Dentures in Manchester, NH

Replace Missing Teeth With Custom Dentures

Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding oral tissue. They can replace several missing teeth, an entire upper or lower arch, or both arches.

A properly fitted denture can help:

• Restore your ability to chew a wider variety of foods
• Improve speech affected by missing teeth
• Support the lips, cheeks, and facial profile
• Fill visible gaps in your smile
• Improve confidence when speaking and smiling
• Protect remaining teeth from unnecessary movement

Dentures are designed to resemble natural teeth and gums. The size, shape, shade, and positioning of the replacement teeth can be customized to complement your facial features and existing smile.

Full and Partial Dentures in Manchester

Gentle Dental Manchester offers denture solutions based on how many teeth need to be replaced.

Full Dentures

Full dentures, also called complete dentures, replace all the teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. The appliance includes a gum-colored base that supports a complete arch of replacement teeth.

A full denture rests on the gums and underlying jawbone ridge. Your dentist will carefully assess the shape of your mouth and jaw to create a denture that fits comfortably and supports normal chewing and speech.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures may be recommended when several teeth are missing but healthy natural teeth remain. The appliance fills the open spaces while attaching to or fitting around the remaining teeth for support.

In addition to restoring your smile, a partial denture may help prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into spaces left by missing teeth.

Immediate and Conventional Dentures

The timing of your denture treatment depends on whether teeth need to be removed and how much healing is required.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are prepared before tooth extraction and placed on the same day the remaining teeth are removed. This option allows you to have replacement teeth during the healing period.

Your gums and jawbone naturally change shape as they heal, so immediate dentures often require follow-up adjustments, relining, or replacement to maintain a comfortable fit.

Conventional Dentures

Conventional dentures are created after tooth extraction sites and gum tissue have healed. Waiting for the mouth to heal allows the dentist to make the final denture based on the more stable shape of the gums and jaw.

Your Manchester dentist will explain whether immediate or conventional dentures are more appropriate for your needs, oral health, and treatment timeline.

Your Denture Consultation at Gentle Dental Manchester

Your treatment begins with a detailed examination at our Elm Street office. The dentist will evaluate your gums, jaw, bite, and any remaining natural teeth. Digital X-rays or other imaging may be used to assess your oral health and support treatment planning.

During the consultation, the dentist will discuss:

• How many teeth need to be replaced
• Whether any remaining teeth can be preserved
• The condition of your gums and supporting bone
• Whether tooth extractions are required
• Full, partial, immediate, or other replacement options
• Your preferred appearance for the new teeth
• The expected treatment process and timeline
• Insurance coverage and payment options

You will have an opportunity to ask questions and understand each stage of treatment before moving forward.

The Process of Getting Dentures

Creating a custom denture usually requires several appointments. These visits allow the dental team to accurately design, test, and adjust the appliance.

Dental Impressions and Measurements

The dentist takes detailed impressions or molds of your upper and lower jaws. Measurements of your bite and jaw relationship help determine how the replacement teeth should come together.

Denture Design

The impressions and measurements are used to create a model of your mouth. The size, shape, arrangement, and color of the artificial teeth are selected to support a balanced bite and natural appearance.

Try-In Appointment

You may receive a trial version of the denture before the final appliance is completed. The dentist will evaluate the appearance, tooth position, bite, and fit. Adjustments can be made based on your comfort and feedback.

Final Denture Fitting

Once the denture is completed, your dentist will place it in your mouth and check for areas that place excessive pressure on the gums. The appliance will be adjusted to improve comfort, stability, and bite alignment.

Additional follow-up appointments may be needed as your mouth becomes accustomed to the new denture.

Caring for Your Dentures

Daily cleaning helps remove food particles, plaque, and stains while keeping the appliance in good condition.

To care for removable dentures:

• Remove and rinse them after eating
• Brush them daily with a soft denture brush
• Use a non-abrasive denture cleanser
• Avoid regular toothpaste, which may scratch some denture materials
• Clean your gums, tongue, cheeks, and remaining teeth
• Store the dentures in water or an appropriate soaking solution when they are not being worn
• Avoid hot or boiling water, which may warp the appliance
• Attend regular dental exams to have the fit and condition checked

Even when you have full dentures, regular oral examinations remain important. Your dentist can evaluate your gums, oral tissues, bite, and denture fit while checking for irritation or other changes.

Denture Repairs, Relines, and Replacements

Dentures are durable, but they do not last indefinitely. Normal wear and changes in your gums or jawbone can affect how the appliance fits over time.

A denture may need professional attention if it:

• Feels loose or unstable
• Creates sore or irritated areas
• Clicks when you speak or chew
• Has a crack, chip, or broken tooth
• No longer allows you to chew comfortably
• Has become noticeably discolored
• Requires increasing amounts of adhesive
• Has been worn for several years

Dentures commonly require periodic adjustments or relining as the shape of the mouth changes. Many dentures need replacement after approximately seven to 10 years, although the actual lifespan depends on fit, oral changes, materials, and daily care.

Do not attempt to repair a broken denture with household glue or an over-the-counter repair product. Improper repairs may damage the appliance or make professional correction more difficult.

Why Choose Gentle Dental in Manchester for Dentures?

Gentle Dental Manchester provides custom partial and full dentures at its Elm Street office in downtown Manchester. The location offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and specialty dental care under one roof.

Patients choosing the Manchester office benefit from:

• Custom full and partial dentures
• Digital X-rays and advanced dental imaging
• Denture adjustments and ongoing follow-up care
• Dental implant restorations and other replacement options
• General dentists and dental specialists in one office
• Flexible scheduling with evening and weekend hours
• Sedation options for patients with dental anxiety
• Support with insurance verification and payment options

The Elm Street office accepts most major dental insurance plans. Coverage for dentures varies depending on your plan, annual benefit limits, deductibles, and treatment requirements. The office team can review your coverage before treatment begins.