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Dentures & Partials in Lakewood, CO
Missing several teeth, or all of them? Dentures & partials in Lakewood, CO can help you chew, speak, and smile with more confidence.
Complete dentures replace a full arch of teeth, upper or lower. Partial dentures fill the gaps when some natural teeth remain, clasping onto them for support. Both are custom-made to fit your mouth and are removable for cleaning.
Lakewood Smiles provides complete and partial dentures for patients who are missing teeth. We will explain your options in plain language, talk through what to expect while you get used to them, and never pressure you into a decision.
- Complete dentures for a full arch
- Partial dentures to fill gaps
- Custom-fitted to your mouth
- Guidance while you adjust
What dentures and partials are
A complete denture is a set of artificial teeth on a gum-colored base that rests on your gums and covers a full arch. An upper denture is held in place largely by a close fit against the roof of the mouth. A lower denture has less to hold onto, so it often takes more practice to get used to, and some people use a denture adhesive for extra hold.
A partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth when natural teeth remain. It usually has a metal or acrylic framework with clasps that hold onto nearby teeth, and it can be taken out for cleaning. Partials also help keep your remaining teeth from shifting into the gaps.
Who dentures and partials are for
Dentures may be a good option if you are missing all of the teeth in an arch, or if the teeth that remain cannot be saved and need extractions. Partial dentures suit people who are missing several teeth but still have healthy teeth that can support a clasp.
They are not the only way to replace teeth. A fixed bridge can replace one or a few teeth next to healthy neighbors, and implant restorations replace a tooth on an implant post. The best option depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your gums and bone, and your budget.
What to expect when you get dentures
Getting dentures usually takes several visits. The first step is an exam of your mouth, gums, and any remaining teeth. Impressions are then taken, along with measurements of how your jaws come together, so the denture can be made to fit your mouth and bite.
Many patients have a try-in visit, where a model of the denture lets you and the dentist check the fit, the look, and the bite before the final denture is finished. When it is ready, it is fitted and adjusted, and follow-up visits are common in the first weeks to ease any sore spots.
Adjusting to and cleaning your dentures
New dentures take time to get used to. It is common to have some sore spots, extra saliva, and a feeling that the denture is bulky at first. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and chew on both sides at once. Reading aloud helps your speech adjust. If a sore spot does not improve after a few days, call so the denture can be adjusted.
Remove and rinse your denture after eating, and brush it every day with a soft brush and a denture cleaner rather than regular toothpaste, which can scratch it. Handle it over a folded towel or a sink of water in case it slips. Most people are advised to take dentures out at night and keep them moist. Brush any natural teeth and your gums every day too.
Insurance and payment for dentures
Dental plans often list dentures and partials as major services, which may be covered at a lower percentage than preventive care. Many plans also limit how often a denture can be replaced, so it is worth checking your plan before you begin.
Lakewood Smiles accepts select plans from Delta Dental PPO, Cigna PPO, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, GEHA, Humana, MetLife, Guardian and Medicaid. Not every plan from each carrier is accepted, so please call 303-988-6860 before your visit and we can check whether we are in network with your specific plan. Any estimate is based on information from your dental benefits company and is not a guarantee of payment. You can see the insurance list and billing notes on our contact page.
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New patients always welcome. We'll help you find a time that works.
Common questions about dentures & partials
How long does it take to get used to new dentures?
Most people need a few weeks to feel at home with new dentures, and lower dentures often take longer than upper ones. In the beginning, eating, speaking, and the feel of the denture can all seem strange. Soft foods, chewing on both sides, and reading aloud help. Sore spots are normal early on and can usually be relieved with a small adjustment, so call rather than waiting it out.
Should I sleep with my dentures in?
Most people are advised to take their dentures out at night. Giving your gums a rest helps keep the tissues healthy, and it is a good time to clean the denture and keep it moist in water or a soaking solution, as directed. There are exceptions, especially right after new dentures are fitted, so follow the specific instructions you are given for your denture and your mouth.
How do I clean my dentures?
Rinse your denture after meals to remove food. Once a day, brush every surface with a soft denture brush and a denture cleaner, since regular toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch the surface. Soak it as directed, and rinse it well before putting it back in. Never use hot water, which can warp the base. Also brush your gums, tongue, and any natural teeth every day.
What is the difference between a complete and a partial denture?
A complete denture replaces every tooth in an upper or lower arch and rests on the gums. A partial denture replaces only the missing teeth and attaches to the natural teeth you still have, usually with small clasps. Partials help keep your remaining teeth from drifting. Which one fits you depends on how many healthy teeth remain and whether they can support a partial.
How long do dentures last?
Dentures often last several years, but your mouth keeps changing as the gums and bone under them shrink over time. That can make a denture loosen, rub, or click. Many dentures need a reline, which reshapes the fitting surface, before they need replacing. Regular checkups let the dentist check the fit and spot wear early, so a loose denture does not cause sore spots or trouble eating.
Do I still need dental checkups if I wear dentures?
Yes. Even with a full denture, regular checkups matter. The dentist examines your gums, tongue, and the soft tissues of your mouth, checks the fit of the denture, and looks for sore spots or changes that need attention. If you wear a partial, your natural teeth still need cleanings and exams, because healthy supporting teeth are what keep a partial working well.