Frequently asked questions
How much do dentures cost in Glendale, AZ?
Economy full dentures (upper or lower) at Glisten Dental Glendale start at $900-$1,800. Premium full dentures $2,200-$3,500. A full upper-and-lower set ranges $1,800-$6,500 depending on tier. Partial dentures $1,400-$2,800. Implant-supported snap-in dentures $8,500-$15,000 per arch. Most dental PPOs cover 50% after deductible.
How long does it take to get used to dentures?
The typical adjustment period is 6-8 weeks. Week 1-2: soreness at pressure points (we adjust these at follow-ups), learning to keep the denture in place while talking and eating. Week 3-4: eating softer foods becomes easier, speech normalizes, saliva production calms down. Week 5-8: most patients eat most foods, speak normally, and find the denture unnoticeable most of the time. Some patients — particularly with lower dentures — struggle past 8 weeks and may benefit from implant-supported conversion.
Should I get traditional dentures or implant-supported dentures?
It depends on your goals, budget, and clinical situation. Traditional dentures are less expensive ($900-$3,500 per arch) but provide only 25-30% of natural chewing function, especially for lower dentures. Implant-supported (snap-in) dentures are $8,500-$15,000 per arch but provide 70-80% of natural chewing function and dramatically better stability. Fixed All-on-4 is the premium option at $20,000-$35,000 per arch. Dr. Dawood will discuss all options honestly based on your jawbone, finances, and goals.
How long do dentures last?
Full dentures typically need relining every 2-3 years (as gum tissue and bone change shape) and replacement every 5-10 years. Partial dentures last roughly the same. Implant-supported dentures: the underlying implants can last a lifetime; the removable prosthetic component (the 'teeth' portion) typically needs refurbishment or replacement every 10-15 years. Regular dental visits every six months catch fit and wear issues early.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Mostly — with caveats. Full dentures provide about 25-30% of natural chewing function, which is enough for most soft and medium-texture foods but challenging for very hard or chewy items (steak, corn on the cob, apples, hard bread crust, caramels). Most denture patients adapt their diet slightly — cutting harder foods into smaller pieces, using upper teeth more carefully, avoiding certain items. Implant-supported dentures restore 70-80% of chewing function; All-on-4 restores 90-95%.
Will dentures cover my remaining teeth?
No. Full dentures require all teeth in an arch to be missing or extracted. Partial dentures attach around your remaining teeth using metal clasps or precision attachments, leaving your natural teeth in place. If you have some healthy teeth and some missing teeth, a partial denture or bridge (or implant) is appropriate — we don't extract healthy teeth to place full dentures unless there are very specific clinical reasons.
What if my dentures are uncomfortable or don't fit?
Come back. We include adjustment appointments in the case price for the first 6-8 weeks. Typical issues we adjust: pressure points that cause sore spots on the gums, bite problems that cause one side to feel off, denture teeth too tall causing discomfort. If your denture becomes loose over months or years, that's usually a reline (refitting the base to your changed gum shape), typically $300-$600 — not a new denture.
Do dentures look fake?
Modern custom dentures look very natural when properly designed. Poor-looking dentures usually stem from cookie-cutter tooth selection (same template regardless of face shape), too-uniform color, or placement issues. Dr. Dawood uses face-driven denture design — tooth size, shape, and arrangement tailored to your face and smile. The 'wax try-in' phase lets you see the denture before it's finalized, so you can approve the look before permanent fabrication.