12510 E Iliff Ave Ste 305
Aurora, CO 80014
303-695-0102
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Complete Dentures

Dr. Christopher Henes and his dental team are proud to offer a wide variety of services, including complete dentures in Aurora, CO

Are you embarrassed due to the fact you are missing a tooth or teeth?  You shouldn’t feel alone. According to epidemiological studies, it is estimated that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and about 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. As we age, the problem gets worse as 30 percent of adults between 65-74 years old have no natural teeth. Having missing teeth can happen either from disease, malnutrition, genetic disorders, or an accident. Because of these reasons it is necessary for an individual to have some or all of their teeth extracted. While this can be devastating, partial or full (complete) dentures can be fabricated to restore an attractive smile, provide needed support for normal facial contours and reestablish a highly functional occlusion. Full or partial tooth loss, if left untreated, doesn’t only affect a person’s self-image it can also increase the risk of development nutritional problems and other systemic health disorders. The great news is that there is a reliable and time-tested method for treating these conditions: partial or full (complete) dentures.

What are dentures made of?

A partial and complete denture consists of natural looking artificial teeth set in a supportive base. It may be fabricated to replace either a small group of teeth, an entire upper arch, an entire lower arch, or used to restore both dental arches.

Do I need partial or complete denture?

The question some people have is “Do I need a partial or complete denture”.  This is a great question and that question can be answered by a trained dental professional like Dr. Christopher Henes. When you first meet Dr. Christopher Henes and his team they will most likely take digital radiographs to see how your teeth are and to look at the supporting bone structure.  Whether you need a partial or complete denture they both follow the same steps:
  • Initial impression: using a substance called alginate a model will be taken of both your upper and lower arches. This will be sent to a lab where custom trays will be made and then used.
  • Final impression: using the custom trays a final impression will be taken using a different material called PVS. This impression is more detailed than the original impression. If you are receiving a partial denture then at this appointment we’ll be making small modifications to your teeth so the clasp can grab a hold to your teeth.
  • Measurements: At this appointment we will measure how tall to make each denture or partial denture and put some lines on the wax rim to communicate to the dental lab. We will also pick out the shade of your teeth.
  • Wax try-in: With the partial or complete denture almost done at this appointment we try in the denture. Think of this appointment as a dress rehearsal.  Here we make sure your bite is correct, the color of your teeth match, and that you are overall happy with the results. If there is anything you want to change now is the time to communicate it. Also, it’s a good idea for you to bring someone with you to see how everything is looking.
  • Delivery – the big day where you complete some final adjustments and you get to take home your partial or complete denture.

Complete Dentures

A complete denture refers to the replacement of all the teeth in a dental arch. It can be inserted either of two ways. It can be inserted some weeks after the extraction sites and all of the surgical procedures have had a chance to heal, or as an “immediate” denture placed the same day the last remaining teeth are extracted. Although an immediate denture offers the advantage of not having to go without teeth for any period of time, it can require multiple adjustments as the tissues remodel and heal following dental extractions or other surgical procedures.

What are Complete Dentures made of?

Full dentures consist of a gum-colored base made of plastic resin, which fits over the remaining bone that formerly held the teeth. The teeth projecting from the base are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth. Dentures are held in place primarily by the suctioning effect of their close-fit against the alveolar ridges — that’s why it’s so important that they are fitted properly. The upper denture also gets extra support from the large surface area of the roof of the mouth (palate), which generally makes it extremely stable.

What to expect with Complete Dentures

At first, wearing dentures may require some getting used to in terms of talking and eating.  Over time, the muscles, nerves and ligaments of the mouth learn to work in new ways, which allows these functions to occur normally. Dentures also help support the facial skeleton and the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks, which can help create a more youthful appearance.

If you have a set of dentures

Even if you already have a set of complete or partial dentures it is still best to be seen yearly. The benefit by coming in yearly is to make sure your appliance is still fitting well and not rubbing on any of your soft tissues, your occlusion is still balanced and even, and to complete an extra and intra oral exam to make sure you haven’t developed oral cancer. Complete denture and partial dentures are like tires on a car. After so many years they will need to be replaced. The reason for replacement is that the bone that use to support your teeth is constantly changing and remodeling. Because of this constant remodeling the architecture of the bone changes and your once well fitting partial and complete denture might not fit so well and will become loose. Besides remaking a complete or partial denture there are some things we can try to do in office to help loose and ill fitting appliances. The two options that we have are either an in-office soft reline or sending your complete or partial denture to the lab for a reline. There are benefits to both procedures but in short, when completing an in-office reline, the reline only lasts for 3-6 months because the material that we placed in the denture can become washed out. If we send your partial or complete denture to the lab they could have your partial or complete  denture up to three days but that reline is more permanent.

In some cases added stability for the dentures can be provided by strategically placed implants.

Schedule Your Appointment to discuss if you are a candidate for complete dentures in Aurora, CO Today!

If you are interested in learning more about complete dentures and partial dentures, call 303-695-0102 or book an appointment with our 5-star-rated dentist. We are conveniently located on Iliff near I-225. During your session, our experienced dentist and team will take the time to answer all your questions about our treatments, our office, our flexible payment options, and anything else you may want to know about us! Come to experience Iliff Family Dental and our unmatched patient experience! You will quickly see why people in Aurora, CO love us