Missing teeth can impact your smile’s appearance and how you chew and speak. Thankfully, dentures are an easy, effective solution to replace missing teeth. Dentures are prosthetic devices that replace lost teeth, allowing patients to enjoy a full, natural-looking smile. Dentures and implant-supported dentures are two great options to restore your smile if you have suffered from tooth loss.
If you are searching for dentures Greeley, CO, we can help. Clearwater Dentistry offers the best in customized dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported dentures that look and feel like natural teeth. If you have any questions about dentures, call us at (970) 515-3550 or complete the online booking form. We want to give you the smile of your dreams!
What Are Dentures?
Dentures ( false teeth) are removable prosthetic devices made from acrylic resin or metal that replace missing teeth. They are custom-fitted to your mouth and sit on top of your gums and/or remaining healthy teeth. Dentures are custom-made to look natural in your mouth and are comfortable to wear. Dentures restore chewing and speaking functions, support facial muscles and improve the natural appearance of your smile.
Types of Dentures
Clearwater Dentistry offers a full range of denture options
- Traditional full dentures – replace all missing teeth in an arch or both arches
- Partial dentures – replace some missing teeth with a prosthesis and clasps
- Implant-supported dentures (Overdentures) – use implants to secure the denture in place, rather than adhesives or suction
Traditional Dentures
Traditional or conventional dentures are the most common and the most affordable type of denture. They are made from acrylic resin and fit over the gums with a plastic base that mimics the shape of your gums. Traditional dentures are removable, so they can be taken out for cleaning after meals and when sleeping. Traditional removable dentures, however, can be quite limiting. They sit on top of your gums, decreasing bite force and raising the chance of slippage.
Upper dentures offer more stability than lower dentures since their acrylic palate clings to the roof of the mouth through suction. Despite providing stability, the palate affects your ability to taste and feel the texture of food. Lower dentures rely on gravity for their stability on the lower jawbone which causes them to be more mobile, uncomfortable, and difficult to manage while speaking and eating.
Another drawback is people who wear dentures are prone to jawbone loss due to a process in the body called resorption. Resorption is a process in which the body reabsorbs calcium and other minerals from the bones. This leads to a decrease in bone mass and density, which causes facial muscles to lose support and wrinkles or sagging skin to form.
Implant-Supported Dentures (Overdentures)
Implant-supported dentures are secured to the jawbone by implants. This type of denture eliminates or significantly reduces the limitations of traditional dentures. Instead of sitting atop the gums, implant-supported dentures are held in place by dental implants (tiny titanium screws) inserted into the jawbone. This gives the dentures much-needed strength and support, giving you the feeling of real teeth.
Overdentures also preserve the jawbone since the implants stimulate and preserve gum tissue and bone mass. A bone graft may be necessary before the implant procedure if significant bone loss has occurred.
If you are a traditional denture wearer and tired of gum sores and oral adhesives, overdentures may be a good solution for you. Implant-supported dentures provide the most natural and effective bite allowing you to eat and enjoy your favorite foods easily: no slipping or sliding, no need for adhesives, and no more worrying about embarrassing moments.
Removable and Fixed Overdentures
Removable overdentures are secured to the jaw bone through two to four dental implants or to a bar connected to implants. These can be removed easily for cleaning and maintenance. On the other hand, fixed overdentures are permanently fixed to the jawbone with more than four dental implants, so they cannot be removed at home, only by your dentist.
Oral Care and Hygiene
Caring for your dentures or implant-supported dentures is crucial to their longevity. Traditional dentures and removable implant-supported overdentures should be taken out each night and soaked in a denture cleaning solution before cleaning them thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Be careful with foods that are hard or sticky, as these have the potential to damage dentures. Regular dental checkups with your dentist will ensure that your dentures fit well and stay in good condition.
Risks Associated with Dentures
While very safe and effective, dentures and implant-supported overdentures have some associated risks. Traditional dentures can lead to gum recession, discomfort from the denture rubbing against gums, difficulty speaking or eating, and increased risk of infection due to bacterial or fungal buildup on the appliance. There is also the risk of infection during the implant placement procedure for overdentures.
Reclaim Your Smile With Dentures
Dentures and implant overdentures offer an effective permanent solution to replace missing teeth, restore chewing and speaking functions, support facial muscles and provide comfort. No matter your needs, Dr. Baughman will create a customized treatment plan to address your specific dental needs.
If you are searching for dentures Greeley, CO, or overdentures in Greeley, contact Clearwater Dentistry for more information on your options. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile! For denture solutions and the best dentist in Greeley, Johnstown, or Evans, CO, visit Clearwater Dentistry.
If you are searching for a dentist near me, contact Clearwater Dentistry. To schedule an appointment call (970) 515-3550 or complete the online booking form. We look forward to helping you with all your dental needs.
Summary
- Dentures are prosthetic devices that replace lost teeth, allowing patients to enjoy a full, natural-looking smile.
- There are two types of dentures: traditional full and partial dentures, and implant-supported dentures.
- Traditional dentures are made from acrylic resin and fit over the gums with a plastic base that mimics the shape of your gums. They are removable and need to be cleaned after eating.
- Implant-supported dentures are held in place by dental implants (tiny titanium screws) inserted into the jawbone and cannot be removed.
- Removable overdentures are secured to the jaw bone through two to four dental implants or to a bar connected to implants. They can be taken out for cleaning and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acrylic dentures usually last 7-10 years before needing to be replaced. The life of the denture depends on how well it is taken care of.
No, traditional dentures should be taken out every night and cleaned with a soft-bristled toothbrush and antibacterial soap or mouthrinse. It is best to soak dentures in a denture-cleaning solution for at least 15 minutes before being put back in the mouth in the morning.
It is recommended that dentures be worn for about 8 hours per day. However, it is important to take them out and give your mouth and gums a break from the appliance to allow your gums to rest.
Some implant-supported dentures are removable, but others can only be removed by a dentist. Speak to your dentist to learn more about the specific type of implant-supported denture you are considering.
The surest way to avoid the dreaded denture face is to get skillfully designed, custom-made dentures and take good care of them. Additionally, regular visits with your dentist are essential to ensure fit and comfort.
Yes, dentures can be used to eat many hard and chewy foods like steak. However, especially with traditional dentures, you may need to cut the food into smaller pieces if your dentures are not stable and secure. Make sure to chew evenly on both sides of the mouth to prevent any shifting or movement of the appliance.
