105 E. 10th Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854
208-773-8388 
Missing teeth can change the way you eat, speak and feel about your smile. Dentures and partials in Post Falls, Idaho, provide a practical way to replace several or all missing teeth while restoring support, function and a more complete appearance.
At 7 Day Dental Smiles, our dentists create custom dentures based on the shape of your mouth, the teeth you still have and the way your bite comes together. Call 208-773-8388 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rheanna Burnham, Dr. Scott Lake, Dr. Wade Dinse, Dr. Stephen Gloudeman or Dr. Nora Svihl.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace multiple missing teeth. They can restore much of the appearance and function lost after tooth loss and may also help support the lips and cheeks.
There are two primary types of dentures:
- Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper arch, lower arch or both.
- Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while working alongside the natural teeth that remain.
Our dentists will examine your mouth and explain which option best matches your needs.
Complete Dentures
A complete denture replaces an entire arch of teeth. It rests over the gums and is carefully shaped to fit the contours of your mouth.
Complete dentures may be recommended when:
- All teeth in an arch are already missing
- The remaining teeth cannot be predictably restored
- Multiple failing teeth need to be removed
- A removable tooth-replacement option is preferred
Some patients use denture adhesive for added confidence, while others may benefit from the additional stability of implant-supported dentures.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture fills spaces left by several missing teeth while preserving the healthy natural teeth that remain. It may include a lightweight framework or clasps that connect to nearby teeth for support.
Partial dentures can help:
- Restore missing teeth in different areas of the mouth
- Improve chewing and speaking
- Reduce unwanted movement of neighboring teeth
- Support a more balanced smile
- Provide a removable alternative to fixed restorations
Depending on the number and location of missing teeth, our team may also discuss dental bridges or dental implants.
How Dentures Can Improve Daily Life
Well-designed dentures do more than fill gaps in your smile. They may help you:
- Chew a wider variety of foods
- Speak more clearly
- Support the lips and cheeks
- Restore facial fullness lost after tooth loss
- Smile and socialize with greater confidence
It takes time to adjust to any new denture, but a secure fit and thoughtful design can make the transition easier.
What to Expect During the Denture Process
Your treatment begins with a consultation and a careful examination of your teeth, gums and bite. Our dentists will ask about your concerns, previous denture experience and the results you hope to achieve.
The process may include:
- Evaluating your oral health and remaining teeth
- Taking digital images, impressions or scans
- Selecting tooth shape, size and shade
- Creating a trial version to assess appearance and bite
- Making adjustments before the final denture is completed
- Checking comfort, retention and function at delivery
- Scheduling follow-up visits as your mouth adjusts
The exact number of appointments depends on whether you need complete dentures, partial dentures, extractions or other treatment first.
Immediate and Conventional Dentures
When teeth need to be removed, you may have more than one timing option for receiving a denture.
- Immediate dentures are prepared before tooth removal and placed soon after the teeth are extracted.
- Conventional dentures are created after the gums and supporting tissues have had more time to heal.
Immediate dentures can help prevent you from going without teeth, but they often require adjustments as the mouth heals and changes shape. Our dentists will explain which approach is appropriate for your situation.
Will New Dentures Feel Natural?
New dentures may initially feel unfamiliar or bulky. You may also notice temporary changes in speech, chewing or saliva flow while your mouth adjusts.
Most patients become more comfortable with practice and time. Follow-up appointments allow our team to smooth pressure points, refine the bite and make other adjustments that improve comfort.
Eating With Dentures
Begin with softer foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly on both sides of your mouth. As your comfort and control improve, you can gradually add firmer foods.
Very sticky, hard or tough foods may remain difficult to manage. Our team can offer practical suggestions based on the type of denture you wear.
Speaking With Dentures
Some words may sound different when you first begin wearing dentures. Reading aloud and repeating challenging words can help your tongue and facial muscles adjust to the new tooth positions.
If speech difficulties continue, your denture may need an adjustment.
How to Clean Dentures and Partials
Dentures collect plaque, food debris and stains just as natural teeth do. Daily cleaning helps keep them fresh and protects the health of your gums and remaining teeth.
To care for your denture:
- Rinse it after meals
- Brush it gently with a denture brush and approved cleanser
- Avoid abrasive toothpaste that may scratch the surface
- Clean your gums, tongue and any remaining teeth each day
- Keep removable dentures moist when they are not being worn
- Do not use hot water, which may distort the material
- Attend regular dental exams
Partial denture wearers should pay special attention to the teeth supporting the appliance because plaque can collect around clasps and framework.
Should I Sleep in My Dentures?
Many patients are advised to remove their dentures at night so the gums and supporting tissues can rest. Leaving dentures out also gives you an opportunity to clean both the appliance and your mouth thoroughly.
Follow the specific instructions our team provides, especially during the first days after extractions or denture delivery.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Dentures do not last forever. Normal wear and gradual changes in the jaw and gums can affect their fit, appearance and function over time.
Your denture may eventually need:
- An adjustment
- A reline to improve the fit against the gums
- A repair after cracking or tooth damage
- Replacement when it becomes worn or no longer fits properly
Regular visits allow our dentists to monitor these changes and address them before they become more disruptive.
Signs Your Dentures Need Attention
Schedule an evaluation if you notice:
- Frequent slipping or rocking
- Sore spots that do not improve
- Difficulty chewing foods you previously managed
- Changes in your bite
- Cracks, chips or broken denture teeth
- Persistent irritation beneath the appliance
- A loose partial denture clasp
Do not try to reshape or repair a denture at home. Household glue and do-it-yourself adjustments can damage the appliance and injure your mouth.
Dentures Versus Implant-Supported Dentures
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and remain removable. Implant-supported dentures connect to implants in the jaw for added retention and stability.
Implant support may reduce movement and make eating and speaking feel more secure, but it also involves surgery, healing time and a larger investment. Our dentists can compare both options and help you decide what fits your health, goals and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures and Partials
What is the difference between complete and partial dentures?
Complete dentures replace every tooth in an arch. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth and use the remaining natural teeth for additional support.
How long does it take to get used to new dentures?
Adjustment time varies. Many patients need several weeks to become comfortable with speaking and eating, while continued improvements may occur over a longer period.
Will dentures let me eat normally?
Dentures can improve chewing, but they do not provide exactly the same biting force as natural teeth. Begin with softer foods and gradually expand your diet as you gain confidence.
Do I need denture adhesive?
Some patients use adhesive for added reassurance, while others do not need it. A denture that suddenly requires more adhesive than usual may need to be adjusted or relined.
Can dentures be repaired if they break?
Many cracks, broken teeth and damaged clasps can be professionally repaired. Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles rather than attempting to fix the denture yourself.
Can I get dentures immediately after tooth extraction?
Immediate dentures may be placed after extractions in some cases. Because the gums change during healing, adjustments or a reline are often needed afterward.
How often should dentures be replaced?
There is no single replacement schedule. Wear, fit, changes in the mouth and the condition of the denture all influence when a new appliance is needed.
Are implant-supported dentures more secure?
Implant-supported dentures are designed to receive added support from dental implants, which can reduce slipping and movement. A consultation is needed to determine whether implants are appropriate for you.
Feel More Like Yourself Again
Dentures and partials in Post Falls, Idaho, can restore missing teeth and make everyday activities feel easier again. Contact 7 Day Dental Smiles or call 208-773-8388 to schedule a consultation and discuss the right tooth-replacement option for your smile.
