Yes, natural and comfortable dentures are possible.
Dentures are removable prosthetics that replace one or more missing teeth. They come in two types: complete dentures (which replace all teeth in an arch) or partial flippers (which replace some teeth in the arch).
If you are interested in partial or complete dentures for an improved smile and quality of life, contact Paloma Dental in Denver today! The first step towards a new smile is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bassett so an individualized denture treatment plan can be created.
As the most economical way to replace all of your teeth in one arch of your mouth, dentures can be made to look natural and exactly how you want them to look. However, great care must be made by the dentist to explain your individual needs and the limitations that dentures have for restoring your smile, as they sometimes require adhesives to secure. Although Dr. Bassett takes every step necessary to ensure well-fitting dentures, you should discuss your individual situation with her to see if dentures are right for you. Often, dentures can actually be combined with 2-6 implants to give you the smile and retention that you are looking to have without worrying about them slipping or messy adhesives.
Since existing teeth can be used to help retain a prosthesis, partials may be an excellent economical option for people needing tooth replacement. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, and also prevents other teeth from shifting. It can improve aesthetics and chewing ability, but often takes some time to get used to using.
The process of creating dentures will be done over several appointments. Many measurements are necessary to create a well-fitting denture – no step can be missed, or else the denture will not fit ideally. Dr. Bassett always utilizes a mock-up of the denture and makes sure you approve of the color, shape, and positioning of the teeth. Once the final cast is made, adjustments can be made as necessary to ensure a comfortable fit.
The short answer is sometimes. Since it takes a few weeks until the muscles of the mouth get used to keeping dentures in place, your new dentures may feel very odd at first. Minor irritation may occur and saliva flow may increase, but these issues will resolve as the mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures. The mouth needs time to adjust to the new prosthesis, and you will find that with use, they will become more and more functional and comfortable.
Eating with your new dentures may be difficult at first, but should get easier after a few weeks. It is recommended that patients start with soft foods or foods in small pieces at first, and add other foods slowly until you return to your regular diet.
