Fort Worth Periodontal is now Smiles Family Dental. Same Hulen St. office, same phone number, more ways to care for you. What's changing 3509 Hulen St., Suite 205(817) 737-0721
Smiles Family DentalFort Worth · Hulen St.
Full and partial dentures

Dentures in Fort Worth

Dentures remain one of the most practical ways to replace missing teeth. We take time to shape yours so they look natural, feel comfortable, and suit your budget.

Dentures at Smiles Family Dental in Fort Worth
Types
Full, partial, and immediate
Fitting visits
Usually several over weeks
Adjustment period
Often a few weeks
Reline or replace
Every several years, typically

Full dentures, partials, and immediate dentures

A full denture is a complete set of teeth for one arch. The upper denture covers the roof of the mouth, which helps it stay in place through suction. The lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for your tongue.

A partial denture is used when you still have some healthy teeth. It has a frame, often metal or a flexible resin, that clips onto nearby teeth to hold replacement teeth in the gaps. An immediate denture is made ahead of time and placed on the same day remaining teeth are removed, so you are never without teeth while you heal.

  • Full denture: replaces all teeth on one arch
  • Partial denture: fills gaps and keeps remaining teeth from shifting
  • Immediate denture: worn right after extractions during healing

A careful fit for dentures in Fort Worth, TX

Good dentures start with good measurements. We record the shape of your gums, the way your jaws meet, and how much of your teeth show when you speak and smile. You get to weigh in on tooth shape and shade.

Before the final denture is made, many patients try on a wax version. This step lets us check the look, the bite, and how your lips are supported, and make changes while it is still easy to do so. Patients from River Oaks to Crowley often tell us this try-in step makes a real difference in how happy they are with the result.

Conventional dentures rest on the gums.
Conventional dentures rest on the gums.

Getting used to new dentures

There is a learning curve with any denture. Your mouth may produce more saliva at first, some words may sound a little different, and chewing will take practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and chew on both sides at once to keep the denture balanced.

Sore spots are common in the first weeks. They are not something to push through. Call us, and we will make small adjustments to relieve pressure. Most people feel at home with their dentures within a few weeks to a couple of months.

Some patients find that reading out loud for a few minutes each day helps their speech settle faster. A small amount of denture adhesive can also add confidence in the early weeks while your mouth adapts, though a well-fitting denture should not depend on it.

Thinking about more stability?

Over time, the jawbone under a denture tends to shrink because there are no tooth roots to stimulate it. This is why older dentures often feel looser. Relining can refit the base to your gums, and a new denture may be needed every several years.

For patients who want a more secure fit, our Fort Worth office is well known for implant care. As few as two implants can turn a lower denture into one that snaps firmly in place. If you are getting a new denture now, we can help plan for implants later, even if you are not ready yet.

Daily denture care

Remove your denture each night so your gums can rest. Brush it with a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive cleaner, since regular toothpaste can scratch it. Keep it in water or a soaking solution so it does not dry out and warp.

Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth daily as well. Even with a full denture, yearly checkups matter. We look for signs of irritation, check the fit, and screen for oral cancer.

Choosing the right teeth and materials

Dentures today look far more natural than many people expect. The teeth come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and shades. Softer, rounded shapes can give a gentle look, while squarer teeth may suit a stronger jawline. We help you choose teeth that fit your face and personality, not just a stock set.

The base can be tinted to match the color of your gums. For partials, a thin metal frame is often the most durable, while a flexible resin can be more comfortable for some people and avoids visible metal clasps. Your dentist will explain the trade-offs in strength, comfort, and cost so you can pick what works for you.

Dentures may be an option if you

  • Are missing many or all teeth in an arch
  • Have several teeth that cannot be saved
  • Want an affordable way to restore your smile
  • Need replacement teeth after extractions
  • Have an old denture that no longer fits
See the difference

Conventional vs. implant-supported dentures

Conventional denture
Conventional dentureRests on the gums and relies on suction or adhesive. It can shift when you eat or talk.
Implant-supported denture
Implant-supported dentureClips onto implants in the jaw, so it stays put and helps protect the bone.
At our Hulen St. office

What to expect, step by step

  1. Consultation

    We examine your mouth, discuss full, partial, and implant options, and give you a written plan.

  2. Measurements and records

    Digital scans or impressions capture your gums and bite, and you help choose tooth shape and shade.

  3. Try-in

    You test a preview version so we can fine-tune the look and bite before the final denture is made.

  4. Delivery and adjustments

    We fit your new denture and schedule follow-ups to relieve any sore spots.

Patient questions

Dentures: common questions

Straight answers from our Fort Worth team. If your question is not here, call and ask. We are happy to talk it through.

How much do dentures cost in Fort Worth?

Denture costs differ based on full or partial design, the materials, any extractions beforehand, and whether implants are added for stability. Partial dentures with metal frames and full dentures with premium teeth are priced differently, and we show you those choices side by side. Most insurance plans pay toward dentures, and financing, FSA or HSA dollars, and our savings plan help cover the remainder.

Do new dentures hurt?

New dentures often feel strange and may cause a few sore spots during the first weeks, but they should not cause ongoing pain. Sore areas usually come from small pressure points that your dentist can adjust quickly. Rinsing with warm salt water can soothe gums. If a spot stays tender for more than a day or two, call the office for an adjustment.

How long do dentures last?

Dentures commonly last about five to ten years, though this varies. The teeth wear down, and the jaw changes shape over time, making the fit looser. A reline can refresh the fit in between. Regular checkups help your dentist tell when a reline or a new denture is needed, so you stay comfortable and chew well.

Should I sleep in my dentures?

Most dentists recommend removing dentures at night. Taking them out gives your gums time to rest and recover from pressure, and it lowers the risk of fungal infections and irritation. Use the time to soak and clean the denture. If you have just had teeth removed and received an immediate denture, follow your dentist's specific instructions for the first few days.

What is the difference between a partial and a full denture?

A full denture replaces every tooth in the upper or lower jaw and rests on the gums. A partial denture replaces some missing teeth and attaches to your remaining natural teeth, usually with clasps. Partials help keep remaining teeth from drifting into gaps. Your dentist will recommend one based on how many healthy teeth you still have.

Can I get implants with my dentures later?

Yes, many people add implants to their dentures later. A few implants can be placed in the jaw, and the denture is then fitted with attachments so it snaps securely in place. Whether this is possible depends on your bone and overall health. If you think you may want implants in the future, mention it when your new denture is being planned.

Paying for dentures

We file insurance for you, accept FSA and HSA cards, offer monthly financing and have an in-house savings plan for patients without dental insurance.

See payment options
Fort Worth · Hulen St.

Ready when you are.

Call our Hulen Street office or request a time online. We will review your insurance, explain every option in plain language and give you a written plan before anything starts.