- What Are Dentures?
- Dentures Candidates
- Dentures Options
- Dentures Procedure
- Dentures Longevity
- Dentures Maintenance
- Traditional Dentures vs. Implant Dentures
- Why Choose Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC for Dentures?
- Dentures Cost
What are Dentures?
Traditional dentures are a set of prosthetics that replace multiple missing teeth at a time. Designed to emulate the function and appearance of natural teeth, dentures can improve your ability to speak and chew, as well as help boost confidence if you are self-conscious about lost teeth. Dentures have been one of the most popular examples of restorative dentistry for centuries, and they continue to improve the oral health of millions to this day.
Who is a Candidate for Dentures?
Candidates for dentures are generally missing multiple consecutive teeth due to severe decay, gum disease, or injury. Patients who may benefit from dentures often lack sufficient jawbone density to qualify for implant dentures, or are unable or unwilling to undergo implant surgery.
We will thoroughly inspect your teeth and mouth to determine whether dentures can be an ideal treatment. In rare cases, such as situations involving severe tooth decay or periodontal disease, we may suggest another treatment to restore your oral health prior to creating a custom denture.
What Are My Denture Options?
Depending on the location(s) of your missing teeth, one of the following options may be optimal:
- Partial dentures: Partial dentures replace less than a full complement of teeth in either the upper or lower arch.
- Complete dentures: Complete dentures replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower arch. They can be removed when you are eating or sleeping and rest on a foundation of acrylic material that resembles the gums, typically providing sufficient support for the jaw.
- Implant overdentures: Also known as “implant dentures,” this type of treatment involves the strategic placement of dental implants, which anchor the restoration into the jawbone for a sturdy, comfortable fit. They differ in a few distinct ways from traditional dentures. (See below for more information about implant overdentures.)
These different types of dentures can restore your mouth to full function when created, placed, and maintained properly. All of our dentures are custom-designed and crafted in our state-of-the-art dental lab.
What Happens During the Denture Procedure?
After traditional dentures are determined to be your best option, we will perform any necessary steps to make room. This may include the extraction of one or more teeth, a thorough cleanup of the gums, or any procedure needed to ensure your mouth is as healthy as possible before the dentures are put in.
Next, we will take an impression of your mouth and match the shade of your teeth to shade guides. Dental impressions are sent to our on-site lab, where your dentures will be created based on your mouth’s unique structure. Our ceramists generally need six to eight weeks to build the restoration.
To put full dentures in place, we typically apply an adhesive seal; however, upper or lower dentures may also be applied with metal clasps or snaps. Once your dentures are finished and any necessary adjustments are made, you are advised to strictly adhere to your exam and cleaning schedule.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
In most cases, dentures last between seven and 10 years.* Their longevity will largely depend on your treatment of them, as well as your overall oral hygiene. After you receive your dentures, we will provide specific aftercare instructions. Following these directions should encourage your dentures to remain in good condition and should keep them functioning optimally for as long as possible.
How Do I Take Care of My Dentures?
While dentures are typically easy to maintain, it is imperative that you closely follow your aftercare instructions for best results. Firstly, be sure to handle your dentures carefully to avoid bending or other damage. Additionally, you must remove the dentures every night to allow them to soak in a specialized denture solution.* You will also be given a denture brush and paste to thoroughly clean your dentures before allowing them to soak. Otherwise, we urge you to practice impeccable dental hygiene (i.e. brush twice a day, floss, and attend your exams and cleanings).
Traditional Dentures vs. Implant Dentures
In addition to traditional dentures, which can be removed for cleaning, eating, and sleeping, an alternative method exists: implant dentures. While implant dentures are not removable, they are often preferred over traditional dentures for the following reasons:
- Greater security with virtually no gum slippage
- Implant dentures typically do not harm the gums or bone density, which is possible with traditional dentures
- Ability to eat an unrestricted diet
- No adhesives are involved
- Many find them more comfortable
- Practicing good oral hygiene is the only type of maintenance required
These major benefits have caused implant dentures to become the gold standard for replacing entire rows of teeth; however, they may not be the best option for everyone. Traditional dentures can still effectively restore the mouth to its proper function. We welcome you to inquire about implant dentures at your consultation.
Why Choose Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC for Dentures?
Dentures are a complex area of prosthodontics, a field involving the creation and fitting of specialized prosthetics or devices for restorative dental care. As such, you should only seek the help of a dedicated professional with extensive experience in prosthodontics. It is especially wise to choose a dentist who has received certification with the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP), which signifies the necessary training and education needed to perform this treatment.
At Schweitzer & Schweitzer, PC, our dentists – Dr. Daniel Schweitzer, Dr. Kenneth Schweitzer, Dr. Alexa Schweitzer, and Dr. Sameet Sheth – have dedicated their careers to studying, practicing, and teaching the delicate art of prosthodontics. All four are alumni of top educational institutions, and each is a member of numerous prestigious organizations. In fact, each of our senior dentists has served as Presidents of the American College of Prosthodontists, New York Section at different points.
Our team sets extremely high standards for their own work, and we seldom fall short of prosthodontic excellence. We encourage you to explore our before-and-after photos for a sense of our exceptional results.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
Just as the types of dentures vary, the cost will vary considerably as well. The procedures we conduct in preparation for the dentures will also factor into the final price. While we offer the highest-quality care available, we understand the cost associated with certain dental treatments. We never want the cost of a treatment to deter you from attaining the dental care you need, which is why we aim to make the payment process as easy as possible for every patient. In addition to accepting all major credit cards, we proudly work with CareCredit®, a third-party lender that can help eligible patients set up smaller payment installments. Please feel free to bring up any financial questions at your consultation.
If you are interested in traditional dentures, please contact us today.