Northern Smiles Dentistry Dentures
Dentures & Partials in North Phoenix, AZ
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Cutting-Edge Technology
Today's dentures are lighter, more natural-looking, and more comfortable than older ones. We custom-fit full and partial dentures so they look like your own teeth and let you eat and speak with confidence.
Affordable Treatments
Dentures are one of the most cost-effective ways to replace missing teeth. We offer full and partial options at different price points and provide CareCredit financing so you can restore your smile within your budget.
Flexible Scheduling
Getting dentures involves a few fitting appointments to perfect the look and feel. We schedule them around your calendar and make adjustments until your dentures fit just right.
What is the difference between full and partial dentures?
Dentures replace missing teeth with a removable appliance made to fit your mouth. Full dentures replace every tooth in an arch when no natural teeth remain; partial dentures fill the gaps where some healthy teeth are still present, clasping onto those teeth for support. Getting them is not a single appointment — there are impressions, a try-in, the fit itself, and then small adjustments over the following weeks as your mouth settles. It is normal for new dentures to feel bulky or cause minor soreness for the first few weeks while you adjust; speaking and eating get easier with practice, and we fine-tune the fit at follow-up visits. Cost varies with the type, the materials, and whether any extractions are needed first. We give you a clear estimate at your visit and offer CareCredit financing.
This page covers conventional full and partial dentures. For plates anchored to implants rather than resting on the gums, see implant-supported dentures.
Reliable and Time-Tested
Why choose Northern Smiles for your dentures?
Dental dentures, commonly referred to as simply "dentures," are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of the mouth. They are a common solution for individuals who have lost some or all of their natural teeth due to factors such as age, decay, gum disease, or injury. Dentures are custom-made to fit the unique contours of a person's mouth and are typically crafted from a combination of materials, such as acrylic resin and sometimes metal components.
There are two main types of dentures:
Complete Dentures
- These are used when all of a person's natural teeth are missing. Complete dentures consist of a full set of artificial teeth set in a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over the gums and the underlying bone. They rely on suction and oral muscles for stability.
Partial Dentures
- Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a metal or acrylic framework that clasps onto the remaining natural teeth for support. Partial dentures help fill gaps left by missing teeth, improve chewing ability, and maintain proper alignment of the remaining teeth.
Full or Partial Dentures
How do removable dentures work?
Complete or partial dentures consist of a gum-colored base made of plastic resin, which fits over the remaining alveolar (bone) ridge that formerly held the teeth. The prosthetic teeth projecting from the base are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth. Dentures are held in place primarily by the suctioning effect of their close fit against the alveolar ridges — that’s why it’s so important that they are fitted properly. The upper denture also gets extra support from the large surface area of the roof of the mouth (palate), which generally makes it extremely stable.
At first, wearing dentures may require some getting used to in terms of talking and eating, as the dentures become “balanced” in the space formerly occupied by the teeth. But over time, the muscles, nerves and ligaments of the mouth learn to work in new ways, which allows these functions to occur normally. Dentures also help support the facial skeleton and the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks, which can help create a more youthful appearance.
We are one of the top dentists in Phoenix that offer Dental Implants Phoenix patients love.
Complete Dentures
What types of complete dentures are there?
Full dentures are complete prosthetics designed to replace an entire set of teeth, and can help support the facial skeleton and the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks.
Immediate Dentures
These are usually a temporary means of helping you transition to successful denture wearing. Because of the muscular readjustment required, as well as the natural shrinkage of gums, the dentures which are placed immediately after tooth extraction won’t fit as well as permanent dentures made when the healing is complete. They do, however, provide you with new teeth right away, and give you time to adjust.
Conventional Full Dentures
After a period of time, permanent dentures that conform to your mouth with near-perfect accuracy can be fabricated. These are carefully crafted to look as much like your own natural teeth as possible, and are able to function properly in your mouth for a long time.
Implant-Supported Overdentures
To increase the stability of a lower or upper denture, it’s possible for it to be securely anchored using two or more dental implants. The upper jaw requires more implants (generally three or more) than the lower jaw due to a lesser bone density. Many people find this option offers a great balance of comfort, functionality , and value.
Partial Dentures
What types of partial dentures are there?
Partial dentures are designed to replace a small row of teeth and provide stability and support.
Transitional Partial Dentures
These relatively inexpensive removable plastic dentures serve as a temporary tooth replacement and space maintainer as you wait for your mouth to heal from tooth extraction, for example. Once the healing process is complete, dental implants can be placed.
Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs)
Usually made of cast vitallium, these well-constructed, metal-based removable partial dentures are much lighter and less obtrusive than those made of plastic. They are a little more expensive than plastic dentures but will fit better. They are, however, much less expensive than implants or fixed bridgework.
How are dentures made and fitted?
Making quality dentures is a blend of science and art. First, an accurate impression (mold) is made of the alveolar ridges on the top and bottom of your mouth. The base of the denture is made from this mold in a dental laboratory. Working together, the dentist and lab technician choose from among many different sizes and shapes of prosthetic teeth to re-create a natural-looking smile. When everyone is satisfied with the result, the temporary dentures are made in permanent form.
To enable normal speech and eating, it’s crucial to balance your bite. This means that the upper and lower dentures come together and properly stabilize each other. The form and function of the dentures are carefully checked to ensure that they are working and fitting properly.
Our Process
What does the process of getting dentures involve?
Initial Consultation
A dentist evaluates your oral health, takes impressions, and discusses your preferences and needs.
Impressions and Measurements
Precise molds and measurements of your mouth are taken to ensure the dentures fit comfortably and function properly.
Modeling and Fabrication
Dental technicians create a wax model or digital simulation of the dentures for you to try. Adjustments are made until the fit, shape, and color match your expectations.
Final Fitting
Once the dentures are ready, you have a final fitting to ensure they feel comfortable and look natural. Any necessary adjustments are made at this stage.
Ongoing Care
Over time, adjustments may be needed as your mouth's shape and tissues change. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups remain important to maintain the health of your gums and any remaining natural teeth.
Denture Benefits
What are the benefits of dentures?
Dentures offer various benefits, including restoring your ability to chew and speak properly, supporting facial muscles to maintain a more youthful appearance, and enhancing your self-confidence by improving your smile.
However, it's important to note that while dentures can significantly improve oral function and appearance, they may take some time to get used to, and there may be an adjustment period. Some individuals may experience issues like discomfort, difficulty speaking, or minor irritation as they adapt to wearing dentures. Proper care and maintenance are crucial to ensure their longevity and your oral health.
Reliable and Time-Tested
What should you expect after getting dentures?
If you’ve recently lost your teeth and received an immediate denture, it’s normal to find some tissue shrinkage and bone loss occurring. Therefore, in several months you may find that your immediate dentures no longer fit well. You will have two choices at this point: You can have your immediate (temporary) dentures re-lined. This means that material is added under the denture’s base to better conform to the new contours of your alveolar ridge. A better option is to move to a set of conventional full dentures, which will last longer and fit better. With proper care, dentures offer a functional, aesthetic and economical solution to the problem of tooth loss.
Which type of denture is right for you?
Cost depends on the type, the materials and whether any extractions are needed first, so we give you a clear estimate at your visit rather than a figure over the phone. What we can set out in advance is how the three options differ.
| Denture type | How it stays in place | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Full (conventional) | Suction and a close fit; adhesive if needed | About 10 years |
| Partial | Clasps onto the healthy teeth still present | About 10 years |
| Implant-supported | Clips onto two to four implants set in the jaw | About 20 years |
Conventional dentures need replacing sooner mainly because the jaw bone changes shape underneath them. Implant-supported dentures slow that down, and the implants themselves run about $1,500 – $3,000 each. We offer CareCredit financing on all three. More on implant-supported dentures.
How long does getting dentures take?
Dentures are a sequence of short appointments rather than one long one. The exact timing depends on whether any extractions are needed first, since the gums have to heal before a final impression is worth taking.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Consultation | We examine what is there, discuss full versus partial, and give you a clear estimate before anything starts |
| Extractions, if needed | Any teeth that cannot be saved come out, and the gums are given time to heal |
| Impressions | Moulds of your gums and any remaining teeth, so the plate is built to your mouth rather than a stock shape |
| Try-in | A trial denture to check the fit, the bite and how it looks before it is finished |
| Fitting | The finished denture is fitted and adjusted |
| Follow-up adjustments | Small refinements over the following weeks as your mouth settles. This is the stage most people underestimate, and the reason a nearby office matters |
Expect new dentures to feel bulky for the first few weeks. Speaking and eating get easier with practice, and we fine-tune the fit at each follow-up.
Denture fittings and adjustments in North Phoenix
Dentures are not a single appointment. There are impressions, a try-in, the fit itself, and then the small adjustments that make them comfortable over the following weeks — and those adjustments are the reason patients tell us proximity matters. We are on 16th Street between Glendale and Northern Avenues in 85020, minutes from Sunnyslope and North Mountain. Directions and hours are on our North Phoenix dental office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentures cost in Phoenix? +
Cost varies with the type (full or partial), the materials, and whether any extractions are needed first. We offer options at several price points, give you a clear estimate at your visit, and provide CareCredit financing.
What's the difference between full and partial dentures? +
Full dentures replace all the teeth in an arch when no natural teeth remain. Partial dentures fill gaps where some healthy teeth are still present and clasp onto those teeth for support.
How long does it take to get used to new dentures? +
It's normal for new dentures to feel bulky or cause minor soreness for a few weeks while your mouth adjusts. Speaking and eating get easier with practice, and we fine-tune the fit at follow-up visits.
How long do dentures last? +
Quality dentures typically last around five to ten years. Over time your gums and jaw change shape, so dentures may need to be relined or replaced to keep a comfortable, secure fit.
Are implant-supported dentures an option? +
Yes. If you'd like more stability than traditional dentures provide, ask us about implant-supported dentures, which anchor to implants so they don't slip.
Related reading
Answers to the questions patients ask us most about this treatment.
What are the three types of dentures?
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Troy Stansberry, D.D.S.
Dr. Troy Stansberry grew up in Phoenix, AZ and attended Creighton University for his bachelors, and Creighton School of Dentistry for his D.D.S. degree.
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Opening Hours
- Monday 07:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Tuesday 08:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday 07:30 AM - 2:00 PM
- Thursday 07:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Friday 07:30 AM - 2:00 PM
- Saturday - Sunday Closed
