Navigating the World of Full Dentures: Advantages and Drawbacks

Dentures are positioned on your gums and they are generally removable. Complete dentures are intended for those patients who have lost all the teeth in their mouth. There are two options for complete dentures, which are immediate dentures (one of our dentists can install them immediately after your teeth have been removed) and conventional dentures (you receive these once your gums have fully healed, which might require several months). 

Who is a candidate for complete dentures? 

Patients who have experienced significant tooth loss, and need all their teeth replaced in the upper or lower arch, are ideal candidates for complete dentures. Also, you must have sufficient jaw bone structure and healthy gum tissue because false teeth require a proper amount of support from natural tissue to remain in place for a long period. 

What is the process for complete dentures? 

At Aspen Springs Dental, our dentist will begin the process by determining what type of appliance is the best option for you. Within a series of appointments that will take several weeks, our denturist will take the following steps: 

• Develop a variety of impressions relating to your jaw, measure how your jaws connect, and verify how much space is in between them. 
• Create models that match the exact shape and position of the dentures that will eventually be made. 
• Form a final denture.
• Modify the dentures to ensure a perfect fit for the patient. 

Pros of Complete Dentures

• Affordable option: complete dentures are a highly affordable choice for patients, especially since they are hoping to replace many teeth. 
• Non-invasive: the process is quicker than that of denture implants because there is not much surgery needed to complete the procedure. 
• Adjustable: whether you want to adjust them for the sake of comfort or because additional tooth loss has been experienced, modifying complete dentures is a simple process. 
• Good support: complete dentures provide sufficient support to your lips and cheeks. 
• Improve self-confidence: your smile will greatly benefit from complete dentures, which will only serve to help your confidence. 

Cons of Complete Dentures 

Can become loose: a patient with insufficient gum within their mouth will likely notice that their dentures have become loose. This will require that they use a dental adhesive to stabilize the dentures. 

• Speaking and eating difficulties: because the complete dentures are perhaps loose, it will influence your speaking and eating. 
• Lacking durability: unfortunately, complete dentures are quite fragile and easily breakable. If this occurs, our dentists in Centennial, Colorado can repair your dentures. 

How to Care for Complete Dentures

• You must handle complete dentures carefully and avoid dropping them. 
• You should brush and rinse your dentures daily, though not with a toothpaste. Toothpaste is abrasive and creates minor scratches in areas where food and plaque can build up. To remove food and plaque, dentures must be brushed daily, which will also help prevent permanent stains. There are brushes with soft bristles specifically designed for cleaning dentures. When you brush, do it gently on all surfaces so as not to damage the plastic or bend any attachments. Also, be sure to rinse dentures after each meal. 
• Ensure that you take care of your complete dentures when they are not being worn. Keep them moist to avoid dryness that might cause them to lose their shape. During times when you are not wearing them, soak the dentures in water or a denture cleansing solution. Do not put the dentures into hot water, as it could make them warp. 

When to Replace Complete Dentures

After some time, your complete dentures will have to be relined, rebased, or remade because of regular wear, their becoming loose, or alterations to your face, jawbones, and gums. One of our dentists can reline or rebase your dentures by refitting the base or creating a new base and again using the existing teeth. It is common for complete dentures to last five to seven years before having to be replaced. 

How to determine if complete dentures are right for you? Visit us at Aspen Springs Dental

If you remain uncertain about whether complete dentures can assist you, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at Brewery District Dental by calling (720) 482-0793. You can visit our office at 200 - 7940 S University Blvd in Centennial, Colorado. Our experienced team is here to provide all the information you need and to make the process as easy as possible. We are confident that we can answer all your questions, address any concerns, and guide you through the process of getting the care you need.

We want you to always love your smile!