Dentures - Complete & Partials
Grand Junction, CO
 Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that replace lost teeth and the adjacent tissues. The two kinds of dentures we offer are complete dentures and partial dentures. We prescribe complete dentures when a patient has lost all their teeth, and recommend partial dentures for patients who still have some of their natural teeth.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are further subdivided into immediate dentures and conventional dentures.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are crafted beforehand and are ready for placement right after we extract the teeth. The advantage of this is that the patient doesn't need to go without teeth during the healing period following extraction.
The drawback is that gums and bones shrink as the patient ages, and this is especially the case after a tooth extraction. Because of this, immediate dentures need many adjustments so they can fit properly during the recovery period. For that reason, they are typically employed as a temporary solution until we can finish making conventional dentures.
Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures are made after the teeth are extracted, and the healing period for the gum tissue has started. These dentures are ready for placement from anywhere 8 to 12 weeks after extraction.
Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are usually made of a set of prosthetic teeth that are connected to a plastic base. The base, which is pink to match the gums, is often attached to a metal frame that holds the denture together. They are an affordable alternative to multiple dental implants.
Partial dentures are used in cases where at least one of a patient's natural teeth remains in the lower or upper jaw. We insert a fixed bridge to replace one or more teeth by putting crowns on the remaining teeth and filling the gap with prosthetic teeth connected to the crowns. Then we cement the bridge into place.
Partial dentures use artificial teeth to cover the spaces made by missing teeth and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. Precision partial dentures are removable and attach to the surrounding crowns with internal attachments instead of clasps, making for a more natural look.
Will Dentures change my Appearance?
We specially design our dentures to resemble your regular teeth as much as possible so that most people won't notice the difference. Rather than diminish your look, dentures are more likely to enhance it by filling in missing teeth.
Do I need to wear Dentures 24 Hours a Day?
Dr. Gregory J. Gorman, DMD will inform you of how long you must wear your dentures and when you can take them out. For the first several days after you get them, you may need to wear them at all times, including during sleep. This may cause some initial discomfort, but it's the fastest method to pinpoint any areas on the dentures that we may need to adjust.
Once we've made the necessary adjustments, you should take out your dentures before you go to bed at night. Doing so allows your gum tissues to rest and lets your saliva and tongue cleanse your mouth as they normally would. You can put your dentures back in in the morning.
For more information, please contact our office at (970) 812-3959. |
Hours
(970) 812-3959 
Dr. Gregory J. Gorman, DMD