706 Frederick Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Personalized Tooth Replacement Solutions
Whether you’re missing multiple teeth or need a full-arch restoration, our denture solutions are designed to help you regain a natural-looking smile, improved function, and renewed confidence. At Dr. Aura Marcela Torres, we work with top denture lab specialists in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Scotts Valley, Soquel, and nearby areas to ensure you receive the best dentures possible in CA.
We offer a full range of denture options to deliver the most comfortable, stable, and esthetic results. Each denture is planned with precision and personalized care, allowing you to enjoy confident eating, clearer speech, and a smile that truly feels like your own.
What is a Denture?
A denture is synthetic teeth attached to a plastic base that has been made to match your natural teeth and gums.
Besides making your smile look better, dentures also fix the way your mouth functions overall. Dentures also support your cheeks and lips to reduce sagging of the muscles in your face.
Types of Dentures
Below are some types of dentures that might be available to you. Even though there are many options, not all patients are good candidates for every type of denture. During your appointment, we will let you know which options may work best for you.
Conventional Complete Dentures
Conventional complete dentures consist of an upper denture and a lower denture.
The upper denture is made to replace all of your teeth in your upper jaw. It covers the roof of your mouth and fits securely on your upper gums and palate.
The lower denture is made to take the place of all your teeth in your lower jaw. It sits on the lower gums and stays in place with the help of your tongue, saliva, and cheek muscles.
Your mouth must be clear of all natural teeth before conventional complete dentures are placed. If some of your teeth need to be removed, the dentures will be placed once your gums have healed.
Implant-Supported Complete Dentures
Like conventional complete dentures, implant-supported complete dentures replace all of your natural teeth. Instead of relying solely on the structure, tongue, saliva, and cheek muscles, this type of denture uses implants to keep it secure.
Implant-supported complete dentures are placed on healthy gums that have fully recovered from tooth extractions and/or implant placements.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are put into place right after all of your remaining teeth have been removed. You do not have to wait for your gums to heal before the immediate dentures are placed. The dentist may need to make adjustments once your gums have fully healed.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are also comprised of synthetic teeth attached to a plastic base made to look like your natural teeth and gums. Below the plastic base, they usually have a framework that attaches to your teeth. Unlike complete dentures, partial dentures cannot be placed in a mouth with no teeth.
How Do I Take Care of My Dentures?
Dentures require special attention to keep them working well and looking good.
Handle Delicately
Dentures are fragile and should be handled very carefully at all times. They can break after being dropped just a few inches.
When they are not in your mouth, handle your dentures over a folded towel or sink of cool water. Never place your dentures in hot water since the heat can warp them.
Store Properly
When not in your mouth, dentures need to be stored in water so they will not dry out and lose their shape. Also, be sure to keep your dentures out of the reach of pets and children.
Clean Thoroughly
Just like natural teeth, dentures need thorough daily cleaning. Remove them and rinse with cool water to clear away loose debris, then use a denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush with a denture cleanser to clean all surfaces. Rinse them again afterward to remove any remaining cleanser that isn’t meant to go in your mouth.
Avoid using regular toothpaste or hard-bristled brushes, as these can scratch and damage the denture material, making it harder to clean and more prone to staining. Choose products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance for safe, effective cleaning, and don’t forget to clean your mouth as well—gently brushing your gums, tongue, and palate each day helps reduce plaque and keeps oral tissues healthy.
Diet
To keep your dentures in place and properly supported, you should maintain a healthy mouth. Along with cleaning your mouth daily, a balanced diet can keep your mouth strong. Also, avoid foods that may discolor or damage your dentures.
Visit the Dentist
You should visit the Santa Cruz dentist to make sure your dentures and mouth are functioning together correctly. Besides checking the fit of your dentures, the dentist will also look for any signs of oral diseases.