What Are Complete Dentures?

A complete denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces all of the teeth in an arch — upper, lower, or both. The artificial teeth are set into an acrylic base designed to rest on the gum ridge and, in the case of upper dentures, the palate. Suction and the contour of the ridge hold the denture in place.

Modern dentures are significantly more refined than older generations — lighter materials, better color matching, and more natural tooth shapes mean most patients find that people close to them cannot tell they’re wearing dentures. Proper design that restores lip support and vertical bite dimension also prevents the sunken facial appearance sometimes associated with poorly fitting older dentures.

Who Needs Complete Dentures?

Conventional Complete Dentures

Fabricated after the gum tissue has fully healed following extractions — typically 6 to 8 weeks. The wait allows for a more precise fit as the ridge reaches its final shape. This is the best option for long-term comfort and fit.

$600 – $1,800 per arch

Immediate Dentures

Made in advance and placed the same day as your extractions so you never go without teeth. Requires relining or replacement after the ridge heals and reshapes — typically within 6 to 12 months. A good solution for patients who cannot be without teeth during the healing period.

$600 – $1,800 per arch + reline fee

Implant-Supported Dentures

Two to four dental implants are placed in the jaw to anchor the denture securely — eliminating slipping, significantly improving chewing function, and preserving bone at the implant sites. The gold standard for patients who want the stability of fixed teeth with the option to remove the denture for cleaning.

From $4,000 per arch

Consultation

We evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, review all denture options, and coordinate any extractions needed as part of your plan.

Extractions

Remaining teeth are removed by our team. Dr. David Roberts handles complex surgical extractions with IV sedation available for patient comfort.

Impressions & Measurements

Detailed impressions of your ridges, bite measurements, and shade selection are taken to guide lab fabrication of your custom denture.

Try-In

A wax try-in lets you preview the tooth arrangement, lip support, and bite before the final denture is processed. Adjustments are made at this stage.

Delivery & Follow-Up

Your finished denture is delivered with care instructions. Follow-up appointments address any sore spots, adjustments, or fit concerns as you adapt.

• No surgery required
• Most affordable option
• Removable for cleaning
• May require adhesive for retention
• Bone loss continues under the denture
• Fit changes over time as ridge resorbs
• Periodic relining needed

• Surgical implant placement required
• Higher upfront cost
• Removable or fixed options available
• No adhesive needed — snaps securely
• Preserves bone at implant sites
• More stable fit long-term
• Significantly better chewing function

Mild soreness, increased saliva production, and some awkwardness with speech are completely normal. Eat soft foods, speak slowly, and call us if any sore spots develop — adjustments are quick and expected.

Speech normalizes, you become more comfortable inserting and removing the denture, and you can gradually reintroduce a wider range of foods. Most patients feel confident wearing their dentures in public by this stage.

Remove dentures at night, brush them daily with a soft brush and mild soap or denture cleaner, soak overnight in denture solution, and come in for annual checkups. Relining may be needed every few years as the ridge changes shape.

Well-maintained conventional dentures typically last 7 to 10 years before replacement is needed. As the jaw ridge changes shape over time the fit will loosen, requiring periodic relining. Annual checkups help us monitor fit and address changes before they become a comfort problem.

Conventional dentures are fitted after 6 to 8 weeks of healing for the best long-term fit. Immediate dentures can be placed the same day as extractions if you cannot be without teeth, but they will require relining or replacement once healing is complete.

We recommend removing dentures at night. This gives the gum tissue underneath time to rest, reduces the risk of fungal buildup under the denture, and allows you to clean both the denture and your gums thoroughly. Soak the denture in water or denture solution overnight.

Poorly designed dentures often fail to restore proper lip support, vertical bite height, or tooth position relative to the face. We take facial measurements and lip profile into account during design to ensure the result frames your face naturally — not in an overfull or sunken way.

Most PPO dental plans cover complete dentures at 40 to 70% after deductible, often with a waiting period for major services. Implant-supported components are less commonly covered. We verify your benefits in advance and provide a clear cost breakdown before your treatment begins.

For full-arch tooth loss, the main options are conventional dentures, implant-supported dentures, or full-arch implant bridges. Each has different cost, surgical, and functional implications. We present all options honestly at your consultation so you can make an informed decision based on your health, goals, and budget.

Our general dentistry team designs and fits complete dentures with careful attention to aesthetics, facial support, and long-term comfort. We take the time at every step — from impressions to try-in to delivery — to make sure you’re genuinely happy with the result before we finalize anything.

Meet the Full Team →

Surgical Extractions & Implant Placement — IV Sedation Available

When denture treatment requires extractions or implant placement, Dr. David Roberts handles all surgical procedures in our office. With 35+ years of experience, Fellow of the American Association of Hospital Dentistry, and former president of the North Texas Dental Society, he brings specialist-level surgical expertise with the convenience of a single location for your entire treatment.

“My mother had her full upper denture made here and the difference compared to her old one is remarkable. The teeth look completely natural and the fit is so much better. She smiles all the time now.”

— Family Member, The Tribute

“Had extractions and immediate dentures placed on the same day. The whole process was explained clearly, Dr. Roberts made the surgery comfortable with sedation, and I left that day with teeth. Really grateful.”

— Patient, Lone Star Ranch

“The team walked me through both conventional and implant-supported options honestly. I went with implant-supported and the stability is incredible compared to my old denture. Best decision I’ve made.”

— Patient, Phillips Creek Ranch