Dentures

Nearly 41 million Americans wear dentures, and that figure isn't too surprising considering how common tooth loss is. In fact, according to the American College of Prosthodontists, 30% of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 are missing all of their teeth. When a patient is missing all or most of their teeth, one of the most popular strategies for restoring the form and function of the smile is dentures. 

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are prosthetic dental devices that consist of a soft, plastic portion designed to resemble a patient's gums (or the gums and hard palate in the case of upper dentures). This soft plastic supports a full (or partial) set of replacement teeth. 

Upper dentures are designed to fit snuggly over the maxillary arch and hard palate, creating a secure suction. Lower dentures are designed to fit snuggly over the mandibular arch, creating a secure suction. 

Treatment Options With Dentures

Dentures are designed to replace all or most of a patient's missing teeth on either the top arch, bottom arch, or both. While you might think that dentures are dentures, there are actually a variety of different types of dentures and treatment options that can meet a wide array of patient needs and treatment preferences. 

Full or Partial Dentures

If a patient is missing an entire arch of teeth or all of their teeth, then full dentures are needed. These are designed to replace all of the teeth on either or both rows. 

If a patient is missing several teeth but still has several intact and healthy natural teeth, then a set of partial dentures can be designed to fit securely and fill in the gaps with replacement teeth. 

Traditional Dentures

Traditional dentures are affixed inside the mouth with a good fit and usually the support of a dental adhesive. They are designed to be removed and cleaned daily. 

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures (also called all-on-4, all-on-6, or all-on-8) are permanently affixed to and supported by a number of strategically placed dental implants. This type of denture cannot be removed. It provides patients with a natural feel and secure fit while also stimulating the jawbone for better bone health and preservation. 

Snap-On Dentures (Overdentures)

Like implant-supported dentures, snap-on dentures are secured with a number of strategically placed dental implants. However, snap-on dentures can be much more easily removed by a dentist for repairs, maintenance, and care. These dentures provide the same jawbone health benefits as permanent implant-supported dentures. 

Common Misconceptions About Dentures

Dentures have, unfortunately, developed a bad reputation. For example, people often believe that dentures look fake, don't stay put in the mouth, are not comfortable to wear, or that they restrict a person's diet.

However, advancements in modern prosthetic dentistry have solved these problems with dentures, creating a treatment option that looks natural, feels comfortable, and can easily accommodate any patient's lifestyle. 

The Benefits of Restoring Your Smile With Dentures

Despite their reputation, dentures actually offer several benefits to patients, such as:

• Natural Smile - Modern diagnostic imaging, CAD/CAM design tools, and superior manufacturing materials come together to create a beautiful, natural look with dentures.
• Natural Diction - Modern dentures fit comfortably and securely, helping to restore your speech and diction.
• Bone Preservation - Wearing dentures can help to slow the deterioration of the jawbone that occurs as a result of tooth loss. 
• Youthful Appearance - Restoring your smile with dentures will help to preserve your bone structure and complete your smile for a more youthful look.
• Renewed Confidence - A complete smile will renew your confidence as you can once again smile brightly, enjoy your favorite foods without worry, and speak the way you always have.
• Preserve Natural Teeth - Partial dentures can help protect and preserve your natural teeth by keeping the jawbone strong and preventing them from shifting into an undesirable alignment. 
• Eating Comfortably - With modern dentures, you can continue enjoying your favorite foods with confidence. 
• Save Money - Getting dentures can prevent several health problems from developing, saving you money on costly treatments. Dentures also typically cost less up-front than other tooth-replacement treatment options. 

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Smile Restoration in Montvale, New Jersey

If you are missing all or most of your teeth, then full or partial dentures might be the right smile restoration strategy for you. We at Montvale Prosthodontics welcome you to contact our office to request a consultation. We can talk with you about your treatment goals and expectations and examine your teeth and gums to help you determine the right type of dentures or the best approach to restoring your smile. To learn more or request an appointment, contact our dental office in Montvale today.