Dentures
Living with missing teeth changes more than your smile. Eating your favorite foods, speaking clearly, and even feeling confident in a conversation can become harder when gaps form in your bite. The good news is that you do not have to live with that discomfort, nor go without a solution that actually fits your life.
At Porche Dental Care, we have spent years helping Houma patients restore their smiles with dentures designed around comfort, fit, and function. Dr. Corey Porche, a Houma native who graduated from Nicholls State University before completing his dental education at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, brings two decades of hands-on experience to every denture fitting.
What Are Dentures and Who Needs Them?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, custom-made to match the shape of your mouth and the look of your natural smile. We offer full dentures for patients who have lost all of their teeth in an arch, as well as partial dentures for patients who still have some healthy teeth remaining.
Tooth loss happens for a range of reasons, including decay, gum disease, injury, and simple wear over time. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults aged 50 to 64 lose teeth at a noticeably higher rate than younger adults, which means many of our patients in this age range are exploring dentures for the first time. If you have started avoiding certain foods or covering your mouth when you smile, that is often a sign it is time for a conversation about your options.
Full Dentures vs. Partial Dentures
Choosing between full and partial dentures comes down to how many natural teeth you have left and the condition of your gums and jawbone. Both options are built to restore your bite and support your facial structure, which can sag or change shape when teeth are missing for too long.
We also offer dental bridges as an alternative for patients who want a fixed solution rather than a removable one. The choice between a bridge and a partial denture usually comes down to the number and location of the teeth you are missing, along with your personal preference for a fixed versus removable option. We will walk you through every path before you decide.
What to Expect When Getting Dentures at Our Houma Office
Getting fitted for dentures at our Houma office starts with a full exam to assess the health of your gums and any remaining teeth. From there, we take impressions of your mouth to create a denture that fits securely and looks natural. Once your dentures are ready, we schedule a fitting appointment to check comfort and bite alignment, then make adjustments as needed.
Many patients need a short adjustment period as their mouth gets used to the new denture, and we stay available throughout that process to fine-tune the fit so eating and speaking feel as normal as possible. It is common to notice changes in speech or extra saliva production during the first week or two — most patients find these effects fade as the muscles in the cheeks and tongue adjust. We encourage starting with softer foods and working back to a normal diet as comfort improves, rather than expecting full function on day one.
Caring for Your Dentures Long-Term
Properly caring for your dentures helps them last longer and keeps your mouth healthy. These habits protect your investment and your comfort:
Following these steps consistently can extend the life of your dentures and reduce the risk of irritation or sore spots.
Ready for Your New Smile? Contact Porche Dental Care
You deserve to eat, speak, and smile without thinking twice, and a well-fitted denture can give you that confidence back. As a fee-for-service practice, we accept CareCredit financing to help make treatment more manageable. Dr. Porche and our Houma team have built our practice around close patient relationships and personalized care, and that approach carries through every denture we create.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
How long do dentures last?
With proper care, dentures typically last seven to ten years before they need to be replaced or relined. Over time, your gums and jawbone naturally change shape, which can cause your dentures to fit differently. Regular checkups allow us to monitor the fit and make adjustments before discomfort develops.
Will dentures affect the way I speak or eat?
There is usually a short adjustment period. Some patients notice changes in speech or extra saliva production during the first week or two, but most find these effects fade as the muscles of the cheeks and tongue adapt to the new shape. Starting with softer foods and gradually working back to a normal diet helps the adjustment go smoothly.
What is the difference between a denture and a dental bridge?
Dentures are removable and can replace multiple or all teeth in an arch. A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that is permanently anchored to adjacent teeth or implants and does not come out. The right choice depends on the number and location of missing teeth, the health of your remaining teeth, and your preference for a removable versus fixed solution. We will walk you through both options during your consultation.
Can I sleep in my dentures?
Most dentists recommend removing dentures at night to give your gum tissue a chance to rest. Wearing dentures around the clock can accelerate bone loss and increase the risk of fungal infections. Soaking them overnight in water or a denture solution also helps maintain their shape and hygiene.
Does Porche Dental Care accept insurance for dentures?
We work with your insurance to help you understand your benefits. As a fee-for-service practice, we also accept CareCredit financing to help spread the cost of treatment over time. Contact our office before your visit and we will help you understand your options so there are no surprises.
What if my dentures break or stop fitting properly?
Contact our office as soon as possible. Broken dentures or dentures that no longer fit properly can cause irritation and sore spots, and should not be worn without adjustment. Do not try to repair dentures yourself with household adhesives, as this can damage the denture and make professional repair more difficult.
