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Mid-Wilshire Dental Care
Patient smiling with a new denture

Dentures in Los Angeles, CA

Full, partial, and implant-supported dentures in Los Angeles. Get an exam of your gums and bone, then compare options. Call (310) 731-6119 to book.

Dentures at Mid-Wilshire Dental Care

Medically reviewed by Dr. Bijan Afar, DDS, MS — Periodontist & Oral Implantologist

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. Modern dentures are made to fit the contours of your gums, restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably, and look natural in your smile.

If you are missing some or all of your teeth, or an existing denture has become loose or uncomfortable, an exam is the first step. We look at the health of your gums and jawbone, your bite, and your goals before recommending an option.

Types of Dentures

The right type depends on how many teeth are missing and on the condition of your gums and bone.

  • Complete (full) dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower arch and rest on the gums.
  • Partial dentures replace several missing teeth and attach to your remaining natural teeth, so the teeth you still have are kept in place.
  • Implant-supported dentures snap onto dental implants placed in the jaw, which can make a denture more stable than one that rests on the gums alone.

Signs You May Need Dentures

  • Several or all of your teeth are missing, or are too damaged or loose to be repaired.
  • You have trouble chewing or avoid certain foods because of missing teeth.
  • An existing denture slips, clicks, rubs, or no longer fits the way it used to.
  • Advanced gum disease or decay has made it hard to keep your remaining teeth healthy.

Only an examination can tell whether dentures, implants, or another option is right for you.

Missing Teeth: Dentures, Bridges, or Implants?

Dentures are one of several ways to replace missing teeth. Dental implants support a replacement tooth or denture from within the jawbone, and bone preservation after an extraction can keep that option open. Which approach fits depends on your bone and gum health, how many teeth are missing, your health history, and your budget.

Dr. Afar is a periodontist and implant dentist, so gum and bone health, which decide how well any replacement will fit, are part of every evaluation. If you are missing one or more teeth and are not sure where to start, a consultation can lay out the options side by side.

Getting Used to New Dentures

Most people need a few weeks to adjust. Your cheeks, lips, and tongue learn how to hold the denture, and eating and speaking can feel different at first. Minor sore spots are common and are usually corrected with small adjustments, so please call us instead of trying to fix a denture at home.

  • Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and chew on both sides of your mouth.
  • Clean dentures daily with a denture cleaner or mild soap, not regular toothpaste, which can scratch the surface.
  • Follow your dentist's guidance on when to remove dentures, such as overnight.
  • Keep your regular checkups. Gums and jawbone change over time, and a denture may eventually need to be relined or replaced.

Related Care You May Be Looking For

This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a dental examination. Recommendations depend on your individual health, and results vary from patient to patient.

What's Included

  • Exam of your gums, bone, and bite before any recommendation
  • Full, partial, and implant-supported denture options
  • Impressions and a try-in so you can review fit and appearance
  • Adjustments after delivery, and follow-up visits as your mouth changes

What to Expect

  1. 1

    Exam & planning

    We review your health history, take digital images, and examine your teeth, gums, and bone to talk through your options.

  2. 2

    Impressions & bite records

    Precise impressions and measurements are taken so the denture fits your mouth and your bite.

  3. 3

    Try-in

    You preview the shape, shade, and fit of the teeth before the denture is finished, and we make changes if needed.

  4. 4

    Delivery & follow-up

    We place your denture, teach you how to care for it, and schedule adjustment visits for comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get used to dentures?
Most patients need a few weeks to feel comfortable eating and speaking with new dentures. It varies from person to person, and small adjustments from our office usually help.
Will dentures look natural?
Yes, they can. Tooth shape, size, and shade are chosen to suit your face and smile, and you can review them at the try-in before the denture is finished.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures are not permanent. As your gums and jawbone change, a denture may need to be relined or replaced. Regular checkups let us tell you when that time comes.
What is the difference between dentures and dental implants?
Traditional dentures rest on the gums, while implants are anchored in the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures combine the two for added stability. We can compare the options for your situation at a consultation.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Most people return to a varied diet over time. Begin with soft foods and add firmer foods gradually. Very sticky or hard foods may remain difficult.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule a consultation for dentures today. We'll answer your questions and help you decide what's right for your smile, no pressure.