Restore Your Smile and Confidence with Modern Dentures
Today's dentures are far from the uncomfortable, unnatural-looking appliances of the past. At Apex Dental Clinic in Chembur, Dr. Shreya Gandhi creates custom-designed dentures that look natural, feel comfortable, and function reliably, helping you enjoy speaking, eating, and smiling with confidence again.
Understanding Modern Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. Unlike older dentures that often looked artificial and felt uncomfortable, today's advanced dentures are crafted from high-quality materials and designed with precision to provide a natural appearance and comfortable fit.
Whether you've lost teeth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or age, dentures can restore the function of your teeth and the aesthetics of your smile while helping maintain facial structure and preventing the sunken appearance that often results from missing teeth.
Our Denture Solutions
At Apex Dental Clinic, we offer several types of dentures to address your specific needs:
1. Complete Dentures
Complete (or full) dentures replace all teeth in an arch, either upper, lower, or both. They rest directly on the gums and are held in place through suction and a precise fit. We offer two types of complete dentures:
Conventional Dentures
Made after teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually 8-12 weeks), providing the most accurate fit.
Immediate Dentures
Placed the same day teeth are extracted, ensuring you're never without teeth during the healing process.
2. Partial Dentures
For patients missing some but not all teeth, partial dentures are an excellent solution. These removable appliances consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base, connected by a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth for stability.
Precision-Fit
Custom-designed to fit perfectly among your remaining teeth while matching their color and shape.
Tooth Preservation
Helps prevent remaining natural teeth from shifting, maintaining proper dental alignment.
3. Implant-Supported Dentures
The most advanced denture option, these combine the benefits of dental implants and dentures for superior stability and comfort. Unlike conventional dentures that rest on the gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone.
Exceptional Stability
No slipping or clicking, allowing you to eat, speak, and laugh with complete confidence.
Preserves Jawbone
Stimulates bone tissue, preventing the bone loss typically associated with missing teeth and conventional dentures.
Enhanced Chewing
Provides up to 80% more chewing efficiency compared to traditional dentures, expanding your dietary options.
Improved Comfort
Eliminates sore spots and pressure points common with traditional dentures.
4. Flexible Dentures
Made from a thin, heat-sensitive type of plastic, flexible dentures offer a comfortable alternative to traditional rigid denture bases. They're virtually unbreakable, aesthetic, and adapt to the movement of your mouth for enhanced comfort.
The Denture Process at Apex Dental Clinic
Comprehensive Consultation
Dr. Gandhi will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals and preferences, and recommend the most appropriate type of denture for your situation. This includes examining any remaining teeth, assessing your gum health, and discussing your expectations.
Preparatory Procedures
If extractions or other preparatory treatments are required, these will be planned and scheduled. For implant-supported dentures, the implant placement surgery will be scheduled, followed by a healing period.
Digital Impressions & Measurements
Using advanced digital scanning technology, we create precise 3D models of your mouth to ensure your dentures fit perfectly. We also take detailed measurements of your bite and facial dimensions to achieve optimal function and aesthetics.
Wax Try-In
A wax model of your future dentures is created for you to try, allowing Dr. Gandhi to assess the fit, appearance, and bite alignment. This important step ensures your final dentures will meet your expectations for comfort and aesthetics.
Custom Fabrication
Based on the approved wax model, our skilled dental laboratory technicians craft your custom dentures using high-quality materials. For conventional dentures, this occurs after healing; for immediate dentures, this happens before extractions.
Final Fitting & Adjustments
Dr. Gandhi carefully places your custom dentures, making necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit, comfort, and function. You'll receive detailed instructions on denture care, insertion, removal, and adaptation techniques.
Follow-Up Care
Regular check-ups allow Dr. Gandhi to assess your adaptation to the dentures and make any needed adjustments. As your mouth naturally changes over time, periodic adjustments or relines will maintain optimal fit and comfort.
Advanced Denture Technology
At Apex Dental Clinic, we leverage cutting-edge technology to create dentures that surpass traditional options in fit, comfort, and appearance:
Digital Scanning
Replaces messy traditional impressions with precise 3D digital models for more accurate dentures.
Premium Materials
High-grade acrylics and composites that closely mimic natural gum tissue and teeth.
Customized Aesthetics
Teeth individually selected and positioned to match your facial features and create a natural smile.
3D Printing Technology
For creating exceptionally precise frameworks and components that ensure optimal fit.
Adapting to Your New Dentures
Adapting to new dentures takes time and patience. Here's what to expect and how to make the transition smoother:
Speaking
Initially, you may notice changes in your speech. Practice by reading aloud and speaking slowly. Most patients adapt within a few weeks.
Eating
Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, using both sides of your mouth to chew. Gradually introduce more challenging foods as you become comfortable.
Discomfort
Some initial soreness is normal. If discomfort persists or develops later, schedule an adjustment appointment promptly.
Wearing Schedule
Dr. Gandhi will provide a recommended wearing schedule, which may include wearing your dentures full-time initially, including while sleeping.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper denture care is essential for maintaining their appearance, function, and longevity:
Daily Cleaning
Remove and rinse dentures after eating. Brush them daily with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser (not regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive).
Proper Storage
When not wearing your dentures, store them in a denture-soaking solution or plain water to prevent them from drying out and warping.
Oral Hygiene
Clean your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft toothbrush before inserting dentures. This stimulates circulation and helps remove plaque.
Careful Handling
Handle dentures carefully to avoid dropping them. Always clean them over a folded towel or basin of water to prevent damage if dropped.
Regular Check-ups
Visit us every six months for professional denture cleaning and to check the condition of your dentures and oral tissues.
Comparing Denture Options
| Feature | Conventional Dentures | Immediate Dentures | Partial Dentures | Implant-Supported Dentures | Flexible Dentures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | Good | Moderate | Very Good | Excellent | Good |
| Comfort | Good | Moderate | Very Good | Excellent | Very Good |
| Aesthetics | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Bone Preservation | Poor | Poor | Moderate | Excellent | Poor |
| Chewing Efficiency | 40-50% | 30-40% | 60-70% | 80-90% | 50-60% |
| Treatment Time | 8-12 weeks | 1-2 days | 2-4 weeks | 3-6 months | 2-3 weeks |
| Durability | 5-7 years | Temporary (1-2 years) | 5-7 years | 10-15+ years | 3-5 years |
| Cost | ₹₹ | ₹₹ | ₹₹ | ₹₹₹₹ | ₹₹₹ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to get used to wearing dentures?
The adaptation period varies for each person, but most patients adjust to their new dentures within 2-4 weeks. During this time, you may experience:
- Increased saliva production
- Mild irritation or soreness
- Difficulty speaking certain words
- Challenges with eating certain foods
These initial challenges are normal and temporary. Following Dr. Gandhi's guidance and practicing speaking and eating with your dentures will significantly speed up the adaptation process. Some patients adjust within days, while others may take a month or more to feel completely comfortable.
If discomfort persists beyond a few weeks or worsens, contact us for an adjustment appointment.
Will dentures affect how I speak?
Yes, initially, you may notice some changes in your speech patterns as your tongue and mouth muscles adapt to working with your new dentures. Words containing "s," "f," and "th" sounds may be particularly challenging at first.
Here are some helpful tips to improve your speech with dentures:
- Practice reading aloud, especially words that are difficult to pronounce
- Speak slowly and deliberately at first
- Try bite and swallow to reseat dentures before speaking
- Use a denture adhesive for added stability if recommended
- Be patient – most speech issues resolve with practice and time
Most patients find their speech returns to normal within a couple of weeks as they become accustomed to their dentures. If speech problems persist, we can make minor adjustments to improve comfort and function.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
While dentures restore much of your chewing ability, there is an adjustment period for eating. Initially, you'll want to:
- Start with soft foods cut into small pieces
- Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth simultaneously
- Avoid sticky foods, hard items, and chewing gum at first
- Be cautious with hot foods and drinks as temperature sensation may be decreased
Gradually introduce more challenging foods as you become comfortable. Most denture wearers can eventually enjoy a varied diet, though some particularly sticky, hard, or tough foods may remain challenging.
Implant-supported dentures provide significantly better chewing efficiency (80-90% of natural teeth) compared to conventional dentures (40-50% of natural teeth), allowing for a broader range of dietary options and greater comfort while eating.
How often should dentures be replaced?
On average, dentures should be replaced every 5-7 years, even with proper care. This is because:
- Your mouth naturally changes shape over time as the jawbone remodels after tooth loss
- Denture materials wear down with daily use
- Worn dentures can cause oral health problems, including sore spots, infections, and accelerated bone loss
Signs that indicate it's time to consider replacement include:
- Loosening fit or slipping dentures
- Increased difficulty chewing or speaking
- Visible damage or excessive wear
- Persistent discomfort or sore spots
- Changes in facial appearance or bite
Regular dental check-ups allow Dr. Gandhi to assess the condition and fit of your dentures. Sometimes, a simple reline procedure can improve the fit of dentures that have become loose due to normal bone changes, potentially extending their usable life.
What's the difference between conventional and implant-supported dentures?
The key differences between conventional and implant-supported dentures include:
- Stability and Security: Conventional dentures rely on suction and adhesives for stability, while implant-supported dentures are anchored firmly to dental implants placed in the jawbone, eliminating shifting and slipping.
- Bone Preservation: Conventional dentures can't prevent the bone loss that naturally occurs after tooth loss and may even accelerate it. Implant-supported dentures stimulate the jawbone, helping preserve its structure and density.
- Chewing Efficiency: Implant-supported dentures provide 80-90% of natural chewing ability compared to 40-50% with conventional dentures, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods.
- Comfort and Confidence: Implant-supported dentures eliminate the discomfort of pressure points and sore spots common with conventional dentures, and they don't require denture adhesives.
- Treatment Process: Conventional dentures can be made in a few weeks, while implant-supported dentures require surgical placement of implants and a healing period of 3-6 months before the final denture is attached.
- Investment: Implant-supported dentures require a higher initial investment but often prove more cost-effective long-term due to their durability, bone preservation benefits, and reduced need for adjustments and replacements.
During your consultation, Dr. Gandhi will help you determine which option best suits your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Many patients find that the enhanced quality of life provided by implant-supported dentures justifies the additional investment and treatment time.
Ready to Restore Your Smile with Comfortable, Natural-Looking Dentures?
Contact Apex Dental Clinic today to schedule your denture consultation with Dr. Shreya Gandhi and discover how our modern denture solutions can transform your smile and quality of life.