Lincoln Park
939 W North Ave, Suite 890
Chicago, IL 60642
Restorative
Dentures
Dentures are removable replacement teeth, either a partial that fills a gap alongside your own teeth or a full arch that replaces all of them, and either can be stabilized by two to four implants when a plate alone will not stay put.
How we plan and fit dentures
Partial, full, and implant-stabilized
A partial denture fills gaps while your remaining teeth stay where they are, clasping onto them for support. A full denture replaces an entire arch and holds by suction against the ridge, which works reasonably well on an upper jaw and considerably less well on a lower one, where there is less surface to grip and a tongue working against it all day. Two implants change that lower denture completely: it snaps on, stays put while you eat, and still comes out at night. A fixed full-arch bridge on four implants goes one step further and does not come out at all.
The first few months, honestly
Nobody should be told a new denture feels normal straight away. The first weeks bring more saliva than usual, a lisp on certain sounds that fades with practice, and sore spots where the plate presses. Sore spots are expected rather than a sign something has gone wrong, and they get adjusted at a follow-up visit rather than endured; anyone telling you to push through them is giving bad advice. Eating rebuilds gradually, soft and cut small at first, and most people manage most foods within a couple of months. Steak and corn on the cob stay awkward with a conventional lower denture, which is worth knowing beforehand rather than after.
Relines, remakes, and what it costs
A denture fits the ridge it was made for, and the ridge keeps changing once teeth come out, fastest during the first year. That is why an immediate denture placed on the day of the extractions is expected to need relining after the healing settles, and why one that fitted well five years ago can start to rock. Relines are routine maintenance rather than a failure, and a remake usually lands somewhere between five and ten years. Every option is priced in writing, and a well-made conventional denture is frequently the right answer rather than the cheap one.
Who it's a good fit for
- You're missing several teeth and want a removable option that looks natural
- You're losing your remaining teeth and need a same-day denture so you're not without teeth
- Your current denture slips, clicks, or no longer fits and you want a reline, repair, or upgrade
- You're tired of denture adhesive and want implant-supported stability
- You're considering full-arch implants and want to compare all options before deciding
What to expect
- Consult: exam, 3D scan if implants are on the table, written plan with costs
- Surgery if needed: extractions or implant placement under local anesthetic (sedation available)
- Healing: 2–4 months for gums; 3–6 months for implant integration when applicable
- Try-ins and fit checks: digital scans, wax-ups, or bite adjustments for cosmetic cases
- Delivery: final denture seated; immediate dentures placed the day of extractions when planned
Common questions
- What kinds of dentures do you offer?
- All of them: complete (full) dentures for an entire arch, partials for filling gaps when natural teeth remain, immediate dentures placed the same day teeth are extracted, implant-supported overdentures that snap onto 2–4 implants, and full-arch fixed solutions like All-on-4. We also do repairs and relines on existing dentures.
- What's the difference between a regular denture and All-on-4?
- A conventional denture rests on the gums and is removable. All-on-4 is a permanent set of teeth screwed onto four implants, never comes out, and feels close to natural teeth. Implant-supported overdentures sit between the two: they snap onto 2–4 implants for stability but you still take them out at night.
- What is recovery like after All-on-4 or full-arch implants?
- Most patients leave the same day with a temporary set of fixed teeth, then eat soft foods while the implants fuse over 3 to 6 months before the final bridge is fitted. Our All-on-4 page walks through the full timeline, the bone requirements, and how the cost compares with a conventional denture.
- Can I get an immediate denture so I'm not without teeth?
- Yes. Immediate dentures are designed before extractions and placed at the same appointment, so you leave with teeth on day one. The fit is refined over the following months as gums heal, and a permanent reline (or a new denture) is made once healing is complete.
- How long do dentures last?
- Conventional dentures typically last 5–10 years before they need to be remade. The mouth changes shape over time and the fit changes with it. Implant-supported and All-on-4 prosthetics last considerably longer, often 15+ years for the prosthetic and a lifetime for the implants themselves with proper care.
- How much do dentures cost?
- It varies widely. Basic complete dentures are the most affordable; implant-supported overdentures cost more (you're paying for the implants too); All-on-4 is the highest-investment option but also the most natural-feeling. We quote your specific case in writing at the consult, and Care Credit and Cherry financing are available.
- Will my insurance help cover dentures?
- Most dental plans cover at least part of conventional dentures. Implant-supported and All-on-4 cases are sometimes partially covered (the implant surgery, the prosthetic, or both, depending on your plan). We verify benefits before treatment and provide a clear estimate.
- Are dentures FSA or HSA eligible?
- Yes. Conventional dentures, immediate dentures, implant-supported overdentures, and full-arch fixed solutions like All-on-4 are all eligible expenses under FSA and HSA accounts. So are denture relines, repairs, and adhesives if you need them.
- How do I take care of my dentures?
- Take removable dentures out at night and store them in water or a denture solution. Clean them daily with a soft brush and mild soap (not regular toothpaste, which is abrasive). Brush your gums and tongue too, even without natural teeth. Implant-supported and All-on-4 prosthetics are cared for in place, and we'll show you the cleaning routine at delivery.
Book a consultation
Available at both offices. Pick the one that's closer to you.
Schaumburg
501 W Golf Rd, Ste B
Schaumburg, IL 60195