Dentures

Fully Restore Your Smile

Dealing with missing or broken teeth is frustrating and often painful. The more dental issues you experience, the more your oral health affects your everyday life.

Missing teeth can impact how you eat, speak, and smile. Many patients find themselves feeling self-conscious or avoiding social situations altogether. Others struggle with discomfort, inflammation, sensitivity, or recurring infections.

If you have concerns with most or all of your teeth, dentures are often the most effective way to restore your dental integrity and provide you with a functional, attractive smile.

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Fully Restore Your Smile

Tooth loss does not just affect your appearance. It can also lead to changes in your facial structure, difficulty chewing nutritious foods, and strain on your remaining teeth. Over time, these challenges can impact your overall health and confidence.

At DeStefano Dentistry, Dr. Thomas J. DeStefano and his experienced dental team focus on improving your quality of life when you have missing or damaged teeth. We offer both traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures, each customized to fit your needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Whether you have been missing teeth for years or are exploring dentures for the first time, we are here to guide you through every step of the process. Call our Pittsford, NY, dental office today to schedule a consultation and discover how dentures can help you smile with confidence again.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made oral appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore function and appearance. They are created to look natural, fit comfortably, and allow you to eat and speak more easily.

Dentures can replace:

  • Several missing teeth
  • An entire arch of teeth (all teeth in the upper or lower jaw)
  • Both arches for full-mouth restoration

Modern dentures are far more advanced than those of the past. Today’s materials and techniques allow for a more natural look, improved comfort, and better overall performance.

At DeStefano Dentistry, we offer:

  • Traditional dentures
  • Implant-supported dentures
  • Partial dentures
  • Full dentures

Each option can be tailored to meet your specific dental needs.

Types of Dentures We Offer

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to dentures. The right type for you depends on the number of missing teeth, your oral health, your jawbone condition, and your personal preferences.

Traditional dentures are removable appliances that rest on the gums and are held in place by suction, muscle control, and natural contours of your mouth. Traditional dentures may be full dentures that replace all teeth in the upper or lower arch, or partial dentures that replace several missing teeth while attaching to the remaining natural teeth.

Key features of traditional dentures include:

  • Removable for cleaning and sleeping
  • Designed to rest on the gum tissue
  • Custom-crafted to match your facial shape and smile
  • More affordable than implant-supported options
  • A good option for patients with limited jawbone density

While traditional dentures have helped millions of patients restore their smiles, they do have limitations. They may feel less secure than implant-supported dentures and can shift slightly while eating or speaking. Over time, bone loss in the jaw can also affect their fit.

Implant-supported dentures are anchored in place using dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone. These implants act as artificial tooth roots, providing a strong and stable foundation for your denture.

At DeStefano Dentistry, Dr. DeStefano uses an approach known as All-on-X, which allows a full arch of teeth to be supported by a small number of implants.

Implant-supported dentures may use:

  • 2–4 implants for a removable implant-supported denture
  • 4–6 implants for a fixed full arch denture
  • 6–10 implants for a full-mouth restoration

Benefits of implant-supported dentures include:

  • Increased stability and security
  • Improved chewing ability
  • A more natural feel
  • Reduced risk of denture movement
  • Prolonged jawbone health
  • Enhanced comfort and confidence

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. The denture itself may need occasional maintenance or replacement, but the foundation remains strong.

Implant-supported dentures can be:

  • Removable, snapping securely onto implants
  • Fixed, remaining permanently in place and only removable by a dentist

If you still have some healthy natural teeth, a partial denture may be the right solution. Partial dentures fill in the gaps left by missing teeth while preserving your remaining teeth.

Partial dentures help:

  • Prevent remaining teeth from shifting
  • Improve chewing and speech
  • Restore balance to your bite
  • Maintain facial structure
  • Improve the appearance of your smile

Partial dentures can be traditional or implant-supported, depending on your needs and oral health.

Full dentures replace all teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both. They are custom-designed to restore proper function, comfort, and appearance.

Full dentures can:

  • Restore your ability to eat a wider variety of foods
  • Improve speech clarity
  • Support facial muscles
  • Reduce the sunken appearance caused by tooth loss
  • Boost confidence and self-esteem

Whether traditional or implant-supported, full dentures are carefully crafted to look natural and fit comfortably.

Dentures

What Kind of Denture Do I Need?

Choosing the right denture involves several important considerations. During your consultation, Dr. DeStefano will carefully evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals.

Factors that influence your denture options include:

  • Whether you need a partial denture or a full denture
  • The number of teeth missing
  • The health of your gums
  • Your jawbone density
  • Whether dental implants are an option
  • Your budget and insurance coverage
  • Your comfort preferences
  • Your lifestyle and daily habits

There is no pressure to choose one option over another. Our goal is to educate you, answer your questions, and help you make a confident decision that supports your long-term oral health.

Benefits of Dentures

Dentures offer many advantages beyond restoring missing teeth.

Benefits include:

  • Improved ability to eat and chew
  • Enhanced speech clarity
  • Restored facial appearance
  • Increased confidence
  • Reduced strain on remaining teeth
  • Better overall oral health
  • Improved quality of life

The Denture Process at DeStefano Dentistry

Receiving dentures is a step-by-step process designed to ensure the best possible fit, comfort, and appearance.

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation that includes:

• A review of your dental history
• A discussion of your concerns and goals
• A thorough oral examination
• Digital imaging and impressions
• Evaluation of jawbone health
• Discussion of denture options

This visit allows us to create a personalized treatment plan.

Preparation and Tooth Removal

If damaged or unhealthy teeth remain, they may need to be removed before denture placement. In some cases, immediate dentures may be provided so you are never without teeth during the healing process.

Impressions and Custom Design

Accurate impressions of your mouth are taken to ensure your dentures fit comfortably and function properly. Every detail is carefully considered, including:

• Tooth shape
• Tooth color
• Gum appearance
• Bite alignment
• Facial proportions

Your dentures are custom-made to look as natural as possible.

Implant Placement if Applicable

For implant-supported dentures, dental implants are placed into the jawbone. After placement, a healing period allows the implants to fuse with the bone, creating a strong foundation.
Temporary dentures may be used during this time.

Final Fitting and Adjustments

Once your dentures are ready, they are carefully fitted and adjusted to ensure comfort and function. Minor adjustments may be needed as your mouth adapts.

Life with Dentures

Adjusting to dentures takes time, but most patients adapt quickly with proper guidance and support.

At first, it is best to:

  • Start with soft foods
  • Cut food into small pieces
  • Chew slowly and evenly
  • Avoid sticky or hard foods initially

As you adjust, you will regain confidence in eating a wide variety of foods.

Speech changes are common at first. Practicing speaking aloud and reading can help your mouth adapt more quickly.

Proper care helps extend the life of your dentures and maintain oral health.

Daily denture care includes:

  • Removing dentures for cleaning (if removable)
  • Brushing gently with a denture brush
  • Using non-abrasive denture cleaners
  • Rinsing after meals
  • Soaking dentures overnight (if recommended)

Regular dental visits are still essential to monitor oral health and ensure proper fit.

Are Dentures Right for You?

Dentures are a great solution for many patients, but they are not one size fits all. If you are unsure whether dentures are the right choice, a professional evaluation can help clarify your options.

You may be a good candidate for dentures if you:

  • Are missing several or all of your teeth
  • Struggle with chewing or speaking due to tooth loss
  • Feel unhappy or self-conscious about your smile
  • Experience shifting or worn-down remaining teeth
  • Want a cost-effective way to restore your smile
  • Are interested in implant-supported options for added stability

During your consultation, Dr. DeStefano will help determine the best solution for your long-term comfort and oral health.

Dentures and Jawbone Health

When teeth are missing, the jawbone begins to shrink over time. This can affect facial structure and denture fit.

Implant-supported dentures help prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone, similar to natural tooth roots.

Why Choose DeStefano Dentistry for Dentures?

At DeStefano Dentistry in Pittsford, NY, we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized care.

Patients choose us because we offer:

  • Experienced dental professionals
  • Advanced technology
  • Customized treatment plans
  • Clear communication
  • A comfortable, welcoming environment
  • Ongoing support and follow-up care

Dr. Thomas J. DeStefano takes the time to understand your needs and ensure you feel confident every step of the way.

Common Concerns About Dentures

Many patients have questions or concerns before choosing dentures.

Yes. Modern dentures are designed to resemble natural teeth and gums closely.

With proper fit and adjustments, dentures should feel comfortable. Implant-supported dentures offer the highest level of comfort and stability.

Dentures typically last several years. Over time, adjustments or replacements may be needed due to natural changes in the mouth.

Comfortable, Functional Dentures in Pittsford

Dentures do not have to be uncomfortable or limiting. With the right approach and expert care, dentures can restore both function and confidence.

At DeStefano Dentistry, we are proud to help patients enjoy strong, natural-looking smiles that enhance their quality of life.

Getting started is easy. Call or message our Pittsford, NY, dental office today to schedule your denture consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

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