Dentures in Denver, CO: Types, Process and Care

Dentures matter for overall dental health and aesthetics. In recent years, denture demand has grown significantly in Denver, Colorado. This guide covers the different types of dentures available in Denver, their care and maintenance, and factors to consider when choosing a dentures provider.

County: Denverconsolidated city and county
Population: 715,5222020 census
Elevation: 5,280 ftthe Mile High City

Population: 2020 United States census. County and elevation: U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System.

Hands holding a red apple up to a set of model dentures

Types of Dentures Available in Denver

Various types of dentures are available in Denver, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences. Understanding the differences between these options can help you make a more informed decision when selecting the fitting dentures for you.

Full Dentures

Full dentures, also known as complete dentures, are designed to replace all of the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw. They consist of a gum-colored base made of high-quality acrylic material, which supports a complete set of artificial teeth. Full dentures are removable and are held in place by natural suction or denture adhesive.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are designed to replace one or more missing teeth while preserving the remaining natural teeth. They consist of an acrylic or metal framework with artificial teeth attached. Partial dentures are usually secured using metal clasps or precision attachments connecting to the surrounding natural teeth.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures, also known as overdentures, are a more stable and secure alternative to traditional dentures. They are supported by dental implants that are surgically placed in the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures can be removable or fixed and offer improved function and comfort compared to conventional dentures.

Gray-haired woman covering her mouth while holding a denture model against a pink background

The Dentures Process in Denver

The process of getting dentures in Denver typically involves a few steps, which are designed to ensure a comfortable and well-fitted final product.

Consultation and Evaluation

The first step in the denture process is a consultation with a dental professional in Denver. During this appointment, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your specific needs and preferences, and recommend the most suitable denture option for you. They may also take x-rays, impressions of your teeth and gums, and other records as necessary.

Custom-Made Dentures

Most dentures are custom-made to ensure a comfortable fit and a natural-looking appearance. After taking accurate measurements and impressions of your mouth, your dentist will create a preliminary model of your dentures for you to try on. This allows you to get a feel for your artificial teeth’ size, shape, color, and positioning.

Based on your feedback and any necessary adjustments, the final dentures are then fabricated using high-quality materials.

Same-Day Dentures

Some dental practices in Denver also offer same-day dentures designed to be placed immediately after tooth extractions. While same-day dentures can be a convenient option for those who don’t want to go without teeth during the healing process, it’s essential to keep in mind that they may require more frequent adjustments and relines as the gums change shape during the healing process.

3D rendering of a full arch bridge above four implant posts in a lower gum

Denture Care and Maintenance

Proper denture care and maintenance are essential for the longevity and functionality of your new teeth.

Denture Repair

Denture repair is an essential aspect of denture maintenance. Over time, dentures can experience wear and tear, such as cracks or even breaks. It’s essential to address these issues promptly to ensure that the dentures remain comfortable and functional. Most dental practices in Denver offer denture repair services, which can help restore your dentures to their original state.

Denture Relines

Denture relines necessary to ensure that the dentures continue to fit comfortably and securely over time. As the gum tissue and bone structure change, the denture base may no longer fit snugly against the gums. Relining involves adding new material to the denture base to improve the fit and comfort of the dentures.

Denture Adjustments

Denture adjustments are another essential aspect of denture care. Over time, your bite may change, leading to uneven pressure distribution and discomfort when wearing dentures. Regular visits to your dentist in Denver can help identify any needed adjustments and ensure that your dentures remain comfortable and functional.

Cosmetic and Functional Benefits of Dentures

Investing in high-quality dentures can offer numerous cosmetic and functional benefits.

Improved Appearance and Confidence

Missing teeth can significantly impact your appearance, leading to feelings of self-consciousness and a decrease in confidence. Well-fitted dentures can help restore the appearance of a full, healthy smile and enhance your overall facial aesthetics, resulting in increased confidence in your daily life.

Enhancing Chewing and Speech

Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew food properly and negatively affect speech. By replacing missing teeth with dentures, you can reestablish the natural function of your teeth and enjoy a more balanced and efficient bite. Dentures can also help improve speech clarity by providing support for the lips, cheeks, and facial muscles.

Supporting Facial Muscles

Missing teeth can lead to a lack of support for your facial muscles, which can result in a sunken or aged appearance. Dentures help provide the necessary support for your facial muscles, maintaining a more youthful and natural appearance.

Mustached older man smiling in a dental chair while a hygienist holds a teeth model

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dentures Provider in Denver

When selecting a dentures provider in Denver, it’s vital to consider the following factors:

Experience and Expertise

Choose a dental professional with extensive experience and expertise in providing dentures. Make sure to ask about their background, training, and any specialized certifications they may have in the field of dentures and dental prosthetics.

Availability of Custom Dentures

Not all dental practices offer custom dentures, so asking about this option is essential. Custom dentures typically provide a better fit, improved aesthetics, and increased comfort compared to pre-fabricated or off-the-shelf dentures.

Affordability and Payment Options

The cost of dentures can vary substantially between dental practices. Ensure you fully understand the pricing structure and what’s included in the cost of your dentures before committing. Some dental practices may also offer various payment options, such as financing plans or discounts for uninsured patients.

Customer Reviews & Testimonials

Before selecting a dentures provider, it’s helpful to read customer reviews and testimonials to better understand their quality, service, and outcomes. Look for reviews from patients who have dealt with the specific dental practice, focusing on their experience with dentures and overall satisfaction.

Gloved hands holding an open jaw model in a dental treatment room

The Bottom Line

Selecting the right dentures provider in Denver, Colorado, is vital for ensuring a comfortable and functional set of replacement teeth. Considering factors such as experience, custom denture options, affordability, and customer reviews will help you make an informed decision. Investing in high-quality dentures can provide numerous cosmetic and functional benefits that can significantly improve your overall quality of life.

Frequently asked questions

What types of dentures can you get in Denver?

Denver practices offer three kinds. Full dentures replace every tooth in the upper or lower jaw, using a gum-colored acrylic base held by natural suction or adhesive. Partial dentures replace one or more teeth on an acrylic or metal framework, secured by clasps or precision attachments to the remaining teeth. Implant-supported dentures, or overdentures, sit on implants placed surgically in the jawbone and can be removable or fixed.

What happens at a denture consultation in Denver?

The first appointment is an evaluation. The dentist checks your oral health, discusses what you need and prefer, and recommends a denture type, often taking x-rays, impressions of your teeth and gums, and other records. Most dentures are then custom made: after measurements and impressions, a preliminary model is made for you to try, so the size, shape, color and position of the teeth can be adjusted before the final set is fabricated.

Are same-day dentures a good idea after extractions?

They can be. Some Denver practices offer same-day dentures that are placed immediately after teeth are extracted, which suits people who do not want to go without teeth while they heal. The trade-off is that the gums change shape during healing, so same-day dentures tend to need more frequent adjustments and relines than a conventional set made once the gums have settled.

How should you choose a denture provider in Denver?

Ask about the dentist's experience, training and any certifications in dentures and dental prosthetics. Ask whether they make custom dentures, since not every practice does and a custom set usually fits and looks better than an off-the-shelf one. Read reviews from patients who had dentures there specifically. Every dentist practicing in Colorado is licensed by the state Dental Board, and the public lookup shows a license's status and any discipline against it.

Does Health First Colorado cover dentures in Denver?

Health First Colorado, the state Medicaid program, includes an adult dental benefit that covers prosthodontic services such as dentures, within limits that its own benefits page sets out each year. Beyond that, denture prices vary substantially between Denver practices, so it is worth understanding the pricing structure and what is included before committing. Some practices also offer financing plans or discounts for patients without insurance.

Before you choose a provider

Check the license, and check what Health First Colorado covers, before booking in Denver

Every dentist practicing in Colorado is licensed by the state Dental Board, and the public lookup shows a license’s status and any discipline on it. Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program, includes an adult dental benefit that covers prosthodontic services such as dentures within the program’s limits; the plan’s own benefits page says what those are this year. We are a publication, not a practice, and do not recommend individual clinics.

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