Digital Dentures in South Barrington, IL

Types of Dentures We Provide

Complete Dentures (Full Dentures)

Replace all teeth in the upper or lower arch. Held in place by suction, muscle tone, and (optionally) denture adhesive.

Partial Dentures

Replace several missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. Anchored to remaining teeth with clasps or precision attachments.

Immediate Dentures

Delivered the same day teeth are extracted so patients do not go without teeth during healing.

Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdentures)

Held in place by 2-4 dental implants for significantly better stability and chewing function. Learn about implant overdentures.

Benefits of Digital Dentures

• Precise fit from digital impressions (more accurate than traditional putty)
• Natural-looking tooth shapes and gum colors
• Faster fabrication compared to traditional multi-visit denture processes
• Fewer adjustment visits because fit is more accurate from the start
• Replaceable from digital file if lost or damaged
• Customizable tooth size, shape, shade, and arrangement
• Improved comfort from better-designed tissue contact surfaces
• Better speech adaptation with properly-designed palate and tooth positioning

The Digital Denture Process Step by Step

Step 1: Consultation. Dr. Allison Bartley evaluates your remaining teeth and gum tissue, reviews medical history, and discusses goals.

Step 2: Extractions (if needed). Any teeth that cannot be saved are extracted, often with healing time before final denture fabrication (or with immediate dentures delivered the same day).

Step 3: Digital Scan. 3D scan scanning captures your existing teeth (if any), ridges, and soft tissues in 3D.

Step 4: Design. The denture is designed on a computer with tooth selection, arrangement, and bite registration.

Step 5: Try-In. A try-in appliance lets you see and test tooth arrangement, color, and bite before final fabrication.

Step 6: Fabrication. The final denture is milled or 3D printed from high-quality denture material.

Step 7: Delivery. The denture is adjusted, fitted, and delivered. Initial wearing instructions are provided.

Step 8: Adjustments. Follow-up visits in the first few weeks address any pressure points or fit concerns.

Timeline

• Complete denture fabrication: 4-8 weeks for traditional process, often faster with digital
• Immediate dentures: Delivered same day as extractions
• Adjustment period: 2-6 weeks to fully adapt to a new denture
• Denture lifespan: 5-10 years before needing reline or replacement

Cost Factors

Denture costs depend on type (partial vs. full), materials (basic vs. premium), and whether implants are involved. Most PPO dental insurance plans cover 50-80% of denture costs after deductible, with annual maximums that may require spreading treatment across calendar years.

We provide transparent written estimates before fabrication. See our finance and insurance page for details.

Risks and Limitations

Initial adjustment period. All new dentures require 2-6 weeks of adaptation. Speech, chewing, and comfort improve with practice.

Sore spots. Minor pressure points during the first few weeks are common and corrected with small adjustments.

Bone loss over time. Dentures do not stimulate the jaw bone, so bone gradually recedes under long-term denture wear. Implant-supported options significantly slow this process.

Need for relining. Every 2-5 years, the denture base needs to be relined to accommodate changes in the gum tissue.

Dietary limitations. Even well-fitting conventional dentures provide less chewing force than natural teeth or implants. Hard or sticky foods can be challenging.

Replacement every 5-10 years. Dentures wear, stain, and change shape over time. Periodic replacement is normal.

Who Is a Good Candidate

• Patients missing all or most teeth in an arch
• Patients with adequate gum and bone support
• Patients committed to proper denture care and regular checkups
• Patients for whom implants are not feasible due to medical, anatomical, or financial considerations

Who Is NOT a Good Candidate

• Patients with severe gag reflexes (may benefit from implant-supported alternatives)
• Patients with significant jaw bone loss (may need bone grafting first)
• Patients with uncontrolled medical conditions affecting healing
• Patients unable to commit to daily removal and cleaning

Comparison: Conventional Denture vs. Implant Overdenture vs. Fixed Implant Bridge

Conventional denture: Removable, lower cost, more dietary restrictions, bone loss over time, moderate stability.

Implant overdenture: Removable but anchored by 2-4 implants, dramatically better stability, reduced bone loss, moderate cost increase.

Fixed full-arch implant bridge: Permanently attached to 4-6 implants, closest to natural teeth in function and feel, highest cost.

For patients who have been unhappy with conventional dentures, implant overdentures offer a transformative improvement in stability and chewing function.

Alternatives

• Dental bridges for smaller missing tooth situations
• Dental implants for individual missing teeth
• Implant overdentures for denture patients wanting better stability
• Keeping remaining teeth as long as possible with preventive care

Caring for Your Denture

• Remove and brush daily with a soft brush and denture cleanser (not regular toothpaste)
• Soak overnight in water or denture solution
• Handle over a folded towel or basin of water to prevent damage if dropped
• Rinse after meals
• Remove at night to allow gum tissue to rest
• Schedule regular checkups for denture and gum evaluation