Dentures in Stillwater, MN
Natural-Looking Dentures for a Confident Smile
Missing or lost teeth may cause issues with your ability to chew, affect your speech and impact your confidence. There is a simple and inexpensive way to replace your missing teeth. Lift Dental offers affordable dentures in Stillwater, MN, to help bring back your complete smile.
Types of Dentures
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace lost teeth in the upper arch, lower arch. There are different types of dentures, and the best choice for you depends on your oral health needs.
1. Full Dentures
Full dentures, also called complete dentures, are substitutes for a whole arch of missing teeth. A full denture is supported by either the jawbone ridge (lower teeth arch) or the roof of your mouth (upper teeth arch).
When you think of traditional dentures, you probably think of full dentures. These are made up of a gum-colored base and artificial teeth. Full dentures are removable, which allows your gums to rest and makes them easier to clean.
2. Partial Dentures
Partial dentures look similar to full dentures, except they only replace several missing teeth on the upper and lower jaws. They also rest on your palate or lower jawbone ridge for stability and support. However, partial dentures have special clasps that hook around your healthy teeth to ensure they stay in place.
3. Temporary Dentures
Temporary dentures are usually used short term to fill the gap that results from a tooth or multiple teeth extractions. You will wear them until the permanent denture is ready or the missing tooth or teeth is ready to be restored by other treatment options.
4. Implant-retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures are supported by dental implants and the ridge of your jaw and gums. Dental implants are titanium screws that replace the roots of missing teeth by being surgically placed into your jawbone.
Implant-retained dentures are removable, just like traditional dentures. At night, you take them out to clean and soak. However, they can provide better stability than a full or partial denture because they snap on and off the dental implants.
Implant-supported dentures are also called permanent or hybrid dentures. Like implant-retained dentures, they are attached to dental implants connected to your jawbone. But unlike all other types of dentures, implant-supported dentures are non-removable and have excellent stability.
Full Confident Smile with Affordable Dentures
Losing teeth affects daily activities, including speaking, eating and your self confidence. Teeth replacement is essential for maintaining long-term dental health. Contact Lift Dental to determine which type of denture is the best for your condition and to help you regain that full, confident smile.
Call our office today at 651-439-4945 to learn more or book an appointment for your initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dentures
How long does it typically take to get used to eating and speaking with new dentures?
Most patients need a few weeks to adjust to eating and speaking comfortably with new dentures, as the mouth, tongue, and cheek muscles learn to work with the new appliance. Starting with soft foods cut into small pieces and practicing reading aloud can speed up the adjustment. Some minor soreness or increased saliva flow in the first days is common and typically improves. If discomfort continues past a few weeks, your dentist can adjust the fit.
How often do dentures need to be relined, adjusted, or replaced?
Dentures generally need relining every couple of years and full replacement roughly every five to ten years, since the jawbone and gums gradually change shape over time, even after tooth loss. A denture that no longer fits well can cause sore spots, slipping, or difficulty chewing. Regular dental checkups help catch fit issues early, often with a simple reline rather than a full replacement. Your dentist can recommend a schedule based on how your mouth changes over time.
Can you sleep in dentures overnight, or should they be removed?
Most dentists recommend removing dentures at night to let your gums and jawbone rest and to reduce the risk of bacterial or fungal buildup underneath them. Removing them also gives you a chance to clean both the dentures and your mouth thoroughly before bed. Some implant-retained or temporary dentures may be worn for limited periods overnight in certain cases, but this varies by patient. Ask your dentist for guidance specific to your type of denture.
How many dental implants are typically needed to support a full implant-supported denture?
Implant-supported (hybrid) dentures typically use around four to six implants per arch, though the exact number depends on jawbone density, the arch being restored, and the specific denture design. Fewer, well-positioned implants can sometimes support a full arch when bone quality is good. A 3-D scan and evaluation help determine the right number for your case. Ask Lift Dental to review your candidacy and implant plan during a consultation.
Can partial dentures serve as a temporary step before eventually needing full dentures?
Partial dentures can sometimes serve as a longer-term solution rather than just a temporary step, but if more natural teeth are lost or become unhealthy over time, a patient may eventually need to transition to full dentures. This isn’t automatic, as many patients keep partial dentures for years without ever needing full replacement. Regular checkups help track the health of remaining natural teeth and catch changes early. Your dentist can advise on your particular outlook based on your oral health.
Will dentures change the shape of my face or how I look?
Well-fitted dentures are designed to support your lips and cheeks and often restore a fuller, more natural facial appearance that may have been lost with missing teeth. Over time, as your jawbone and gums change shape, dentures that no longer fit well can affect facial support and may need adjustment. Choosing dentures sized and shaped for your face helps maintain a natural look. Regular follow-up visits help keep your denture fit and your appearance consistent over time.
Where can I get fitted for dentures near Stillwater, MN?
Lift Dental, led by Dr. Sara Cody, DDS, offers full, partial, temporary, and implant-supported dentures for patients in Stillwater, MN, and the surrounding St. Croix Valley, including Bayport and Lake Elmo. The office is located at 124 2nd Street S in downtown Stillwater. Call 651-439-4945 or book online to schedule a denture consultation.
