Complete Dentures

Regain your smile with comfortable and natural-looking dentures.

Dentures at North University Dental can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself. Our custom-fit dentures are natural-looking and more comfortable than ever. We offer both full and partial dentures to suit all needs, whether you're missing several teeth or all of your teeth. Dentures not only improve the appearance of a smile that has multiple missing teeth, but they also keep the structure of the mouth sound by supporting the structures around the cheeks and lips.

Is a Complete Denture Right for You?

A complete denture is designed for patients who have lost all of their natural teeth in an arch, whether from decay, gum disease, injury, or simply the effects of time. It's one of the most established and reliable ways to restore a full, functional smile, and modern dentures look and feel more natural than many patients expect.

Complete dentures tend to be a strong fit if you:

• Are missing all of your teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both
• Want a non-surgical option for restoring your smile
• Are looking for a more budget-friendly path compared to implant-based solutions
• Want a quicker overall timeline than implant treatment typically requires
• Are comfortable with a removable appliance and a daily cleaning routine

How Complete Dentures Work

A complete denture is a custom-made appliance that replaces an entire arch of teeth. It consists of a full set of replacement teeth set into a base that's shaped and colored to match your natural gum tissue. The base is designed to fit snugly over your gums and jaw ridge, held in place by natural suction, and in the case of a lower denture, the support of your tongue and cheek muscles as well.

Because the denture rests directly on the gums rather than being anchored to implants, some patients use a small amount of denture adhesive for extra security, especially with lower dentures, which naturally have less surface area for suction than upper dentures.

What to Expect: The Process

Getting a complete denture typically involves a few appointments over several weeks:

1. Consultation and exam. We evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine the right timeline based on whether any remaining teeth need to be extracted first.
2. Impressions and measurements. We take detailed impressions and bite measurements to ensure your denture fits your mouth precisely and your bite aligns correctly.
3. Try-in appointment. Before your final denture is made, you'll try on a wax or trial version so we can check fit, appearance, and bite before finalizing the design.
4. Final fitting. Your finished denture is fitted, with adjustments made as needed for comfort.
5. Follow-up care. Your mouth may need a short adjustment period, and your gums and jaw ridge will change gradually over time, so periodic follow-up visits help maintain a good fit.

If you still have some remaining teeth that need to be extracted before your denture can be placed, we'll walk you through whether an immediate denture (placed the same day as extractions) or a conventional denture (placed after your gums have fully healed) is the better path for your situation.

Caring for Your Complete Denture

• Remove and clean it daily using a denture brush and denture-specific cleaner — regular toothpaste can be too abrasive for the denture material.
• Soak it overnight in a denture-cleaning solution or water to keep it from drying out and losing its shape.
• Rinse it after eating to remove loose food particles.
• Handle it carefully, ideally over a folded towel or basin of water, since dentures can crack if dropped.
• Keep your gums and mouth clean by gently brushing your gums, tongue, and palate daily, even without natural teeth.
• See us for regular checkups, since your jaw ridge and gum tissue change shape gradually over time, which can affect fit and comfort.

Complete Dentures vs. Other Options

If you're missing all of your teeth in an arch, a complete denture isn't your only option. Implant-supported dentures offer significantly more stability and help preserve jawbone density, at a higher upfront cost and longer treatment timeline. Complete dentures remain a well-established, more affordable, and faster path to restoring your smile, and many patients find them a comfortable and effective long-term solution. We're happy to walk through the tradeoffs of each option based on your budget, timeline, and goals at a consultation.

Schedule a Denture Consultation in Fargo

If you're missing all of your teeth in an arch and want to explore your options for restoring your smile, we're here to help. Our team will walk you through the process and help you find the best path forward.

Request Appointment or call us at 701-293-8625 to ask about complete dentures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get complete dentures?The full process, from initial consultation to final fitting, typically takes several weeks. If teeth need to be extracted first, your dentist will discuss whether an immediate or conventional denture timeline is right for you.

Will my complete denture look natural?Yes. Complete dentures are custom-made to match your facial structure, and the base is shaped and colored to blend in with your natural gum tissue.

How long do complete dentures last?With proper care, complete dentures typically last 5 to 10 years before needing to be relined or replaced, as your jaw and gum tissue naturally change shape over time.

Do I need denture adhesive?Not necessarily. Many patients find upper dentures stay in place well with natural suction alone. Lower dentures, which have less surface area, sometimes benefit from a small amount of adhesive for extra security.

What's the difference between complete dentures and implant-supported dentures?Complete dentures rest directly on the gums and are a faster, more affordable option. Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants in the jawbone, offering more stability and helping preserve bone density, at a higher upfront cost.