Services

Dentures

Custom-Crafted Dentures That Look Natural, Feel Comfortable, and Restore Your Confidence

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-fabricated removable prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. If the idea of dentures feels overwhelming, you are not alone. Many patients come to us with questions and concerns, and that is exactly where we like to start: with an honest conversation about what to expect.

Whether you have lost several teeth or need a full arch replaced, modern dentures restore the function and appearance of your natural smile. Today’s materials and fabrication techniques produce results that look more realistic and feel more comfortable than ever before, giving you the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without hesitation.

At Harmony Dental here in Summerlin, Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing take a personalized approach to every denture case. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, they evaluate your oral health, discuss your smile goals, and recommend the denture option that gives you the best combination of comfort, function, and aesthetics. If you are ready to explore your options, schedule a consultation to get started.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth affects far more than your appearance. When gaps go untreated, the alveolar ridge – the bone that once supported your teeth – begins to resorb, or gradually shrink. Over time, this bone loss can change the shape of your face, cause your cheeks and lips to look sunken, and make it harder to wear dentures comfortably in the future.

The consequences go beyond bone loss. Remaining teeth can shift out of alignment, your bite can change, and everyday activities like chewing and speaking become more difficult. Many patients also find that missing teeth affects their confidence in social and professional settings.

Replacing missing teeth with dentures helps maintain your facial structure, supports proper nutrition by restoring your ability to chew a full range of foods, and protects the health of your remaining teeth and gums. The sooner you address tooth loss, the more options you will have. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing to discuss what approach makes the most sense for your situation.

Types of Dentures We Offer

Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing will evaluate your specific needs and recommend one of three primary denture types. Each serves a different purpose depending on how many teeth need to be replaced and the current condition of your gums and jawbone.

Full Dentures (Conventional)

Full dentures, also called complete dentures, replace an entire arch of teeth – upper, lower, or both. A flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums and creates a secure, natural-looking foundation. The base of an upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while a lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue comfortably.

Conventional full dentures are placed after any remaining teeth have been extracted and the gum tissue has fully healed. During this healing period, your dentures are custom-fabricated to match the unique contours of your mouth, so the final fit is as precise as possible.

Immediate Full Dentures

Immediate dentures are placed the same day that your remaining teeth are extracted, so you never have to go without teeth during the healing period. For many Summerlin patients, this option provides peace of mind and confidence during recovery.

There is an important trade-off to be aware of. Because your gums and underlying bone will change shape as they heal, immediate dentures typically require more frequent adjustments and relining – a process where the base of the denture is reshaped to match your changing tissue – in the months following placement. Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing will schedule follow-up visits to ensure your immediate dentures continue to fit comfortably as your mouth heals.

Partial Dentures

If you still have some healthy, natural teeth, a partial denture can fill the gaps without replacing the entire arch. Partial dentures consist of prosthetic teeth attached to a gum-colored base, connected by a metal or flexible framework that clasps onto your existing teeth for stability.

Beyond restoring your smile, partial dentures serve an important clinical function: they help prevent your remaining natural teeth from drifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems and further tooth loss down the road. If you are unsure whether a full or partial denture is right for you, Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing can help you determine the best path forward during a consultation.

The Denture Process: What to Expect

Getting dentures is a multi-step process that involves several appointments over a few weeks. Here is a typical treatment timeline at Harmony Dental.

Step 1: Comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing will examine your mouth, review your dental and medical history, and capture digital radiographs using advanced 3D imaging technology to assess bone density and gum health. This detailed diagnostic information helps determine which type of denture best fits your needs.

Step 2: Digital impressions and measurements. Precise impressions of your mouth are taken along with bite registration measurements that record how your upper and lower jaws relate to each other. These details guide the dental lab in creating dentures that fit your unique anatomy and produce a natural-looking bite.

Step 3: Try-in appointment. Before your final dentures are completed, you will try on a wax model called a “wax try-in.” This is your opportunity to evaluate the fit, tooth shape, color, and alignment alongside Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing, and make any adjustments before the final version is fabricated.

Step 4: Final placement. Once your custom dentures are ready, Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing will place them, verify the fit and bite, and make fine-tuned adjustments for your comfort. You will receive detailed instructions on how to insert, remove, and care for your new dentures.

Step 5: Follow-up visits. Your mouth will continue to adjust to dentures over the first several weeks. Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing to address any sore spots, refine the fit, and ensure you are adapting well.

Adjusting to Life with Dentures

It is completely normal to need a short adjustment period when you first receive your dentures. Eating and speaking will feel different at first, and that is expected. Most patients find that confidence builds quickly with practice and patience. Here are some practical tips that can help.

• Eating: Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly using both sides of your mouth to keep the dentures stable. As you become more comfortable over the first few weeks, gradually reintroduce firmer foods into your diet.

• Speaking: If certain words feel tricky at first, practice reading aloud at home. Your tongue and cheek muscles will adapt to working around the dentures, and speech typically returns to normal within a few weeks.

• Soreness: Mild gum irritation is common as your tissue adjusts to the new prosthetic. If sore spots persist beyond the first week, schedule a follow-up visit so Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing can make targeted adjustments to relieve pressure points.

If anything feels off during the adjustment period, do not hesitate to call us at (702) 562-2400. Small adjustments early on can make a significant difference in your long-term comfort.

Caring for Your Dentures

Proper daily care extends the life of your dentures and keeps your mouth healthy. These habits are simple but make a meaningful difference over time.

• Remove and rinse dentures after eating to clear away food particles.
• Brush dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner (regular toothpaste can scratch the acrylic surface and create areas where bacteria collect)
• Soak dentures overnight in water or a denture-soaking solution to help them retain their shape and prevent warping.
• Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth each morning before reinserting your dentures to stimulate circulation and remove plaque.
• Handle dentures carefully, over a folded towel or a basin of water, to cushion them if they are dropped.
• Continue scheduling regular dental visits so Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing can examine your oral tissue, check the denture fit, and recommend relining or adjustments as needed.

Even with dentures, routine dental check-ups remain important. Your gums, jawbone, and remaining teeth (if applicable) still need professional monitoring.

Are Dentures Right for You?

Good candidates for dentures include patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, those whose remaining teeth are too damaged to restore, or individuals seeking a reliable, non-surgical tooth replacement option. Healthy gum tissue and realistic expectations about the adjustment process are also important factors.

During your consultation, Dr. Burkett and Dr. Ing will conduct a thorough evaluation and walk you through all available options. For some patients, implant-supported dentures offer additional stability and a more secure fit. The best way to determine which approach is right for you is to schedule a consultation here in Summerlin so we can evaluate your specific needs together.

Why Choose Harmony Dental for Dentures in Summerlin?

Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures

Schedule a Denture Consultation in Summerlin

If missing teeth are affecting your quality of life, we would love to help you explore your options. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Burkett or Dr. Ing to find out which denture solution is the right fit for you.