Dentures in San Diego, CA
Whether you've lost a few teeth or all of them, Dr. Robair Aldaya has the experience and expertise to restore your smile with comfortable, natural-looking dentures. We've been serving San Diego patients since 2007.
Book $99 New Patient Exam$99 New Patient Exam — Includes X-Rays & Consultation
(858) 412-5777Types of Dentures We Offer
Not every patient needs the same solution. Dr. Aldaya evaluates your bone health, remaining teeth, lifestyle, and budget to recommend the right type of denture for you.
Full (Complete) Dentures
Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth — upper, lower, or both. They rest directly on your gum tissue and are held in place by suction, natural muscle support, and optionally denture adhesive. Modern complete dentures are custom-fabricated from detailed impressions of your mouth, so the fit and appearance are far superior to older generations of dentures.
Full dentures are the right choice when all natural teeth in an arch have been lost or are beyond saving. They are non-surgical, relatively affordable, and can dramatically improve your quality of life — restoring the ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Partial Dentures
If you still have healthy natural teeth, a partial denture fills the gaps left by missing teeth without requiring the removal of your remaining teeth. Partials use metal clasps or precision attachments to anchor to your existing teeth, keeping the appliance stable during eating and speaking.
Beyond aesthetics, partial dentures perform an important structural function: they prevent your remaining teeth from drifting into the empty spaces, which can cause bite problems, jaw pain, and accelerated bone loss over time. Acrylic and flexible (Valplast) partials are available for patients who prefer a metal-free option.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are fabricated in advance and placed in your mouth the same day your remaining teeth are extracted. This means you never have to go without teeth — not even for a single day. Immediate dentures also serve as a protective bandage over your healing extraction sites.
Because your gums and bone will change shape as they heal, your immediate dentures will require relining or replacement with a permanent set approximately 6–12 months after extractions. Many patients find this trade-off — immediate teeth now, a permanent set later — well worth it.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures combine the coverage of dentures with the stability of dental implants. Titanium implants are placed in the jawbone and act as anchors for your denture, eliminating the slipping, clicking, and restricted diet that traditional dentures can cause. They also stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone resorption that occurs when teeth are missing.
Options include snap-on overdentures (removable for cleaning) and fixed implant bridges (permanently attached). We offer full details on our implant-supported dentures page. If you are currently struggling with loose or ill-fitting dentures, implant-supported solutions are worth a serious look.
How the Denture Fitting Process Works
Getting dentures is a multi-step process. Here is exactly what to expect from your first consultation through your final delivery.
- 1
Consultation & Examination
Dr. Aldaya examines your mouth, takes X-rays, and reviews your dental and medical history. He discusses your goals, explains your options, and recommends the type of denture that best suits your anatomy and lifestyle.
- 2
Extractions (If Needed)
If you have remaining teeth that need to be removed, this is scheduled first. We ensure you are comfortable throughout the process. For immediate dentures, impressions are taken before extractions so your denture is ready on the day of your procedure.
- 3
Impressions & Bite Registration
Detailed impressions of your gums (and remaining teeth, for partials) are taken. A bite registration records how your upper and lower jaws relate to each other, ensuring your dentures align properly for comfortable chewing.
- 4
Try-In Appointment
A wax model of your denture is created so you can see exactly how it will look and feel before the final appliance is made. This is your opportunity to request adjustments to tooth shape, color, size, or placement.
- 5
Delivery & Fitting
Your finished denture is delivered. Dr. Aldaya checks the fit, bite, and appearance, making any necessary chairside adjustments. You receive detailed care instructions and guidance for the adjustment period.
- 6
Follow-Up Adjustments
Most patients need one or two follow-up visits in the first weeks as the gums settle. Do not hesitate to call us — minor adjustments are normal and important for long-term comfort.
What to Expect During the Adjustment Period
New dentures almost always feel strange at first. Expect increased saliva production, minor speech changes (especially with "s" and "f" sounds), and some soreness on the gums. These effects typically resolve within 4–8 weeks as your mouth adapts. Eating soft foods cut into small pieces during the first few weeks helps significantly. Most patients are surprised by how quickly wearing dentures feels routine.
Comparing Your Options
Use this table as a starting point. Dr. Aldaya will help you identify the best fit for your health, lifestyle, and budget during your consultation.
| Factor | Full Dentures | Partial Dentures | Implant-Supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | Suction / adhesive | Clasps on teeth | Anchored to implants |
| Bone Health | Bone loss continues | Some preservation | Bone preserved |
| Maintenance | Remove & soak nightly | Remove & soak nightly | Brush like natural teeth |
| Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 / arch | $700–$1,800 | $3,500–$30,000+ |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years | 5–8 years | 15–25+ years |
| Diet Restrictions | Some (hard/sticky foods) | Minimal | None |
Why Patients Choose to Get Dentures
- Restore your ability to chew a full range of foods comfortably
- Improve speech clarity affected by missing teeth
- Support your facial structure and prevent a sunken appearance
- Boost confidence with a natural-looking, complete smile
- Protect remaining natural teeth from shifting out of position
- Affordable tooth replacement compared to implants alone
30+ Years of Experience — Right Here in San Diego
Dr. Robair Aldaya, DDS has been practicing dentistry since 1995 and opened Aldaya Dental & Implants in 2007. He brings decades of hands-on experience fitting full dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported restorations — and he takes the time to understand each patient's unique situation before recommending a course of treatment.
Located at 3737 Moraga Ave B-307, San Diego, CA 92117, we are convenient to patients throughout Clairemont, Linda Vista, Kearny Mesa, and surrounding San Diego communities.
Denture Consultation — $99 New Patient Exam
$99
Dr. Aldaya will evaluate your options and recommend the right solution for your lifestyle and budget.
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Dentures FAQ — San Diego
How much do dentures cost in San Diego, CA?
Denture costs in San Diego vary by type. Basic complete dentures typically range from $1,000–$2,500 per arch. Partial dentures range from $700–$1,800. Implant-supported dentures run $3,500–$30,000+ depending on the number of implants and type of restoration. At Aldaya Dental & Implants, we offer a $99 new patient exam so Dr. Aldaya can give you an accurate, personalized estimate. We also work with CareCredit and other financing options.
How long does it take to get used to dentures?
Most patients adapt to new dentures within 4–8 weeks. The first few days can feel awkward — your mouth muscles need time to learn how to hold them in place, and speech may temporarily be affected. Eating soft foods and practicing speaking aloud accelerates adjustment. If discomfort or sore spots develop, schedule a quick adjustment visit — trying to tough it out can cause unnecessary gum irritation.
Can I sleep in my dentures?
It is strongly recommended to remove your dentures at night. Sleeping in dentures increases the risk of bacterial and fungal buildup, gum inflammation, and accelerated bone loss. Your gum tissue needs time to breathe and recover from the pressure of wearing dentures all day. Soak them overnight in a denture-cleaning solution to keep them fresh and maintain their shape.
How do I clean my dentures?
Remove your dentures after meals and rinse them under running water. Brush them daily with a soft-bristle denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser — never regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive and can scratch the surface. Soak overnight in water or a denture-soaking solution to prevent warping. Also brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth every morning to stimulate circulation and remove bacteria.
Do I need bone grafting before getting dentures?
For traditional full or partial dentures, bone grafting is generally not required. However, if you are considering implant-supported dentures and have experienced significant bone loss, a bone graft may be needed before implants can be placed. Dr. Aldaya will take X-rays and evaluate your jaw bone density during your consultation to determine whether grafting is necessary for your specific situation.
When is the right time to get dentures?
The right time is when missing teeth are affecting your quality of life — your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, or smile confidently. You should also consider dentures if you have multiple teeth that are failing, severely decayed, or need extraction. The sooner you replace missing teeth, the better you can preserve remaining jaw bone structure. Don't wait until you've lost all your teeth; partial dentures can protect remaining natural teeth and slow bone loss.