Think you know what to expect from dentures? At Meadows Dental Group by Espire, we offer patients advanced denture options that are not the same as what your grandparents wore.
Learn about complete or partial tooth replacement with dentures by calling 303-790-2323 to schedule an appointment at Meadows Dental Group by Espire today. Our dentists serve patients in Lone Tree, Centennial, Highlands Ranch and more.
Who Is a Candidate for Dentures?
You may be a candidate for dentures if you have lost some or all of your teeth to injury, gum disease, or decay. In these cases, dentures can likely restore your smile’s look and function. Keep in mind that dentures are not right for everyone. For example, they can not be used to replace a single missing tooth. And they can’t work without the healthy gum tissue and jawbone structure that they need for support. If needed, alternative treatments like implants can help.
Is There Any Pain Involved With Dentures?
Dentures may cause mild discomfort during the first few days of wear. If you notice uneven pressure, jaw soreness, or other symptoms after that time, please contact our dentists. Your dentures may need adjustments or repairs. In some cases, you may have an oral health issue.
Will Dentures Affect How I Eat or Drink?
Missing teeth make it hard to eat and drink. Fortunately, dentures can improve your chewing power and let you enjoy your favorite foods again. Implant-supported dentures are particularly stable and will not move around or slip out of place as you eat and drink. Other styles are also effective; however, they can take longer to adjust to and may require certain care on your part.
For example, patients who wear traditional dentures generally avoid biting with their front teeth. That is because it places pressure on the front of the dentures and can lift the back of them. Instead, traditional denture wearers often have more success when using their back teeth.
Options for Dentures
Dentures are false teeth designed to fill a space left in your smile. Patients in need of a replacement for just one tooth are generally better suited to a dental bridge, but our dentists may recommend the following options for more extensive restoration:
- Partials: Replace a few missing teeth on a single dental arch. Partial dentures can be removable or fixed in place for maximum stability.
- Full: Replace teeth for an entire dental arch. For patients who are completely missing teeth (edentulous), a complete denture may consist of an appliance with full teeth for both the top and bottom rows.
- Implant-supported dentures: These innovative tooth replacement options overcome many of the common complaints about dentures; keep reading for more information!
Patients who sustain injury to the mouth or suffer from issues like pervasive tooth decay or severe gum disease may dread the thought of needing dentures. However, our dentists’ skill with dental implants helps patients achieve optimal tooth replacement.
What People Say About Us!
"This is a great dental office! The people who work there are supportive and friendly. Our dentist is Dr. O’Leary. He is highly professional and takes the time to know his patients. He is conservative in approach and listens to your needs. We have been very happy with their care."
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Implant-Supported Dentures
For replacement of a single tooth, an implant is a solid anchor for a porcelain dental crown. When multiple teeth or an entire dental arch is involved, however, implant-supported dentures are the premier solution.
After treating underlying gum disease or other issues, our dentists can position implants beneath the gum tissue.
An entire denture can be supported by as few as 4 dental implants!
Dental implants designed to support a crown generally take 4-6 months to heal before they have the stability to anchor a tooth effectively. However, our dentists can install an implant-supported denture on the same day as the implant procedure.
How Long Should You Wear Dentures Each Day? Generally speaking, dentures can be worn from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed. Leaving your dentures in place all day is not a problem. In fact, it allows you to fully enjoy their benefits, such as improved speech and the ability to eat all of the foods that you love. When you first get your dentures, you may be instructed to wear them around the clock to help your mouth adapt. After a few days, our dentists may then advise you to take them out at night.
Dentures - Before & After
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Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
The team at Meadows Dental Group by Espire is generally able to place dental implants and complete the restoration, meaning you likely won’t have to travel to a specialist. We have found that implant-supported dentures overcome many of the aspects that patients find objectionable about traditional dentures by:
- Eliminating embarrassment: Meadows Dental Group by Espire has a longstanding relationship with a local dental lab that consistently delivers high-quality, lifelike restorations. We make every effort to ensure that your teeth don’t look “fake.”
- Restoring function: Implants provide a solid foundation for dentures. Patients with implant-supported dentures can chew normally and speak without the slippage that often accompanied previous denture designs.
- Looking good: Patients who are missing teeth often feel self-conscious about their smile. This also affects self-esteem. With implant-supported dentures, patients with missing teeth can look and feel good again.
How Long Does It Take To Get Used to Dentures?
Dentures can certainly feel a bit strange at first. You may experience some discomfort and increased salivation, among other challenges, as your mouth gets used to your dentures. The good news is that most patients get accustomed to dentures in a few weeks to one month.
Here are some tips that can help you adjust to wearing dentures:
- Start with soft foods
- Take small bites
- Avoid hard and sticky snacks
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater
- Practice eating and speaking
- Relax your face muscles
How Long Should You Wear Dentures Each Day?
Generally speaking, dentures can be worn from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed. Leaving your dentures in place all day is not a problem. In fact, it allows you to fully enjoy their benefits, such as improved speech and the ability to eat all of the foods that you love.
When you first get your dentures, you may be instructed to wear them around the clock to help your mouth adapt. After a few days, our dentists may then advise you to take them out at night.
How Long Is the Maximum I Can Leave Dentures In?
Dentures can be left in place all day. However, they should be removed at night, unless there is a specific reason for you not to do so. Leaving dentures in for too long without cleaning them or giving your gums a rest can hurt your oral health and shorten the lifespan of your restorations.
Can I Sleep With Dentures?
You should avoid sleeping in your dentures unless you have been told to wear them at night. While it is more convenient to leave them in place, it is not recommended for a few reasons.
- Sleeping with dentures can cause issues such as:
- Bone loss
- Gum irritation
- Bacterial growth and bad breath
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Colds and illnesses
Remember that your dentures need to be cleaned properly at night. Start by brushing them with a denture cleaner to remove bits of food, denture fixative, and plaque. Then, soak them in a denture-cleaning solution or place them in a glass of water to protect them from drying out.
Schedule a Client Consultation
Find the right tooth replacement option for you by calling 303-790-2323. During your comprehensive examination, our dentists will discuss your candidacy for implant-supported dentures and other treatments. Serving patients in Lone Tree and nearby areas including Centennial, Highlands Ranch and more.
