Dentures FAQs

What are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made removable prosthetic teeth set into an acrylic base that replaces a full or partial arch of missing teeth. Mint Dental Loft fabricates them from impressions or digital scans so the base follows the contours of the gum ridge and the teeth are positioned to restore chewing function and facial support.

What is the difference between full and partial Dentures?

A full denture replaces every tooth in an arch and rests on the gum ridge, held by suction and the shape of the tissue. A partial denture replaces a smaller number of teeth and clasps onto the remaining natural teeth for support. Mint Dental Loft recommends a partial whenever healthy teeth can be kept, since retaining natural roots slows bone loss.

Will Dentures look natural?

Yes. Mint Dental Loft selects tooth shade, shape, and size to suit your face and age, and positions the teeth to restore the lip support lost when teeth are missing. A wax try-in appointment lets you review the appearance before the denture is finished.

How long does it take to get Dentures?

A conventional denture takes four to six weeks and three to five appointments for impressions, bite registration, a wax try-in, and delivery. When teeth need removing first, the ridge takes three to six months to heal and settle. Mint Dental Loft can provide an immediate denture placed on the day of extraction so you are never without teeth.

Are Dentures comfortable?

New dentures feel bulky for the first two to four weeks while the tongue and cheeks adapt, and increased saliva and minor speech changes are normal in that period. Sore spots are expected and are corrected by adjusting the denture base. Mint Dental Loft schedules follow-up adjustments in the weeks after delivery for exactly this reason.

Do I have to wear Dentures all the time?

No, and dentures should be left out overnight. Removing them lets the gum tissue recover from constant pressure and reduces the risk of fungal infection under the base. Mint Dental Loft advises storing them in water or a cleaning solution overnight, because acrylic warps if it dries out.

How do I care for my Dentures?

Rinse after eating, brush daily with a soft denture brush and mild soap or denture cleaner rather than toothpaste, which is abrasive enough to scratch acrylic, and soak overnight. Clean the gums, tongue, and palate with a soft brush each morning. Mint Dental Loft checks the fit and the underlying tissue at annual visits even when no natural teeth remain.

What if my Dentures feel loose or cause sore spots?

Sore spots in the first weeks are normal and resolve with a simple adjustment to the base. Looseness developing after a year or more reflects the gum ridge resorbing underneath the denture, which is corrected with a reline rather than a new denture. Mint Dental Loft can also stabilize a loose lower denture with two implants, which removes the need for adhesive.

Are Dentures covered by insurance?

Dental plans commonly cover about 50 percent of a denture as a major restorative service, subject to the annual maximum and a replacement frequency limit, often once every five to seven years. Mint Dental Loft submits a pre-treatment estimate and offers CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit financing for the balance.

How do I get started with Dentures at Mint Dental Loft?

Call Mint Dental Loft in Altadena at (626) 639-8618 or request an appointment online. The first visit includes an examination of the remaining teeth and gum ridge, radiographs, and a discussion of full, partial, immediate, and implant-supported options with a written estimate for each.