Dentures
At Better Image Dentistry, Dr. Fairweather and his professional staff will do everything they can to restore or repair your natural teeth. But if many of your teeth are loose, painful, or badly damaged, it may not be possible to save them. This is often the result of advanced periodontal disease, which can cause severe bone loss.
In these cases, the best way to restore your dental health may be to removing most or all of your teeth and replace them with a denture. Better Image Dentistry offers a range of denture options for patients at our office in Bridgewater (Somerset County), NJ. Please contact us for more information.
What Is a Denture?
A denture is a set of artificial teeth designed to act as a replacement for your missing natural teeth. There are several varieties of dentures available to treat your specific needs:
- A traditional denture is a full set of artificial teeth that replaces your own natural teeth. After removing all of the teeth from your upper and/or lower jaw, you will be fitted with a denture that fits the size and shape of your mouth. In some cases, your teeth may be extracted and you will be fitted for an immediate denture on the same day; this denture may be adjusted later or replaced with a new, permanent denture.
- An overdenture is a full denture that involves leaving some of your natural teeth in place. An overdenture may be an option for you if some of your teeth are healthy and stable enough to be retained. The roots of your remaining natural teeth are used to anchor the denture, creating a more stable denture and significantly reducing bone loss caused by tooth removal. An overdenture can also use implants to stabilize either a full or partial denture.
- Partial dentures are used to replace missing teeth in either your upper or lower jaw. By saving your remaining teeth and placing a partial denture, your dentist can help you to chew better, look better, and have a healthier mouth. Typically, partial dentures are held in place by metal clasps that fit around anchor teeth.
- Precision partial dentures are also used to replace missing teeth. Instead of using metal clasps, precision partial dentures are held in place with special crowns and attachments built into the partial framework. This results in a more precise fit, better retention, enhanced chewing ability, and a more attractive appearance.
What are the Benefits of Dentures?
- Removing diseased teeth will ease your pain and increase your comfort.
- You will be able to chew, speak and smile naturally.
- You will avoid the infection caused by periodontal disease.
- Your dental health will be restored.
What Should I Expect if I Need Dentures?
It may take a few days or weeks to adjust to any type of denture. During this period, your denture may seem bulky, it may be more difficult to chew, your tongue may feel crowded, or you may have some difficulty speaking. These temporary problems are a normal part of the adjustment process. As you get used to your new denture, you will soon be eating, speaking – and smiling! – with confidence.
Are Dentures a Good Option for Me?
If your teeth have deteriorated to the point that all or most of your teeth cannot be saved, removing the teeth is always the healthiest choice. However, a denture NEVER feels or functions exactly like your own natural teeth. That is why we will always work to save any teeth we can or recommend the placement of implants to stabilize your denture for better chewing ability and a more confident feel (no slipping!).
Because every patient is unique, Dr. Fairweather and his professional staff will evaluate your specific dental condition to determine whether dentures are right for you. Please contact us to schedule a consultation at our office in Bridgewater, NJ.