When missing teeth affect how you eat, speak, and feel about your smile, dentures restore what was lost. At Fountains Dental Care, our three experienced dentists provide custom denture solutions for Chandler patients of all ages. Whether you need a full set of dentures, a partial to fill gaps, or implant-supported dentures for maximum stability, we design every appliance for comfort, function, and a natural appearance.
Call (480) 222-8083 to schedule your denture consultation at our Chandler office in the 85248.
Dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. Modern dentures are remarkably natural-looking and comfortable, nothing like the bulky, obvious appliances of decades past. At Fountains Dental Care, our experienced dental team takes precise impressions and works closely with you on tooth shade, shape, and size to create dentures that complement your facial features.
Dr. Eric Kerbs (DDS, Virginia Commonwealth University) brings over 25 years of experience fitting and adjusting dentures for optimal comfort. Dr. Nick Mellum (DMD, Tufts University) is experienced in 3D technology and implant restorations, which directly applies to implant-supported denture cases. Dr. Julie Do (DMD, Arizona School of Dentistry) brings a gentle, patient-focused approach that puts anxious patients at ease throughout the denture process.
Missing teeth do more than change your appearance. They affect how you chew, how you speak, and how your face looks over time. Without teeth to support your facial muscles, the area around your mouth can develop a sunken appearance that ages you beyond your years. Remaining teeth shift into gaps, creating bite problems and increasing the risk of further tooth loss.
Arizona’s dry climate adds another challenge. Reduced saliva flow during Chandler’s hotter months can make living with missing teeth even more uncomfortable because saliva plays a key role in digestion and oral comfort. Dentures restore chewing function, support your facial structure, and help you enjoy meals at SanTan Village or family dinners at home without limitation. The American Dental Association recommends replacing missing teeth promptly to prevent these compounding issues.
We offer several denture types to meet the needs of our Chandler patients. During your consultation, we discuss which option best fits your situation, goals, and lifestyle.
Complete dentures replace all teeth in your upper arch, lower arch, or both. They rest on your gums and are held in place by natural suction and the precise fit of the appliance to your mouth’s contours.
We offer two approaches. Traditional complete dentures are created after your teeth have been removed and your gums have fully healed, typically several months. This allows for the most precise fit from day one. Immediate dentures are placed the same day your teeth are extracted, so you never go without teeth. Immediate dentures require adjustments as your gums heal over the following months, and most patients transition to a permanent set six to twelve months later.
For Chandler professionals and active community members, immediate dentures prevent any gap in appearance during the healing process. Many of our patients choose this option for the confidence of never being without a complete smile.
Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while your remaining healthy teeth stay in place. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base connected by a framework that clasps onto your natural teeth for support.
Beyond filling gaps, partial dentures prevent your remaining teeth from shifting, maintain proper bite alignment, and restore your ability to chew comfortably. We offer cast metal partials for exceptional strength and durability with a thin, lightweight design, and flexible partials using metal-free material that blends naturally with your gums and works well for patients with metal sensitivities.
Many Chandler patients choose partials as an affordable alternative to dental implants or bridges while still restoring full chewing function.
Implant-supported dentures combine the coverage of a full denture with the stability of dental implants. Small attachments on the denture snap securely onto implant posts placed in your jawbone, eliminating the slipping, adhesive, and discomfort associated with traditional removable dentures.
Chandler patients who switch from traditional to implant-supported dentures consistently describe the difference as transformative. You can eat foods you’ve avoided for years, speak with complete confidence, and stop worrying about denture movement during conversations or meals.
Upper implant-supported dentures eliminate the palate portion that covers the roof of your mouth, improving taste sensation, reducing gagging, and allowing more natural speech. Lower implant-supported dentures solve chronic stability problems since the lower jaw has less surface area for suction. Most patients need just 2 to 4 implants per arch.
Proper care extends the life of your dentures and protects your oral health. Remove and rinse your dentures after eating. Brush them daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner, not regular toothpaste which can scratch the surface. Soak them overnight in denture cleaning solution. Handle them over a towel or water-filled sink to prevent breakage if dropped.
Even with complete dentures, brush your gums, tongue, and palate every morning to stimulate circulation and remove bacteria. Arizona’s dry climate can reduce saliva production, which affects how your dentures feel throughout the day. Staying hydrated, especially during Chandler’s summer months, helps maintain comfort and oral health.
Schedule regular dental checkups even with dentures. We examine your gums, check denture fit, screen for oral cancer, and make adjustments as needed. Dentures typically last 5 to 10 years before needing replacement as your jawbone and gums naturally change shape over time.
Getting dentures involves several appointments to ensure optimal results. We start with a comprehensive consultation where we examine your mouth, discuss your goals, and recommend the best denture option for your situation.
We take precise impressions at different stages to capture the exact contours of your mouth. You choose the shade, shape, and size of your teeth with our guidance. Before finalizing, you try in your dentures to ensure you’re happy with appearance and fit. We can make adjustments at this stage because your input matters most.
Once perfected, we deliver your final dentures, ensure proper fit, and walk you through insertion, removal, and care techniques. Follow-up appointments during the first few weeks ensure comfort as you adjust to your new smile. Visit our smiles gallery to see the results our Chandler patients achieve.
New denture wearers should start with soft foods and gradually work up to more challenging textures. Cut food into smaller pieces and chew on both sides simultaneously to keep dentures balanced. Most Chandler patients eat comfortably within a few weeks. With implant-supported dentures, dietary restrictions are minimal from day one.
Speaking clearly with new dentures requires a brief adjustment period as your tongue adapts to the appliance. Most patients speak normally within two to three weeks. Practice reading aloud at home to speed up the process. If you notice clicking sounds or slipping during speech, contact our office for a fit adjustment.
Choosing the right denture provider matters as much as choosing the right denture type. At Fountains Dental Care, Dr. Eric Kerbs, Dr. Nick Mellum, and Dr. Julie Do bring over 25 years of combined experience in denture design, fitting, and maintenance. Dr. Mellum’s expertise in 3D technology and implant restorations makes him particularly skilled in implant-supported denture cases.
We handle everything from initial consultation through ongoing adjustments under one roof, which means your care stays consistent and coordinated. Our advanced technology allows for precise impressions and natural-looking results that Chandler patients trust. We also offer cosmetic dentistry services for patients who want to enhance their overall smile alongside denture treatment.
Denture costs vary depending on the type (complete, partial, or implant-supported) and your specific treatment plan. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of denture costs. During your consultation, we provide a clear cost breakdown and discuss payment options so you can make an informed decision.
Most patients adjust to new dentures within 4 to 8 weeks. The first few days feel the strangest as your mouth adapts. Speaking and eating become easier each week. Wearing your dentures consistently during the day helps you adjust faster.
We recommend removing dentures at night to give your gums time to rest. Your mouth tissues need several hours without pressure to stay healthy. Removing them also allows proper overnight cleaning and soaking.
Dentures typically last 5 to 10 years with proper care. Your jawbone and gums continue changing throughout life, which affects fit even if the dentures are in good condition. Regular checkups at our Chandler office help monitor fit and oral health.
Modern dentures are remarkably natural-looking. The teeth mimic natural teeth in color, shape, and translucency, while the base blends with your tissue. Most people will never realize you’re wearing them.
Dentures are removable appliances that sit on your gums. Dental implants are permanent replacements surgically placed in your jawbone. Implants cost more and require surgery but offer superior stability and preserve jawbone. Implant-supported dentures combine benefits of both. Read our implants vs. dentures comparison for a detailed breakdown.
Many denture problems can be repaired. Never attempt repairs yourself or use drugstore kits, as these often cause more damage. Contact our Chandler office immediately and we can often complete repairs within a day or two.
Yes. Regular checkups remain essential. We examine your dentures for wear, check your gum tissue, assess jawbone health, and screen for oral cancer. We recommend denture patients visit at least annually.
Fountains Dental Care is located at 3930 S Alma School Road, Suite 6, Chandler, AZ 85248. We serve patients from Chandler, Ocotillo, Fulton Ranch, Arden Park, Pinelake Estates, Sun Lakes, SunBird, Fox Crossing, Oakwood Hills, Balboa Way, Carino Estates, Gilbert, Mesa, and the greater East Valley. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8am to 5pm and Friday 8am to 1pm.
Whether you need complete dentures, partial dentures, or implant-supported dentures, Fountains Dental Care has the experience and personal approach to help you restore your smile with confidence. We serve patients from across the East Valley, including Ocotillo, Fulton Ranch, Balboa Way, Carino Estates, Arden Park, Pinelake Estates, Sun Lakes, SunBird, Fox Crossing, Oakwood Hills, Gilbert, and Mesa.
Schedule your denture consultation today or call (480) 222-8083. Your new smile is closer than you think.
