Dentures in Alpharetta, GA
Losing several teeth or an entire arch does not mean giving up on eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably. Our Alpharetta team crafts custom full and partial dentures built to fit well and feel natural for everyday life, and Dr. Gessling can discuss whether an implant-supported approach makes sense for you.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth, restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Dentures in Alpharetta, GA are custom-made from detailed impressions of your mouth, so the fit, bite, and appearance are tailored specifically to you rather than mass-produced. At Smiles on Main, we offer full and partial dentures, and Dr. Gessling can discuss whether an implant-supported approach may be a good fit for your situation.
Types of Dentures We Offer
At Smiles on Main, we provide full and partial dentures to meet different needs:
- Full (complete) dentures - Replace an entire arch of teeth when all natural teeth are missing or need to be removed, available for the upper arch, lower arch, or both.
- Partial dentures - Fill gaps when some healthy natural teeth remain, clipping onto existing teeth for stability while replacing the missing ones.
Depending on your situation, there may be additional approaches worth discussing, such as a denture placed shortly after teeth are removed, or a denture stabilized by dental implants. Dr. Gessling will review your oral health and goals during a consultation and let you know which options fit your case.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Dentures are a good option for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth in an arch, whether due to decay, gum disease, or injury, and who want a removable, cost-conscious way to restore their smile and chewing ability. Partial dentures work well when several teeth are missing but some healthy natural teeth remain to help anchor the appliance.
Patients who struggle with a strong gag reflex, want maximum chewing stability, or prefer to avoid the adjustment period of a removable appliance may want to discuss implant-supported dentures or dental implants during their consultation. Dr. Gessling will review your oral health, jawbone, and goals to recommend the option that fits you best.
The Custom Denture Process
Creating dentures that fit well and look natural takes precision and a bit of back-and-forth:
Consultation and Impressions
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your oral health, take detailed impressions, and discuss your goals for appearance and function.
Try-In Appointment
Before your final dentures are fabricated, you will try a wax model so we can check the fit, bite alignment, and appearance. This is your chance to give feedback before the final version is made.
Final Delivery
Your finished dentures are delivered and fitted. We make any needed adjustments for comfort and walk through how to wear and care for your new teeth.
Follow-Up Adjustments
It is normal for new dentures to need minor tweaks as you get used to them. We schedule follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit and address any sore spots along the way.
Benefits of Modern Dentures
Today's dentures are a far cry from older designs. Modern materials generally produce dentures that are:
- Lighter and more comfortable to wear
- More natural-looking, with realistic gum coloring and tooth shapes
- More durable and stain-resistant than older materials
Our detailed impression process helps us tailor the fit, bite, and appearance to you. Whichever type of denture fits your situation best, the goal is a result that restores your confidence and your ability to enjoy everyday meals and conversation.
Implant-Supported Dentures: Added Stability
If you are frustrated by dentures that slip, click, or require adhesives, implant-supported dentures may be worth discussing. By anchoring your denture to several dental implants placed in the jawbone, we can create a restoration that stays firmly in place while eating, speaking, and laughing.
Implant-supported dentures also help preserve jawbone density that can otherwise decline after tooth loss. During your consultation, Dr. Gessling will assess whether you are a candidate for this upgrade, including your bone density and overall oral health. Learn more about our dental implant options to compare approaches.
Dentures vs. Bridges vs. Implants
Choosing the right way to replace missing teeth depends on how many teeth are involved, your bone health, and your budget:
- Dentures - Best when most or all teeth in an arch are missing, generally the most budget-friendly option, and removable for cleaning.
- Dental bridges - A fixed option for one or a few missing teeth in a row, anchored to adjacent natural teeth. See our dental bridge page for details.
- Dental implants - Individually anchored in the jawbone, ideal for one or several missing teeth, and can also be used to stabilize a denture.
Dr. Gessling will walk through the realistic trade-offs of each option so you can choose confidently.
Cost & Insurance Factors
Denture costs vary based on the type, full or partial, the materials used, and whether implants are involved. We participate with most major dental plans, including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, and MetLife, and denture coverage varies enough from plan to plan that we will lay out the numbers clearly before you decide anything.
For any out-of-pocket costs, we offer CareCredit and Cherry financing so you can get the care you need on a timeline that works for your budget, in addition to accepting credit cards, cash, and checks.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper denture care extends the life of your restoration and helps keep your mouth healthy:
- Remove and rinse dentures after eating
- Brush dentures daily with a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive cleaner
- Soak dentures overnight in a cleaning solution
- Clean your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth before reinserting
- Visit our office regularly for checkups and adjustments
With consistent care, dentures can serve you well for many years, though your fit should be checked periodically since your jawbone and gums continue to change shape over time.
Why Choose Smiles on Main for Dentures in Alpharetta
Dr. Melissa Gessling has 22 years of experience helping patients throughout North Fulton County find dentures that fit comfortably and look natural, backed by training from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. We take the try-in process seriously, since a denture that looks right on paper still needs to feel right in your mouth.
Our office at 342 N Main St, #110 in Alpharetta serves patients from Roswell, Milton, Cumming, and Johns Creek, with hours Monday through Thursday and walk-ins welcome for denture repairs or adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
Complete dentures replace an entire arch of teeth when none remain, while partial dentures fill in gaps and clip onto remaining healthy teeth for support. Dr. Gessling will recommend the type that fits your specific situation.
Most patients adjust within a few weeks. During this period, minor soreness and increased saliva production are common. Eating softer foods and practicing speaking aloud can help speed up the adjustment.
We generally recommend removing dentures at night to give your gums a rest and allow for proper cleaning. Soaking them overnight also helps keep the material from drying out and warping.
For many patients, the added stability and chewing confidence are worth it, especially if traditional dentures have felt loose or required adhesives. Dr. Gessling can help you weigh the benefits against the additional cost during a consultation.
Dentures typically need to be relined or replaced periodically as your jawbone and gums change shape over time. Regular checkups allow us to monitor the fit and recommend adjustments before problems develop.
Dentures are designed to mimic the translucency, shape, and color variation of natural teeth, and we select shapes and shades that complement your facial features. The final look can vary depending on your anatomy, the materials chosen, and your treatment plan, which Dr. Gessling will discuss with you.
With some practice, most patients can eat a wide variety of foods. It helps to start with softer foods cut into small pieces and gradually reintroduce firmer textures. Implant-supported dentures typically offer the most natural chewing ability.
Reclaim Your Smile and Your Confidence
Whether you need your first set of dentures, a replacement, or want to explore implant-supported stability, call 678-762-1613. Dr. Gessling will walk through what fits your lifestyle and budget best.