Dentures in Chicago IL: Replacing Missing Teeth Naturally

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What Is A Denture?

A denture is an oral prosthetic device designed to replace missing teeth. Conventional dentures are removable and may be full (replacing all teeth in the upper or lower jaw) or partial (used when some natural teeth remain in either jaw). These are further divided into maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) categories.

Dentures are shaped to mimic your natural teeth and bite as closely as possible and are traditionally held in place both by the suction created by the denture’s shape and the anatomy of your bone and tissue. Partial dentures are often built on a metal framework hooked onto existing teeth to keep the partial in position.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Denture?

Creating and fitting a conventional denture is a multiple appointment procedure. A conventional denture can be placed approximately eight to twelve weeks after the teeth being replaced have been extracted, to allow the site time to heal.

There are dentures that can be placed more immediately, but they will require more adjustment as the mouth heals and changes shape following any necessary extractions. When considering dentures Chicago IL patients that come to us can typically expect the following process:

What does the Denture process in Chicago IL address?

Dentures offer a dependable remedy for missing or damaged teeth due to decay, gum disease, or injury. Here's how they can be beneficial:

  • Missing Teeth: Dentures replace gaps in your smile, restoring your look and your ability to chew comfortably.
  • Facial Structure Support: Missing teeth can cause your face to lose its natural shape. Dentures fill in that support, keeping your facial muscles from sagging and helping you maintain a youthful appearance.
  • Improved Speech: Many find it harder to speak clearly with missing teeth. Dentures make it easier to articulate words by giving your mouth the structure it needs.

Are Dentures right for me?

For those patients in Chicago IL, dentures can be a fantastic option — here’s how to decide if they’re the right choice for you:

  • Tooth Loss: If you've lost several teeth—or even all of them—dentures are often the go-to solution.
  • Jawbone Health: Dentures rely on a healthy jaw to stay securely in place. If your jawbone is weak or deteriorating, you might be a candidate for dental implants to provide extra stability.
  • Age & Overall Health: There's no strict age limit for dentures. If you're younger, other options like implants could be worth exploring. While rare, some health conditions (like severe material allergies or uncontrolled diabetes) might limit your options.

The History of Dentures

Dentures have been around since at least 700 B.C. when the Etruscans in northern Italy were making dentures out of human and other animal teeth.

Though not very durable, these were easy to produce and remained popular into the 19th century. Wood, gold, ivory and various other materials were commonly found in dentures through these centuries as well, as in George Washington’s infamous false teeth. The first porcelain dentures were crafted in the late 18th century, and the 20th century saw the first use of acrylic resins and other plastics, which remain the popular material today.

Is There An Alternative Solution For Missing Teeth?

Dental implants are an effective, although costlier, alternative to dentures. Implants are durable, safe, and a beautiful way of replacing missing teeth.

At our practice in Chicago IL dentures are just one of the many options we offer for restoring smiles. To learn more about the potential for enhanced stability and comfort with dental implants, and to determine if you might be a good candidate, please visit our dental implant page.

Your Natural Smile, Reimagined: What do Denture results look like?

When it comes to dentures, Chicago IL dental specialists at Strobel Dentistry can deliver truly transformative results that you’ll notice almost immediately. Here's what you can expect:

  • Immediate Improvements: Once your dentures are in place, you'll instantly see a fuller, more complete smile. Your ability to eat and speak will also improve immediately.
  • Adjusting Period: It's normal for your dentures to take a few weeks to settle fully. During this time, they might feel a little unfamiliar but don't worry—any necessary adjustments can be made for a perfect fit.
  • Long-Lasting Smile: With proper care, your dentures can last five to ten years. Regular dental visits can ensure they stay comfortable and functional for the long haul.

What can I expect for the Dentures recovery process?

The good news is that with modern technology, there's no longer much of a recovery process with dentures. However, there is a bit of an adjustment period while your mouth gets used to the new addition. Here's what you can expect:

  • Initial Adjustments: Some mild discomfort is totally normal as your gums and mouth get accustomed to the dentures. This usually subsides after a few days.
  • Dietary Adjustments: You may need to stick to softer foods for the first little while as you adjust to chewing with dentures. Think mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: We'll schedule a couple of follow-up visits to make sure your dentures fit perfectly and that you're completely comfortable.

Before long, you'll be eating, smiling, and talking just like before.

Why choose Strobel Dentistry for your Dentures?

At Strobel Dentistry, our team is led by some of the most experienced and respected dentists in Chicago IL—Dr. Dan Strobel, Dr. Isabella Terrassa, and Dr. Scott Drucker. With their combined expertise, you'll receive top-quality care tailored to your unique needs. Strobel Dentistry has been serving the Chicago IL community for over 92 years, and in that time, we've built long-lasting relationships based on trust and personalized care. It's about more than just a treatment—it's about ensuring your long-term dental health and well-being.

How To Care For Your Dentures

Hygiene

  • Clean your dentures twice a day.
  • Use a denture brush when cleaning them, and denture paste or baking soda. DO NOT use toothpaste.
  • Dentures can be slippery. Use either a towel under your hands or fill the sink with water to prevent breaking if the fall off your hands.
  • After each meal make sure to remove your denture and rinse both the denture and your mouth to minimize any food irritating your tissues.
  • Remove your denture every night before bed and put them in a denture bath. This will allow the tissues to relax and will disinfect your denture.
  • Be sure to continue to brush your tongue and gums with a soft brush without any toothpaste.

Eating

It will take 6-8 weeks to feel comfortable eating with your new dentures.
Here are a couple of tips:

  • Begin with soft foods
  • Eat small bites, and place them slightly to the side
  • Try to chew on both sides at the same time. This will give more stability to the denture.
  • Avoid biting into food, as it may dislodge the dentures.
  • Be careful with very hot foods or drinks; dentures decrease your sensitivity and you may end up burning your tissues.

Soreness

Most dentures will cause some degree of soreness initially. We recommend you come in for an adjustment if you’re experiencing any soreness. Multiple adjustments may be required.

Speaking

Practice speaking with your dentures. It’s common to have some difficulty initially, especially with ‘f’ and ‘s’ sounds. It will take time, your tongue needs to be re-trained.

Saliva

Increased salivation is normal initially. Once you’re used to wearing your denture, this will correct itself.

When to Visit the Dentist

Denture wearers should see their dentist once a year to evaluate the denture and the surrounding tissues. You should also come in if your denture breaks, chips, or is causing sore spots. Please don’t attempt to fix this on your own.

Also, as time passes, your denture may need to be relined for a better fit, or a new one should be made. No denture is meant to last forever.

Immediate Dentures

After the extractions, you should leave your dentures in place for 24 hours. After 24 hours, remove the dentures and rinse with warm salt water. Do not expectorate. Your mouth will be sore, but we recommend you try to wear the dentures as much as you can, making sure to remove it at night. Usually, they require more adjustments, please call our office if you develop any sore spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Dentures are one of the most widely used solutions for tooth loss, helping millions of people regain their smiles every year.

Initially, your dentures might feel a bit foreign, and you may experience mild discomfort. However, once your mouth adjusts and your dentist calibrates the fit, they should feel natural and comfortable within a few days.

If you're dealing with multiple missing teeth, difficulty chewing, or changes in your facial structure, it might be time to explore denture options.

Not unless you tell them! Modern dentures are designed to look just like natural teeth, so your smile will look seamless and natural.

When it comes to the cost of dentures, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Each set of dentures is custom-made, and the cost can vary depending on factors like the materials used and the specific techniques required. Higher-end options, like implant-supported dentures, may have a higher price tag, but they offer increased comfort and long-term durability. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to schedule a consultation with us. We'll guide you through every step of the process to ensure you know exactly what to expect.