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Dentures remain one of the most dependable ways to replace missing teeth and bring back the comfort, confidence, and everyday function of a complete smile. At her Pasadena practice, Dr. Kimberly Foon approaches denture care with the same conservative, patient-first philosophy that guides all of her work, designing each prosthesis around how it fits, feels, and looks so the result blends naturally with your features. Drawing on more than two decades in private practice, Dr. Foon takes the time to understand your goals and tailor every detail, from the shape and shade of the teeth to the way your denture supports your lips and facial structure.
Our Denture Services
A custom denture is crafted specifically for you rather than drawn from a one-size-fits-all mold. Dr. Foon considers how the denture sits in your mouth, how it supports your facial proportions, and how it looks when you speak and smile. Tooth shape, size, and color, along with the tone of the gum tissue, are chosen to reflect your natural appearance and personal preferences. Before the final denture is completed, a try-in stage lets you preview the look and refine it, so you can move forward with confidence in the outcome.
When several teeth are missing but healthy natural teeth remain, a partial denture fills the gaps while working in harmony with the teeth you still have. Each partial is designed to seat comfortably against your natural teeth and support an even, stable bite. Beyond restoring chewing and a fuller smile, a well-made partial helps keep your remaining teeth from drifting out of position over time. For many patients, it is an ideal way to replace what is missing while preserving as much natural structure as possible.
For patients who want more stability than a conventional denture provides, an implant-supported denture anchors to dental implants for a more secure, confident fit. With less movement while eating and speaking, the denture feels closer to natural teeth, and the implants help preserve the jawbone and facial structure that can diminish after tooth loss. This option can be shaped around your situation, whether you want to secure a denture you already wear or plan a longer-term, comprehensive solution. Dr. Foon will help you determine whether implant support is right for you and coordinate your care accordingly.
An immediate denture is placed the same day your remaining teeth are removed, so you are never left without a smile during healing. It protects the gum tissue and helps maintain your appearance, speech, and ability to eat while your mouth recovers. Because it is made before the extractions, the fit gradually changes as your gums and bone heal, and periodic adjustments or relines are a normal part of this phase. An immediate denture is a transitional step within a larger plan; once healing stabilizes, Dr. Foon designs a custom denture built for lasting comfort and a more precise fit.
A flipper is a lightweight, temporary appliance that fills the space of one or more missing teeth while you heal or wait for a more permanent option such as a bridge or implant. Its main purpose is cosmetic, keeping your smile intact and holding the surrounding space during the transition. Because flippers are made from a more delicate material, they are meant for short-term wear and gentle handling rather than heavy chewing. Dr. Foon treats this as one stage of a broader plan and will guide you toward a stronger, long-term restoration as your treatment progresses.
Over time, a denture can loosen, crack, or stop fitting the way it once did as your gums and bone naturally change. When that happens, a reline or repair can often restore comfort and proper function. Dr. Foon evaluates the fit carefully and arranges any necessary adjustments or repairs as promptly as possible. If a denture needs frequent relines or has sustained significant damage, it may be a sign that the appliance has worn out and no longer provides the support it should. In those cases, Dr. Foon will review your replacement options so your denture continues to feel secure and function well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avoid trying to glue or fix it yourself, since home repairs can permanently damage the denture and make a proper repair harder. Set the piece aside safely and contact our Pasadena office so we can arrange a professional repair as soon as possible.
Dentures are a reliable way to replace missing teeth, but they do not fully replicate natural teeth. Whenever it is realistic, keeping your own teeth offers the best long-term comfort, function, and oral health, which is why Dr. Foon takes a conservative approach and helps you weigh every option before recommending dentures.
Clean them daily with a soft brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser rather than regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive. Remove them at night and store them in water or a denture solution so they do not dry out and your gum tissue gets a chance to rest.For additional support, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), a safe and effective option for both children and adults that can help you feel more relaxed during treatment.
Implant-supported dentures offer greater stability and a more secure fit, which many patients find improves comfort and chewing. The right choice depends on your oral health, goals, and budget, and Dr. Foon can help you decide which option suits your situation.
With good care, dentures generally last several years, though the materials wear and break down over time. As your mouth changes, the fit can shift and affect comfort and stability. Regular checkups let Dr. Foon monitor the fit and recommend a reline or replacement when the time comes.
It is best not to. Over-the-counter kits and adhesives can warp the material, throw off the fit, and complicate a professional repair. Bringing the denture in ensures it is restored correctly and stays comfortable and functional.For some patients, this may include a custom nightguard. In other cases, a different approach, such as a Kois deprogrammer, may be recommended to help improve how the teeth come together and function.
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