Partial Denture Appliances in Loveland, CO
Restore Your Smile With Partial Dentures
A smile is a vital tool for connecting with others, but missing teeth can cause embarrassment or discomfort, making it hard to confidently share that smile. Thankfully, our dental experts offer a range of restorative solutions, such as dentures, to help replace missing teeth and enhance the overall appearance and functionality of your mouth.
Our Loveland, CO dentist, Dr. Howard, provides removable partial dentures that are comfortable, durable, and realistic-looking, making them a favored choice for those looking to improve their smile and regain confidence.
What Are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They feature a base made from acrylic or metal, colored to match the patient’s gums, with replacement teeth attached. These removable partial dentures can be secured to the remaining teeth using clasps, ensuring they stay in place.
Benefits of Partial Dentures
Partial dentures offer numerous benefits, including:
- Aesthetics: They restore a natural-looking smile by replacing missing teeth.
- Functionality: They enhance the ability to chew food properly, aiding digestion and nutritional absorption. They also improve speech clarity, especially if missing teeth previously affected pronunciation.
- Facial Support: Teeth support facial muscles, and missing teeth can cause facial sagging, making one appear older. A removable partial denture provides essential support, maintaining the natural shape of the face.
- Affordable: Partial dentures are often more budget-friendly compared to other tooth replacement options like dental implants or fixed bridges.
The Partial Denture Process
Receiving partial dentures is a straightforward process, involving:
- Consultation and Exam: Begin with an initial consultation and exam with our Loveland, CO dentist. He’ll assess your oral health to determine if partial dentures are suitable for you. Dental X-rays or impressions may be taken to create a model of your mouth.
- Preparation: If needed, your remaining teeth may be prepared for partial dentures, which could involve reshaping or filling cavities.
- Trial Fitting: A trial denture made of wax or plastic will be created. This allows you to assess the fit and feel in your mouth, with adjustments made for comfort.
- Final Fitting: After approving the trial, your final denture will be crafted. It may take a few weeks to complete. Once ready, our dentist will fit the dentures, making any necessary final adjustments.
- Follow-Up: Dr. Howard will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your dentures fit well and are not causing issues.
How to Care for Partial Dentures
Proper care keeps your partial dentures in top condition and supports overall oral health. We recommend:
- Handle With Care: Gently hold your dentures to avoid dropping them. Use a folded towel or a water-filled basin while cleaning as a cushion in case they slip.
- Rinse After Eating: Remove and rinse dentures after meals to eliminate food particles.
- Brush Daily: Clean every surface of the denture daily with a soft denture brush. Avoid regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive.
- Use a Denture Cleaner: Choose non-abrasive denture cleaners and avoid bleach-containing products, which can weaken and discolor dentures. Ensure the product is compatible with your type of denture.
- Keep Them Moist: Most removable partial dentures require moisture to retain shape. When not in use, store them in a denture-soaking solution or plain water.
- Regular Dental Visits: Like natural teeth, dentures need professional maintenance. Visit our dentist at least twice a year for cleaning and to check for any adjustments or repairs.
Partial Dentures Candidacy
Consider these factors when determining if partial dentures are right for you:
- Overall oral health: Candidates should have good oral health and healthy gums. Address any gum disease or oral health issues before considering partial dentures.
- Number of missing teeth: Partial dentures are for replacing one or more missing teeth. If many teeth are missing, full dentures or implant-supported dentures might be better.
- Remaining teeth: There must be enough healthy remaining teeth to support the partial denture, strong enough to withstand the pressure of the dental restoration.
- Jawbone density: Sufficient jawbone density is needed to support the partial denture. If the jawbone has deteriorated, bone grafting or other procedures may be necessary.
- Patient’s ability to maintain oral hygiene: Partial dentures require proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent decay and gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of partial dentures.
To determine if partial dentures suit your oral health needs, contact our Loveland, CO dentist at (970) 669-3918 to schedule a consultation.
Partial Denture Cost
Costs vary, but partial dentures typically range from $1,000 to $2,000. Factors affecting cost include:
- Location: Dental care costs can be higher in urban areas compared to rural ones.
- Material: Partial dentures can be made from acrylic, metal, flexible materials like Valplast, or a combination. Metal frameworks tend to be more expensive.
- Dentist’s Experience and Reputation: Experienced, well-known dentists may charge more than those just starting.
- Complexity of the Case: More complex cases requiring adjustments or additional procedures may cost more.
- Additional Treatments: Additional treatments, like tooth extractions or fillings, may be needed alongside the partial denture, adding to the total cost.
- Dental Insurance: Dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost of partial dentures. Check with your provider for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care and maintenance, partial dentures can last five to 10 years or more. The lifespan depends on the quality of materials, care, and wear and tear.
Adjusting to speaking with partial dentures may take time, but most people adapt quickly without issues. You might notice minor speech changes, like a slight lisp, which should improve with time and practice.
Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Howard
At the Center for Advanced Dentistry in Loveland, CO, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. If you’re missing one or several teeth, our team can provide custom-made partial dentures that fit comfortably and look natural.
Our experienced dentist and staff will work closely with you to ensure your partial dentures meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Start your journey to a complete and healthy smile today by calling our Loveland, CO, office at (970) 669-3918 to schedule an appointment. We also welcome patients from Greeley, Evans, and Garden City.