Dentures in Rocklin, CA
Losing most or all of your teeth can take a serious toll on your confidence and make eating many foods—like meat, fruits, and crunchy vegetables—difficult. Unfortunately, this is the reality for roughly one in 10 adults aged 65-74 and one in five adults aged 75 or older. Traditional dentures are a common solution, providing an affordable way to restore function. However, if you want a more secure, long-term option, implant dentures may be the answer. Anchored with mini dental implants, they stay firmly in place, giving you greater stability and a more natural feel.
What Are Traditional Dentures?

Traditional dentures are removable prosthetics that mimic the appearance of natural teeth and gums. Depending on how many teeth need to be replaced, patients can choose between two denture options: a full denture, which replaces all teeth, or a partial denture, which is used when some natural teeth remain.
Both use similar materials, such as acrylic or porcelain. However, partial dentures have metal or acrylic clasps that help them securely attach to natural teeth.
Getting Dentures: The Process Explained
Your journey to dentures starts with a free consultation. During this visit, we assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and review your budget. Next, we take X-rays and develop a personalized treatment plan. If you have any remaining teeth that need removal, we’ll extract them to ensure a healthy foundation for your dentures.
For traditional dentures, healing time is required after extractions. Once healed, we will take impressions of your mouth to create a mold. The dental lab then uses this mold to craft a wax model of your dentures, allowing for adjustments based on your feedback.
After finalizing the design, the lab creates your permanent dentures. When they’re ready, you’ll return to our office for a fitting. Before you leave, we’ll provide guidance on how to care for your dentures to keep them in great shape.
The Downfall of Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures have long been a viable option for full-arch tooth replacement, but they have some important drawbacks. While they offer an affordable way to restore basic function, many patients find their convenience overshadowed by poor fit, discomfort, and daily challenges.
One major issue is reduced chewing power. Unlike natural teeth, traditional dentures can’t withstand the force needed to eat certain foods. Therefore, enjoying a juicy steak or crisp vegetables is often difficult, forcing many to change their diets.
Additionally, bone loss occurs over time because traditional dentures don’t stimulate the jawbone like tooth roots do. As the jawbone shrinks, it affects the fit of the prosthesis, causing it to become loose and unstable. This shifting can make eating and speaking difficult and increase the risk of your false teeth slipping or falling out. To compensate for these changes, dentures need ongoing adjustments to restore a proper fit. Without regular maintenance, they can become uncomfortable and less functional. Some patients find this upkeep time-consuming and inconvenient, adding to the challenges of wearing false teeth.
Beyond food restrictions and bone loss, dentures can also impact speech. Many wearers report slurred words or difficulty with pronunciation, especially in the beginning. This adjustment period can be frustrating and even embarrassing as you learn to speak clearly again.
For those looking for a more secure, natural-feeling solution, implant dentures offer a modern alternative with greater stability and long-term benefits.
Innovative Implant Alternatives for a More Confident Smile

Thanks to advancements in dentistry, patients now have better options that offer greater longevity, durability, and functionality. At Agape Dental, we specialize in implant-supported dentures, an advanced, life-changing solution for restoring your smile. Implant-supported dentures combine dental implants with dentures to replace missing teeth.
Dr. Mapanao often stabilizes prosthetic teeth with mini dental implants because of their many benefits. Mini implants are half the width of traditional implants. At about the width of a toothpick, they’re ideal for those who have experienced bone loss. Their smaller size allows for a less invasive procedure, a shorter healing time, and a more affordable option. Mini implants are also less painful than traditional implants, and you’ll need fewer visits to our office for treatment.
We offer three main types of mini implant dentures at Agape Dental:
- Snap-on dentures: These are secured with 4-6 mini implants for the lower arch and 6-8 implants for the upper arch. They provide more stability than traditional dentures while remaining removable for easy cleaning. This option is the most affordable implant denture solution. We can sometimes retrofit an existing denture for added convenience.
- Semi-removable roundhouse bridge: Also called Fix-on-Six, this system uses 6-10 mini implants to anchor a full-arch zirconia bridge, which Dr. Mapanao will remove during your cleanings. It offers greater chewing power and a more natural feel than snap-on dentures. Patients don’t have to remove it themselves, making it a hassle-free, long-term option.
- Non-removable roundhouse bridge: We permanently cement this option onto 10-12 mini implants, providing the most secure and natural-feeling solution. It restores full chewing ability, closely mimicking the function of natural teeth. As the most durable and long-lasting choice, it provides unmatched stability, allowing you to eat and speak with confidence again.
Discover Your Denture Solution at Agape Dental
Dentures have long been a reliable solution for missing teeth, but traditional models are no longer the only choice. With advancements in dentistry, implant-supported options offer a secure, long-lasting alternative that looks, feels, and functions like natural teeth. They provide the stability needed to enjoy your favorite foods without hesitation. Schedule a free consultation to explore your options and find the best solution for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer depends on the type of denture you need. Partial dentures can replace just one or several missing teeth, filling in the gaps while preserving your remaining natural teeth. Full dentures are used when all teeth in the upper or lower arch are missing—or need to be extracted for oral health reasons. The best way to determine the right option for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mapanao, who can assess your unique needs and recommend the best solution.
The lifespan of dentures depends on the type you choose and how well you care for them. They typically last 5-10 years, but factors like oral hygiene, diet, and teeth grinding can impact their durability. Implant-supported dentures, on the other hand, are anchored with dental implants and can last much longer with proper care. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, implant dentures offer unmatched stability and longevity.
Adjusting to dentures takes time, but don’t worry—you will regain comfort and confidence. At first, eating and speaking may feel different, but with patience and practice, it can become second nature. Start with soft foods and gradually introduce firmer textures as you adjust. Cutting food into smaller pieces can also help make the transition smoother. With a little time and care, your dentures will start to feel like a natural part of your daily life.
If you’re concerned about stability, prefer a more natural feel, and want the freedom to eat your favorite foods, an implant denture may be the right choice.