Services Restorative Dentistry Dentures and Partial Dentures

Dentures & Partial Dentures in Ft. Collins

A smile just isn't a smile if it's incomplete. Missing teeth cause a host of problems, from difficulty speaking and eating to low self-confidence to jawbone deterioration. Don't give up on your smile. Advances in dental materials and technology have made full and partial dentures more lifelike and comfortable than ever.

What is a Partial Denture?

A partial denture, commonly referred to as simply a partial, consists of multiple teeth on a gum colored base. The teeth are not in a row, but rather spread across the base to fit like a puzzle with your existing teeth. A partial is normally secured with clips or brackets, but unlike a bridge, a partial is removable.

What is a Full Denture?

A full denture is a complete top or bottom row of teeth mounted on a gum-colored base. Dentures can be closed or open palate, and they may require denture adhesive to hold them in place.

Implant-Supported Dentures and Partials

Dental implants are small titanium posts anchored into the jawbone. If you prefer a secure full or partial denture and do not want clips or adhesive, then consider implant-supported dentures. In a brief surgery, an implant dentist can secure a few dental implant posts to hold your dentures in place. With implant-supported dentures, you won't have to worry about slippage, and your prosthetic will feel safe and sound.

Denture FAQs

Dentures in Ft. Collins soaking in a glass cup

Are you thinking about restoring your smile with dentures in Ft. Collins? You may still have some questions that need answers. Here are some of the most common questions that we receive about dentures below. If there is more information that you would like to know, don’t hesitate to give our team a call or schedule a consultation so we can help you get the answers you’re looking for!

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Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?

When possible, it is better to repair a damaged tooth than replace it. Extractions will only take place when it is absolutely necessary, like when a tooth is far too damaged to save as a result of decay, infection, or severe trauma that has broken off most of the enamel. If all of your teeth in an arch are decayed or infected from periodontal disease, it can be more cost effective to replace them with dentures than repair them with crowns or another restoration option. Dr. Lindsey will help you by exploring your options and determining whether or not extractions are necessary.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

There are a few different types of dentures – partial dentures, full dentures, and implant-retained dentures. Here are the requirements for each one:

Partial dentures: This type is typically used for people who still have most of their teeth. If you have lost a few teeth due to oral disease, malnutrition, or an accident, this may be a viable option.
Full dentures: For patients who have lost most of or all of their teeth due to bone loss, severe periodontal disease, or another health issue, full dentures are recommended.
Dental implant dentures: Implants can be used to support dentures if there is still a significant amount of jawbone density. Lost jawbone dentistry can be restored with a bone graft.

What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?

When you have dentures, it is a good idea to avoid sticky foods, like peanut butter and gummy candies, because they can pull dentures out of place. Foods that contain small pieces can be difficult to chew with dentures, such as popcorn, shelled nuts, and sesame seeds. It is a good idea to avoid hard and tough foods like nuts, apples, carrot sticks, corn on the cob, steak, and porkchops. You don’t want to put too much stress on your dentures.

Can I Have My Dentures Relined if They Don’t Fit Properly?

Dentures typically need to be realigned as their shape changes over time due to wear and tear. A soft reline is performed to add additional cushion to the prosthetic if your gums are sensitive to the weight of the dentures. Hard relines are necessary for more extensive changes and often require your dentist to send your dentures to a separate lab. If your dentures are causing sores in your mouth, a temporary reline can be performed to allow the soft tissue time to heal. Traditional dentures typically need to be fully replaced every 7-10 years. On the other hand, implant dentures never need to be readjusted or replaced thanks to their unique construction and placement.