Dentures in Asheville, NC
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Losing one or more teeth can be extremely upsetting, especially when it starts to affect how you eat, speak, or smile every day. Whether tooth loss has happened gradually over the years or all at once due to an injury or extraction, finding a comfortable and reliable way to restore your smile matters more than most people realize until they’re living without it.
At Travis J. Calhoun, DDS, our restorative dentistry team has helped patients throughout Asheville regain their confidence and function with dentures crafted to fit their lives, not just their mouths. If you are missing teeth, let us help you determine if dentures are the right call.
What Are Dentures and Who Are They For?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore the natural appearance and function of your smile. They can replace a single arch or both, depending on how much natural tooth structure remains, and they’re built to support the muscles of your face so your smile looks full and balanced rather than sunken or aged. Patients turn to dentures for many reasons, from long-term tooth loss due to decay or gum disease to trauma or simply the natural progression of dental wear over decades.
According to the CDC, complete tooth loss becomes significantly more common with age, and severe tooth loss can make it difficult to eat a balanced diet of meats, fruits, and vegetables. Dentures address both the functional and emotional sides of this experience, giving patients back the ability to eat comfortably and smile without hesitation.
Full Dentures vs. Partial Dentures
The right type of denture depends entirely on how many natural teeth remain. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth and rest directly on the gums, while partial dentures fill in gaps where some healthy teeth are still present, using a metal or acrylic framework that clips discreetly onto existing teeth. Both options are customized to match the shape, size, and shade of a natural, healthy smile.
Dr. Calhoun takes time during a consultation to evaluate the health of any remaining teeth, the condition of the gums, and each patient’s personal goals. Some patients who assume they need a full denture actually have enough healthy tooth structure remaining to be excellent candidates for a partial denture, which can help preserve jawbone and reduce the extent of treatment needed.
What Does the Denture Fitting Process Involve?
Getting fitted for dentures is a collaborative process that typically unfolds over several appointments to ensure the final result feels natural and works well. It begins with a thorough examination, impressions of the mouth, and careful measurements to capture how the jaw moves and how the bite comes together. From there, a trial denture is often created so adjustments can be made before the final version is fabricated.
Comfort and fit are never rushed at our office. Dr. Calhoun believes that a denture should feel secure enough for confident eating and speaking, without pressure points or slipping that leave patients hesitant to wear them. You may need a short adjustment period as the muscles of the cheeks and tongue learn to work with the new appliance, and follow-up visits allow for fine-tuning as the gums settle into their new normal.
Caring for Your Dentures Long Term
Proper care extends the life of a denture and protects the health of the gums and any remaining natural teeth underneath. Dentures should be removed and cleaned daily using a denture-specific brush and cleanser rather than regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive for the material. It’s just as important to give the gums rest overnight by soaking the denture rather than sleeping with it in.
Since the shape of the jawbone and gums naturally changes over time, even a well-fitted denture will need periodic adjustments or eventual replacement. The following habits can help you get the most out of your dentures and avoid unnecessary discomfort:
- Daily cleaning: Brush the denture gently every day with a soft brush and denture cleanser to remove plaque and food debris.
- Overnight soaking: Remove dentures at night and place them in water or a denture-soaking solution to help them keep their shape.
- Routine checkups: Schedule regular visits so we can check the fit and catch changes in the gums or jawbone early.
- Careful handling: Clean dentures over a folded towel or basin of water in case they’re accidentally dropped.
Sticking to these habits, along with regular checkups at our office, helps dentures stay comfortable and functional for years to come.
Are Dentures the Right Option for You?
Not every patient with missing teeth is automatically a candidate for dentures, and not every denture candidate needs the same type of appliance. Patients who have lost teeth due to decay, for example, may benefit from learning more about when a dental crown is actually needed if enough of the natural tooth can still be saved. Dentures tend to be the right fit for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth in an arch, or who want a nonsurgical, budget-friendly option for restoring a complete smile.
While dentures are commonly associated with older adults, patients in their 30s and 40s are increasingly seeking them out due to injury, genetics, or long-term dental issues that couldn’t be addressed by other means. What matters most is an honest conversation about your goals, your remaining oral health, and what will truly serve you best over the coming years.
Same-Day Dentures and Implant-Supported Dentures
Not every patient wants to wait weeks between having teeth removed and walking out with a full smile. Same-day, or immediate, dentures are fabricated in advance from impressions taken before extraction, so a temporary denture can be placed the same day your teeth come out. You will need relines and adjustments as your gums heal and change shape over the following months, but you are never without teeth in the meantime.
For patients who want a more permanent, secure fit, implant-supported dentures anchor to dental implants placed in the jawbone rather than resting on the gums alone. This option can reduce the slipping and adhesive dependence that traditional dentures sometimes involve, though it comes with a longer treatment timeline and a surgical component.
Dentures vs. Implant-Supported Dentures: Which Is Right for You?
Traditional removable dentures are more affordable up front and require no surgery, which makes them a practical choice for patients who want a nonsurgical, budget-conscious solution. Implant-supported dentures cost more and take longer to complete, but they can help preserve jawbone density and offer a stability that a removable appliance cannot match. Dr. Calhoun reviews both options during your consultation, including whether same-day dentures make sense as an interim step, so you can decide with a full picture of the trade-offs.
Why Choose Travis J. Calhoun, DDS for Dentures in Asheville?
Dr. Travis Calhoun has spent over 30 years treating patients throughout western North Carolina, and that experience shows in the way he approaches denture care. He is unhurried, detail-oriented, and centered on how each patient actually lives their daily life. As he puts it, “It is my mission to treat everybody like they were my mom. I want to keep my skills at the absolute highest level so I can deliver the best dental care available. At the same time, we provide a laid-back, friendly atmosphere so that our patients are relaxed and have experiences with us that are as enjoyable as possible.”
That philosophy shapes every part of the denture process at our office, from the first conversation about your options to the final fitting appointment. New patients can review what to expect from their first visit with our practice before scheduling, and we also offer flexible financing options through CareCredit and Cherry to help make treatment more affordable.
Dentures FAQs
Meet Dr. Travis Calhoun, DDS
Dr. Travis Calhoun has been treating patients throughout Asheville and western North Carolina for over 30 years. A born-and-raised Asheville native, he studied at the University of Georgia before completing his dental training at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and has run a fee-for-service family practice here ever since. Patients trust his unhurried, detail-oriented approach to denture and prosthodontic care.
"It is my mission to treat everybody like they were my mom. I want to keep my skills at the absolute highest level so I can deliver the best dental care available, in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere."
Schedule Your Denture Consultation Today
If missing teeth have been holding you back from eating, speaking, or smiling the way you want to, dentures may be the solution that finally gives you your confidence back. From full and partial options to a careful, patient-first fitting process, our Asheville practice is here to help you find the right fit for your specific needs.
To schedule a consultation, reach out through our contact form to get started. We look forward to helping you smile fully again.
Questions about payments and financing options? Give us a call at (828) 277-2722.