How do I care for my dentures?

Dentures should be removed daily for routine cleaning and soaking. They should also be brushed with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap as well as rinsed thoroughly. Soaking your dentures overnight in a cleaning solution will also help to remove harmful bacteria and stains.

Can you sleep while wearing dentures?

Yes, you can sleep with dentures in, but it’s best to remove them overnight to soak. This helps maintain your oral hygiene and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Sleeping with dentures may also cause discomfort and irritation to your gums, which can diminish their suction and stability. It is best to consult with a dentist to determine what is best for you and your dentures.

How painful is it to get dentures?

Getting dentures can be slightly uncomfortable, but the process is pain-free. In some cases, an individual may experience some mild discomfort during the initial fitting and adjusting process, but this should subside with time as you slowly adjust to your new restoration. Your dentist can prescribe pain relievers to manage any discomfort.

Does dental insurance cover dentures?

Yes, insurance typically covers the cost of dentures, but your benefits may depend on your specific provider and plan. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of dentures, while others may not cover them at all. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to determine what your specific plan covers and what your out-of-pocket expenses may be.

Denture Solutions in Loveland, CO

Affordable and Comfortable Dentures to Fix Your Smile

Dentures are a popular and effective solution for those grappling with the loss of their natural teeth. Whether you’re missing a few pearly whites or an entire arch, dentures offer a pathway to restore your oral health while enhancing your smile’s aesthetic appeal. Learn how Dr. Andrew Howard and our other skilled dentists at the Center for Advanced Dentistry in Loveland, CO, can restore your smile.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace multiple missing teeth. Typically crafted from acrylic resin or a blend of materials, these fixtures fit your unique oral contours for a comfortable fit. Whether you’re missing a few teeth or an entire arch, dentures can restore your oral health while enhancing your smile’s aesthetic appeal.

Types of Dentures

Full Dentures

Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, replace all teeth in the upper or lower arch. They are held in place by suction or specialized adhesive. While they may take some time to get used to, they are an ideal solution for those who have lost most or all of their teeth.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures replace only a portion of the teeth in an arch. They are attached to the remaining natural teeth using metal clasps. These dentures are relatively easy to adapt, as they replace only a few teeth and are customized to blend seamlessly with your existing dental work.

Benefits of Dentures

Dentures offer numerous advantages that go beyond simply replacing missing teeth. Here’s why they are a popular choice for many:

Enhanced Appearance: Dentures restore the appearance of your smile, helping you feel more confident and self-assured in your daily life.
Improved Speech: Complete teeth, courtesy of dentures, make it easier to speak clearly during social interactions and gatherings.
Enhanced Chewing Ability: Dentures improve the strength of your smile, allowing you to enjoy foods that were challenging to eat with missing teeth.
Increased Self-Confidence: A complete and beautiful smile can significantly boost your self-esteem personally and professionally.
Unmatched Convenience: Unlike dental implants, dentures are non-invasive and can be removed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Affordability: Dentures are often a more budget-friendly option for replacing missing teeth compared to alternatives like dental implants.

Creating Your Custom Denture Appliance

Initial Consultation

During the consultation, your Loveland dentist will thoroughly examine your oral health. This examination is comprehensive, encompassing an evaluation of your gums, remaining teeth, and overall oral structures. Dr. Howard will assess any existing dental issues, such as decay, gum disease, or infections, which must be addressed before proceeding with denture fabrication.

Taking Impressions

Dr. Howard will use dental impression materials to create a mold of your mouth. This mold captures the precise dimensions, contours, and unique characteristics of your oral cavity, including the ridges of your gums. Impressions help create natural-fitting dentures that won’t shift or come loose.

Custom Design

Once the impressions of your mouth are obtained, the next stage involves the custom design of your dentures. This step is where artistry meets science, as the dental laboratory crafts a set of dentures tailored explicitly to you. The color, shade, and translucency of the denture teeth are meticulously selected to match your existing teeth or create a natural look.

Fitting and Adjustments

After the dentures are custom-designed and fabricated, it’s time for the fitting and adjustments phase. This stage is crucial to ensure that your new dentures provide a perfect fit and maximum comfort. Based on your feedback and the dentist’s assessment, any necessary adjustments are made to fine-tune the fit. This may involve minor modifications to ensure the dentures sit securely without causing discomfort or irritation.

Caring For Dentures

Proper care is essential to maintain the longevity and functionality of your dentures:

Daily Cleaning: Remove and clean your dentures daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild denture cleaner. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be abrasive.
Soak Overnight: Soak your dentures in water or a denture-cleaning solution overnight to keep them moist.
Handle with Care: When handling your dentures, do so over a soft surface like a folded towel to prevent damage if dropped.
Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular checkups at the Center for Advanced Dentistry to ensure your dentures continue to fit well and address any potential issues promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

The coverage of dentures by insurance can vary depending on your specific insurance plan. In many cases, dental insurance does offer some level of coverage for dentures. However, the extent of coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays, or deductibles will depend on your insurance provider and plan.

During the initial period of wearing dentures, some individuals may experience mild discomfort or adjustment issues. This is a common occurrence as your mouth adapts to the presence of dentures. Modern denture materials and techniques aim to enhance comfort. With regular wear, you should become accustomed to your dentures, and any initial discomfort should diminish.

Yes, it’s possible to have all your natural teeth removed and replace them with dentures. However, this is a significant decision that should be made in consultation with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon.

The timeline for getting dentures after teeth are pulled can vary depending on individual factors and the specifics of your treatment plan. The entire process can take several months. Follow your dentist’s guidance throughout this journey to ensure the best outcome and a comfortable transition to your new dentures.

Discover a Personalized Solution for Missing Teeth

Dentures offer a transformative avenue to enhance your appearance, speech, chewing ability, and self-confidence, all while providing a convenient and budget-friendly path to a radiant smile. Dr. Howard and our welcoming team are here to address any queries, assess your oral condition, and ascertain whether dentures align with your needs.

Embark on your journey to a complete and healthy smile today by calling our Loveland, CO, office at (970) 669-3918 to schedule an appointment. We also welcome patients from Greeley, Evans, and Garden City.