Custom-Crafted Dentures in Fort Collins CO
Are missing teeth detracting from your gorgeous smile and making eating and speaking difficult? Perhaps it’s time to consider getting dentures in Fort Collins, CO. Our clinic offers a range of custom-crafted dentures to suit your needs, whether you need to replace a few teeth or an entire set. Here’s what you need to know about this dental care procedure.
Why Get Dentures?
Getting dentures is a cost-effective and practical solution for replacing missing teeth. They are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, allowing you to easily replace several teeth or an entire arch. This means you can enjoy a full, natural-looking smile and eat and speak more comfortably.
Moreover, dentures help maintain your face shape and prevent remaining teeth from shifting. This prevents further oral health issues like misalignment and jawbone loss. The earlier you address tooth loss with dentures, the lower your risk of losing additional teeth in the near future.
Types of Dentures
Dentures come in many different types, designed to suit various care needs and preferences. Here are three types you can consider when you visit our office.
Full
Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower arch. Depending on how many teeth you’re missing, you can get dentures for one arch or both. These dentures rest directly on the gums, staying in place through suction or with the help of an adhesive. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and match the appearance of your natural teeth. This ensures they’re comfortable and enjoyable to wear day in and day out.
Partial
Partial dentures are ideal if you still have some natural teeth remaining. These dentures fill in the gaps created by missing teeth. They’re anchored to the surrounding teeth with clasps or other retainers to ensure a secure fit. When in place, the partial dentures prevent the remaining teeth from shifting, helping protect your bite and letting your smile shine brightly.
Implant Supported
Implant-supported dentures are an excellent choice for a more stable and secure fit. These dentures attach to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. The permanent anchor points offer a solution that’s closer to natural teeth in terms of feel and durability. The fitting process takes longer than regular dentures, but many people find the end result worth it.
What to Expect When Getting Dentures
Knowing the process is important when getting dentures so you can be prepared for each step. Here’s what you can expect.
Initial Consultation
Your care journey begins with a consultation at our dental clinic. During this appointment, your dentist will perform a dental exam and discuss your care needs and preferences. This is a great time to ask questions and express any concerns you might have.
Dental Impressions
If you’ve decided to get dentures, the next step is to take dental impressions. This process ensures your dentures will look natural and fit comfortably. Depending on your care needs, we may use a soft-putty material or digital imaging technology to take your impressions. We will then send the impressions to the lab so they can create your dentures.
Tooth Extraction
If your teeth need to be removed, your dentist will schedule extractions. You will likely need to let your gums heal for a specific amount of time before returning for your denture fitting appointment.
Fitting of Dentures
After your gums fully heal, it’s time to fit your dentures. You’ll need to come into the clinic for your fitting appointment. During this visit, your dentist will adjust the dentures to ensure a comfortable fit. It’s normal for additional adjustments to be needed as you get used to wearing your new dentures.
Follow-Up Appointments
It’s common to initially experience minor irritation and soreness after getting your dentures. You may also need to practice speaking and eating with them before it feels natural. Your dentist can offer support during follow-up appointments and perform additional adjustments as needed to help you feel completely comfortable.
Denture Care and Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your dentures is easy with tips from your dentist. Here’s how to keep them clean, comfortable, and looking good.
- Clean your dentures daily with a soft toothbrush to remove food and prevent staining.
- Only use specially formulated products when cleaning your dentures—Never use toothpaste or bleach.
- Keep your dentures soaking in water or a special cleaner when you’re not wearing them.
- Brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth daily before putting your dentures in and after taking them out.
- Handle your dentures over a towel or sink full of water to avoid breaking them if accidentally dropped.
Also, always see your dentist for an adjustment if your dentures start to feel loose or uncomfortable. We’re happy to help you enjoy your dentures through every stage of life.
Schedule Your Fort Collins, CO Dental Visit Today
Ready to take the next step toward a brighter, more confident smile? Contact our Allison Jung Family Dentistry team to explore whether dentures are right for you. Call (970) 484-4850 whenever you’re ready to schedule your appointment, and we look forward to caring for you.