We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the outstanding quality and ease of today’s dentures. Whether you need a full set, a partial, or a reline, our dentists in West Hills, CA will take great care to ensure that your dentures are as comfortable and affordable as possible.
There are three types of dentures. Conventional dentures are a complete denture made and placed after all the teeth have been removed. Immediate dentures are made before the teeth are removed and are ready to be inserted on the same day of extraction. While the patient does not have to go without teeth for any period of time with this type of denture, it does require return visits to the dentist for adjustments as the tissues shrink and heal. The last type of denture is an over-denture, which fits over any teeth that remain in order to preserve the jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture.
Dentures may be recommended for a variety of reasons. Understanding whether dentures are the right solution for you starts with a conversation with one of our experienced West Hills dentists.
Modern dentures have come a long way. Today’s options are more comfortable, more natural-looking, and more durable than ever before. Here are some of the key benefits our West Hills patients experience:
Missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious about smiling or speaking in public. Dentures are designed to closely resemble your natural teeth, giving you a full, beautiful smile that can dramatically improve your confidence and overall appearance. Our lab uses high-quality materials that are matched to your natural tooth color and facial structure for the most lifelike result possible.
Your teeth play an important role in supporting the muscles and bones of your face. When teeth are missing, the jawbone can gradually shrink and the facial muscles begin to sag, leading to a sunken or aged appearance. Dentures help maintain the natural contour of your face and prevent premature aging caused by bone loss and muscle collapse.
Dentures are highly versatile. If your dental needs change over time, dentures can often be adjusted, relined, or replaced to fit your evolving situation. If you later choose to stabilize your dentures with dental implants, our team can retrofit your existing dentures rather than requiring you to start over from scratch, saving you both time and money.
Gaps from missing teeth can cause slurred speech, mumbling, or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. Dentures fill those gaps and restore the proper positioning needed for clear, confident speech. Similarly, eating becomes far easier once you have a complete set of teeth again. From biting into an apple to enjoying your favorite meals, dentures give you back the freedom to eat a varied, nutritious diet.
Compared to other tooth replacement options, dentures are one of the most accessible and affordable solutions available. At West Hills Smiles, we work hard to keep our denture services as affordable as possible and will work with your insurance and budget to find a solution that fits your needs. We also offer same-day appointment availability whenever possible to make the process as convenient as it can be.
A new pair of dentures normally takes several appointments, during which highly accurate molds and measurements are taken of your mouth. This may take several weeks, but you should find that the time investment in being as accurate as possible will pay off in the fit of the dentures. After taking the measurements, we’ll send your information to our lab so they can fabricate your custom dentures. Our lab uses high-quality materials and has an extremely accurate manufacturing process, which means they usually get a great fit on the first try.
At West Hills Smiles, we offer several types of dentures to suit different needs, lifestyles, and budgets. During your consultation, our dentists will evaluate your oral health and recommend the best option for you.
Full dentures, also called complete dentures, replace an entire arch of missing teeth — either the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both. There are two main types:
We also offer over-dentures, which fit over any teeth or dental implants that remain in your mouth. This type preserves more of the jawbone and provides additional stability and support for the denture.
If you still have some healthy natural teeth remaining, partial dentures may be the ideal solution. A partial denture fills in the spaces left by missing teeth while anchoring to your existing teeth for a secure, comfortable fit. Partials not only improve your smile and function but also help prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting out of position over time.
Partial dentures are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, and our team will ensure they are comfortable to wear and easy to remove for cleaning.
We believe that every patient is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific dental needs, lifestyle, and goals before recommending a treatment plan. From your first consultation through follow-up care, you will receive one-on-one attention from our experienced team. We never rush the process because getting the details right from the start saves you time and discomfort in the long run.
We partner with a trusted dental lab that uses premium-grade materials and an extremely precise manufacturing process. This means your dentures will look natural, feel comfortable, and stand up to daily wear over time. We do not cut corners on quality because we know how important it is for you to be able to smile, eat, and speak with full confidence.
A well-fitting denture is everything. Our dentists take highly accurate molds and measurements of your mouth to ensure the best possible fit. A properly fitted denture is more comfortable, more stable, and far less likely to cause irritation or soreness. If adjustments are needed after delivery, we will take care of them promptly to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Our relationship with you does not end when your dentures are delivered. We provide thorough instructions on how to care for and clean your dentures, and we are always available for adjustments, relines, or any concerns that come up. As your jaw changes over time, we can also reline your existing dentures to restore a comfortable fit, often saving you the cost of a completely new pair.
Proper care for your dentures is simple and very similar to caring for natural teeth. Follow these guidelines to keep your dentures clean, comfortable, and long-lasting:
Full dentures replace all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or both. They are recommended when all or most of your natural teeth have been lost or removed. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are used when you still have some healthy natural teeth remaining. A partial denture fills in the gaps left by missing teeth and clips onto the remaining teeth for support, preventing further shifting and restoring your smile and function.
Getting dentures typically involves several appointments over a few weeks. First, your dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays, and discuss the best type of denture for your situation. Then, highly accurate impressions and measurements of your mouth are taken and sent to our dental lab, where your custom dentures are fabricated. You will come in for fittings and any necessary adjustments before your final dentures are delivered. If you are getting immediate dentures, they will be ready to place on the same day your teeth are removed.
Yes, although there is usually a short adjustment period. In the first few weeks, you may notice minor changes in how you speak as your tongue and cheek muscles adapt to the new dentures. Practicing speaking out loud can help speed up this process. For eating, we recommend starting with soft foods cut into small pieces and gradually working your way back to a more varied diet as you become comfortable. Most patients find that dentures significantly improve their ability to chew compared to having missing teeth.
New dentures may cause some mild soreness or irritation in the first few weeks as your gums get used to them. This is completely normal. If discomfort persists or your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, simply contact our West Hills office and we will schedule an adjustment appointment. A properly fitted denture should not cause ongoing pain. Over time, as the gums and jawbone settle, relining may be needed to maintain a comfortable fit.
Absolutely. One of the most noticeable benefits of dentures is the improvement to your smile and facial appearance. Missing teeth can cause the face to look sunken or aged, because the jawbone shrinks without the stimulation of tooth roots. Dentures fill out the facial profile, support the cheeks and lips, and restore a full, natural-looking smile. Many patients report feeling significantly more confident and looking years younger after getting their dentures.
With proper care, a well-made set of dentures can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or longer. Over time, the shape of your gums and jawbone naturally changes, which can affect the fit of your dentures. Regular dental check-ups allow us to monitor the fit and recommend relining or replacement when needed. Keeping your dentures clean and storing them properly when not in use will also extend their lifespan significantly.
The cost of dentures in West Hills varies depending on the type of denture (full, partial, immediate, or over-denture), the materials used, and the complexity of your individual case. At West Hills Smiles, we are committed to offering high-quality dentures at prices that are as affordable as possible. We encourage you to call our office at (818) 346-4303 or book a consultation so we can provide a personalized quote based on your specific needs.
Many dental insurance plans do provide coverage for dentures, though the amount covered and the specific conditions vary by plan. Our team at West Hills Smiles will help you understand your insurance benefits and maximize your coverage. We also welcome patients without insurance and can discuss flexible payment options to make your treatment affordable. Contact our office at (818) 346-4303 for more information about insurance and payment.
West Hills Smiles combines experienced dentists, high-quality materials, and genuinely personalized care to deliver denture results that look natural and feel comfortable. We take the time to get the fit right, we use a trusted lab with precise manufacturing standards, and we provide ongoing support every step of the way. We also offer same-day appointments for emergencies and will work hard to accommodate your schedule. Our patients consistently tell us they wish they had come in sooner. Call us at (818) 346-4303 to schedule your consultation today.
Over-dentures are a type of denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or dental implants rather than sitting directly on the gums. The natural teeth or implants act as anchors, providing extra stability and helping to preserve the jawbone. Over-dentures tend to feel more secure and comfortable than standard dentures for patients who are good candidates for them.
Clean your dentures every day by brushing them gently with a soft brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Rinse them after meals to remove food particles. When you are not wearing them, keep them submerged in water or a denture solution to prevent warping. Avoid hot water and harsh cleaning products. Also continue to clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth daily to maintain overall oral health.
It is normal for dentures to become looser over time as the shape of the gums and jawbone gradually changes. If your dentures start to feel loose, slip when you eat or speak, or cause irritation, contact our West Hills office. We can reline your existing dentures to restore a better fit without the expense of a completely new pair. Do not continue wearing poorly fitting dentures, as this can lead to sore spots, difficulty eating, and further bone loss.
Depending on your situation, dental implants or implant-supported bridges may be alternative or complementary options to traditional dentures. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and offer the most natural look and feel, along with the benefit of preserving bone. However, they involve surgery and a higher upfront cost. During your consultation at West Hills Smiles, our dentists will discuss all of your options and help you choose the solution that best fits your health, goals, and budget.
Getting started is easy. Simply call our West Hills office at (818) 346-4303 or visit westhillssmiles.com to request an appointment. We offer same-day appointments whenever possible and will do everything we can to accommodate your schedule. During your first visit, one of our experienced dentists will examine your mouth, answer all of your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan just for you. We look forward to helping you smile with confidence again.