Clove Dental Blog

Everything You Need to Know About Dentures in Santa Monica (and How Insurance Makes Them Affordable)

Written by Clove Dental Team | Oct 14, 2025 10:13:19 AM

Losing teeth isn’t just about your smile; it affects the way you eat, talk, and even how your face looks. For a lot of folks here in Santa Monica, it also affects confidence. The good news? You don’t have to go through it alone. Modern dentures in Santa Monica are a lot more natural and comfortable than the clunky ones people remember from years ago.

At Clove Dental, we see patients every week who thought dentures would be intimidating, only to find the process easier (and more affordable) than expected.

Do You Really Need Dentures?

Sometimes it’s obvious. Other times, tooth loss sneaks up gradually. Here are a few signs it might be time to think about dentures:

  • You’re missing several teeth, and chewing is harder than it used to be.
  • Pain, decay, or infections are affecting multiple teeth at once.
  • Your teeth feel loose or shift around when you bite, often a sign of gum disease.
  • Crunchy foods like apples or chips are tough to eat.
  • Your face looks a little different; missing teeth can change the shape of your jaw and cheeks.

If you’re nodding along to one or two of these, it’s worth scheduling a visit to at least learn your options.

What Happens at a Denture Appointment?

It’s not as scary as people think. Here’s the general flow when you come to our Santa Monica office:

  1. Conversation first. We’ll sit down and talk about your history and what you’re hoping to achieve.
  2. Exam and imaging. Using scans and an exam, we check your gums, jaw, and remaining teeth.
  3. Plan options. Whether it’s partial dentures, a full set, or implant-supported, you’ll get a clear picture of what works best.
  4. Impressions. We take molds so your dentures are designed just for you.
  5. Fit and adjustments. Once they’re ready, we fine-tune them until they feel comfortable.

It’s a step-by-step process, and our goal is always the same: dentures that look natural and help you get back to living normally.

The Insurance Side of Things

Let’s be real, dentures are an investment. But the good news is that most dental insurance plans help cover the cost.

Here’s how we make it simple at Clove Dental:

  • We confirm your benefits before starting treatment.
  • We break down exactly what’s covered so there aren’t surprises.
  • If your plan doesn’t cover everything, we talk through payment plans.

Because we work with most major insurers, patients are often surprised at how affordable dentures in Santa Monica actually turn out to be.

Why Patients Around Santa Monica Choose Us

Santa Monica has no shortage of dentists, but here’s what patients tell us they appreciate most about our office:

  • Location & convenience: We’re easy to get to, with free parking (a win in Santa Monica).
  • All services in one place: From dentures to implants and general care, you won’t need to bounce between offices.
  • Experienced dentists who care: Dr. Anish Puri, who grew up in the dental field, and Dr. Sanchita Mehra, a board-certified periodontist, are known for combining technical skill with a compassionate approach.

We know dental work can feel overwhelming. Our focus is always on making sure you feel comfortable and supported not just patched up and sent on your way.

Adjusting to Life with Dentures

Getting dentures is an adjustment, no question. But with a little patience, most people get used to them quickly.

  • Practice speaking at home (reading out loud works great).
  • Stick with softer foods at first, then slowly add crunchier items.
  • Clean your dentures every day.
  • Make sure to schedule checkups so that any necessary adjustments can be made.

Conclusion

Choosing dentures is about more than just replacing teeth. At Clove Dental, we offer advanced care and work with insurance to help make this possible.

If you are thinking about dentures in Santa Monica, we want to hear from you. Call us, and let’s start the process of restoring your smile.