Dentures have already helped generations of patients to regain their lost teeth. Modern dentures are even more
comfortable, functionable, and reliable than their predecessors. If you have lost multiple teeth, this treatment may
be a viable option for you. In the following sections, you will learn more about what dentures are, how the
treatment process works, and what you can expect from this type of tooth replacement.
Why Choose Northborough Dental Associates for Dentures?
Highly experienced dental team
Highly functional restorations
Comfortable treatment in a welcoming atmosphere
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
At Northborough Dental Associates, we offer a number of tooth replacement solutions, including beautiful and functional dentures. This treatment might be right for you if you have lost multiple teeth and face daily inconveniences due to your condition. As long as your mouth is healthy enough to support a prosthetic, our team may be able to provide you with an attractive new smile in a matter of weeks! Continue reading below to learn more about candidacy for dentures.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Tooth loss can occur for various reasons, including decay, gum disease, and injury. Regardless of why you have an incomplete smile, you may face some challenges due to your condition. For example, you might feel self-conscious about your appearance due to gaps between your remaining natural teeth. Your cheeks might look hollow, causing you to appear older than you really are. You may also find it difficult to eat a variety of nutritious foods. Many people with missing teeth even have trouble speaking with clarity and ease. Fortunately, dentures may be able to help with all such issues.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
You might be a candidate for dentures if:
You have lost multiple teeth throughout one of your dental arches. If you have only lost one or two teeth, a different treatment may be more suited to your circumstances.
Your gums and jawbone are healthy enough to support a prosthetic. You should be free of active gum disease and other conditions that might interfere with your ability to wear a denture.
You want an efficient and cost-effective tooth replacement solution. Traditional dentures are one of the lowest-priced ways to replace missing teeth.
Alternative Tooth Replacement Options
If dentures are not quite right for you, you may qualify for an alternative tooth replacement solution, such as:
A fixed bridge. A fixed dental bridge has a crown on each end, which get attached to the teeth that surround the site of a missing tooth. An artificial tooth is supported by the crowns in order to “bridge” the gap. Bridges are sturdy and can last for a decade or longer.
Dental implants. Implants get surgically placed into the jawbone, where they serve as prosthetic tooth roots. They can support crowns, bridges, and dentures. We often recommend implants as the best form of tooth replacement because they are incredibly strong and can last for decades.
How Dentures Work
The denture treatment process begins with a consultation. Your dentist will assess your oral health and explain
your
tooth replacement options to you. If traditional dentures are right for you, you may need to undergo extractions
or
other treatment before you receive your prosthetic. Once your mouth is ready for dentures, we will take
impressions
of your gums and any remaining natural teeth. A laboratory will then create your custom denture. When your
denture
is finished, we will coach you on how to use it and care for it.
What Are Full and Partial Dentures?
There are two main categories of dentures:
Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. They consist of a gum-colored base
and a
row of artificial teeth, which are usually made out of acrylic or porcelain. Natural suction or a mild
adhesive
helps a full denture to stay in place.
Partial dentures replace multiple teeth throughout a dental arch. They fit in around the
remaining natural teeth. Small metal attachments help partial dentures to remain secure during eating and
speaking.
Benefits of Full and Partial Dentures
Some of the most noteworthy benefits of full and partial dentures include:
Cost-effectiveness. Dentures tend to have a lower upfront price than other types of tooth
replacement (such as dental implants).
Caring for dentures is relatively simple and does not take a lot of time.
You may have to adjust your eating habits a bit so you do not destabilize your new teeth while you are
eating,
but you should be able to enjoy almost any food.
As long as you visit us periodically to get your dentures relined (adjusted), they should continue to fit
well
and feel comfortable throughout their lifespan.
Cost of Full and Partial Dentures
In general, dentures are a relatively affordable form of tooth replacement. The exact cost of your denture will
depend on a few factors, including the materials used to make it and how many teeth you are replacing. In many
cases, dental insurance is willing to cover at least a portion of the cost of dentures. Low-interest financing
is
also available for most patients.