Dentures

With proper care, dentures typically last five to ten years before needing replacement. However, your mouth continues to change over time, so your dentures may require periodic relines or adjustments to maintain a good fit. Regular checkups at North Pointe Dental Center help us monitor the condition and fit of your dentures.

Yes. Modern dentures are crafted from high-quality materials that closely mimic natural teeth and gum tissue. We carefully select tooth shapes, sizes, and colors that complement your facial features and skin tone. Most people won't be able to tell you're wearing dentures.

We generally recommend removing your dentures at night to give your gums a chance to rest and recover. Sleeping without dentures also reduces the risk of bacterial buildup and fungal infections. However, some patients prefer to wear them while sleeping, especially initially—discuss your preferences with our dental team.

New dentures may cause some minor discomfort or sore spots as your mouth adjusts. This is normal and usually improves within a few weeks. If persistent pain or irritation develops, contact our North Fort Myers office. We can adjust your dentures to eliminate problem areas.

The cost of dentures varies based on the type (full, partial, immediate, or custom), the materials used, and any additional procedures needed such as extractions. Dentures are one of the most affordable tooth replacement options available, and many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost. Our team will provide a detailed estimate and discuss payment options during your consultation.

Yes, though there's an adjustment period. Start with soft foods and gradually reintroduce harder items as you become comfortable. Most denture wearers learn to eat a wide variety of foods, though very hard or sticky items may always require some caution. Implant supported dentures offer significantly improved chewing ability if eating is a primary concern.

Some patients notice slight changes in speech when they first get dentures. This is temporary. With practice, your tongue and facial muscles adapt, and speech returns to normal. Reading aloud can help speed up this adjustment process.

A well-fitted denture should stay in place during normal activities. If slipping occurs, it may indicate the dentures need adjustment or relining. Denture adhesives can provide extra security for some patients. For maximum stability, consider implant supported dentures, which anchor directly to your jawbone.

Contact North Pointe Dental Center right away. We can often repair broken dentures quickly in our lab. Never attempt to repair them yourself with household glue or other adhesives—these can damage the denture and contain chemicals that are harmful to your mouth.

While you can eat most foods, some items require extra care. Avoid or be cautious with very hard foods (ice, hard candy, nuts), sticky foods (caramel, taffy, gum), and foods with small seeds or particles that can get trapped under the denture. Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing slowly helps.

Even with full dentures, regular dental visits are important. We recommend checkups at least once a year to examine your dentures for wear, check the fit, inspect your gums and oral tissues for any problems, and perform professional cleaning of your dentures. Patients with remaining natural teeth should continue regular cleaning appointments.

Economy dentures are made from basic materials using standard molds and offer a functional but less personalized solution. Custom dentures involve more detailed impressions, higher-quality materials, and greater attention to aesthetics. Custom dentures typically offer better fit, comfort, and appearance. Our team can explain the options and help you choose based on your priorities and budget.

Yes. Partial dentures are designed specifically for patients who have some natural teeth remaining. They fill in the gaps while your healthy teeth help anchor the denture in place. If your remaining teeth are damaged or decayed, we may recommend extractions followed by full dentures or implant supported dentures.