.
- Fit and stability: the base sits snugly on the gums, and the denture stays in place when you chew and speak, without pressing on one spot.
- Balanced bite: the upper and lower teeth meet at the same time on both sides, so chewing forces are spread evenly.
- Try-ins: before the final denture is made, a trial denture is tested for appearance, bite and speech.
- Relining when needed: as the bone and gums change, a reline restores the fit.
- Yearly check-up: according to the American College of Prosthodontists, the dentist should check the denture and the tissues of the mouth once a year (Felton D et al., 2011).
Types of dentures and cost: what affects the price?
The cost of dentures depends on the type of denture (partial or full, removable or implant-supported), the number of teeth replaced, any treatment needed first, such as extractions or gum treatment, and the number of fitting appointments. Quality dentures are built from precise measurements of the mouth and adjusted until they are stable and comfortable for chewing and speaking. A detailed written estimate is given after the examination and treatment planning, with itemized receipts you can submit to your insurer (coverage depends on your policy).
Are dentures right for everyone?
Dentures are not a universal solution: they mainly suit patients with extensive tooth loss when other options are not appropriate. A comprehensive clinical assessment is needed to decide whether dentures suit you and which type.
Some medical situations need special attention when planning dentures, such as dry mouth (xerostomia), a strong gag reflex, jaw joint (TMJ) disorders or advanced gum disease. In these cases, the denture must be fitted with particular care, and the underlying problem sometimes needs treatment first. Some patients find it harder to get used to dentures, especially those with very sensitive oral tissues.
For younger patients or those looking for a longer-term solution, fixed options such as a dental bridge or implants, or an implant-supported denture, may be more suitable. A dental flipper, by contrast, is a light partial denture usually used only as a temporary solution.
What is denture relining?
Relining is an essential procedure that renews the inner layer of the denture so it fits the tissues of the mouth well. Over time, the gums and bone shrink (resorb), creating a gap between the denture and the tissues that leads to instability, discomfort and poorer chewing. Relining solves these problems and extends the life of the denture. There are two main types: temporary (soft) and permanent (hard) relining.
A temporary reline is usually done chairside and gives a quick fix for a denture that no longer fits well. It is especially useful when the denture needs to adapt to the tissues after extractions or surgery, or while the tissues of the mouth are still changing.
A permanent reline is a longer-term solution that requires lab work. It uses more durable materials designed to last and gives a more precise fit.
According to recommendations from the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, dentures should be checked by a dentist once a year; the need for a reline is decided at the examination, based on changes in the tissues of the mouth. A good reline can make the denture much more comfortable, prevent sores and inflammation, and give more confidence in daily use. When the fit is very poor, a new denture may be recommended instead.
When should dentures be replaced?
When dentures need replacing varies from patient to patient, and there is no fixed schedule: the decision to reline or make a new denture is made at an examination, based on the fit, the condition of the denture and changes in the jawbone.
1/year
recommended denture check-up (ACP)
Over time, the absence of natural teeth causes the jawbone to shrink, which changes the shape of the mouth and makes dentures fit less well. This shows up as loose dentures, discomfort when eating or speaking, and sometimes sores and inflammation of the gums.
Clear signs that it is time to replace dentures include difficulty chewing, visible wear of the denture teeth, discoloration, bad breath that persists despite good hygiene, and recurring pain in the mouth. Pay particular attention to changes in facial appearance, such as collapsed lips or deep wrinkles around the mouth, which show that the dentures no longer support the face properly. When a patient has had other treatment, such as front teeth restoration or orthodontics, dentures may need to be replaced sooner to match the new situation.
Other reasons to renew dentures include significant fractures, major weight loss or gain, hormonal changes that affect bone and tissues, and other medical changes. A new denture can also improve appearance and comfort.
How to take care of dentures
Correct daily care is the key to making dentures last and keeping your mouth healthy.
01
Cleaning the dentures
Rinse your dentures with water after meals and clean them every day by brushing gently with a soft brush or a denture brush. According to American recommendations, daily cleaning combines soaking and brushing with a non-abrasive denture cleaner; regular toothpaste can scratch the acrylic surface.
02
Soaking and storage
Soaking dentures in a dedicated cleaning solution is part of daily care. Soaking together with brushing reduces the layer of bacteria and fungi on the denture, which is linked to inflammation of the tissue under it. Denture cleansers are used outside the mouth only, following the manufacturer's instructions, and dentures are rinsed thoroughly before going back in. When dentures are out of the mouth, keep them in water so they do not warp, and never put them in boiling water.
03
Letting the tissues rest
It is also important to take dentures out to let the tissues rest, usually at night. According to American recommendations, dentures should not be worn 24 hours a day, to reduce the risk of inflammation of the tissue under the denture. Gently cleaning the gums with a finger or a very soft brush also helps keep the tissues healthy.
Good denture care also means not putting too much force on them, for example with very hard foods. Handle dentures over a soft surface or a sink filled with water, in case you drop them, and store them in a dedicated case when they are not in use to protect them from damage and loss.
How long does it take to get used to dentures?
Getting used to dentures is a personal process that depends on several factors, including age, the shape of the mouth and previous experience with dentures. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), new dentures may feel strange for a few weeks. In the first days, the feeling of having something foreign in the mouth is natural; it takes time for the brain to get used to the dentures.
A major challenge during this period is learning to eat and speak with dentures.
Eating
Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, and move gradually to firmer foods as your confidence and comfort grow.
Speaking
Reading aloud is excellent practice that helps the brain adapt the movements of the tongue and lips to the dentures.
Common problems while adjusting
- Pressure and looseness: the denture may press on one spot, or move until the cheek and tongue muscles learn to hold it in place.
- Irritation and sores: minor irritation of the tissues is common in the first weeks.
- Extra saliva: saliva flow often increases for a while, until the mouth gets used to the denture.
According to the ADA, if problems persist, especially irritation or soreness, see your dentist. The denture is then gently adjusted to improve comfort and function.
Tips for cleaning and caring for dentures
Thorough cleaning and good denture hygiene are the key to living comfortably with dentures for a long time. Clean your dentures every day by soaking and brushing them, with a soft brush or denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid regular toothpaste and abrasive products, which can scratch the denture. Cleaning dentures over a sink filled with water or a soft towel reduces the risk of damage if you drop them.
A few more important tips:
- Do not wear dentures day and night; take them out, usually at night, to let the tissues rest.
- When dentures are out of the mouth, keep them in water or in a denture solution, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Rinse dentures thoroughly under running water before putting them back in.
- Clean your mouth and gums with a soft brush before putting dentures in.
- Never put dentures in boiling water, which can warp them.
A yearly check-up with the dentist is recommended to keep dentures in good condition and the mouth healthy. At these visits, the dentures are cleaned professionally, their fit and the condition of the tissues are checked, and minor adjustments are made if needed. Poorly fitting dentures can cause pressure sores, gum inflammation and faster bone loss, so fit problems should be addressed promptly.
Drinking enough water during the day keeps the mouth moist, which makes wearing dentures easier and more comfortable. With proper care and regular check-ups at the clinic, at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem, quality dentures can provide many years of comfortable, natural-looking function. To discuss your options, book a consultation with Dr Haim Aseriel.
Dentures: frequently asked questions
Dentures are removable replacements for some or all of the teeth that let you eat, speak and smile with confidence again. The patient takes them out and puts them back in the mouth themselves, for cleaning and to let the tissues rest.
Dentures are mainly suited to extensive tooth loss caused by advanced gum disease, severe decay, injury or aging. They are used when there are not enough supporting teeth for a fixed bridge, or when the bone or a medical condition does not allow implants; sometimes a denture is combined with implants for stability.
A full (complete) denture replaces all the teeth in one jaw, while a partial denture replaces several missing teeth and is supported by the remaining natural teeth. An implant-supported denture or overdenture is held in place by dental implants for more stability; fixed implant-supported dentures are what people often call "permanent dentures".
Relining a denture means renewing its inner layer, the part that rests on the gums, so that it fits the changed tissues of the mouth again. There is no fixed schedule: the dentist decides at an examination when the denture is loose or unstable, and American recommendations advise having dentures checked once a year.
Getting used to new dentures usually takes a few weeks: according to the American Dental Association (ADA), a strange feeling, slight looseness, minor irritation and extra saliva are normal during this period. Pain or sores that do not go away require a visit for an adjustment.
Sources
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy), Dentures – Link to source
- Felton D et al. (American College of Prosthodontists), Journal of the American Dental Association, 2011 – Link to study
