Dentures: What They Are, the Types Available, and Aftercare

Dentures: What They Are, the Types Available, and Aftercare

Apr 01, 2021

Losing teeth is a heart-wrenching experience. No one starts their day off ever thinking that they might lose their teeth. Your teeth are a part of your body, and they were designed to serve you for a lifetime. However, if you have lost a tooth or multiple teeth, our dentist in Lakewood, CO, has solutions that can restore your smile.

Millions of people who have missing teeth and are looking for tooth replacement options go for either dental bridges or dentures. However, dentures are more versatile than dental bridges and can be used to replace all of your teeth.

Dentures 101

Dentures have been used for centuries and have been evolving throughout the years to the ones we have today, which are more lifelike than ever before. This means that they will feel, look, and even function like your real teeth.

Dentures are dental prostheses that are used to replace any number of missing teeth. They are either fixed or removable, meaning that you can pick either option depending on your preferences.

Dentures are made of two parts, the gum-colored base and the false teeth that are attached to the base. The base is made of acrylic and attached to a metal framework that holds the base. The base is made in a way that tightly fits your gums.

The upper denture will cover the roof of your mouth (palate), while the lower denture is designed as a horseshoe to create room for the tongue.

Why Do You Need Dentures?

The whole reason for getting a tooth replacement is to try as much as possible to restore your teeth’s normal function. Your teeth play major roles, so when you lose them, you are bound to face some problems.

When you have lost all of your teeth, complete or full dentures can be used to replace the missing teeth. With dentures, you will not face problems with sagging facial muscles, which typically happens when you lose teeth. Your speech will be restored and your chewing abilities will be back to normal.

Partial dentures come in handy when you have a few teeth left. The partial dentures help stop the other teeth from shifting or becoming loose as they move into the spaces left behind by the missing teeth.

Types of Dentures

Our dentist in Lakewood, CO, offers the following types of dentures:

Complete or Full Dentures

Complete dentures are further divided into two:

  •  Conventional or Traditional Dentures

If you have had all your teeth extracted, you will need complete dentures. However, you will have to wait approximately 8 to 12 weeks before getting your new set of teeth.

  •  Immediate Dentures

With immediate dentures, there is no need to wait for two or three months to get them. They are prepared before you come in and are fixed during your second visit.

Partial Dentures

When you have some gaps due to missing teeth, partial dentures are your go-to option. They are placed in those spaces to replace your missing teeth, thus keeping the other teeth intact.

Custom Dentures

This option is good for anyone who desires to go for the most realistic option. These dentures are customized to suit you. However, they tend to be more costly.

Implant-Supported Dentures

With this option, there’s no need to rely on adhesives since dental implants are used for anchorage. This is the most stable type of denture since implants are used to replace tooth roots. Implant-supported dentures will not shift in the mouth.

How Do You Care for Dentures?

For you to enjoy your new set of pearly whites, you have to do the following:

  •  Brush your dentures after meals to keep them bacteria-free
  • Make sure that they are moist every time, even when you are not wearing them. You can put them in a denture cleanser solution or plain water, not warm water, since this can destroy them
  •  Brush your gums, roof of your mouth (palate), and tongue before wearing dentures
  •  Keep seeing our dentist routinely for checkups and cleanings

Dentures can restore your smile and oral health. Contact our dentist at Station Dental Group in Lakewood to schedule a consultation.

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