913 South College Road, Suite 108, Lafayette, LA 70503
Advances in dental materials and techniques have made replacing missing teeth more precise and more comfortable than ever. While dental implants and fixed bridgework provide long-lasting, permanent options for many patients, removable dentures remain a dependable and flexible choice for restoring a complete, natural-looking smile. They can be an excellent solution when preserving function and facial balance is a priority.
At the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS, we design dentures with attention to fit, function, and appearance. Every appliance begins with a careful assessment of the mouth and jaw, and we select materials and design elements that support speech, chewing, and the natural contours of the face. The result is a prosthesis that helps people feel comfortable and confident in everyday life.
We approach denture care as a partnership: listening to each patient’s goals, reviewing their health history, and tailoring a plan that respects their lifestyle and preferences. Whether you need a partial prosthesis to replace a handful of teeth or a full denture to rebuild an arch, our team focuses on creating outcomes that look and perform well.
Losing teeth alters more than the immediate appearance of your mouth. Gaps affect the way the jaw and remaining teeth interact, which can shift chewing patterns and increase wear on neighboring teeth. Over time these changes can contribute to bite problems and make daily eating less comfortable or efficient.
Beyond mechanical effects, missing teeth often influence facial support. Teeth help maintain the vertical height of the lower third of the face; when they’re gone, cheeks and lips can appear sunken and the skin may show increased lines. A well-designed denture restores much of this support and helps preserve a youthful facial profile.
There’s also a social and psychological dimension: people frequently report feeling self-conscious about gaps or changes in speech. Restoring a full set of teeth with an appropriate prosthesis can reduce these concerns and make it easier to speak, laugh, and eat without anxiety. Prompt replacement of missing teeth helps prevent secondary issues and supports overall oral health.
Dentures are removable oral prostheses that replace missing teeth and the associated gum tissue. They consist of lifelike artificial teeth set into a base that conforms to the gums. Contemporary materials allow for natural tooth shapes and shades, while base materials can be shaded and contoured to blend with the soft tissues.
One of the practical advantages of removable dentures is maintenance: the prosthesis can be removed for cleaning, and the underlying gums and any remaining teeth can be cared for directly. This access helps with hygiene and makes it easier to monitor tissue health at regular checkups.
Dentures can also be combined with other treatments. In some cases, attachments to remaining teeth or to dental implants can dramatically improve stability and retention. These hybrid approaches give patients the benefits of removable prostheses while reducing movement and improving chewing efficiency.
Selecting the appropriate denture begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, the number and condition of any remaining teeth, and your functional and cosmetic goals. Our team examines jaw relationships, tissue contours, and bite dynamics to determine whether a partial, full, or implant-assisted solution is most suitable.
Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth when healthy natural teeth remain. They use clasps or precision attachments to anchor to adjacent teeth and help prevent unwanted drifting of the remaining dentition. They’re often a conservative way to restore chewing and aesthetics while preserving natural tooth structure.
Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in an arch. A well-made complete denture restores the bite, supports facial muscles, and allows patients to eat and speak more comfortably. For many people, an upper denture is highly stable due to suction against the palate, while lower dentures can benefit from extra design considerations or added retention features.
Complete dentures come in several formats to match a patient’s clinical situation. A conventional complete denture is fabricated after any necessary extractions and once the tissues have healed. Healing first often creates a more precise and stable fit for the final prosthesis.
Immediate dentures are created in advance and placed the same day teeth are removed so the patient does not go without teeth during healing. While this approach avoids a period without teeth, adjustments are common as tissues heal and remodel. Some patients later transition to a conventional denture for a more definitive fit.
Overdentures
Overdentures sit over remaining tooth roots or retained tooth stubs that have been prepared to accept attachments. By preserving selected roots and their supporting bone, overdentures can improve stability and reduce bone loss compared with conventional complete dentures.
Implant-supported options
Implant-supported dentures connect to dental implants placed in the jaw, creating secure anchor points that minimize movement and improve chewing power. Depending on the case, an implant-supported prosthesis can be fixed or removable, offering a range of functional and maintenance choices.
Partial dentures can be designed with metal frameworks, flexible resin bases, or hybrid materials, and they’re tailored to match tooth color and shape. Precision attachments provide a discreet alternative to visible clasps, and modern designs focus on comfort, hygiene, and durability.
When planning a partial denture, we look closely at the condition of the abutment teeth, the quality of the occlusion, and how the prosthesis will interact with opposing teeth. Proper design prevents unwanted force on the natural teeth and helps maintain the long-term stability of the bite.
Our goal is to recommend the solution that delivers the best balance of comfort, function, and esthetics for your particular situation. In some cases, combining a denture with targeted restorative or implant therapy yields the most predictable and satisfying results.
Creating a comfortable, functional denture involves multiple deliberate steps. We begin with a detailed medical and dental history review, precise impressions, and careful bite records to understand how the jaws relate. Diagnostic models and trial fittings allow us to evaluate tooth position, color, and how the prosthesis supports the face.
Material selection and lab communication are critical. We work with experienced dental technicians who follow exacting specifications for tooth anatomy, base color, and contouring. Trial stages let you preview the look and feel before the final prosthesis is finished, and we make adjustments to ensure optimal speech and bite.
Before fabrication, we’ll advise on any preparatory treatments that improve outcomes—this might include extractions, periodontal care, or minor tissue shaping. Ensuring healthy supporting tissues and stable jaw relationships is essential to long-term comfort and function.
Once the denture is inserted, we schedule follow-up visits to fine-tune fit and address any sore spots or functional concerns. Over time, routine assessments help us monitor tissue changes and recommend relines or other maintenance as needed to keep the prosthesis performing well.
Adjusting to a new denture is a gradual process. Early on, you may notice increased salivation, subtle changes in speech, or mild pressure areas as the mouth adapts. These responses are common and typically ease with time and minor adjustments. Practicing speaking aloud and starting with soft foods helps speed the transition.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward but essential. Rinse dentures after meals, brush them daily with a suitable denture brush, and soak them overnight in water or a recommended cleanser. It’s also important to keep any remaining natural teeth and the oral tissues clean to prevent irritation and maintain health.
Full dentures occasionally benefit from additional retention methods; adhesives, attachment systems, or implant support can enhance stability depending on your needs. During routine checkups, we evaluate the fit and function of the prosthesis and the condition of the tissues to determine whether a reline or other adjustment is advisable.
Our team is committed to helping you get the most from your denture—comfort, confidence, and reliable function are the priorities we focus on at every visit. If you have questions about adaptation, maintenance, or choices for added stability, we’ll explain the options and recommend the most appropriate path.
Restoring a complete, comfortable smile is achievable at any stage, and a thoughtfully designed denture can play a central role in rebuilding function and facial support. Our approach emphasizes personalized planning, meticulous fabrication, and attentive follow-up care so your prosthesis serves you well for years.
If you’re considering dentures or want to explore whether a different prosthetic approach would better meet your goals, our practice can provide a thorough evaluation and clear guidance. We’ll review your options and help you understand the clinical reasoning behind any recommendation.
To learn more about denture options and what to expect during the process, please contact our office for additional information. We’re here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way.
Today, it’s easier than ever to replace missing teeth and achieve natural-looking, durable, and long-lasting results! Depending on a patient’s dental needs, lifestyle, expectations of care, and budget, choices can include conventional fixed bridgework, dental implants, or removable partial and complete dentures. At the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS, we’ll discuss all your options in care and answer all your questions as you choose the solution that’s right for you.
With advances in dental materials and technology, today’s dentures are more comfortable and realistic-looking than ever before.
Whether you wear partial or complete dentures, it’s essential to see the dentist for routine care. Besides checking the fit and condition of your dentures and making any necessary adjustments, you’ll also receive a comprehensive exam to check on the health of any remaining teeth as well as the soft and hard tissues in and around the oral cavity.
A same-day denture offers an accelerated design and fabrication process that allows a patient to go from impression taking to denture insertion in a single day.
For patients who don’t want to wait after having teeth extracted, an immediate denture can be inserted the same day your teeth are removed. Sometime later you may need the denture relined to address any changes in its fit once the extraction sites have completely healed.
While no one wants to drop or break a partial or complete denture, accidents do happen. The good news is that in some cases, your partial or complete denture is reparable. It all depends on the extent of the damage. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you’ve broken or damaged your denture. We’re happy to help.
The simple act of taking your partial denture in and out can cause certain types of metal clasps to loosen over time. When you come in for your checkup visit or contact our office for an adjustment, we’ll assess the fit of your partial and tighten the clasps for improved stability and comfort.
While rebuilding a complete smile is a worthwhile investment, our office is sensitive to the costs involved in dental care. We customize care and will discuss which treatment options address your needs, lifestyle, and budget. How much a new denture will cost depends on the type of the prosthesis, its design, and the materials used to fabricate the supportive base, teeth, and clasps or precision attachments. Dentures that include the placement of dental implants for added retention and stability typically involve additional costs.
If you have dental insurance, your coverage may include a new or replacement set of dentures. Our staff is happy to review your coverage with you to ensure you are maximizing your insurance benefits while minimizing any out of pocket expenses.
At the office of Erin A. Fontenot, DDS, we provide an extensive range of dental services, including the latest and most effective methods to help patients with missing teeth rebuild complete and beautiful smiles. As skilled and experienced professionals, we recognize that every patient is different, and every smile is unique. We’re passionate about what we do and take great pride in providing personalized treatment plans while treating our patients as valued partners in care.
Dentures are removable prostheses that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue to restore function and appearance. They consist of artificial teeth set into a base that conforms to the oral tissues, and modern materials allow for natural tooth shapes and lifelike shades. Properly designed dentures distribute chewing forces, support facial contours and help maintain clearer speech patterns.
The base of a denture is shaped to fit the gums and underlying bone, creating stability through intimate contact and, in some cases, suction on the palate. Removable dentures also allow direct access for daily cleaning of both the prosthesis and the oral tissues, which supports hygiene and tissue health. Advances in attachments and materials have improved comfort, fit and the aesthetic integration of dentures with a patient’s natural oral structures.
The choice between a partial and a complete denture depends on how many natural teeth remain and the overall condition of those teeth and the supporting tissues. A partial denture replaces several missing teeth when healthy natural teeth persist and can use clasps or precision attachments to anchor the appliance and prevent unwanted drifting. A complete denture replaces all teeth in an arch and is recommended when there are no maintainable teeth in that arch.
During an evaluation we assess jaw relationships, tissue contours, the condition of remaining teeth and how the prosthesis will interact with the opposing dentition. That assessment helps determine whether a conservative partial approach, a conventional complete denture, or an implant-assisted solution will best meet functional and esthetic goals. Patient preferences, medical history and long-term oral health considerations also guide the recommendation.
Planning a denture begins with a thorough medical and dental history, a clinical exam and precise impressions to capture the shape of the gums and jaw relationships. Diagnostic models and trial fittings let the clinician evaluate tooth position, color and how the prosthesis supports facial contours before the final appliance is fabricated. Material selection and close communication with a skilled dental laboratory are important for achieving natural anatomy and a comfortable fit.
Preparatory treatments such as extractions, periodontal care or minor tissue shaping may be recommended to optimize the foundation for the denture. Once the prosthesis is delivered, follow-up visits are scheduled to address pressure spots, adjust bite relationships and ensure comfortable function. Periodic evaluations thereafter allow the team to monitor tissue changes and recommend relines or refinements when needed.
Implant-supported dentures are secured to dental implants placed in the jaw, which provide stable anchor points that reduce movement and improve chewing efficiency compared with conventional tissue-supported dentures. Depending on the design, implant-supported prostheses can be removable for cleaning or fixed in place for a permanent solution that mimics the feel of natural teeth. These options often enhance stability, patient confidence and bite function, particularly for lower-arch restorations that are traditionally more mobile.
Conventional dentures rely on the fit of the base against soft tissues and may use adhesives for additional retention, while implant-assisted designs transfer some chewing forces to the underlying bone through the implants. Implant-supported dentures can help preserve bone volume and reduce the degree of resorption over time by maintaining functional stimulation. Selection between approaches depends on bone availability, overall health, and long-term goals discussed during the treatment planning process.
An overdenture sits over preserved tooth roots or prepared tooth stubs that have been fitted with attachments, or it can attach to dental implants, combining the benefits of tissue coverage with enhanced retention. Preserving select roots with adequate periodontal support helps maintain bone through continued stimulation and can improve denture stability compared with a conventional complete denture. Overdentures are often recommended when maintaining some natural tooth structure is possible and when improved retention and bone preservation are clinical priorities.
The attachments used for overdentures create discreet connection points that minimize movement while allowing the prosthesis to be removed for cleaning. Treatment planning for an overdenture includes an assessment of the remaining roots, supporting bone and the patient’s oral hygiene capability. This approach can be a conservative compromise between conventional dentures and fully implant-supported solutions.
Adapting to new dentures is a gradual process that varies among individuals but commonly takes several weeks of regular use and adjustments. Early responses often include increased salivation, mild soreness at pressure points and slight alterations in speech, which typically improve with practice and minor office refinements. Patients are usually advised to start with soft foods and to practice speaking aloud to accelerate adaptation to the new prosthesis.
Follow-up visits in the first few weeks allow the clinician to relieve sore spots, refine the bite and make any necessary fit adjustments. Tissue changes during healing, especially after extractions, may require relines or a transition from an immediate to a conventional denture for a more precise long-term fit. Ongoing communication with the dental team helps address functional concerns promptly and supports a smoother transition to comfortable daily use.
Daily cleaning involves rinsing dentures after meals, brushing them with a soft denture brush and soaking them overnight in water or a recommended denture cleanser to remove deposits and inhibit odor. It is also important to clean any remaining natural teeth, gums and the tongue to maintain oral health and prevent irritation beneath the prosthesis. Avoiding harsh household cleaners and hot water helps preserve denture materials and fit.
When handling dentures, work over a folded towel or a basin of water to reduce the risk of breakage if they are dropped. Regular dental checkups allow the clinician to evaluate tissue health, detect changes in fit and recommend professional cleaning or adjustments. Proper daily care and routine professional supervision support the longevity and performance of the prosthesis.
Dentures require periodic assessment and occasional maintenance such as soft or hard relines to restore intimate contact with the changing contours of the gums and underlying bone. Relining reestablishes fit when minor tissue changes occur, while remakes may be necessary when wear, damage or major anatomical changes compromise function and stability. Regular visits also allow the clinician to check for signs of oral disease, pressure-related lesions or wear of denture teeth.
Attachment components for implant-retained or overdenture systems may need replacement or adjustment as part of routine maintenance to preserve optimal retention. Keeping scheduled follow-up appointments helps ensure that maintenance is performed promptly and that small issues are managed before they affect comfort or function. Your dental team will provide a tailored maintenance schedule based on the type of prosthesis and your oral health needs.
Dentures can initially change speech patterns and chewing efficiency, but most patients experience improvement as they adapt and as the prosthesis is refined for optimal phonetics and occlusion. Practicing speaking, reading aloud and gradually reintroducing a wider variety of foods helps accelerate adaptation and builds confidence with the new appliance. When specific speech sounds are affected, minor adjustments to tooth position or the denture contours can often resolve the issue.
For chewing, careful attention to occlusal balance and stable fit reduces uneven loading and improves efficiency. If chewing remains limited by movement or discomfort, supplemental retention methods such as attachments, adhesives or implant support can be considered to enhance stability. Ongoing collaboration with the dental team ensures that functional concerns are addressed through targeted adjustments or alternative support strategies.
Our approach begins with a comprehensive assessment of jaw relationships, tissue contours and the patient’s esthetic and functional goals so that the denture can restore appropriate vertical dimension and facial support. Diagnostic models and trial fittings allow us to evaluate how tooth position, shape and occlusion influence the lower third of the face and to make refinements before the final prosthesis is fabricated. Material selection and lab communication are emphasized to reproduce natural anatomy and durable contours that support facial muscles.
We prioritize a partnership with each patient, discussing lifestyle factors and maintenance expectations while recommending preparatory treatments that improve long-term outcomes. Follow-up care focuses on fit optimization, sore-spot management and periodic relines when tissue changes occur, all aimed at maintaining comfort, function and a natural facial profile. This methodical process helps ensure the denture supports chewing, speech and the overall appearance of the lower face.
