Dentures

bridges

Dentistry is all about smiles, and having a confident, healthy, beautiful smile is important even for patients wearing dentures. Here at Centennial Lakes Dental Group, our practices provide personalized denture services that meet the needs and comfort levels of our patients. All of our patients are unique and we create one-of-a-kind dentures that feel good and look natural.

What are dentures?

Dentures are natural-looking replacement teeth that are removable. There are two types of dentures: full and partial.

Full dentures are given to patients when all of the natural teeth have been removed. There are two types of removable dentures: immediate dentures, and conventional dentures.
- Immediate dentures are placed typically the day of tooth removal so that you can have same day teeth! They will require numerous adjustments as your gums heal from the extractions for the first month or so.
- Conventional full dentures are placed after the gum tissue have fully healed, which can take several months.
Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges.

How do I know if dentures are the right choice for me?

Dentures are not for everyone. If you're interested in learning more about dentures and want to know if they are the right choice for you, please schedule an appointment. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you might have, and can determine the best course of treatment for your ongoing dental health.

Caring for your dentures

Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily maintenance to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside of your mouth. Keep your dentures clean and your smile healthy:

When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break.
Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up, so it's important that you brush your dentures every day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. Between brushings, it's important to rinse your dentures after each meal.
Use a gentle cleanser like mild hand or dish soap to clean your dentures. Avoid toothpaste, as they tend to be too abrasive on acrylic. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for your dentures, or ask your dentist about which products may be best for you.
When you are not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape, or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require certain soaking solutions, so be sure to ask your dentist which solution is best for you.
Even if you have a full set of dentures, it's important to keep your gums and tongue clean. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue every day.
Do not wear your dentures or partials overnight unless specified by your dentist!

If by chance your dentures do break, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Broken dentures that don't fit properly can cause irritation to your gums and mouth. Also, remember to continue scheduling regular dental checkups every six months to make sure that your smile stays healthy for many years to come.