Dentures and Partials – Somerville, NJ
Repairing Smiles Suffering from Extensive Tooth Loss
Are you missing an entire row of teeth? If so, dentures in Somerville may be the solution that will let you eat, speak and smile again. While full dentures are likely the most famous form of tooth replacement, partial dentures are also available if you still have some pearly whites left in your mouth. Dr. DiGrazia can examine your overall oral health and help you choose a dental restoration that will allow you to maintain good quality of life.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Truthfully, almost anyone is eligible for dentures in Somerville! Whether you’re missing one tooth or all your teeth, the custom-designed prosthetic can help restore your smile. Of course, the only way to know for sure if you are or aren’t a good candidate is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. DiGrazia at Somerset Dental Arts . During your appointment, we’ll conduct an oral examination to find out of this option is right for you. Rest assured – even if dentures aren’t a viable solution for you, we may be able to help by restoring the health of your jawbone structure and gum line.
Effects of Missing Teeth
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the causes and effects of missing teeth. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, some of the most common reasons involve gum disease, tooth decay, and physical injury. If your gums are infected or inflamed, this can damage the connective tissue that holds your teeth in place. A decayed tooth may require extraction and a blow to the face can cause a tooth to get knocked out.
No matter how you lost your teeth, it’s crucial to replace them as soon as possible. Otherwise, the jawbone can begin to shrink due to a lack of stimulation of blood flow. This can cause the bone tissue to weaken, further increasing the risk of tooth loss. As such, this may lead to complications like facial sagging, difficulty eating, trouble speaking, and lower self-esteem.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Most people who suffer from extensive tooth loss, sensitivity, or dental decay are eligible to receive dentures. This tried-and-true method has been around for years, helping people eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence. All that’s required is sufficient healthy gum tissue and jawbone as well as a commitment to oral hygiene.
At your consultation, we’ll determine how well these prosthetics work for your smile. Dr. DiGrazia will determine which type of denture you’ll need (i.e., full, partial, or implant denture) based on your situation. Patients in good general health with enough jawbone are typically eligible for treatment.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
If dentures aren’t a viable option for you, you can explore other tooth-replacement options! Some of our most popular alternatives include:
- Dental Bridges: This solution is best for patients missing one or several teeth in a row. For them to work, you need to have nearby healthy teeth on either side of the gap to support the bridge.
- Dental Implants: Our team can insert titanium posts directly into your jawbone to support your new teeth. However, this option requires a strong facial structure and sufficient jawbone density. Although it has a higher upfront cost, you can enjoy your results for up to a lifetime!
Full Dentures
Full dentures are used when an entire arch of teeth is missing due to extensive tooth loss. Each denture consists of a gum-colored base that supports the false teeth. The appliance sits snugly on the gums and is held in place via natural suction, creating enough stability for everyday oral tasks (i.e. chewing and speaking). In some cases, if there are still a few teeth left but not enough for partials, we may need to perform some tooth extractions first to make room for the dentures.
Partial Dentures
If a patient still has plenty of healthy teeth remaining, partial dentures – or “partials” – can be used to fill in any gaps. In addition to a gum colored based, partials also have metal clasps to hold them in place (meaning they don’t rely on suction or denture adhesive).
Implant-Retained Dentures
Dental implants are an often-recommended method of repairing smiles that can prevent the bone loss that usually occurs when teeth are gone. Dentures can be supported by four to six surgically inserted implant posts; this type of restoration offers better stability and usually requires less frequent repairs. If your jaw can support them, implants can be a healthy, cost-effective tooth replacement option, so don’t forget to ask your dentist in Somerville if they’re available!
Benefits of Dentures
- Enhanced Appearance: Missing most or all your teeth can negatively affect your self-esteem, but natural-looking dentures can help you smile with confidence again. Your facial muscles will also receive better support, helping you retain a more youthful appearance.
- Better Nutrition: While there are certain foods you’ll need to be careful with, for the most part dentures will allow you to eat your favorite foods.
- Improved Speech: You rely on your teeth to pronounce certain words. After some practice, dentures restore your ability to enunciate clearly.
- Easy to Clean: Your dentures can easily be taken out between meals and at night for hygienic cleanings.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Just like all restorations, the cost of dentures varies from person to person. During your initial consultation with Dr. DiGrazia, you will be able to discuss your unique case and exactly what you can expect to pay for your new dentures in Somerville. Until then, here are some things for you to consider about the cost of dentures.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
Here are the three main factors that will contribute to the cost of dentures:
- The preparatory work that you require before getting dentures, like tooth extractions and gum disease therapy.
- The materials that are used to craft your dentures, like acrylic or porcelain.
- How many teeth you are needing to replace.
Remember that just because a denture is cheaper doesn’t mean that it is equal or better. Budget dentures have a tendency to break more easily and require replacements much sooner than you would expect. When it comes to your oral health, quality dentures are a worthwhile investment.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures, but for good reason. Implant dentures require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants. However, they do have several advantages that you can’t experience with traditional dentures. Implant dentures are more stable and longer lasting. They also help to prevent jawbone deterioration from occurring in the future.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
In most dental insurance plans, you can expect some level of coverage for dentures. Often, this us up to 50%, but it will vary depending on your provider. At Somerset Dental Arts, we accept many of the leading providers of dental insurance, including Delta Dental Premier, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Blue Cross Dental Blue. Feel free to call us to discuss the details of your plan at any time.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you’re out of luck when it comes to paying for your dentures. We work with CareCredit, a third-party financing company so you can break your payments into manageable monthly installments with little-to-no interest.
The best way to know exactly what you can expect to pay for your dentures is by scheduling a consultation. Our team is looking forward to helping you get your smile back!
Dentures Aftercare
Are you excited about your new smile? Now that you can enjoy a complete and fully functioning grin, you may think that you no longer need to care for it. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Your replacement teeth still require as much upkeep as natural ones. As such, you need to maintain them properly to avoid oral health problems. Fortunately, our team at Somerset Dental Arts is here to help! Below, you can learn some helpful tips on caring for dentures!
Removable Dentures
Remove After Eating
After you’ve finished eating, you should take some time to remove and rinse your dentures. This will prevent them from building up food deposits, plaque, and other debris. Otherwise, skipping this rinse could increase your risk of disease and other infections. Make sure you avoid using hot water! High temperatures can warp denture material, causing your prosthetic teeth to become ill-fitting.
Clean Your Restoration
It’s strongly recommended that you clean your dentures at least once a day. Just make sure they’re outside of your mouth when the time comes! For the cleaning process, you’ll need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and some hand soap.
Avoid using regular toothpaste as its abrasiveness can damage the prosthetics. If available, you could substitute a denture cleanser for soap. Rinse the dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth!
Keep Your Dentures Safe
Believe it or not, dentures can easily become damaged! As such, you’ll want to keep them safe when they’re not in your mouth. The good news is that there are many ways to protect these oral prosthetics. You can place a towel underneath them during cleaning to cushion a fall. Another way to protect them is by storing them out of reach of small children and pets.
Remove When You Sleep
Always take your dentures out when going to bed at night! If you wear them to sleep, they can hurt your smile. Wearing dentures restricts gum circulation, which can eventually lead to soft-tissue irritation. That’s why it’s important to sleep without them, as it allows your mouth a chance to recover overnight. Keep them in a soaking solution overnight to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape.
Notice Changes
After wearing dentures consistently, keep an eye out for changes in them or your mouth. Should any issues arise, be sure to bring them up with us to address them. For example, if they become damaged or ill-fitting, we can reline them or replace the prosthetics as needed.
Denture FAQs
Dentures in Somerville have been used for decades to restore functional, complete smiles. However, they are a big investment. Don’t worry if you have a few concerns. Dr. DiGrazia will explain everything at your denture consultation. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions to ease any apprehensions until your appointment.
Does an upper denture always cover the palate?
You can choose from several styles, including a palate-less denture. If you are concerned about an upper denture changing the way your food tastes, horseshoe-shaped options are available. It will look like one used for the lower teeth or along with an implant denture. Your dentist will review all your options to find the ideal denture for your preferences.
Can I sleep with my dentures?
Your denture dentist in Somerville, Dr. DiGrazia, will instruct you to wear your new teeth for 24 hours after receiving them. Then, you’ll need to remove them nightly. Your dentures will restrict blood circulation to your gums. If they aren’t given time to get the necessary nutrients, sores, inflammation, and infections can develop. Removing your dentures before bed allows your gums to recuperate for the next day. Your mouth is dark and moist, which is the ideal environment for harmful bacteria that can affect your oral and general health. It can also compromise the lifespan of your denture and lead to unpleasant odors. Taking your dentures out before bed allows you to clean your mouth and new teeth to eliminate bad bacteria. Don’t forget to place them in an overnight soaking solution to kill any bacteria left behind by your toothbrush while also keeping your denture moist to prevent warping.
Do I use regular toothpaste to clean my denture?
Although your denture will serve as your real teeth, they can’t be cleaned the same way. Abrasive dental products, like regular toothpaste, will scratch the surface of the prosthetic. Not only can this affect the appearance of your new smile, but also its lifespan because food particles and plaque can get trapped in the small scratches. Instead of regular toothpaste, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid. You can also purchase cleaning kits designed for denture wearers. Clean all surfaces of your dentures at least once daily. It’s best to rinse them after every meal.
Can I still eat steak with dentures?
Your dentures will mimic your real teeth, but they will have their limitations. It is entirely possible to eat steak with dentures, but it’s best to have tough meats in moderation. They require a lot of chewing, which can make your gums sore. Not to mention, it puts additional wear and tear on your dentures, shortening their life expectancy. If you can’t resist a juicy steak, look for meat that doesn’t have a lot of cartilage or connective tissues. Tenderize the meat before cooking it. Cutting it into small pieces will make it easier to chew. A denture adhesive can also provide more stability to avoid slipping and irritation.