What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum structure. When they’re properly designed and fitted, they restore much of what missing teeth take away: the ability to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and keep the natural support that teeth give to your cheeks and lips.
Modern dentures look and feel far more natural than many people expect. The teeth are shaped and shaded to suit your face, and the base is designed to sit comfortably against your gums. For patients who want a dependable solution without surgery, Darren Gonzalez, DDS offer a natural-looking result while helping you regain confidence in your smile through modern cosmetic dentistry techniques.
Types of Dentures We Offer
There isn’t a single kind of denture, and that’s a good thing. The right choice depends on how many teeth you’re replacing, the health of your gums and any remaining teeth, and what feels most comfortable to you. The most common options include:
- Full Dentures – Designed for patients who are missing all teeth in the upper or lower arch. A complete denture typically consists of an acrylic base crafted to resemble natural gum tissue, with custom-made artificial teeth that restore appearance and function.
- Partial Dentures – Used when some natural teeth remain. Partial dentures are supported by a lightweight plastic or metal framework with artificial teeth set into place, helping fill gaps while maintaining stability and alignment.
Part of what we do during your consultation is talk through these choices together. There’s no single “best” option, only the one that suits your mouth, your goals, and your comfort.
Why Choose Darren Gonzalez DDS for Dentures?
Patients choose Darren Gonzalez DDS for dentures because of our experience, attention to detail, and patient-centered approach.
- Over 25 years of clinical dental experience
- Custom-designed to focus on comfort and appearance
- Thoughtful treatment planning tailored to individual needs
- Care coordinated with cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry services
- Respectful, supportive care for patients at every stage
How Are Dentures Made? What Is the Process Like?
Consultation and exam
We start with an exam and an honest conversation about your goals, so we can confirm the right type of denture for your mouth and answer your questions up front.
Impressions and measurements
We take impressions and measurements of your mouth so your dentures can be shaped to fit you specifically, from the bite to the look of the teeth.
Preview and adjustments
You'll often have a chance to preview the look and bite before the final appliance is completed, so we can refine the fit while there's still room to make changes.
Final fit and follow-up
Once ready, we fit them carefully and check how they sit, bite, and feel when you speak. Small adjustments in the first weeks are normal, and because you see the same doctor throughout, the person who designed your dentures is the same person fine-tuning them.
How Do I Take Care of My Dentures?
Clean them daily
Rinse after meals and brush your dentures with a soft brush and a cleanser made for dentures, not regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive.
Handle them gently
Clean them over a folded towel or a basin of water so they're protected if they slip from your hands.
Keep them moist
When you're not wearing them, store your dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution so they hold their shape.
Care for your mouth too
Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth to keep your whole mouth healthy.
Keep up with checkups
Your mouth changes over time, and dentures may need occasional adjustment or relining to keep fitting well. Regular visits let us catch and fix small issues early.
Dentures vs. Dental Implants: How Do I Choose?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is that it depends on you. Both options replace missing teeth, but they work differently.
Dentures are removable, non-surgical, and generally the more accessible option to begin with. They’re a strong choice if you want to avoid surgery or replace many teeth at once. Dental implants, on the other hand, are placed in the jaw and support replacement teeth that stay in place, which some patients prefer for the added stability and feel.
Many patients find a middle path with implant-supported dentures, which combine the coverage of a denture with the security of implants. Rather than steering you toward any one answer, Dr. Gonzalez will look at your jaw health, the number of teeth involved, your budget, and your comfort, then lay out the trade-offs so you can make a choice that feels right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Today’s dentures are designed to look natural, with teeth shaped and shaded to suit your face. Most people find that a well-fitted denture blends in far better than they expected.
Many patients return to a wide range of foods with dentures, though it can take a little practice at first. We’ll talk through what to expect and how to ease back into the foods you enjoy.
With good care and regular checkups, dentures can serve you for years. Because your mouth changes over time, they may need adjustment or relining along the way to keep fitting comfortably.
Today’s dentures are made from durable, lifelike materials chosen for both comfort and appearance. The replacement teeth are typically crafted from high-quality acrylic resin or porcelain, shaped and shaded to blend naturally with your smile. The base that rests against your gums is usually a gum-toned acrylic designed to look natural and feel comfortable.
Which materials suit you best depends on factors like your bite, the wear you put on your teeth, and your aesthetic goals. We’ll talk through the options so you understand what’s going into your dentures and why.
We know cost is part of the decision. Our office is happy to walk you through your financial options so you can plan with confidence. You’ll find more on our financial options page, and we’re glad to answer questions in person.