Dentures
Dentures are custom-made removable restorations used to replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch of teeth. Depending on how many natural teeth remain, complete or partial dentures can restore the visible smile while helping you eat and speak more comfortably. Each denture is designed around the shape of your mouth, bite, and remaining teeth so the fit feels as natural and secure as possible. Adjusting to dentures can take time as your mouth adapts to a new way of chewing and speaking, but they provide a non-surgical option for rebuilding function and appearance after significant tooth loss. Emerald Dental’s restorative dentistry provides dentures at both our Lakewood and Littleton offices.
Curious what your smile could look like in six months?
Smile Fact
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, yet it cannot repair itself once it is lost.
Types of Dentures
Dentures are custom-made prosthetics that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. Which type makes sense depends on how many teeth you’re replacing, whether you still have healthy teeth remaining, and how much stability matters to you.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace an entire arch of upper or lower teeth, built from an impression of your mouth for a secure, natural-looking fit. They’re the right fit when no natural teeth remain in that arch.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures fill in gaps when you still have healthy natural teeth remaining, clasping onto those teeth for stability. They restore your bite and appearance without replacing the whole arch.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are placed the same day your teeth are removed, so you’re never without teeth during healing. Because your gums shift as they heal, an immediate denture typically needs relining or replacing once things settle.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures anchor to a small number of dental implants instead of resting on the gums, so they don’t shift while eating or talking. It’s a bigger investment upfront, but worth discussing if maximum stability matters most to you.
How Dentures Work
Consultation and Exam.
You'll talk through your goals and get a full exam of your gums, jaw, and any remaining teeth to determine whether full, partial, or implant-supported dentures make the most sense.
Impressions and Design.
Precise impressions of your mouth are taken to build a denture that fits your bite and facial structure, and you'll have a chance to preview your new smile before it's finalized.
Fitting and Adjustments.
Your dentures are fitted, checked for comfort and alignment, and adjusted as needed. Most patients need a few follow-up visits early on to fine-tune pressure points as your mouth adjusts.
Benefits of Dentures
Adjusting to dentures takes a little time, but most patients say the payoff shows up fast, in what they can eat again, how they sound, and how they look in the mirror.
Eat familiar foods again without the discomfort of missing teeth
Speech returns to normal as your mouth adjusts to the new fit
Restores fullness to your face, preventing the sunken look tooth loss can cause
A non-surgical, more affordable alternative to implants
Custom-fit to your bite and features for all-day comfort
Why Emerald Dental for Dentures
Dr. Stephanie Paswaters has provided restorative dentistry since 1995, and every denture case gets that same experience applied to your specific fit, bite, and comfort, not a standard mold. You’ll preview your new smile before it’s finalized, and follow-up adjustments are part of the process, not an extra step you have to ask for. Both our Lakewood and Littleton dentists offer the same standard of care. Meet our doctors on our About Us page.
What Patients Are Saying
Real feedback from real patients across our Lakewood and Littleton offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to feel unsure about getting dentures, even knowing they'll help?
It’s a completely normal reaction, adjusting to dentures is a real change, not just a dental procedure. Most of that uncertainty fades once you’re a few weeks into the new routine and eating, speaking, and smiling start to feel automatic again.
Will dentures feel comfortable right away?
Not immediately, and that’s normal. Your mouth needs time to adjust to the fit, and follow-up visits are a standard part of the process to fine-tune pressure points until they feel secure.
What's the difference between traditional and implant-supported dentures?
Traditional dentures rest on your gums and are removable, while implant-supported dentures anchor to a small number of dental implants for extra stability. Implant-supported dentures cost more and take longer since they involve a placement procedure, but they don’t shift the way a removable denture can.
How long do dentures last?
With proper care and routine adjustments, dentures typically last 5 to 10 years before they need to be relined or replaced. Your mouth naturally changes shape over time as bone structure shifts, which is why regular checkups matter even after your dentures are placed.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
It’s better not to. Removing them overnight gives your gums a chance to rest and reduces the risk of irritation or infection, and it’s part of the simple daily care routine that keeps dentures comfortable long-term.
A New Routine, And a New You
The right dentures should give you back more than missing teeth, they should give you confidence in everyday moments like eating with family, speaking clearly, and smiling without hesitation. Full, partial, and implant-supported options make it possible to find a solution that fits your needs and lifestyle. Emerald Dental provides dentures at our Lakewood and Littleton offices. Schedule a consultation and take the first step toward feeling comfortable with your smile again.
Find Us
Two Convenient Locations
Both offices are open Monday through Thursday and accept new patients of all ages.
Lakewood
Emerald Dental Lakewood
12093-A West Alameda Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80228
Littleton
Emerald Dental Littleton
2731 W Belleview Ave, Littleton, CO 80123