Missing teeth can turn a steak dinner, a crisp apple, or a long conversation into a chore, and many people wait years to look for a fix because they are unsure where to start. Dentures give you a proven, removable way to chew, speak, and smile comfortably again, and today’s versions are made to look natural.
At Sonrisa Family Dental in Oak Lawn, we provide complete dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported options as part of our restorative dentistry services. We start with an exam, explain your choices in plain language, and recommend what fits your health, comfort, and budget.
Types of Dentures We Offer in Oak Lawn
The right denture depends on how many teeth you are missing and the condition of your gums and jawbone. The table below compares the main options.
| Type | Replaces | Timing | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional complete denture | All teeth in one arch | After extractions and full gum healing, which usually takes several weeks | Built on fully healed gums for a stable fit |
| Immediate complete denture | All teeth in one arch | Made in advance and placed right after extractions | You are not without teeth while you heal, though adjustments are common as gums shrink |
| Partial denture | Some teeth, with natural teeth remaining | After we evaluate your remaining teeth and gums | A framework secures it and helps keep natural teeth from shifting |
| Implant-supported denture | One or both arches, anchored by dental implants | After implants are placed and your dentist confirms they are ready | Added stability, but you need enough healthy jawbone |
The CDC’s 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report found that 15.2 percent of adults aged 65 and older had lost all of their permanent teeth. If you are missing only a few teeth, a partial denture or a dental bridge may fit better, and we can compare both options at your visit.
What to Expect When You Get Dentures
Dentures take several appointments, which gives us time to check the fit, shape, and color before anything is final.
Exam and impressions
We examine your mouth, talk through your goals, and take precise impressions and jaw measurements.
Try-in visits
You check the fit, shape, and color before the final denture is processed.
Final fitting
We place your finished dentures and make sure they sit comfortably.
Follow-up adjustments
We fine-tune the fit as you adapt.
It can take weeks, or sometimes months, to feel fully comfortable with new dentures, and eating and speaking may take practice at first. Extra saliva and mild gum soreness are common early on and often settle. If you need teeth removed first, we can coordinate tooth extractions and discuss an immediate denture so you are not left without teeth while you heal.
Implant-Supported Dentures for Added Stability
Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants placed in the jaw, which can reduce slipping and may help preserve the jawbone.
Not everyone has enough healthy bone for implants, so we evaluate your gums and jawbone first and tell you honestly whether this option fits. If it does not, conventional dentures remain a dependable choice.
Caring for Your Dentures
Three routines protect your dentures and your gums.
Clean Them Every Day
Take your dentures out and rinse them after eating. Brush them daily with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser, because regular toothpaste can be too harsh. Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth before you put the dentures back in.
Store and Handle Them Carefully
Keep dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution when they are out, because drying out can change their shape. Handle them over a folded towel or a basin of water so a slip does not cause a break.
Keep Up With Checkups
Regular cleanings and exams let us check your gums and catch a loose or worn denture early.
How Long Dentures Last
Dentures wear down as your gums and jawbone change shape. Cleveland Clinic reports that the average denture lasts seven to 10 years and recommends a reline every one to two years, or whenever the fit changes.
Call us if your denture feels loose, pinches, clicks when you speak, or looks worn. Those signs often mean it is time for an adjustment, a reline, or a replacement.
Insurance and Payment Options for Dentures
Dental plans often cover part of the cost of dentures, but coverage varies by plan, so we check your benefits before you start. We are in-network with most major plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Guardian, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, MetLife, Delta Dental, United Healthcare, and United Concordia, and we also accept many Medicaid and Medicare plans.
If you do not have coverage, our insurance and financing options include CareCredit and Sunbit financing for qualifying patients, along with the Open Dental Discount Membership.
Why Choose Sonrisa Family Dental for Dentures in Oak Lawn
We welcome patients from Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Chicago Ridge, Burbank, and Mount Greenwood. Every denture plan starts with an exam, and we explain your options, how many visits to expect, and what recovery may feel like.
Ready to replace missing teeth?
Request a dentures consultation with our Oak Lawn team.
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Schedule Your Dentures Consultation at Sonrisa Family Dental
Our practice is led by Dr. Jason Korkus, a University of Michigan Doctor of Dental Surgery graduate and a member of the American Dental Association and the Chicago Dental Society. Our Oak Lawn team combines careful exams, clear explanations, and financing options so you can choose the right denture with confidence.
If missing teeth have made eating, speaking, or smiling harder than it should be, we would be glad to help you explore your options. Contact our Oak Lawn office to schedule your dentures consultation.