Call for an appointment: Colorado Springs, CO (719) 593-0263

Colorado Springs Dentures - Donald Couchman, DDS - Dental Implant Supported Dentures

Are you looking for a permanent way to replace your missing teeth? For over 35 years, Dr. Donald Couchman has been providing quality and affordable restorative dentistry to the community of Colorado Springs. We offer a broad range of services to replace missing teeth including dental implants, removable dentures, dental implant supported dentures, partial dentures, and complete dentures. On these pages we have provided information detailing the different types of dental restorations we offer. We hope this knowledge helps you decide which dental restoration option is right for you!

Dr. Couchman strongly recommends dental implant supported dentures to anyone needing to replace a full arch. Dental implants create a stable, permanent base on which the dentist can place the new restoration. Patients who typically think of dentures as a removable appliance will be happy to know that with implant supported dentures, we can provide you with the permanent smile you've always wanted!

Types of Dentures

A denture is a dental appliance replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue.  They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile. There are two different methods used for placing dentures. We offer both removable dentures and implant supported (permanent) dentures. Implant supported dentures are typically much more comfortable for the patient. Due to their secure placement, they can be created with less plastic for a better fit in the mouth and they will not slip or move. They tend to feel more natural and do not come with the hassle of applying dental adhesives.

There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.  A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

A complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.”  A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks.  During this time the patient will go without teeth.  Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process.  Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years, but some may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for Dentures

  • Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
  • Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
  • Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
  • Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks.  Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture.  Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit.  At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

You will be given care instructions for your new dentures.  Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

If you would like to find more information regarding dental implants and implant supported dentures, please see the link below.

After years of procrastinating, I finally agreed to get my old dentures replaced. I had grown very comfortable with my old ones, but they didn't look attractive anymore so I told Dr. Couchman that it was time. After a brief appointment to take new molds of my mouth, I returned about a week later to try on my new pair. I was pleasantly surprised that they felt just like my old pair, but they looked fantastic! I returned about a week later for a follow-up visit and I happily reported that I hadn't experienced a single problem in the last week and I couldn't be happier. My new dentures looked brand new and felt like I'd been wearing them for years - that's a winning combination! Debbie E.