Dentures

Dentures and partial dentures are removable artificial teeth that offer a natural-looking replacement for a row, or rows of missing teeth. Dentures are a commonly offered dental solution offered at Paramus Dental Arts.

Whether it is aging, tooth decay or an accident, some people find themselves missing multiple teeth or an entire row of teeth. Dentures can provide natural-looking artificial teeth to replace the natural ones that are no longer functional or present in the mouth. People who suffer from missing teeth and have trouble eating and speaking normally may find that dentures are an ideal solution.

With dentures or partial dentures, we can provide a customized set of replacement teeth for each individual patient's needs. With customized dentures, the patient will be able to eat and speak much easier than before they had them. We can also provide continued maintenance to the dentures to help keep them functioning properly.

If you are interested in a customizable natural-looking tooth replacement option, then call us to learn more about dentures and partial dentures today.

What are the types of dentures?

There are three main types of dentures: temporary, partial dentures, and complete dentures.

Temporary Dentures

We can provide patients with temporary dentures while they are undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure to replace a missing tooth. Temporaries ensure that patients throughout the Paramus area have a natural looking smile while waiting for dental implants or a dental bridge to be completed. This is an excellent solution for when a tooth is knocked out during a sports game or in an accident. The temporary denture is secured in place with a metal wire that works like a retainer and can be taken in and out whenever you like. If you are looking for an immediate solution for replacing a missing tooth call (201) 845-5533. Keep in mind that a temporary denture is only meant to be worn for a few months and will need to be replaced.

Partial Dentures

If only a few of your teeth are missing, partial dentures are a good solution for replacing them. Unlike a full set of dentures, these are held in place by a plastic base that is the same color as your gums. A metal framework is typically created in order to secure the base and prevent it from falling out. As long as you have natural teeth in place, you cannot wear a full set, so a partial set of dentures is necessary. We treat patients throughout the Paramus area that want to know if a partial set is better than a cosmetic procedure. They function differently because dentures are removable and cosmetic dentistry solutions are typically permanent. If you live in the Paramus NJ area, call for your consultation and we can provide you with a list of options to consider.

Dentures without the wait

While some teeth may fall out naturally with age, there are cases in which we need to remove the rest of the teeth before placing full dentures. In fact, many people find it easier to replace all of their teeth instead of having partial dentures. However, that can mean that people will need to make multiple appointments and go several days to even a week without teeth.

By investing in immediate dentures, patients can receive the dentures after removing the teeth to avoid a variety of inconveniences. The patient will not have to worry as we will ensure that the patient has the proper sedation and does not feel anything while we remove the remaining teeth in the mouth. Once we complete this step, we will insert the dentures. These dentures will help to protect the tissues of the gums as they heal.

Patients will not have to spend several days without teeth while waiting for a dental lab to construct the dentures and can begin the adjustment process right away.

Immediate dentures

One benefit of immediate dentures is that patients only have to learn to speak with one set of dentures. With the traditional dentures process, patients will learn to speak with temporary dentures in place for several days, only to repeat the process when the new dentures are complete. Due to this, many people struggle to adapt and spend more time with speech difficulties than only needing to adapt to one pair of dentures.

With immediate dentures, patients will be able to continue their daily routine with minimal changes. Another problem many face with traditional dentures is learning to chew with the new set of teeth. Fortunately, immediate dentures help the patient do this faster than regular dentures and prevent them from having to repeat the process.

Paramus Dentures and Repair

Complete Denture

When all of your teeth are missing, complete dentures can replace them. This is the type of dentures that you typically see in cartoons and movies. Technology has improved in recent years, making them more comfortable and natural looking than ever. We can determine if this is the best way to replace your teeth or if an alternative solution will help you to achieve your goals. If you proceed with getting a complete set of dentures, your gums will be healed and ready in eight to 12 weeks after your teeth have been removed. Following teeth removal, the bones and gums will start to shrink. By waiting for up to 12 weeks, you can be sure that your set of complete dentures will fit securely. Many patients throughout New Jersey prefer not to wait and get immediate dentures. This solution does not require a waiting period, but there will be adjustments later on after the gums and bone have settled into their permanent size.

How are dentures made?

In order for dentures to be created, patients in Paramus need to schedule a dental appointment. At this time, the dentist will examine your gums and other teeth to determine if dentures are the best solution for you and if so, what type. A mold will then be taken of your teeth and gums so that the dentures can be created in a dental lab. Typically, several molds or impressions will be made so that the dentist can determine how your jaw functions and moves. Using these impressions, the lab will make a set of dentures that looks natural and fits perfectly. If necessary, adjustments will be made. We can discuss the process in more detail during a consultation.

Benefits of Dentures

Patients throughout the Paramus area like how convenient dentures are. Whether you need a full or partial set, dentures can replace teeth in a non-invasive way. There is no surgical element to worry about, and temporary dentures can be fitted immediately. This provides a quick and easy solution. If, however, you are looking for something that feels more natural, you should consider a cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Negatives of Dentures

The biggest challenge with dentures is that they do not feel like natural teeth. Patients of Paramus Dental Arts tend to agree that while they are functional, you still have to take care of them as a separate appliance. Other cosmetic dentistry procedures make it easy to forget you ever lost a tooth in the first place. Modern techniques have made dentures more secure and comfortable than they used to be, but they are still a foreign object in your mouth and can become loose when eating or speaking. If you are currently experiencing this problem, call Paramus Dental Arts at (201) 845-5533 for a consultation.

Alternative Options

Patients may enjoy the benefits of alternative options to dentures. There is a procedure that combines implant dentistry with dentures. Those that need complete dentures can benefit by having a secure way to hold their dentures in place. If you live in the Paramus NJ area, we can examine your gums and let you know if you are a good candidate for the procedure. In this scenario, an impression is taken of your mouth in order to create a denture that will be secured in place using implants. Once created, metal posts will be implanted under your gums, and the dentures secured to it. This way patients get the benefits of how quickly dentures can be created and the convenience of the stability that can only come from using implant technology.

Taking care of dentures

For a patient with removable dentures, it is crucial to remove them at night and thoroughly clean them. At least once a day, preferably at night, the individual needs to remove the dentures and carefully rinse off any loose food particles. However, the individual will not want to use typical toothpaste to clean the dentures.

Regular toothpaste can actually damage the base of the dentures due to the abrasive particles in the toothpaste. There are specific denture cleaning fluids that one can purchase to use for cleaning the dentures. We can go over where to get these solutions during a consultation. It is also wise to get a specific brush to clean the dentures. Using a brittle toothbrush can actually do more damage than good to the dentures.

When cleaning these dentures, it is important to keep the dentures above a towel or soft surface. Dropping the dentures, even just a few inches above a hard surface, can cause them to crack or break. Dentures must stay wet at all times and must not become dry. Thus, it is best to keep the dentures in water when one is not wearing them at night. In some cases, patients can keep their dentures in a cleaning solution overnight but will want to ask the dentist if that is best.

By following these steps or the directions that a dentist gives, the patient will be able to continue wearing the dentures for long periods of time without damaging the dentures. We may recommend regular checkups to help keep an eye on the patient's oral health to ensure the dentures are in working order.

If the dentures are not removable and stick to the patient's gums, then the dentist will recommend a different cleaning regimen. In many cases, caring for implant dentures will be the same as taking care of regular teeth with brushing twice a day. Patients need to take care of their gums and mouth as well.

Keeping up oral health

If a patient, who wears dentures, does not take care of his or her mouth, then there is a greater chance for infection to form; even when one cares for the dentures. For patients who can remove their dentures, they need to gently brush their gums, palate and tongue. Brushing the mouth without the dentures inside it will help to prevent plaque buildup and infection. It is also crucial to seek regular oral health exams from the dentist.

Even if the patient has lost all of his or her teeth, it is important to seek professional dental care on a regular basis. A dentist will be able to tell a patient with dentures how often the patient needs to seek professional treatment. A dentist will be able to spot any damage and possible signs of infection before they spread.

If the patient needs any adjustments for the dentures due to a crack or chip in the dentures, we will repair or replace the dentures if necessary. In some cases, it will be easier to replace the dentures entirely. Dentures typically last about 5 to 10 years before needing replacement. Keeping the dentures in good condition can help prevent the need for more frequent visits to the dentist.

At Paramus Dental Arts we will go over the proper care regimen for dentures with the patient before sending them home with his or her new teeth. During this appointment, we will also answer any questions the patient may have and address any concerns before the procedure. This way, the patient will not go into the procedure with any confusion or false pretenses.

Making adjustments to dentures

If the dentures crack, chip, feel loose, or break, do not attempt to fix them without a professional's service. At Paramus Dental Arts, we have the skills and expertise to accurately fix dentures. Far too often, people will attempt to adjust the dentures themselves or even repair them without scheduling an appointment. We do not recommend this since it can result in needing to spend more money on repairs and risk harming the gums.

Dentures are more complex than some people realize since we customize them to match each individual patient's teeth. Some people may only need to replace a few teeth, while others will need to replace all of their teeth. With that in mind, there is no one-size-fits-all pair of dentures. Thus, damaging or breaking a pair of dentures will require specialized work from a professional. While dentures are durable, they are not indestructible.

In some cases, people will purchase over-the-counter glues or reline materials to repair dentures in an attempt to avoid a visit. Yes, these products are dental tools, but they do more than good. People who attempt to adjust or repair dentures have a high chance of damaging the dentures further. These over-the-counter products can also contain chemicals that can be dangerous to one's health.

Always Make Sure the Dentures Fit Your Teeth

During the process known as resorption, the body leaches calcium from the jawbone that no longer has teeth stimulating it. The body then distributes the calcium to other areas of the body. While natural tooth loss is a common part of aging, we can help prevent resorption with dentures. Since the jawbone will continue to recede over time, the dentures will need adjustments from a professional. Fortunately, altering the size of dentures is an easy procedure that we can complete in our office, known as relining.

In simple terms, relining is the procedure in which we reshape the underside of the denture to make it more comfortable as it rests against the gums. There are two separate methods for relining, hard reline and soft reline, that we will use depending on the needs of the patient. During the relining process, we can complete this procedure in our office or send the dentures to a dental lab. With pros and cons to each, it is important to ask a professional for guidance on the most effective option.

Soft reline

A soft reline involves the use of a liquid polymer that we layer into the denture to create depth and a cushion. This "cushion" will tend to be more comfortable than a hard reline and is a relatively quick procedure. In fact, patients can receive the soft reline chairside and avoid having to send the dentures to a lab and go several days with temporary dentures or nothing at all.

However, a soft reline may not last as long as a hard reline and can require more frequent visits to continue keeping up with the receding jaw. For some people, this can result in more visits and higher costs that they may not be able to spend. We understand that dentures are crucial to one's lifestyle, including the ability to speak and eat. Thus, we will do everything we can to efficiently and properly repair the dentures.

Hard reline

A hard reline involves using material that is much more similar to the hard base of the denture. While a hard and soft reline accomplish the same goal, the hard reline will normally produce a more permanent result. While some professionals can complete the hard reline chairside, many recommend sending it to a dental lab to ensure that everything goes without a problem.

However, a hard reline will take more time to complete since it is at a dental lab. In this case, we will go over possible replacement options and help to determine the best course of action for the patient's needs. Relining dentures is not a procedure that anyone can complete at home.

Relining is essential for denture care

Dentures can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. However, without proper care, their lifespan will be less than what many prefer. The most effective method for getting the best mileage out of dentures is by following care instructions from the dental professional and scheduling regular appointments for denture care. We can use a denture relining to help patients keep the same pair of dentures they are comfortable with and prevent them from spending large amounts of money on new pairs.

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. Are there different types of dentures?

Q. How long will the dentures process take?

Q. How do I take care of my dentures?

Q. What is denture relining?

People Also Ask

Q. What do I do if I damage my dentures?

Q. How long will it take to adjust to new dentures?

Q. How does the dentures process begin?

Definition of Denture Terminology

Helpful Related Links

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015