Dentures

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Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available to replace teeth.

1. Partial dentures.
2. Complete dentures.

Complete dentures are used when all the teeth on the top or bottom are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

Dentures are a great replacement option for missing teeth. Speak with Dr. Poulson about denture options today. Located in Brighton, CO, Dr. Poulson is here to assist you.

Full Dentures: There are three types of full dentures:

• Conventional Full Dentures - The best overall fit will be achieved with this type of denture because the bone and gums are given time to heal.  To make a conventional full denture, all the teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal before the dentures are made. It could take three to nine months for the gum tissue and bone to heal enough to accurately make the dentures, and during this time you will be without teeth.
• Immediate Full Dentures - Prior to having your teeth removed, your dentist takes molds, tooth colors and measurements and has dentures fitted for your mouth. After removing the teeth, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you do not have to spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a follow up visits to refit your dentures because the jaw bone will change shape as your mouth heels. The dentures will need to be tightened after the jaw bone has healed.  This is the most convenient way to make dentures but also the most challenging.
• Implant-retained or Supported Dentures - implants are titanium studs that can be placed in the bone and function like the roots of your teeth.  With four or more implants on the top, and as few as two implants in the bottom jaw bone, a denture can be made to either snap or screw onto the implants.  This is the closest options to natural teeth that can be done.  Ask Dr. Poulson about how implants can make your denture more stable and comfortable.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are an option when some of your teeth still remain. Unlike a crown or bridge, partial dentures are not a permanent fixture in your mouth.  You will need to take them out and clean them after meals and at night.  They will be designed to clip around your existing teeth to help hold them in place.  With partial dentures, it is very important to keep your natural teeth healthy and strong through regular brushing, flossing, exams and cleanings.  Your partial denture is only as good as the teeth that hold it in.

Your New Dentures

New dentures may take some time to get used to. The flesh colored base of the dentures is placed over your gums and may feel a little bulky at first. Other times the dentures might feel loose. These feelings will affect the way you eat and talk for a little while. Over time, your mouth becomes trained to eat and speak with your dentures and begin to feel more and more like your natural teeth. In some cases dentures may never feel perfectly comfortable, but it is much better than not having any teeth.  If you have a full denture that is loose, it can be attached to implants.  This will make the denture more stable.  Give us a call at Poulson Family Dental in Brighton Colorado - we'd love to talk to you about how implants could help your denture fit better. 

Even though dentures are a cosmetic tool, just like normal teeth, dentures need care. You should brush dentures to remove plaque and food particles. When dentures are not in your mouth you should place them directly into room temperature water or a denture cleaning solution. Never use hot water because it could warp the dentures. Your dentures are delicate, so make sure you are careful when handling them so you don't drop them. Always clean them over a sink full of water or a towel placed on the countertop.  Also, never try to adjust your dentures yourself. You could ruin them, so you should always seek assistance from Dr. Poulson if they feel uncomfortable or become loose.

If you have dogs in your life, please make sure to keep your dentures in a safe place when they are not in your mouth.  Dogs are attracted to the smell of dentures and will quickly destroy them if they can get to it.