A dentist may suggest partial or complete dentures to address multiple missing or damaged teeth or an entire arch of teeth. If you have lost all your teeth due to decay, disease, injury, or other circumstances, complete dentures may be your best option for restoring your smile and oral health. Complete dentures can also be used to restore a smile and oral functions during the healing process following the extraction of all teeth.
Partial dentures, on the other hand, offer patients a way to replace a few missing teeth without using a complete denture set. At Cortez Dental, our dentist will suggest the best type of denture for your needs and lifestyle; however, your mouth will eventually change shape, and you may need a reline of your denture to prevent discomfort and fit issues.
Complete Dentures
Complete or full dentures are used when all teeth in the upper or lower arch are missing or need to be extracted. These removable prosthetic devices are made of acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal. Complete dentures rest on the gums and are held in place by suction and sometimes with the help of denture adhesives. They replace the complete set of teeth and support the lips and cheeks, restoring the ability to speak, eat, and smile.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are recommended when some natural teeth remain in the upper or lower arch. They consist of artificial teeth attached to a metal or acrylic framework that matches the color of the gums. Partial dentures may have metal clasps that attach to the adjacent natural teeth, providing stability and retention. They fill in the gaps created by missing teeth and help prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
Dentures are made of acrylic resin, and some patients select them to replace all of their teeth, while others only use them as a cosmetic option to fill in gaps in their smile.
First, your dentist will design a set of customized dentures to fit comfortably in your mouth. During this process, they will use an impression of your smile to ensure your new dentures are accurately contoured for your mouth’s shape. Then, your dentures will be carefully crafted in a dental lab based on your dentist’s instructions. Many patients replace their upper and lower arch completely, while others rest on their gums first, then have partial dentures made later as their oral tissues heal.
Once you and our cosmetic dentist decide on your final set of dentures, you will return to our dentist’s office for an adjustment appointment to ensure they are secure and comfortable. During this time, our dentist may slightly file down any rough edges on your dentures or reshape the tissue around them to ensure a proper fit. Once you are satisfied with how your new dentures feel, you will be sent home to begin using and caring for them daily.
If you have questions about how dentures can help you regain a beautiful and complete smile, visit Cortez Dental at 43 W. Montezuma Ave., Cortez, CO 81321, or call (970) 565-9569. We look forward to working with you to create the best treatment for your needs.