What Are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made removable prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue, restoring your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident again. Missing teeth change more than your appearance. They affect how you chew, how you talk, and how you feel about yourself.
River Landing Dentistry offers three main types of dentures to match your specific needs: full dentures for patients missing all teeth in an arch, partial dentures that fill gaps while working with your remaining natural teeth, and implant-supported dentures that snap onto dental implants in Summerville, SC for added stability. Each type serves a different situation, and our team will help you figure out which one fits your mouth, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Modern dentures look and feel more natural than ever before. Today’s materials and fabrication techniques create dental prosthetics that closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth and gums.
The obvious, ill-fitting “false teeth” your grandparents wore? That’s not what we’re making anymore. Our team in Summerville creates denture solutions that complement your facial features and give you results you’ll be proud to show off. If you’ve been living without teeth for years or you’re just starting to consider your options, dentures remain one of the most reliable and affordable forms of tooth replacement available today.
Benefits of Dentures for Restoring Your Smile
Dentures restore more than appearance. Patients at River Landing Dentistry in Summerville typically experience improved chewing ability, clearer speech, better facial support, and renewed confidence, all at a price point that makes tooth replacement accessible.
Eat the foods you love again
Missing teeth make chewing difficult and often painful. Dentures restore your ability to enjoy a full range of foods, from fresh vegetables to your favorite meals. Many patients tell us the first thing they do is order something they haven’t eaten in months.
Speak clearly
Gaps from missing teeth can cause slurring, whistling, or mumbling. Dental prosthetics support proper tongue placement and airflow, helping you communicate without second-guessing yourself.
Well-crafted dentures also provide natural-looking aesthetics that match your facial structure. Patients regularly tell us they feel years younger after getting their new teeth, and that boost in confidence shows up in everything from job interviews to family photos.
Maintain your facial structure
When teeth are missing, the jawbone begins to shrink and facial muscles lose support, creating that sunken, aged appearance. Dentures help maintain the shape of your face by providing the structure your lips and cheeks need.
How much does tooth replacement actually cost?
Compared to other restoration options, affordable dentures offer an accessible path to a complete set of teeth. River Landing Dentistry also offers flexible payment and financing options, plus a Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
What to Expect: The Denture Process at River Landing Dentistry
The denture process at River Landing Dentistry in Summerville typically involves four visits: consultation, impressions, try-in, and final fitting. Each step is designed to be comfortable and efficient, so you know exactly what’s happening along the way.
Step 1: Your First Consultation
Your first visit includes a thorough oral exam where we assess your dental health, discuss your goals, and explain your options. We take time to answer every question. No judgment. No pressure. Just honest guidance about what will work best for you. If extractions or other preparatory work are needed, we’ll map that out so there are no surprises.
Step 2: Precise Impressions and Measurements
Using digital impression technology (no gunk or gagging), we capture detailed measurements of your mouth. These impressions ensure your dentures fit properly and look natural. The digital process is faster and more comfortable than traditional molds, and it gives our lab team the precise data they need to build your prosthetics.
Step 3: Try-In Appointment
Before your final dentures are produced, you’ll try on a preliminary version. This lets us verify the fit, check your bite, and make sure you’re happy with how everything looks. If something feels off or you want a different shade, this is the time to speak up.
Step 4: Final Fitting
Your custom dentures are ready. We make any necessary adjustments right then to ensure proper function and comfort, and you leave with your new teeth that day.
Ongoing Support
We schedule follow-up visits to make adjustments as your mouth settles in and to answer questions as you get used to your new teeth.
4 Signs You May Need Dentures
Common signs you may need dentures include multiple missing teeth, severe decay, difficulty chewing, and noticeable speech changes. If even one applies, let’s talk. Here are the details on each.
- Multiple missing teeth or teeth beyond repair. If you’ve lost several teeth or have teeth with extensive damage that can’t be saved, dentures can restore your complete bite and give you back the function you’ve been missing. This is the most straightforward indicator, and it’s the reason most patients first walk through our door. The longer you wait, the more your remaining teeth shift and your jawbone changes shape, which can make future treatment more involved.
- Severe tooth pain or advanced decay. Persistent dental pain often signals decay that has progressed too far for fillings or crowns. When extraction becomes the best path forward, dentures step in to fill the gap.
- Difficulty chewing or changes in your diet. Have you stopped eating certain foods because chewing hurts or feels impossible? Maybe you’ve switched to softer foods without really thinking about it. This is your body telling you something needs to change.
- Noticeable speech changes. Gaps from missing teeth affect how you form words. If friends or family have mentioned slurring, or you’ve noticed difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, tooth replacement can help.
If any of these sound familiar, schedule a consultation at River Landing Dentistry. We’ll evaluate your situation and discuss all your options, including whether partial dentures, full dentures, or implant-supported solutions make the most sense for you.
Why Choose River Landing Dentistry for Dentures in Summerville, SC
Experienced, collaborative team
Every doctor on our team has an area of expertise. They work together, drawing on memberships in organizations like the ADA, AGD, AACD, and AAID, to ensure every patient receives remarkable results.
Every restorative option under one roof
Traditional dentures, implant-retained dentures, dental implants in Summerville, SC, and more. If you’re a candidate for implant-supported solutions, the entire process happens in-house. We’re the only dental practice you may ever need.
A team that actually listens
Empathy lives here. We understand that needing dentures can feel overwhelming. Our team creates a comfortable environment where you can ask questions and make decisions at your own pace. Sedation dentistry options are available for patients who need extra help relaxing. New patient information is available on our website so you know what to expect before your first visit.
Modern materials and techniques
Your dentures are crafted using current technology including digital impressions and high-quality imaging, so they look natural and fit precisely.
Convenient Summerville location
Serving patients throughout the greater Charleston area, from North Charleston to nearby communities.
It’s what we’d expect for our own loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
How long does it take to get dentures?
Most patients complete the denture process in three to six weeks from the first consultation to final fitting. If extractions are needed, healing time adds to the timeline. Immediate dentures are also an option if you don’t want to go without teeth during the healing period.
How much do dentures cost in Summerville, SC?
Denture costs in Summerville depend on the type, whether partial, full, or implant-supported, and the materials used. During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear estimate. We accept most dental insurance and offer flexible financing. Our Dental Savings Plan helps patients without insurance access affordable dentures.
How do I care for my dentures?
Proper denture care keeps your prosthetics in good shape and your mouth healthy. Follow these steps daily:
- Remove and rinse your dentures after eating.
- Brush daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner (not regular toothpaste).
- Soak overnight in a denture solution.
- Keep up with your regular dental checkups so we can examine both your dentures and your oral tissues.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Yes, you can eat normally with dentures after a short adjustment period. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. As you adapt, you’ll gradually return to most of the foods you enjoy. Implant-supported dentures provide even more stability, so you can bite into an apple without worrying.
What is the difference between partial and full dentures?
Partial dentures replace some missing teeth while your remaining natural teeth stay in place. They attach with clasps or precision attachments. Full dentures replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch. The right choice depends on how many healthy teeth you have remaining. Our doctors will walk you through both options during your consultation and recommend the best fit for your situation.
| Feature | Partial Dentures | Full Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Replaces | Some missing teeth | All teeth in an arch |
| Attaches to | Remaining natural teeth | Gums and jawbone ridge |
| Best for | Patients with healthy remaining teeth | Patients missing all teeth in an arch |
Schedule Your Denture Consultation in Summerville, SC
Thinking about dentures? The River Landing dental team is here to help you find the right solution. We’ll build a treatment plan around your needs, goals, and budget, whether that means affordable dentures, implant-supported options, or something in between.
New patients are always welcome. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your life.
Call us at (843) 242-0645 or book online to schedule your denture consultation.
Serving the Greater Charleston Area
River Landing Dentistry has locations across the Charleston region to make quality dental care accessible no matter where you live. In addition to our Summerville practice, we also serve patients at our Daniel Island, Mt Pleasant, and North Charleston locations. Each office offers the same standard of care, the same experienced team, and the same commitment to making your experience a good one. No matter which location is closest to you, relief starts here.