Dentures and Partial Dentures

Durango, CO

People may find it difficult to hear that they need dentures. After all, losing a few teeth can cause enough difficulty. The very notion that one is going to need artificial teeth instead can be difficult to adjust to. Fortunately, we have the tools and expertise to help patients adjust to dentures in order to live a comfortable lifestyle. In fact, dentures can provide a natural appearance and remain fully functional.

Dentures are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. At Durango Dentistry our patients ask about dentures to determine if they are a good solution for their particular needs. As with any dental solution, there are pros and cons to wearing dentures and whether or not they will work for you depends largely on your lifestyle and the goals that you have for your appearance, including the functionality of your smile.

What are the types of dentures?

There are three main types of dentures: temporary, partial dentures, and complete dentures.

Temporary/Immediate Dentures

We can provide patients with temporary dentures while they are undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure to replace a missing tooth. Temporaries ensure that patients throughout the Durango area have a natural-looking smile while waiting for dental implants or a dental bridge to be completed. This is an excellent solution for when a tooth is knocked out during a sports game or in an accident. The temporary denture is secured in place with a metal wire that works like a retainer and can be taken in and out whenever you like. If you are looking for an immediate solution for replacing a missing tooth call (970) 259-1646. Keep in mind that a temporary denture is only meant to be worn for a few months and will need to be replaced.

Partial Dentures

If only a few of your teeth are missing, partial dentures are a good solution for replacing them. Unlike a full set of dentures, these are held in place by a plastic base that is the same color as your gums. A metal framework is typically created in order to secure the base and prevent it from falling out. As long as you have natural teeth in place, you cannot wear a full set, so a partial set of dentures is necessary. We treat patients throughout the Durango area that want to know if a partial set is better than a cosmetic procedure. They function differently because dentures are removable and cosmetic dentistry solutions are typically permanent. If you live in the Durango CO area, call for your consultation and we can provide you with a list of options to consider.

Complete Dentures

When all of your teeth are missing, complete dentures can replace them. This is the type of dentures that you typically see in cartoons and movies. Technology has improved in recent years, making them more comfortable and natural-looking than ever. We can determine if this is the best way to replace your teeth or if an alternative solution will help you achieve your goals. If you proceed with getting a complete set of dentures, your gums will be healed and ready in eight to 12 weeks after your teeth have been removed. Following teeth removal, the bones and gums will start to shrink. By waiting for up to 12 weeks, you can be sure that your set of complete dentures will fit securely. Many patients throughout Colorado prefer not to wait and get immediate dentures. This solution does not require a waiting period, but there will be adjustments later on after the gums and bones have settled into their permanent size.

Call to schedule an appointment today (970) 259-1646, Dr. Greg Mann and Dr. Steven Reed will work with you to determine the best partial denture treatment for you.

What to Expect When Getting Dentures

While we can customize dentures to fit a patient's teeth perfectly at Durango Dentistry, there are still a few key factors that patients need to understand before getting dentures. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology allow for this process to be easier than ever before.

The Dentures Process

There are different types of dentures, two of which are removable dentures and implant dentures. Removable dentures are a more traditional option that requires the patient to remove them at night when they sleep. Implant dentures are not removable since we attach them directly to the jaw. We will not recommend implant dentures unless the patient is healthy and if the patient does not have any teeth left to use.

In order to determine the best type of dentures for the patient, we will conduct a thorough examination of the patient's teeth and current level of oral health. From there, we will continue through other steps in the process for a patient who is interested in getting dentures. Below is a list of the steps in the process.

1. A dental examination

The first step is for our team to examine the patient's teeth and determine the state of the patient's oral health. During this examination, the dentist will search for any signs of infection, tooth decay, or previous dental work that can hinder the denture process and search for any other teeth that may need removal prior to placing the dentures.

2. Making the dentures

After the consultation, the dentist will take a mold of the teeth and measurements to ensure that the dentures fit the remaining teeth exactly. We will then send these results to a dental lab that will build the dentures to the specifications.

3. Fitting the dentures

Once we complete the dentures, we will bring the patient in for a fitting to ensure the dentures fit without issue. We will make sure that the individual can use the dentures without pain or issues. If necessary, we will make adjustments to the dentures during this appointment.

4. Adapting to dentures

While there will not be any pain, it may take some time to adapt to wearing the dentures. It may take some time to adapt to eating and speaking with the dentures, but the patient will eventually have the same function and control as with regular teeth.

Other factors to expect with getting dentures

Following the loss of one's teeth, resorption will begin to take effect. Adult teeth stimulate the jawbone, sending signals throughout the body. Once teeth fall out and stop stimulating the jawbone, the body will absorb the calcium in the jawbone to distribute to other areas of the body. Due to this, many people will experience a change in facial structure after losing some or all of their teeth.

This is the main reason why we recommend partial or full dentures to replace missing teeth. People who do not replace teeth will notice sagging or an indent in their cheek due to the jawbone weakening. The dentures that one gets from our office will be a custom fit to the individual's mouth but may take some time before the individual has complete mastery of the dentures. Dentures also require proper oral hygiene to last as long as possible. However, proper care will not involve typical brushing with toothpaste.

The proper care of dentures will require using a specific type of brush and a liquid solution that does not harm the material of the dentures. The patient will also need to soak the removable dentures in the solution at least every night when the patient sleeps. Since there are different types of dentures, we will go over the most effective care methods for the type of dentures the patient has. We will also recommend the best type of solution for cleaning the dentures and where to get it.

Just because the patient does not have any teeth does not mean the gums cannot get infected. Thus, a patient without teeth needs to brush his or her gums at least twice a day. Using water to rinse the dentures after removing them from the mouth, patients then need to gently brush the gums with toothpaste.

Regular brushing and keeping the dentures clean will help ensure that the patient does not have an infection growing in the mouth. It is important for the patient to also brush the tongue and along the roof of the mouth. While this may take some time for a patient to adjust to, proper oral hygiene is crucial for keeping dentures in the best condition possible.

With proper oral hygiene, patients also need to be careful to avoid dropping the dentures on the counter or ground in the bathroom. While dentures are sturdy, they are not unbreakable. If the patient needs repairs on dentures of any kind, it is crucial to call us and seek assistance. Attempting to repair the dentures without professional expertise can result in catastrophic results.

For more information on the denture process and if dentures are the right choice for you, give us a call at (970) 259-1646 to schedule a consultation today.

Temporary/Immediate dentures

One benefit of immediate dentures is that patients only have to learn to speak with one set of dentures. With the traditional denture process, patients will learn to speak with temporary dentures in place for several days, only to repeat the process when the new dentures are complete. Due to this, many people struggle to adapt and spend more time with speech difficulties than only needing to adapt to one pair of dentures.

With immediate dentures, patients will be able to continue their daily routine with minimal changes. Another problem many face with traditional dentures is learning to chew with the new set of teeth. Fortunately, immediate dentures help the patient do this faster than regular dentures and prevent them from having to repeat the process.

Dentures without the wait

While some teeth may fall out naturally with age, there are cases in which we need to remove the rest of the teeth before placing full dentures. In fact, many people find it easier to replace all of their teeth instead of having partial dentures. However, that can mean that people will need to make multiple appointments and go several days to even a week without teeth.

By investing in immediate dentures, patients can receive the dentures after removing the teeth to avoid a variety of inconveniences. The patient will not have to worry as we will ensure that the patient has the proper sedation and does not feel anything while we remove the remaining teeth in the mouth. Once we complete this step, we will insert the dentures. These dentures will help to protect the tissues of the gums as they heal.

Patients will not have to spend several days without teeth while waiting for a dental lab to construct the dentures and can begin the adjustment process right away.

Partial Dentures for Back Teeth

Partial dentures are a fantastic solution for patients who are missing multiple back teeth. There are all sorts of benefits to partial dentures for back teeth, ranging from comparably low cost to superior comfort and improved oral health. With partial dentures for your back teeth, you will be able to eat, drink, talk, and smile without reservation. Let's take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about this oral health solution.

Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth

If you are missing a tooth, don't resign yourself to the situation. There is a solution available in the form of a partial denture. Partial dentures will likely become the standard tooth replacement option in the near future. Though the average dentist does not perform this procedure at a high frequency, it is effective and rapidly growing in popularity. Let's take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about partial dentures for a single tooth.

Benefits of Dentures

Full functionality with a natural appearance

Dentures can look great and function like regular teeth. Patients who receive dentures can continue to eat the foods they know and love. However, patients will need to start out with softer foods before shifting to harder and stickier foods.

The reason for this is that the patient needs time to adjust to using the new dentures. However, once the patient has time to adjust to the dentures, the patient will be able to have a fully functional mouth once again. Unlike popular belief, people will not notice that the teeth are false.

Eat whatever food you prefer

While the patient will need to eat softer foods for the first few weeks after getting dentures, they will be able to eat their favorite foods with time. Once the patient adjusts to using and speaking with the dentures, he or she will not feel encumbered by the dentures.

Stimulating the face structure

When an individual does not have teeth in the mouth, the body will go through a process known as resorption. In this process, the body senses that there are no teeth to stimulate the nerves in the mouth. Thus, the body will leach calcium from the jaw bone and weaken the structure of the face. Resorption can cause the face to have a sagging appearance. Having dentures can help to prevent the sagging appearance of one's face.

Adjusting to New Dentures

Adjusting to new dentures can be difficult, no matter if the patient is getting partial or full dentures. There are several reasons why adjusting to dentures can take time, but it will be worth it when an individual is able to smile using a full set of teeth. With dentures, a patient will gain both the natural appearance and functionality of teeth again.

While damage or natural wear and tear to dentures is inevitable, we can help patients prevent possible damage and other issues by going over the best methods for effective denture use prior to receiving dentures. Here are a few problems that patients with dentures struggle with and the solution to each.

Solving Problems With Dentures

If your dentures need to be repaired, call (970) 259-1646 and schedule an appointment with our dental center right away. We can adjust them so the fit is improved, have damage corrected at the dental lab, and make sure your dentures fit as well as they possibly can. Since we are an emergency dentist office, we can schedule your appointment for the same day in many cases. If, however, you are tired of life with dentures, we are a cosmetic dentistry office and can provide you with alternatives that make it easier to enjoy life without thinking about your teeth.

Negatives of Dentures

The biggest challenge with dentures is that they do not feel like natural teeth. Patients of Durango Dentistry tend to agree that while they are functional, you still have to take care of them as a separate appliance. Other cosmetic dentistry procedures make it easy to forget you ever lost a tooth in the first place. Modern techniques have made dentures more secure and comfortable than they used to be, but they are still a foreign object in your mouth and can become loose when eating or speaking. If you are currently experiencing this problem, call Durango Dentistry at (970) 259-1646 for a consultation.

Alternative Options

Patients may enjoy the benefits of alternative options to dentures. There is a procedure that combines implant dentistry with dentures. Those that need complete dentures can benefit by having a secure way to hold their dentures in place. If you live in the Durango CO area, we can examine your gums and let you know if you are a good candidate for the procedure. In this scenario, an impression is taken of your mouth in order to create a denture that will be secured in place using implants. Once created, metal posts will be implanted under your gums, and the dentures secured to them. This way patients get the benefits of how quickly dentures can be created and the convenience of the stability that can only come from using implant technology.

Denture Relining

Even though we customize dentures to each individual patient, there is a high probability that the dentures will not fit as well a few months into wearing them as they do on the first day since the jawbone changes shape and recedes with age.

Always Make Sure the Dentures Fit Your Teeth

During the process known as resorption, the body leaches calcium from the jawbone that no longer has teeth stimulating it. The body then distributes the calcium to other areas of the body. While natural tooth loss is a common part of aging, we can help prevent resorption with dentures. Since the jawbone will continue to recede over time, the dentures will need adjustments from a professional. Fortunately, altering the size of dentures is an easy procedure that we can complete in our office, known as relining.

In simple terms, relining is the procedure in which we reshape the underside of the denture to make it more comfortable as it rests against the gums. There are two separate methods for relining, hard reline and soft reline, that we will use depending on the needs of the patient. During the relining process, we can complete this procedure in our office or send the dentures to a dental lab. With pros and cons to each, it is important to ask a professional for guidance on the most effective option.

Soft reline

A soft reline involves the use of a liquid polymer that we layer into the denture to create depth and a cushion. This "cushion" will tend to be more comfortable than a hard reline and is a relatively quick procedure. In fact, patients can receive the soft reline chairside and avoid having to send the dentures to a lab and go several days with temporary dentures or nothing at all.

However, a soft reline may not last as long as a hard reline and can require more frequent visits to continue keeping up with the receding jaw. For some people, this can result in more visits and higher costs that they may not be able to spend. We understand that dentures are crucial to one's lifestyle, including the ability to speak and eat. Thus, we will do everything we can to efficiently and properly repair the dentures.

Hard reline

A hard reline involves using material that is much more similar to the hard base of the denture. While a hard and soft reline accomplishes the same goal, the hard reline will normally produce a more permanent result. While some professionals can complete the hard reline chairside, many recommend sending it to a dental lab to ensure that everything goes without a problem.

However, a hard reline will take more time to complete since it is at a dental lab. In this case, we will go over possible replacement options and help to determine the best course of action for the patient's needs. Relining dentures is not a procedure that anyone can complete at home.

Denture Care

Proper denture care depends on the type of dentures and the patient's overall oral health. Without proper care, the dentures will not last nearly as long as they can. With the proper care, patients will not need to worry about their dentures so much. However, dentures need specific care that differs from typical brushing and flossing.

Poor Denture Care Habits to Avoid

There are different types of dentures that are used to replace missing teeth, including complete dentures and partial dentures. A dental professional can recommend the ideal option depending on a variety of factors. These include the patient’s oral health and general health. A large number of people are investing in dentures due to their advantages. Here are some habits to avoid with dentures.

Leaving them in overnight

Dentures should be removed before going to bed. Taking out dentures before sleeping will help to prevent a myriad of problems. These include bacterial buildup and potential infections. The only time when patients should sleep with them is when the dentist recommends it. During the first few days after receiving dentures, patients may have to wear them all the time, including while sleeping. This may be uncomfortable, but it is an effective way of identifying areas on the appliance that may need adjustment.

Once the necessary adjustments are made, patients should take dentures out every night before sleeping to allow gum tissues to rest. Although dentures are supposed to be removed before sleeping, it is still important to wear them every day. Soaking dentures overnight is highly encouraged. Most types of dentures have to stay moist in order to keep their shape. A person should place the dentures in water or a recommended solution.

How do I care for my dentures?

Every night you need to take your dentures out. We advise patients to rinse them thoroughly and then use a denture brush to remove any food particles before rinsing them again. You also need to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. You can use an antiseptic mouthwash afterward to kill any lingering bacteria and improve your breath. Your dentures should soak all night and then be placed back in the mouth in the morning.

Not cleaning them properly

It is vital to clean dentures properly. People should soak and brush them thoroughly with a soft-bristled brush and a nonabrasive denture cleanser. This will help to remove food, plaque, and any other deposits. Unfortunately, many people clean their dentures incorrectly or use the wrong products or tools.

People should not use abrasive cleaning materials, such as harsh toothpaste, strong cleansers, or brushes with stiff bristles to avoid damaging dentures. The appliances should also never be put in hot or boiling water, which can cause them to warp. Using a product containing bleach is also not recommended. These products may end up weakening the denture and may even change its color.

What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures

If you have dentures, it is important to handle them with care so they can remain in as good a condition as possible. Still, it is wise to ask, "What do I do if I damage my dentures?" We can offer the information and tools necessary to address a problem if you have one. At Durango Dentistry can answer any questions you have regarding denture care. To schedule an appointment with our dental office, call (970) 259-1646. In the meantime, here is what you should know.

Where do I start?

If your dentures are damaged, visit our dental office so we can examine them and determine the best way to fix them. One thing you should keep in mind is that your dentures will need to be adjusted one or several times when you first receive them. Patients may call our family dentist's office worried that they did something to cause their dentures to fit incorrectly when in actuality, they only need to be adjusted so they can fit perfectly.

We are an emergency dentist, so if you did indeed damage them, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our dental practice right away. You can do so by calling (970) 259-1646.

Home Care Tips

You should never try to fix your dentures on your own since this can cause the damage to spread. However, there are certain things you can do at home before heading to the dentist, including:

• Gather anything that has broken off. We encourage you to gather any piece of your dentures that has broken off, including any of the wiring.

• Use dental wax. If the clasps have become slightly loose, they could be rubbing against your gums and irritating them. In this case, you may want to buy dental wax to place on the wire as a temporary barrier. Be sure to see a “dentist near me” who can treat you quickly.

• Take them out. Soak your dentures or place them in a case for transportation to our office. Do not continue wearing damaged dentures.