Affordable Dental Dentures
At Big Smile Dental in Chicago, IL, we understand the importance of a confident smile, so we offer our patients affordable dental dentures. We aim to provide high-quality, cost-effective denture solutions catering to various needs and budgets. Everyone deserves access to dental care that not only improves their oral health but also enhances their overall quality of life. Our affordable dentures are designed to be functional and aesthetically pleasing, using the latest technology and materials. We offer a range of options, including full and partial dentures and implant-supported dentures, ensuring a solution that fits your specific requirements. Our team is dedicated to making the process of getting dentures as seamless and stress-free as possible, offering flexible payment plans and financing options to ease any financial concerns.
Understanding Dental Dentures
Dental dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth and can be removed and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to and will always feel different from natural teeth, today’s dentures are natural-looking and more comfortable than ever. There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. The process of getting dentures involves several appointments, usually over several weeks. Molds and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At each stage of the process, our team at Big Smile Dental provides the highest level of care and attention to detail, ensuring that your final dentures meet your comfort, aesthetics, and functionality expectations.
Exploring the Benefits of Dental Dentures
Dental dentures offer numerous benefits, making them popular for those looking to restore their smile. Firstly, dentures improve the ability to chew and speak, which are often compromised by teeth loss. They also support the facial structure, preventing the facial muscles from sagging and improving one’s appearance. Dentures are a versatile solution, available in various types to suit different needs, including complete dentures for those who have lost all their teeth and partial dentures for those missing only a few teeth. Additionally, modern dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever before, providing a solution that feels good and looks great. They are also a non-invasive option, which is particularly appealing for those not candidates for dental implants or who prefer a less invasive approach.
Types of Dentures Offered
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are a comprehensive solution offered at Big Smile Dental for patients who have lost all their teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. These dentures are essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also for the functionality they restore, such as improved speech and the ability to eat various foods. The process of getting complete dentures involves several steps. First, after any remaining teeth are removed, and the gums have healed, impressions of the mouth are taken. These impressions are used to create a denture that fits the contours of the patient’s mouth precisely, ensuring comfort and a natural appearance.
At Big Smile Dental, we focus on creating complete dentures that closely mimic the look of natural teeth and gums. Patients are involved in selecting the prosthetic teeth’ size, shape, and color for the most honest and satisfying results. It’s normal for complete dentures to require some adjustment period, and our team provides ongoing support and guidance to ensure a smooth transition. Full dentures can last many years with proper care, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution to tooth loss.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are an ideal solution for patients at Big Smile Dental who have lost one or more teeth but still retain some of their natural teeth. These dentures are custom-made to fill the gaps left by missing teeth and are held in place by clasps that fit around the remaining natural teeth. Partial dentures restore the appearance of a complete smile and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting, which can lead to oral health problems.
Our partial dentures are designed to be both functional and comfortable. During the fitting process, special attention is given to ensure that the dentures blend seamlessly with the patient’s natural teeth in color, shape, and size. The materials used for partial dentures at Big Smile Dental range from more traditional metal frameworks to newer, more aesthetic options like acrylic or flexible materials, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. Partials require proper care and regular dental visits to maintain fit and function.
Overdentures
Overdentures are another option provided at Big Smile Dental, offering an innovative solution for patients with few remaining teeth. These dentures are similar to complete dentures but are supported by either dental implants or the roots of a few remaining natural teeth. Using implants or natural teeth roots for support provides several benefits, including improved stability, reduced bone loss, and a more natural feel than complete dentures.
Fitting overdentures involves preparing the supporting teeth or placing implants, then creating the dentures to fit over them. Overdentures are removable for cleaning, just like traditional dentures. At Big Smile Dental, we ensure that the overdentures are precisely fitted for maximum comfort and functionality. Patients opting for overdentures often report a higher satisfaction rate due to the enhanced stability and comfort they provide. These dentures are an excellent choice for those seeking a more secure alternative to traditional complete dentures.
Our Process
Getting dentures at Big Smile Dental begins with a thorough consultation and examination to assess your oral health and discuss your needs. Impressions of your mouth are taken to create custom-fitted dentures. Our skilled dental team will guide you through selecting the best type of dentures for your situation, considering factors like the number of teeth to replace and your preferences. Fitting and adjustments are a crucial part of the process, ensuring your new dentures are comfortable and functional. We provide comprehensive guidance and support throughout the process, from the initial consultation to the final fitting.
How Long Can You Expect Them to Last?
The longevity of dental dentures depends on several factors, including the material quality and how well they are cared for. Typically, dentures can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years with proper care. Regular cleaning, handling them carefully, and maintaining good oral hygiene can extend their lifespan. It’s also essential to have regular check-ups at Big Smile Dental to ensure the dentures are still fitting correctly and to assess the health of your gums and any remaining teeth. Over time, dentures may require relining, rebasing, or replacement due to normal wear or changes in the shape of your mouth, ensuring they continue to fit comfortably and function effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dentures
How long does it take to get used to wearing new dentures?
Most patients need about 4 to 8 weeks to fully adjust to wearing new dentures, though initial comfort improves within the first 2 to 3 weeks. During the adjustment period, expect increased saliva production, minor speech changes especially with “s” and “f” sounds, and some soreness in areas where the dentures rub. Practicing by reading aloud, starting with soft foods, and wearing the dentures consistently all speed up adaptation. Any persistent sore spots should be reported to your dentist for a simple adjustment rather than tolerated. Call Big Smile Dental at 773-772-8400 to schedule a follow-up adjustment if needed.
Will I be able to eat normally with dentures?
Yes, most patients can eat a wide variety of foods with well-fitted dentures, though the first few weeks require adjustment. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, chew slowly using both sides of your mouth evenly, and gradually reintroduce firmer foods as your comfort improves. Very sticky foods like caramel, tough meats, and hard items like raw carrots or nuts remain more challenging even long-term, and some patients find implant-supported dentures give them significantly more chewing power for these foods. Learn how implant-supported options compare if eating is a major concern for you.
How do I clean and care for my dentures properly?
Clean dentures daily by brushing them with a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner, not regular toothpaste, which is too harsh and can create tiny scratches where bacteria collect. Rinse after every meal to remove food particles, and soak them overnight in a denture-cleansing solution or plain water to keep them from drying out and warping. Never use hot water, which can distort the shape, and handle them over a folded towel or basin of water so they don’t crack if dropped. Also brush your gums, tongue, and remaining teeth every morning to maintain healthy oral tissue.
Should I sleep with my dentures in or take them out at night?
Take your dentures out at night in nearly all cases. Removing them gives your gums and jaw tissue a chance to rest, improves circulation, and lowers the risk of denture-related mouth infections like stomatitis and gum inflammation. Studies have also linked sleeping in dentures to a higher risk of pneumonia in older adults because bacteria collect on the denture surface. Store them in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight to keep them from drying out. The exception is the first 24 hours after a same-day extraction and denture placement, when your dentist may specifically instruct you to leave them in to control swelling.
How long do dentures typically last before they need to be replaced or relined?
Dentures typically last 5 to 10 years before they need to be replaced, but they usually need a reline every 1 to 3 years to maintain a comfortable fit as your jawbone naturally changes shape over time. Bone resorption after tooth loss continues gradually for life, which means even a perfectly fitted denture will eventually feel looser without periodic adjustments. Signs it is time for a reline or replacement include slipping, sore spots, difficulty chewing, cracks in the denture, or visible wear on the chewing surfaces. Regular checkups let your dentist catch fit issues early before they cause gum damage or bone loss.
What's the difference between traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures?
Traditional dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction, muscle control, and sometimes adhesive to stay in place, while implant-supported dentures snap onto two to six dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone for a secure hold. Implant-supported dentures give you significantly more chewing power, prevent the jawbone loss that comes with traditional dentures, and won’t slip during eating or speaking. They cost more upfront and require oral surgery, but many patients find the day-to-day quality of life difference substantial. All-on-4 is a popular version that replaces a full arch on just four implants. Explore dental implant options or read more about All-on-4 implants to compare.
Do I really need denture adhesive, or are well-fitted dentures enough?
Well-fitted dentures do not require adhesive to stay in place, so if you find yourself relying on adhesive daily, it usually means your dentures need a reline or replacement. Adhesive is best used situationally, for extra confidence at a wedding, big meal, or public speaking event, rather than as a permanent solution. Overusing adhesive can also make it harder to notice a poor fit that is causing gum irritation or bone loss underneath. If your dentures shift, click, or fall out during normal eating and speaking, that is a signal to see your dentist for an evaluation rather than reaching for more paste.
Can I get dentures if I still have some healthy teeth remaining?
Yes. Patients who still have healthy natural teeth can get partial dentures, which fill in gaps left by missing teeth while keeping the remaining teeth intact. Partial dentures use small metal or flexible plastic clasps that anchor around your existing teeth to hold the appliance securely in place. They are removable, easier to adjust than a bridge, and often more affordable than dental implants for patients replacing several teeth in different spots. Your dentist will evaluate the health of your remaining teeth during a consultation to confirm they can support partial dentures, since decayed or loose teeth may need treatment or extraction first. See how partials fit into our full & partial denture options at Big Smile Dental.
Can I get a denture consultation in Spanish in Chicago?
Yes. Big Smile Dental provides denture consultations in Spanish at our Chicago office located at 2833 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618. Chicago has one of the largest Spanish-speaking communities in the country, and having a dentist who explains denture options, adjustment expectations, and financing in your preferred language helps you make more confident decisions. Our full Spanish-language section covers our practice information, our doctors, and several treatments, and staff can walk you through denture options during a bilingual consultation. Call 773-772-8400 to schedule, or visit our Spanish-language home section to learn more about our office.
Where can I find a dentist near Logan Square or Avondale in Chicago?
Big Smile Dental fits full and partial dentures at 2833 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, located in Avondale on Chicago’s North Side, just minutes from Logan Square. The practice is led by Dr. Theodore Siegel and treats patients from throughout the North Side, downtown, and nearby suburbs. Call 773-772-8400 to schedule a denture consultation, request an appointment through our contact form, or review financing and payment options before your visit. Learn more about our Logan Square and Avondale dental office and meet Dr. Siegel before you come in.
If you’re interested in more information about dental veneers or other dental restorative options, call Big Smile Dental today! Our team is happy to schedule a consultation at a time that works with your schedule.
Your new smile is waiting for you!
