Dentures in Elgin, IL
Dentures are custom-made, removable replacements for missing teeth and the surrounding tissues.
Designed to resemble your natural teeth, dentures can help enhance your smile and allow you to speak
and eat with ease.
Denture Options at Bright Valley Dental
There are two types of dentures available at our Elgin dental office: partial and complete.
- Partial dentures are recommended when some natural teeth remain, as they will be supported by the surrounding teeth. These types of dentures will also help to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting.
- Complete dentures are recommended when all teeth in an arch are missing or will need to be removed.
Your Denture Treatment
Dr. Varma will begin your denture treatment by taking an initial impression of your arch, which will give
us an imprint of your teeth in order to begin fabricating your custom denture. In order to create a
denture with the best possible fit, we will do several “try-ins,” starting with a wax model.
During the try-in process, we consider the shade and position of the teeth to make sure the denture fits
well with your mouth’s structure. The final try-in allows you to approve the overall look and feel of the
denture before we send it off to the lab for final cosmetic touches. Once these steps are complete, we
will deliver your denture, answer any final questions, and provide instructions on proper care.
Your Life with Dentures
Home Hygiene
We recommend using a soft denture brush on the inside and outside of the denture every day to prevent
stains and odor. Use a denture cream to brush rather than toothpaste, and rinse the denture in cold
water. At night, we recommend soaking the denture in either water or a denture-cleaning agent. Never
use hot water on the denture, and only use cleaners made for dentures, or those recommended by our
office. If dentures become loose, let us know immediately, as they can cause friction and pressure on the
inside of your mouth.
Foods to Enjoy and Avoid
With new dentures, your gums may be sore for a few days. During this transition time, we suggest
sticking to soft foods, such as oatmeal, yogurt, or mashed potatoes. After they are no longer sore, and
you have adjusted to your dentures, you may return to eating a variety of foods.
While you will be able to eat many of the foods you once enjoyed, there are some foods to avoid with
dentures. These include sticky foods, such as candy and gum, and very hard foods, such as popcorn,
apples, nuts, and carrot sticks. Raw vegetables, such as celery and carrots, and tough meat, such as steak
and ribs, should also be avoided.
Office Visits
It is important to maintain the health of your gums and underlying bone structure, as well as any
remaining natural teeth, through regular checkups with Dr. Varma and our Elgin dental team. These
appointments allow us to monitor your overall oral health, make sure your denture fits properly, and
identify any possible problems before they progress.