Dentures in Missoula, MT

Traditional dentures have long served as the standard solution for tooth loss, and for some people, they function adequately. However, adequacy is not the same as ease. A 2022 study found a persistent gap between wearing dentures and feeling comfortable with them. Many complete denture wearers reported ongoing challenges, including discomfort while eating, recurring sore spots, and moments of hesitation in social settings. The study makes one thing clear. Denture success is not uniform, and for many patients, challenges remain.

At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we understand this range of experiences. That’s why we offer several treatment options, including implant-based solutions, to help you find the level of stability and support that aligns with your needs.

What Are Traditional Dentures?

Full Dentures

When you think of traditional dentures, you’re picturing the classic removable set of false teeth that has restored countless smiles for generations. A traditional denture includes a full arch of artificial teeth attached to a pink, gum-colored acrylic base. This base rests directly on your gums, giving the appearance of a complete and natural-looking smile.

To make your denture, we start by taking detailed impressions of your mouth. These molds allow a dental lab to craft a set of dentures that matches your unique gum shape, bite, and facial structure.

At our practice, we also offer same-day dentures for patients who are ready to replace teeth immediately after extractions. This option allows you to leave your appointment with a complete smile on the very same day your teeth are removed. Same-day dentures help you maintain your appearance and confidence while your mouth heals, ensuring you never go without teeth during the transition.

These dentures often stay in place through a snug fit and suction. You may also use denture adhesives to add stability. Lower dentures rely more on the coordination of your tongue and cheeks to help them stay put. Because they are removable, you take them out each night for cleaning and to give your gums time to rest.

Partial Dentures

Tooth loss doesn’t always affect your entire smile—sometimes, it’s just a few teeth that need to be replaced. Partial dentures offer a flexible solution that works with the teeth you still have, restoring both function and appearance. A partial denture is a removable appliance designed to fill the spaces left by missing teeth while keeping your natural ones in place and supported.

A partial denture includes replacement teeth set into a gum-colored acrylic base that blends with your mouth’s natural tones. Small clasps or attachments connect the denture to your existing teeth, holding it securely while allowing you to speak and eat comfortably. Depending on your needs, these clasps can be made from metal or tooth-colored materials for a more natural look.

Understanding Implant Dentures

Implant dentures differ because they are supported by dental implants, rather than resting directly on your gums. Dental implants are small titanium posts that we place into your jawbone, where they act as artificial tooth roots. Through a natural healing process called osseointegration, your jawbone fuses with the surface of the implants. This direct bond gives them the same kind of stability as natural tooth roots, creating a strong and lasting foundation.

As your bone heals, it grows and attaches firmly to the implant’s surface. This process locks the implant in place without any soft tissue between the two. Once osseointegration is complete, the implants become stable anchors that hold your dentures securely.

At Big Sky Dentures & Implants, we offer a variety of implant options to meet your needs. We often use mini dental implants and mono implants. Mini implants are smaller than 3 millimeters in diameter and work well for patients who have lost bone and cannot receive larger implants. Mono implants are slightly wider and made as a single piece that combines the implant post and abutment.

There are also several types of implant denture systems available, each designed to provide a different level of stability and convenience. These options allow you to choose the right balance of comfort, support, and ease of care for your lifestyle.

Snap-On Denture

If you picture implant dentures on a scale of advancement, a traditional denture would represent the bronze level—a reliable starting point. A snap-in denture, sometimes referred to as an implant overdenture, can be considered the silver level. It builds on the foundation of a traditional denture, adding the stability that comes from being secured to dental implants.

A snap-in denture resembles a traditional one, featuring a full arch of teeth set in a pink, gum-colored acrylic base. The difference is underneath. These dentures attach to a set of small titanium implants placed in your jaw. For the lower arch, we typically use four to six mini dental implants, and for the upper arch, six to eight. These implants have special attachments that allow the denture to “snap” firmly into place. You can remove it easily for cleaning or while you sleep, but during the day, it provides a secure, natural feel.

Roundhouse Bridge

As we move further along this scale of implant-supported options, the roundhouse bridge stands out as the gold standard. This restoration is shaped like a smooth, horseshoe arch that mimics a full set of natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, it doesn’t rely on a bulky pink acrylic base. Instead, it’s made from durable materials, such as zirconia, which gives it the strength, function, and appearance of real teeth.

A roundhouse bridge is supported using a semi-removable approach called Fix-on-Six®. With this system, we anchor the bridge to six to ten mini dental implants, with eight being the most common. This design provides greater chewing stability than an overdenture while still allowing for proper maintenance. You do not remove the bridge at home. We detach it during routine checkups for professional cleaning, while you continue normal daily oral care.

Learn More About Your Tooth Replacement Options

If you have been living with missing teeth or struggling with a loose denture, you do not have to keep adapting to discomfort. With today’s advanced options, you can rediscover the ease of eating, speaking, and smiling without hesitation. Contact Big Sky Dentures & Implants to book a consultation and learn how personalized tooth replacement can help you feel like yourself again.

Frequently Asked Questions