Dentures
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Missing or severely worn teeth can negatively impact your confidence and impair your ability to perform common tasks, such as chewing and speaking. Dentures are a reliable replacement option for missing teeth that can help restore the function and beauty of your smile. Furthermore, advances in dental technology have made it so that denture prostheses are more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than ever before. Dr. Sameet Sheth is an experienced prosthodontist and cosmetic dentist who specializes in tooth restoration and replacement. Dr. Sheth has years of experience helping patients obtain stunning restorative dentistry results, and he will work closely with you in order to ensure that your new dentures are as comfortable, secure, and natural-looking as possible.
If you would like to learn more about dentures and the variety of tooth replacement options we offer, we encourage you to explore the informative sections below. If you are ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sheth, please contact us today!
- Denture Benefits
- Denture Options
- Denture Procedure
- Denture Longevity
- Denture Care
- Denture Alternatives
- Choosing a Dentures Specialist
- Denture Cost
What Are the Benefits of Dentures?
Dentures can provide numerous functional benefits, in addition to helping support your long-term oral health. Furthermore, advances in dental technology mean that modern denture appliances are significantly more natural-looking and feeling than they were in the past. Some of the potential benefits of full and partial dentures include:
- Better support for your facial muscles in the aftermath of tooth loss
- Improved chewing function and speech clarity
- Greater dietary freedom
- Enhanced smile aesthetics
- Boosted self-esteem
- Lightweight and removable for easy cleaning and maintenance
- Cost-effective and covered by many different insurance plans
What Are My Denture Options?
Full Dentures
For patients missing all or most of the teeth on their upper and/or lower dental arch, full dentures—also called complete dentures—may be an ideal choice. A custom set of new teeth will be carefully fabricated and mounted on a foundation that is designed to mimic the look and feel of your natural gum tissue. The appliance will then be adjusted to ensure that it fits as securely and comfortably in your mouth as possible for optimal aesthetics and functionality. Dentures are typically held in place using oral adhesives, and they can be removed for routine daily cleanings.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture—sometimes also called a removable bridge—is designed to replace a section of adjacent teeth on the same dental arch. Just like a full denture, the partial will consist of a set of custom-fabricated artificial teeth set into a base that is modeled to resemble gum tissue. The appliance is designed to fit comfortably and securely between the natural teeth on either side of the gap, and it can be removed for daily cleaning.
What Does the Denture Procedure Involve?
The denture procedure usually begins with your dentist evaluating the condition of your mouth and extracting any remaining natural teeth, if necessary. Optimizing the condition of your teeth and gums in advance of receiving your dentures can help ensure a more comfortable fit and safeguard your long-term health, so your dentist may also recommend additional treatments—such as periodontal care—as needed. After these initial preparations have been made, impressions will be taken of your mouth to help configure the size, look, fit, and bite alignment of your denture appliance.
If some of your natural teeth require extraction, your gums will need time to heal before you receive your permanent dentures. In the meantime, a temporary appliance—known as an immediate denture—can be worn in order to ensure that you do not have to go without teeth. Once your mouth is sufficiently healed, you will come into the office for a final fitting. Dr. Sheth will make adjustments to the denture prosthesis as necessary to ensure the most secure, comfortable fit possible. Henceforth, your dentist will evaluate the fit and functionality of your dental appliance during routine dental cleanings, and further adjustments can be made as needed.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Dentures typically last between 5 to 10 years. Over time, normal wear and changes in the shape of your mouth can affect how well they fit and function. Regular dental check-ups are important to ensure your dentures remain comfortable and effective. Even with proper care, these removable prosthetic devices may eventually need adjustments, relining, or replacement to maintain optimal fit and performance.
How Do I Care for My Dentures?
To care for your dentures, follow these tips:
- Clean daily: Use a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Avoid regular toothpaste, as it can be too harsh and may scratch the surface.
- Rinse after eating: Remove and rinse your dentures to eliminate food particles and reduce the risk of staining.
- Soak when not in use: Keep your dentures in a denture-soaking solution or plain water to prevent them from drying out or warping.
- Handle with care: Always handle your dentures over a soft surface or folded towel to avoid damage if dropped.
- Maintain oral hygiene: Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth daily to reduce plaque buildup and prevent irritation.
- Avoid hot water: Never use hot or boiling water to clean or rinse dentures, as it can warp the material.
- Visit the dentist regularly: Routine check-ups help ensure your dentures continue to fit well and allow Dr. Sheth to monitor your overall oral health.
With proper care, dentures can remain comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for many years.
What Are Some Alternatives to Dentures?
Although dentures can provide an excellent full-arch replacement option for many patients, there are other options to explore. During your consultation, your dentist can discuss the various advantages and disadvantages of each option with you in order to help you make a well-informed decision that is optimally suited to your goals and lifestyle.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an innovative method of tooth replacement that are designed to replicate the entirety of the natural tooth structure, including the root. This enables them to look, function, and feel like natural teeth while also providing support for your jaw and facial structures. This replacement option often works best for patients who are missing just a few teeth and/or who still have adequate jawbone density to properly secure multiple implants.
Learn more about dental implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures provide a revolutionary method of replacing partial or full arches of missing teeth. The implant dentures technique utilizes a few precisely placed implants to anchor a denture prosthesis for optimal security, durability, functionality, and aesthetics. In many cases, patients who are not eligible for a full set of dental implants may still have adequate jawbone density to support an implant-anchored prosthetic. Dr. Sheth offers the All-on-4® and All-on-6® techniques, which use either four or six implants to support a custom overdenture.
Learn more about implant dentures.
Dental Bridges
For patients who are missing one tooth or a few consecutive teeth on either arch, a dental bridge may be an ideal tooth replacement option. Bridges are designed to fill the gaps left behind by missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth or teeth to either a pair of crowns or a pair of implants, which are situated on either side of the gap. Both a traditional bridge and an implant bridge can provide a functional, secure, and attractive solution to tooth loss. They can also help protect your long-term oral health by mitigating many of the negative consequences of tooth loss, such as tooth shifting and an increased risk of gum disease.
Traditional bridges utilize high-quality dental crowns to anchor a custom restoration, replacing the missing tooth or teeth and providing additional support and aesthetic improvement to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Implant bridges utilize dental implants to anchor the restoration, providing enhanced longevity and durability. Implants can also support your jaw health by stimulating bone and gum tissues. Dr. Sheth can evaluate your candidacy for implants and go over the different bridge options more in-depth during your consultation.
Choosing a Dentures Specialist
Selecting the right dentures specialist is essential to achieving a comfortable fit, natural appearance, and long-lasting results. Begin by seeking out a dentist—such as Dr. Sheth—who has extensive experience in restorative and prosthetic dentistry. Specifically, look for a provider with proven skill in crafting and fitting dentures. Credentials such as board certification, advanced training, and a patient-centered approach are strong indicators of a qualified professional. Reviewing before-and-after photos and reading patient testimonials can also provide valuable insight into the quality of their work.
An excellent dentures specialist will take the time to understand your unique needs, clearly explain your options, and develop a personalized treatment plan. They should use high-quality materials and modern techniques to ensure optimal comfort, function, and aesthetics. Additionally, choose a practice that offers ongoing support, including routine check-ups and denture adjustments, to help maintain your oral health over time. By working with a knowledgeable and compassionate provider in removable prosthodontics, you can enjoy a confident smile and an improved quality of life.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
The precise cost of dentures will vary based on several factors, including the type of denture needed, the materials used to fabricate the appliance, and whether any preparatory treatments—such as tooth extractions or periodontal therapies—are needed. That said, dentures are often considered one of the most cost-effective full-arch tooth replacement options, and many insurance plans may cover a portion of the total cost of treatment. Following your initial consultation, Dr. Sheth will provide you with a price quote for the treatment, and our experienced and friendly staff will be happy to discuss the details with you.
Dr. Sheth firmly believes that high-quality, personalized dental care should be available to all people, regardless of budget. Patients who are interested in making their dentures treatment more affordable may consider applying for financing through a third-party healthcare lender. Our lending partner can provide low monthly payment plans with little or no interest, enabling qualified applicants to obtain the dental restoration they desire while staying within their budget. To learn more about dental financing options, please contact us directly. A knowledgeable and helpful member of our team will be happy to assist you.