Regain Your Beautiful Smile with Dentures to Replace Missing Teeth
What are dentures?
A denture is a dental appliance used to replace missing teeth. Removable dentures have a pink base made from acrylic resin that resembles gums and natural-looking teeth. Dentures offer both medical and cosmetic benefits. They protect your gums and jawbone from damage that can occur after you lose teeth, and they can give you a confident smile. They can also help restore any loss of facial aesthetics caused by sagging or sunken-in facial structure that is common after losing teeth.
The experts at Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester will replace your missing teeth with dentures that are comfortable and natural looking. Whether you need complete dentures, partial dentures, or implant-supported dentures in Rochester, NY, Dr. Kuyunov and his team will transform your smile.
What types of dentures are there?
There are several types of dentures available. The best denture option for your situation will be based on your oral health, the condition of your jawbone and any remaining teeth, your personal preferences and lifestyle, your desired aesthetic outcome, and your budget. Ultimately, your prosthodontist will take all of these factors into consideration when recommending the best solution.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures fill in the missing gaps where some teeth are missing. They are a good option for those who still have some strong, healthy teeth remaining. This type of denture is attached to a metal piece that holds and keeps the denture fixed to the neighboring teeth.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are a set of denture teeth attached to an acrylic base and are designed for placement on your gums. They are for people who have lost most or all of their natural teeth. If any non-functional teeth are still in place, they will need to be removed before receiving full dentures.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are either upper or lower dentures that are attached to implants, which in turn are surgically anchored in your jawbone. Implant-supported dentures can either be removable for cleaning at night or fixed, which allows them to function like permanent teeth.
Overdentures
An overdenture is a prosthetic that is attached to natural teeth or dental implants instead of resting on the gums like traditional dentures. To receive overdentures, remaining teeth will need to be reshaped and/or dental implants will need to be placed first. After healing, overdentures are fitted over the teeth or implants.
How should I care for my new dentures?
Caring for your dentures is not difficult, but you will need to maintain a good oral hygiene routine and know what to avoid. For a full breakdown of denture maintenance tips, visit our Denture Care Guide. Here is a quick summary:
- After Meals: Remove and rinse your appliance and your mouth with water.
- At Night Before Bed: Remove your denture and clean it with soap and warm water. If you are using cleaning tablets or a special solution, follow the product instructions. Always use a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Overnight Storage: After you have cleaned your dentures, dry them and store them in a container overnight.
- Cleaning Tablets and Solutions: Follow the instructions on the package for proper use. Most tablets should be used for 20–30 minutes. In the morning, brush your teeth and rinse your denture and your mouth with water.
- Good Oral Hygiene Commitment: Dentures require proper oral hygiene. This means you will need to commit to maintaining good oral health habits.
- For Partial Dentures: Continue to brush and floss your natural teeth as usual.
What to Avoid:
- Toothpaste that contains a teeth whitener, peroxide, baking soda, tartar control, or abrasives.
- Effervescent denture cleansers.
- Mouthwash containing alcohol, and colored mouthwash which can stain your appliance.
What are the benefits of wearing dentures?
There are many benefits to wearing dentures, including improving oral and overall health, enhancing your appearance, boosting confidence, improving your ability to eat and speak, and supporting facial muscles to prevent sagging. Here is a more complete list:
- Enhanced Oral Health: The gaps left when teeth are missing can trap food and bacteria, which can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Dentures improve your oral health by making it easier to clean your mouth, and can also prevent bone loss that can occur when missing teeth are not replaced.
- Improved Chewing Ability: When you are missing teeth, it is difficult to chew certain foods. Dentures restore proper chewing and also aid in digestion.
- Better Nutrition: When your chewing function is improved, it allows you to eat a wider variety of foods, which leads to better nutrition and overall health.
- Boosts Self-Confidence: By improving your appearance and giving you a natural-looking smile, dentures can boost your self-esteem and improve social interactions.
- Better Speech: Missing teeth can make certain words difficult to articulate. Dentures fill gaps left by missing teeth, improving clarity and pronunciation.
- Facial Structure Support: Dentures fill in the gaps where teeth are missing, which helps prevent facial muscles from sagging and avoids a sunken look.
- Improved Esthetics: Dentures allow you to improve your smile because they are designed to resemble natural teeth.
- Simple Maintenance: Modern dentures are made from durable materials and can be easily cleaned at home.
- Affordable Solution: Dentures can be a budget-friendly option for replacing multiple missing teeth compared to other dental treatments.
Who may want to consider dentures?
A good candidate for dentures is someone missing most or all of their upper or lower teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury, and who has sufficient jawbone and healthy gum tissue to support the dentures. Here are more details:
- Missing Teeth: If you are missing most or all of your upper or lower teeth due to decay, gum disease, or injury, you may want to consider dentures.
- Chewing and Speaking Difficulties: If you have a limited number of natural teeth or have lost all your teeth, eating your favorite foods and speaking with clarity can be problematic. Dentures can restore natural speech and functionality.
- Esthetic Concerns: If you are unhappy with large visible gaps in your teeth when you smile, or your face is misshapen due to having no teeth, you would benefit from getting dentures to improve your appearance.
- Severe Tooth Damage: If you have multiple teeth that are decayed or severely damaged and cannot be repaired, you may want to consider dentures after they have been extracted.
- Surgery Avoidance: For those who want to avoid the surgery required with dental implants, dentures are a good option.
Who is a good candidate for dentures?
People who should consider dentures include those who have lost multiple teeth or have no natural teeth left due to severe tooth decay or advanced gum disease. Dentures restore oral function, give you a pleasing smile, boost confidence, and more. People who would make a good candidate for getting dentures are:
- People of All Ages: Although wearing dentures is associated with older adults and seniors, anyone who has missing teeth because of an accident, severe oral health issues, or genetics is a good candidate for dentures.
- Your Gums are Healthy: Your oral health is in good condition, with no signs of gum disease or gum deformities. Active gum disease will need to be treated and healed before dentures can be considered.
- Sufficient Bone Density: In order to receive dentures, you must have healthy jawbones able to support them.
- Committed to Good Oral Hygiene: Dentures require proper oral hygiene. This means you will need to commit to maintaining the health of any remaining natural teeth and the gums that support the dentures.
What can I expect during a denture fitting?
The denture fitting appointment is your first chance to try on your new dentures and have them checked for fit, function, bite alignment, and appearance. Any adjustments will be made during these appointments to ensure that your dentures are comfortable and functioning properly. Please note that it may take several office visits to achieve the desired fit, as the soft tissue in your mouth will need time to adjust to your dentures.
Step 1 – Placing Your Dentures and Assessing the Fit
Your dentures will be placed carefully into your mouth to ensure they are snug, fit well, are stable, and will not cause any irritation.
Step 2 – Adjusting
Any necessary minor adjustments will be made to relieve any pressure points or areas of discomfort.
Step 3 – Checking Function and Bite Alignment
You'll be asked to speak, smile, and bite down to test the dentures' function and ensure they feel natural. The alignment of your bite will also be examined to ensure that all points of contact meet correctly.
Step 4 – Appearance
The color and shape of the dentures are checked to ensure they meet your preferences and aesthetic goals.
Step 5 – Getting Your Feedback
You will have the chance to ask any questions and voice any concerns you may have. If additional adjustments are needed, they will be made at this time.
Step 6 – Providing You with Care Instructions
You will receive written instructions on how to care for your new dentures and how to use them properly. You can also refer to our Denture Care Guide at any time.
If You're Thinking About Getting Dentures in Rochester, NY, Visit Dr. Isaac Kuyunov
If you are ready to learn more, Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester denture experts can help you regain the confidence and function of a full smile. To schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Isaac Kuyunov, call us today at (585) 522-1922 or click the link below.