Dentures

Dentures replace a few or an entire row of missing teeth to give you a complete smile. At Proud to Smile Dentistry in Bernardsville, New Jersey, Patricia Swaintek-Lamb, DMD, Karima West, RDH, and the team offer customized dentures to give you a fully functioning smile. Call today or use the online tool to schedule an appointment and learn more about your denture options.

What are dentures?

Dentures are an option to replace one or more missing permanent teeth. If you’re not a candidate for dental implants or have lost an entire row of teeth due to decay or injury, dentures offer a solution and can be individualized to your needs. 

Modern dentures consist of a hard resin. The prosthetic teeth are attached to a supporting structure that suctions to the natural gumline.

Why would I need dentures?

Dentures are most likely to become necessary when all or most of the teeth are badly decayed or you have severe gum disease. Occasionally, restorative dental treatments are simply too expensive compared to dentures. 

If the problem is limited to one or a few teeth, an implant or bridge might be a better choice. Each case must be decided on an individual basis after consultation at Proud to Smile Dentistry.

What are the different types of dentures?

Dentures come in several different styles. They may be partial, crafted to replace just a few missing teeth, or complete, which replace the upper or lower row of teeth. These dentures come as:

Conventional dentures

Conventional dentures replace the upper arch, lower arch, or both. You remove these dentures for cleaning and sleeping.

Immediate dentures

Immediate dentures replace missing teeth on the day of your teeth extraction. These dentures give you temporary teeth as your gums heal, and your mouth settles. Immediate dentures are a temporary step before implant-supported dentures or conventional dentures. 

Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures attach to dental implants. The dentures snap into strategically placed titanium posts drilled into the jawbone. The process of getting implants requires adequate bone density and good gum health. 

How do I care for my dentures?

Usually, you remove your dentures for all cleaning. Soak these dentures in a cleaning solution or water overnight. Brush your mouth and the dentures with a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleaning product made for dentures. Take care not to drop your dentures, as the prosthetic teeth are subject to chipping or cracks. 

It may take a few weeks to adjust to the feel of dentures, especially when eating and speaking. Avoid chewing on objects like ice or hard candy. Call Proud to Smile Dentistry if you notice any damage to your dentures or if they feel loose. 

Call Proud to Smile Dentistry to make an appointment and find out if dentures are best for you. You can also use this website to schedule a denture appointment online.