The process typically takes 3 to 6 weeks from the initial consultation to the final fitting. This includes impressions, custom fabrication, try-in appointments, and adjustments. Immediate dentures (placed the same day teeth are extracted) are available for patients who don't want to go without teeth during healing — though they require more adjustments as the gums reshape.

With practice, yes — most denture wearers can eat a wide variety of foods. Start with soft foods for the first few weeks while your mouth adapts. Over time, you'll reintroduce firmer foods. Very hard, sticky, or crunchy foods may always require some caution. Implant-supported dentures significantly improve chewing ability and allow you to eat with more confidence and less restriction.

Modern dentures are designed to look very natural. The teeth are custom-selected for shade, shape, and size to match your facial features, and the gum-colored base is crafted to mimic natural gum tissue. Premium denture options use higher-quality materials that provide even more realistic translucency and texture. Most people won't be able to tell you're wearing dentures.

Yes. Diabetes does not prevent you from getting dentures. However, well-controlled blood sugar is important for healing — especially if extractions are needed before denture placement. Dr. Nwokorie coordinates care with your medical team to ensure safe treatment. Patients with diabetes may also heal more slowly and require more frequent follow-up adjustments.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care, including dentures. However, some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include dental benefits that may partially cover denture costs. Medicaid coverage for dentures in Texas is limited and varies by eligibility. We recommend checking your specific plan — our team can help you navigate coverage options.

Traditional dentures typically last 5 to 10 years before needing replacement. Over time, the jawbone changes shape (resorption), which gradually alters the fit. Annual checkups allow Dr. Nwokorie to monitor the fit and recommend relines or replacements before comfort or function is compromised.

Implant-supported dentures snap onto 2 to 4 dental implants placed in the jawbone, providing dramatically better stability than traditional dentures. The denture still removes for cleaning, but when it's in, it's locked in place — no slipping, no adhesive. The implants also stimulate the bone to prevent the jaw shrinkage that happens with traditional dentures. Compare implants vs dentures →

It's recommended to remove dentures at night to let your gums rest, reduce the risk of fungal infections, and maintain the shape of the prosthesis by soaking it in a denture solution. Wearing dentures 24/7 can cause tissue irritation, increased bone loss, and bacterial buildup. Your mouth needs a break — just like your feet need a break from shoes.

Traditional dentures are removable appliances that sit on the gums. All-on-4 is a permanent, fixed full arch of teeth anchored to four implants in the jawbone — you never remove them. All-on-4 restores nearly full biting force, prevents bone loss, and eliminates adhesive entirely. It's a larger investment upfront but a permanent solution that feels and functions like natural teeth.