That Restore Your Smile and Confidence
Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance. They can make it difficult to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and feel confident in everyday situations. Whether tooth loss is the result of decay, injury, or gum disease, dentures offer a reliable and time-tested solution for restoring both function and aesthetics.
At Total Dental Care, we provide custom dentures for patients in Pekin and throughout Central Illinois. Our approach focuses on comfort, fit, appearance, and long-term oral health—especially for patients who may feel anxious about dental treatment.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are custom-made to fit your mouth so you can eat, speak, and smile with greater ease and confidence.
For many patients, dentures are more than just a tooth replacement—they’re a way to get back to normal daily life without the frustration or discomfort caused by missing teeth.
Depending on your needs, dentures can:
- Make chewing and eating easier
- Improve speech clarity
- Support facial structure for a more youthful appearance
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting (with partial dentures)
- Restore confidence in your smile
Your dentist will evaluate your gums, jawbone, and any remaining teeth to determine whether dentures are the right option and which type will best meet your needs.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures available, each designed for different levels of tooth loss and patient needs.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace all teeth on the upper and/or lower arch. They are carefully designed using detailed impressions to ensure a secure, natural fit.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For added stability, dentures can be supported by dental implants placed in the jawbone.
These options:
- Provide a more secure fit
- Help prevent bone loss
- Improve comfort and function
- Reduce slipping while eating or speaking
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They help fill gaps while preventing surrounding teeth from shifting.
Types include:
- Clasp Attachments – Use small metal clasps to secure the denture to nearby teeth
- Precision Attachments – Hidden connectors that provide a more natural appearance
- Flexible Dentures – Made from lightweight, gum-colored materials for a more discreet fit
Our Denture Process
Getting dentures is a step-by-step process designed to ensure proper fit, function, and comfort.
- Consultation and Evaluation: We examine your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine the best denture option.
- Impressions and Measurements: Precise molds are taken to create dentures that fit your mouth comfortably.
- Fitting and Adjustments: Your dentures are carefully fitted and adjusted to ensure proper bite and appearance.
- Final Placement and Follow-Up: We make any necessary refinements and provide guidance for long-term success.
Our team works closely with you throughout the process to ensure your dentures feel as natural and comfortable as possible.
What to Expect When Adjusting to Dentures
It’s normal for dentures to feel different at first. Some patients experience:
- A feeling of fullness in the mouth
- Minor speech changes
These adjustments are temporary. Over time, your mouth adapts, and dentures begin to feel more natural. While they may not feel exactly like natural teeth, they offer a significant improvement over missing teeth.
Caring for Your Dentures
Proper care is essential to maintain the longevity and hygiene of your dentures.
- Clean dentures daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner
- Soak them in water or denture solution when not in use
- Avoid hot water, which can warp the material
- Handle carefully to prevent damage
- Never attempt to adjust dentures yourself
Regular dental visits are also important to ensure your dentures continue to fit properly and that your gums remain healthy.
Why Choose Total Dental Care for Dentures?
Choosing the right provider for dentures is just as important as choosing the treatment itself. At Total Dental Care, we focus on delivering results that not only restore your smile, but also improve your overall comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
Here’s what sets our team apart:
- Comfort-Focused, Patient-First Care – We understand that many patients seeking dentures have had difficult past dental experiences or long gaps in care. Our approach is calm, supportive, and never rushed or judgmental.
- Experienced, Compassionate Doctors – Dr. Stephen Dickey and Dr. David Steinwedel bring years of clinical experience along with a genuine commitment to listening, educating, and guiding patients through every step of treatment.
- Custom-Fit Dentures Designed for You – Every denture is carefully designed based on your unique anatomy, bite, and facial structure to ensure a natural look and a secure, functional fit.
- Comprehensive Care – Whether you need extractions, implant placement, or long-term denture adjustments, our team can manage your care.
Our goal is not just to replace missing teeth, but to provide a solution that feels natural, functions properly, and helps you feel confident in your smile again.
Part of Our Restorative Dentistry Services
Dentures are one of several ways we restore missing teeth, and they’re often part of a broader, personalized treatment plan. At Total Dental Care, we look at your full oral health picture to recommend the right combination of solutions for long-term comfort and function.
Depending on your needs, your care may also involve:
- Extractions – When teeth cannot be saved, gentle extractions prepare the mouth for comfortable, well-fitting dentures.
- Dental Implant Restoration – Implants can be used to support dentures for a more secure fit and to help preserve jawbone health.
In many cases, dentures can be combined with implant-supported solutions to improve stability, reduce movement, and enhance overall function. Our goal is to guide you toward the option that best fits your health, comfort, and lifestyle.
Beyond restorative care, your long-term oral health is supported by our full range of services, including Sedation Dentistry for comfort-focused treatment, Preventative Dentistry to protect your smile, Cosmetic Dentistry to enhance appearance, and Emergency Dental Care when urgent issues arise.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence
If you’re missing teeth and considering dentures, our team is here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
Whether you need full dentures, partial dentures, or an implant-supported solution, we’ll guide you through each step with a focus on comfort and long-term results.
Call 309-347-7055 today or request an appointment to schedule your consultation.