Dentures in Miami Beach

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth that you can remove for cleaning. They restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably, and they fill out the face in a way that missing teeth can't, which is why many patients tell us a well-made set of dentures changes how they feel in photos and conversations as much as how they eat.

At Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Isidoros Mereos has been helping Miami Beach patients replace missing teeth for more than 20 years. Dentures are not one-size-fits-all, and the difference between a set you tolerate and a set you forget you're wearing comes down to careful fit, bite, and a natural look.

Types of Dentures:

  • Full Dentures

A full denture replaces all of the teeth on the upper arch, the lower arch, or both. It rests on the gums and is custom-shaped to your mouth. Upper dentures usually hold well on their own because of the natural suction of the palate. Lower dentures are harder, since the tongue has less to hold onto, which is one reason many lower-denture wearers eventually ask about implant support.

  • Partial Dentures

If you still have some healthy natural teeth, a partial denture fills the gaps while leaving those teeth in place. It's built to match the color and shape of your remaining teeth so the replacement teeth blend in rather than stand out.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For patients who want a more stable, secure fit, a denture can be anchored to dental implants rather than relying on the gums alone. This can reduce slipping and improve chewing confidence. Whether it's an option depends on your bone and overall health, which Dr. Mereos will evaluate in person. You can read more about this on our dental implants page.

Are Dentures Right for Me?

Dentures may be a good fit if:

  • You're missing most or all of your teeth in one or both arches
  • You're missing several teeth and a bridge or implants aren't the right fit for your situation
  • Your remaining teeth are too damaged or unhealthy to save
  • You want a more affordable and less surgical route to replacing missing teeth than implants

They aren't the right answer for everyone, and sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is tell you so. If you still have teeth that can be saved, we'll talk through whether keeping and restoring them is the better path.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants — How to Decide

This is the question we hear most, and the honest answer is that both are good options for different people.

Dentures are removable, require no surgery, and are generally the more budget-friendly way to replace a full set of teeth. The tradeoffs: they may need periodic adjustments or replacement as your mouth changes, they don't stop the jawbone from gradually shrinking, and some people find eating certain foods more difficult.

Dental implants are fixed in the jaw and feel more like natural teeth. They help preserve bone and don't slip. The tradeoffs: they involve a surgical procedure, a longer timeline, and a larger upfront investment, and not everyone has enough bone without grafting.

Many patients start with dentures and move to implant-supported solutions later, and others combine the two. Dr. Mereos will walk you through both options based on your health, goals, and budget, with no pressure toward one over the other.

The Denture Process, Step by Step

1. Your Consultation & Exam

We start with a thorough exam of your teeth, gums, and jaw, and a conversation about what's bothering you and what you want. If any teeth need to be removed, or any gum or bone issues need attention first, we'll lay that out clearly so there are no surprises later.

2. Impressions & Design

We take precise impressions of your mouth so your dentures are shaped to your anatomy. This is also where we talk about shade, tooth shape, and the overall look you're after, so the result suits your face and doesn't look like a generic set.

3. Fitting & Adjustments

Once your dentures are made, we check the fit, comfort, and bite, and make adjustments as needed. It's normal for new dentures to need a few follow-up visits as your mouth adapts, and we expect that and plan for it rather than treating it as a problem.

Living With Dentures

New dentures take a little getting used to, and that's normal. Here is what patients usually experience:

  • Speaking: Some words feel different for the first days or weeks. Reading aloud and practicing helps.
  • Eating: Start with softer foods cut into small pieces and add more variety as you get comfortable.
  • Soreness: Mild gum irritation early on is common and usually resolved with a quick adjustment. Don't wait it out; call us.
  • Daily care: Clean your dentures every day, remove them at night, and keep them in water or a denture solution when they're out. Dentures can crack if dropped, so clean them over a towel or a basin of water.

Your mouth also changes over time, so dentures usually need relining or adjustment every so often. Regular checkups let us catch fit problems early, and they also let us check your gums and the rest of your mouth for anything that needs attention.

Already Wearing Dentures and They Don't Fit Right?

Loose, clicking, or sore dentures are one of the most common things patients tell us, and you don't have to just live with it. Depending on the situation, the fix might be as simple as an adjustment or reline, a new set made to fit your mouth as it is today, or exploring implant support to hold them in place.

If you've been struggling for a while, it's worth a visit, since ill-fitting dentures can contribute to sore spots and make it harder to eat well. And if a denture breaks or goes missing, let us know right away; our office also provides emergency dental care.

What Does It Cost to Get Dentures in Miami Beach?

The cost of dentures depends on the type, whether you need one arch or both, whether any teeth need to be removed first, and the materials and level of customization involved. Because those factors vary so much from patient to patient, we don't publish a flat price online, and any quote given without an exam isn't a reliable one.

What we can promise: Dr. Mereos will give you a clear, itemized treatment plan with upfront pricing before any work begins. We're happy to talk through financing options that let you spread the cost over time, and our team can help you understand what your dental insurance may cover, since coverage for dentures varies widely by plan.

The best way to get your real number is a quick call. Call (305) 532-9114 and our team will help you schedule a consultation.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Mereos for Dentures

A good denture is part science and part craft. The fit, the bite, and the way the teeth look all affect whether you'll actually want to wear them every day. Dr. Mereos has been providing dental care to Miami Beach patients for more than 20 years, and he takes the time to get those details right.

  • An honest assessment. If your natural teeth can be saved, or if implants would serve you better, he'll tell you.
  • Deep clinical training. Dr. Mereos earned his DDS from Howard University School of Dentistry and completed residency training at Mount Sinai Medical Center and Jackson Memorial Hospital, and he continues to serve on Mount Sinai's dental faculty.
  • Options across the full range. From traditional dentures to implant-supported solutions, you can discuss everything in one place rather than being sent elsewhere for part of your care.
  • Active professional involvement. Dr. Mereos is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and South Florida District Dental Association.

Hear from our patients.

Dentures FAQ

With good care, dentures commonly last several years before needing replacement, though they usually need adjustments or relines along the way as your gums and bone change. Regular checkups help us catch problems early.

 

They should. We work with you on tooth shade, size, and shape so the result suits your face. A well-designed denture looks like teeth, not like a prop.

 

Most patients adapt well, though it takes some practice. Start with softer foods and work up. Very hard or sticky foods can remain tricky, particularly with lower dentures. Implant-supported options generally improve chewing stability.

Some mild soreness while your mouth adjusts is common in the first weeks and is usually fixed with a quick adjustment. Persistent pain isn’t something to push through, so call us.

It’s generally recommended to take them out at night to let your gums rest and to reduce the risk of irritation and infection. Dr. Mereos can advise you based on your situation.

Dentures are removable replacements that rest on your gums, while implants are anchored into the jawbone. Implants feel more like natural teeth and help preserve bone, but they involve surgery and a higher investment. Many patients start with one and later move to the other.

Often yes. Dentures can still be made, though a significant bone loss can affect how well they hold. This is a good reason to have your fit evaluated, and to ask whether implant support might help.

Ready to Smile and Eat With Confidence Again?

Whether you're missing teeth for the first time, struggling with dentures that don't fit, or weighing dentures against implants, a conversation with Dr. Mereos is the best first step. We'll examine your mouth, listen to your goals, and give you honest options with clear pricing before you commit to anything.

Call (305) 532-9114 or schedule your consultation online. Our Miami Beach office is ready to help.

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