Last updated 12.15.2025
Questions to Ask Dr. Son Before Starting Dentures
Dr. Minsung Son shares the top questions you should ask before beginning denture treatment in Gainesville.
Starting denture treatment can feel like a big step, but asking the right questions can make the whole process easier and less stressful. When you sit down with Dr. Minsung Son, you’ll want a clear idea of your treatment timeline, what your insurance covers and what costs to plan for before making any decisions. Just know that there are denture options to fit your budget, backed by expert care tailored to your needs.
It also helps to talk through your aftercare plan and how to reach your Aspen Dental care team if something doesn't feel right. With options ranging from traditional removable dentures to implant-supported choices, understanding the difference helps you choose a smile solution that fits your needs and goals.
What is the timeline and how many visits will I need?
Knowing your treatment timeline helps you plan your schedule and understand when you can expect to see the final results. At Aspen Dental in Gainesville, Dr. Minsung Son and your dental care team will guide you through every step, so you always know what’s ahead.
Traditional full dentures typically require 3 to 5 visits over 4 to 8 weeks. Your first appointment includes a complete exam, X-rays and impressions of your mouth. If you need extractions, expect a healing period of 6 to 8 weeks before your final dentures are placed. However, you won’t go without teeth during this time. Same-day dentures, also called immediate dentures, let you leave with a temporary set on the day of your extraction.
Partial dentures typically require 2 to 4 visits over 2 to 4 weeks. This includes impressions, bite registration and your final fitting.
Implant-supported dentures take longer because implants need 3 to 6 months to fuse with your jawbone before the final denture attaches.
Key timeline milestones
Initial consultation and exam: 60 to 90 minutes
Impressions and bite registration: 30 to 60 minutes per visit
Try-in appointment for fit and appearance: 30 to 45 minutes
Final denture delivery and adjustments: 45 to 60 minutes
Follow-up visits for adjustments: 15 to 30 minutes each
Asking about your specific timeline upfront helps you plan for time off work, transportation and any temporary diet changes during the healing phase.
What will this cost and what does my insurance cover?
Don't let cost concerns keep you from getting the denture care you need. Obtaining clear information about pricing and insurance coverage, as well as fully understanding your options before your treatment begins, will remove any guesswork from your denture journey.
Most private plans typically cover 50% of denture costs after you meet your annual deductible and up to your plan's annual maximum. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your specific denture coverage and any limits.
Insurance coverage realities for Gainesville residents
Original Medicare does not cover routine dentures. Many Medicare Advantage plans in Florida include denture coverage but usually limit benefits to one set every 5 years with 50% to 70% coinsurance after your deductible. Some Florida Medicare Advantage plans, including Florida Blue, expanded dental benefits in 2025, which may improve coverage for seniors.
At Aspen Dental, your care team will verify your insurance benefits before treatment and provide a clear cost estimate. You'll know your out-of-pocket responsibility upfront. No insurance? No worries. We offer ways to make dentures accessible, even on a fixed income.
The Aspen Dental Dental Savings Plan offers discounts on most services. Ask your care team about this option, as well as the flexible monthly payment financing options through trusted third-party lenders—99% of patients who apply are approved. Medicaid is not accepted at Aspen Dental offices.
Understanding the cost factors
Denture costs in Gainesville vary based on materials, technology and the number of teeth that need to be replaced. Your specific investment depends on the type of denture that fits your needs and oral health.
Questions to ask about cost:
What is the total cost for my specific denture type?
How much will my insurance pay, and what will I owe?
What payment plans are available to help spread out the cost?
Are there any additional costs for adjustments, repairs or follow-up visits?
Do you offer promotions or savings plans for patients without insurance?
Getting detailed answers to these questions helps you plan your budget, avoid financial stress and move forward with confidence.
What type of dentures are best for my situation?
Not all dentures work the same way, and the right choice depends on your oral health, lifestyle and budget. Talking through your options with Dr. Son can help you understand how different denture types affect your eating, speaking and daily life.
Comparing your denture options:
Denture Type | Best For | Stability Level | Timeline |
Traditional Full | Complete tooth loss, budget-conscious patients | Moderate (relies on suction) | 4 to 8 weeks |
Same-Day Dentures | Patients needing extractions who want immediate teeth | Moderate (adjusted as healing progresses) | Same day as extractions |
Partial Dentures | Missing some teeth with healthy remaining teeth | Good (clips to existing teeth) | 2 to 4 weeks |
Implant-Supported | Patients wanting maximum stability and bone preservation | Excellent (snaps onto implants) | 3 to 6 months |
Traditional full dentures, also called complete dentures, replace all your teeth in your upper jaw, lower jaw or both. At Aspen Dental, they’re custom-made to look natural and help you get back to eating, speaking and smiling with ease.
From our most customizable options, the Signature and Signature Elite choices to our Classic and Basic styles, there’s an option for most budgets. These dentures are carefully crafted to rest on your gums and are shaped to fit your mouth for a secure and comfortable fit. They are easy to remove for cleaning but may need a dental adhesive to stay secure. If you notice any shifting, your dental care team can help.
Full dentures are a proven and affordable solution. Over time, however, bone changes may require adjustments or a relining of your dentures.
Partial dentures are a removable dental prosthetic that replaces one or more missing teeth while keeping your remaining teeth in place. They fill in the gaps of missing teeth, restore the look of your smile and help you comfortably return to everyday functions. Rather than fitting snugly on your gums, partial dentures clasp onto neighboring teeth to stay secure and are made from softer materials for comfort.
Implant dentures, also known as snap-in dentures, implant-supported dentures or overdentures, are a hybrid tooth replacement solution. Unlike traditional dentures that rest on your gums, implant dentures snap into dental implants placed in your jawbone. This gives you a secure fit without adhesives. Implant-supported dentures help preserve bone by stimulating your jaw like natural teeth.
For Gainesville patients, Dr. Minsung Son offers a fixed, full-arch implant option for a permanent full-mouth solution. This option delivers strong stability, long-term durability and a natural look.
At Aspen Dental in Gainesville, Dr. Son will evaluate your oral health, bone density, gum condition and lifestyle to recommend the right option for you. If you want strong biting power or maximum stability, implant-supported dentures may be worth considering. If you want an affordable solution fast, traditional dentures can get you there sooner.
How do I care for and clean my dentures?
Once you have your new dentures, a simple daily routine helps protect your oral health and your smile. Before you leave your first appointment, your care team will show you how to clean your full dentures at home. Until then, here are a few helpful tips.
Daily denture care routine for full dentures
Remove your dentures and brush them at least once daily with a soft-bristled denture brush. Clean both sides using a circular motion—be thorough but gentle.
Brush from top to bottom using slow strokes to remove food particles.
Rinse after every meal to wash away any debris. Always use cool or lukewarm water because hot water can warp your dentures.
Use mild dish soap or denture cleaner. Avoid regular toothpaste because it can scratch denture surfaces, creating spaces where bacteria can grow
Soak your dentures overnight in a denture-safe cleanser to help clean hard-to-reach areas, remove stains and control bacteria.
Use a 3-minute denture cleanser for a quick refresh that cleans your dentures fast.
Keep up with your checkups and call Dr. Minsung Son’s office if you notice any discomfort or damage.
Maintain a good morning oral care routine. Remember, it’s just as important to take care of your gums as it is to care for your dentures. Brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth every morning before inserting your dentures. This removes bacteria, boosts circulation in your gums and helps keep your mouth feeling fresh.
How to clean your implant dentures
Cleaning implant dentures is like cleaning full dentures with a few extra steps. You’ll remove them daily and brush gently, avoiding attachment points. Don’t rinse or soak in hot water to prevent warping. When brushing your teeth, gums, tongue and roof of your mouth, also clean around your implants to protect your oral health. Regular, 6-month check-ups are a must for keeping your gums healthy and your implant dentures in great condition.
Denture handling and storage tips
Handle your dentures carefully over a folded towel or sink filled with water. Dentures can break if dropped on hard surfaces. Check for cracks, chips or loose teeth regularly. Dentures need moisture to retain their shape, so store them in water or denture solution when not in use.
Your Aspen Dental care team in Gainesville will give you written care instructions and walk you through proper cleaning techniques before you leave the office.
What is the aftercare plan and what if I have a problem?
Understanding your aftercare plan can give you some peace of mind in your journey. Adjusting to new dentures takes time, and it’s normal to notice a few changes along the way. If you need tooth extractions, your care plan will follow the stages of healing. In general, care post extractions happens in phases.
Phases of healing post extractions
Here are a few insights that may help you heal faster and stay comfortable along the way.
Phase one: 1-3 days post extractions
Rest is your top priority. A little preparation ahead of time for meals, sleep prep and pain medication can make getting a little R&R easier. Follow your care team’s instructions about swelling and soreness. Finally, keep your dentures in, even when sleeping, during the first few days.
Phase two: 3-14 days after extractions
You may notice dissolving stitches and less swelling. To keep your recovery progressing smoothly, you’ll want to get comfortable with your dentures, especially when speaking, eating, sleeping and keeping them clean. Your dentures may feel loose at this time, and your mouth muscles may feel tired—these issues are normal.
Phase three: 14-30 days after extractions
At this stage, you can start adding more foods back into your diet and begin gently brushing your gums. You should feel more comfortable wearing and cleaning your dentures. This is also when you may learn more about how to apply adhesives if needed.
Phase four: 3-6 months after extractions
Your healing process should be complete. Now’s the time to make adjustments for comfort and explore your next steps based on the denture solution you chose. You can also go back and compare our denture options to help ensure you have the best solution for you and your smile.
Your follow-up schedule
Expect 3 to 4 follow-up appointments during your first few months. Your Aspen Dental care team will check the fit, make adjustments and address sore spots. Bring your dentures to every visit so adjustments can be made right away.
Normal adjustment vs. urgent concerns:
Temporary issues, such as increased saliva, minor sore spots, changes in speech and trouble with certain foods, are common and usually improve within 2 to 4 weeks. However, if you experience persistent pain, bleeding or dentures that feel very loose, contact Dr. Son at the Gainesville office right away.
Aftercare questions to ask Dr. Minsung Son
When should I schedule my first follow-up appointment?
How do I reach you if I have urgent pain or your denture breaks?
What issues are normal during adjustment, and what should be reported?
Do you offer emergency repair services for broken or damaged dentures?
How often do dentures need professional cleaning or adjustment?
At Aspen Dental, your dental care team will provide clear instructions about what to expect during your adjustment period. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available if you need quick help
Long-term maintenance schedule
Dentures typically need relining every 2 to 3 years as your mouth shape changes. Full replacement is usually needed every 5 to 7 years. Knowing your maintenance requirements helps you plan for the long-term care of your smile.
When should you schedule an appointment with Aspen Dental in Gainesville?
If you're living with missing teeth, trouble eating, or dentures that no longer fit properly, schedule an appointment with Dr. Minsung Son at Aspen Dental in Gainesville, FL. Waiting to address tooth loss allows bone deterioration to progress, which can make future denture fitting harder and may require additional procedures.
Schedule a consultation if you
Have loose or ill-fitting dentures that slip while eating or speaking
Experience persistent sore spots or pain with current dentures
Need multiple teeth extracted and want to avoid going without teeth
Want to explore implant-supported dentures for better stability
Getting help early gives you more treatment options and helps prevent further bone loss. Your consultation is a chance to ask questions, compare dental choices and understand your expected costs before committing to a treatment.
The Aspen Dental team in Gainesville keeps the process simple. You'll receive a comprehensive exam, X-rays and a personalized treatment plan based on your goals, needs and budget. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available for pain or denture emergencies.
Whether you need traditional, partial or implant-supported dentures, the Gainesville team will guide you toward a solution that fits your smile, lifestyle and budget. Dr. Minsung Son and your dental care team will give you clear answers about your timeline, costs, denture options, daily care and aftercare plan.
Aspen Dental makes dentures more accessible through flexible financing and same-day emergency services. You’ll find that quality dentures at every price point are well within reach.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Son in Gainesville, Florida today to discuss your denture options, confirm your insurance benefits and take the first step toward eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence again.
