The Process For Getting Dentures in Aurora, CO

Getting dentures is a multi-step process that replaces missing teeth with a custom-made removable prosthetic. The goal is to restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably while supporting the facial structure changes that often accompany tooth loss.

The process unfolds over several appointments. At Alameda Dental, Dr. Casandra Barnes guides you through each phase, from the initial consultation to the final fit and follow-up care. We focus on making sure your denture fits well, functions properly, and looks natural.

When teeth are missing, the jawbone in that area can begin to resorb — meaning the body reabsorbs the bone mineral because the tooth roots are no longer stimulating it. Over time, this can change the shape of your face, causing a sunken appearance around the mouth and cheeks.

Missing teeth also affect daily life. Chewing tougher or fibrous foods becomes harder, which may limit your diet. Speech can shift because teeth help form certain sounds. Gaps in the gums can trap food and harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of gum infection. Replacing missing teeth with a well-fitting denture helps address these concerns.

Your first visit centers on evaluation and conversation. Dr. Barnes reviews your health and dental history, including any medications and medical conditions that could influence treatment. She then performs a clinical examination of your gums, jaw, and any remaining teeth.

Imaging — such as digital X-rays — may be taken to assess bone levels and the health of tooth roots and surrounding structures. We discuss what you hope to achieve, how you use your teeth day to day, and any concerns you have about wearing a denture. At this stage we also review the different types of dentures — full, partial, or implant-supported — and explain which options fit your situation.

If Dr. Barnes recommends that certain remaining teeth be extracted before proceeding, she explains why and what that recovery period looks like.

Once a plan is in place, we capture the shape of your mouth. We also record bite relationship measurements so the dental lab can position the artificial teeth correctly.

You help select the shade, shape, and size of the denture teeth. Dr. Barnes provides guidance based on your facial structure, skin tone, and any pre-extraction photos you can share, so the result looks natural and suits you.

These records are sent to a dental laboratory where a technician fabricates a custom denture built to our specifications.

The lab creates your denture in stages. In some cases, we schedule a try-in appointment where you can preview the arrangement of the teeth in a wax base before the denture is finalized. This gives you a chance to see the look and feel, and we can make adjustments before the acrylic is processed.

If you need extractions on the day your denture is delivered, we work with the lab to time the fabrication accordingly. An immediate denture can be placed right after teeth are removed so you leave the office with a full smile.

When the finished denture arrives, you come in for a delivery appointment. Dr. Barnes places the denture and checks every aspect of the fit — how it seats on the gums, how the bite comes together, and whether any areas press too firmly on soft tissue.

We make chairside adjustments as needed. We also show you how to insert and remove the denture, review how to clean and store it, and discuss what sensations are normal during the first few weeks. You receive written care instructions before you leave.

Adapting to a new denture takes time. Increased saliva flow, minor gum tenderness, a feeling of fullness in the mouth, and temporary changes in speech are all common. Most patients notice steady improvement within two to three weeks.

During this phase, we recommend starting with soft foods cut into small pieces and gradually reintroducing a wider range of textures as your confidence grows. Avoid sticky or extremely hard foods until you are accustomed to the denture.

We schedule follow-up visits during the first month to check for pressure spots, refine the fit, and answer any questions. Even after you have fully adapted, denture fit can change as the jawbone and gums remodel over time. Periodic relines or adjustments help maintain comfort and function.

Careful daily cleaning keeps your denture in good condition and your mouth healthy.

Remove and rinse the denture after eating. Brush it daily with a soft denture brush and a cleaner formulated for dentures — standard toothpaste can be too abrasive and create tiny scratches. Soak the denture overnight in water or a denture-cleaning solution to keep the material hydrated and maintain its shape.

Each morning and evening, gently clean your gums, tongue, and any natural teeth with a soft toothbrush. This stimulates circulation in the tissues and removes plaque. Never sleep with your denture in place unless Dr. Barnes instructs otherwise for a specific clinical reason.

The cost of getting dentures varies by case because it depends on the type of denture, whether extractions are needed, the materials used, and the number of appointments required. Dr. Barnes provides a written estimate before we begin any treatment, so you know what to expect.

Dental insurance plans commonly include an allowance toward dentures, but the amount depends on your specific policy. Our team verifies your benefits and explains what is covered and what your out-of-pocket responsibility would be. Call us at (303) 343-7072 and we can review costs and payment options tailored to your situation.