Full & Partial Dentures in Highland Park, NJ
Restoring Your Smile With Dentures
Having a bright, healthy smile can do wonders for your confidence and quality of life. But when you have missing or damaged teeth, many everyday activities like eating, speaking, and smiling can become difficult or embarrassing.
At Zen Dental of Highland Park, our Highland Park, NJ, dentist, Dr. Yan Gu, can treat your missing teeth with this restorative treatment. If you live in Highland Park, NJ, and are looking to restore your smile, dentures may be the right solution for you.
Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth that can restore your smile and chewing ability. They’re custom-made to fit over the gums and jawbone and can be taken out and put back into your mouth as needed. Dentures are held in place by facial muscles and suction from the gums. Depending on each patient’s specific needs, dentures may replace all or just some of the natural teeth that have been lost.
Reasons for Needing Dentures
There are several reasons people get dentures:
- Tooth loss from gum disease, decay, or injury
- Aging and deterioration of existing teeth
- Congenital defects like cleft palate or ectodermal dysplasia
Types of Dentures
Conventional Full Dentures
Full dentures help when all the teeth are removed and the tissue is given time to heal. It could take a few months for the gum tissue to heal completely, and during this time you will be without teeth.
Prior to having your teeth removed, your dentist takes measurements and has dentures fitted for your mouth. After removing the teeth, these immediate dentures are promptly placed in your mouth. The benefit is that you don’t have to spend any time without teeth. You will, however, need to have a follow-up visit to refit your dentures because the jaw bone will slightly change shape as your mouth heels.
Partial dentures are another option that replace only some of your teeth when not all of them need to be removed. This restoration is similar to a bridge, but it isn’t a permanent fixture in your mouth.
Getting dentures is a process that takes four to six appointments over several months to ensure proper fit, function, and comfort.
Our Highland Park dentist will evaluate the health of your gums and bone structure through digital X-rays and an oral exam. Our dental staff will take impressions of your mouth to determine the shape of your jaws and design the dentures. Dr. Gu will discuss the timeline for extractions and denture placement during this appointment.
If you have any remaining teeth that we can’t restore, our Highland Park dentist will extract them. This can take two to four visits to allow proper healing time between extractions. After the final extractions, you may receive temporary immediate dentures for the transition period.
It takes three to six months for your gums and bone to completely heal after extractions. During this time, you’ll wear temporary dentures. You’ll need to return for regular checkups so your Highland Park dentist can evaluate healing and reline the dentures if needed for better fit as your gums and bone change shape.
Impressions and Try-In Dentures
Once healing is complete, we’ll take new impressions for your final custom dentures. Dr. Gu will take great care capturing the details of your gum contours and jaw shape. Next, wax try-in dentures are created to ensure proper color, shape, and fit before the final dentures are fabricated. You’ll “test drive” these try-ins to make sure you can speak and eat properly.
At the final appointment, we’ll place and adjust your custom final dentures. Our dentist will check that they fit correctly and allow you to bite down properly. You’ll receive instructions on how to use, care for, and clean your new dentures.
You’ll return for follow-up appointments to check the fit and function of your dentures during the adjustment period. Our Highland Park dentist will make any necessary adjustments to improve comfort. Regular dental visits are essential to maintain healthy gums even with dentures.
Your dentures may take some time to get used to. The flesh-colored base of the dentures is placed over your gums. Some people say their restorations initially feel bulky or that they don’t have enough room for their tongue. Other times the dentures might feel loose. These feelings may affect the way you eat and talk for a little while.
Over time, your mouth becomes trained to eat and speak with your dentures and they begin to feel more and more like your natural teeth.
Dentures require diligent care to keep them looking and feeling comfortable and healthy. This care should include the following steps:
- Brush dentures morning and night to remove plaque and food debris. Use a soft brush and denture cleaner.
- After removing dentures, rinse thoroughly before soaking them in room temperature water or denture cleaning solution. Never use hot water because it could warp the dentures
- Handle dentures carefully to avoid dropping or warping them. See your dentist for any repairs or adjustments.
- Clean your mouth after removing dentures. Brush your gums and tongue to maintain healthy tissue.
Schedule regular appointments at our Highland Park dental office to ensure the proper fit and function of your dentures. With routine care, they can look natural and restore confidence in your smile.
When to Consider Dentures in Highland Park, NJ
Residents of Highland Park suffering from total tooth loss or severe decay may benefit from dentures. Thankfully, our Highland Park dentist can evaluate if you’re a candidate. Contact our office today to discuss your options. Dr. Gu can answer any questions you may have about dentures. They can also advise you on the best type of denture for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: With proper care, dentures typically last five to seven years before needing to be replaced. However, this timeframe can vary depending on your habits and oral health.
Q: Can dentures be repaired if damaged?
A: Yes, minor denture repairs like chipped teeth or cracked plastic can be fixed by your dentist. But extensive damage usually requires completely new dentures.
Q: Do dentures need to be worn all the time?
A: It’s healthiest for your mouth to rest without dentures for six to eight hours per day. But you may choose to wear them constantly aside from cleaning periods.
Q: Can I sleep with dentures in?
A: Most dentists recommend removing dentures at night to give your gums and jawbone a rest. Dentures can become loose or uncomfortable if worn during sleep.
Want to Learn More About Highland Park Dentures?
If you’re suffering from complete or partial tooth loss, dentures may be the solution to restore your smile. With custom-crafted dentures, you can regain functionality and confidence.
To schedule a consultation and learn more about whether dentures are right for you, contact our office today at (732) 777-9077 or book your appointment online. We’re proud to provide the highest-quality dentures in Highland Park and surrounding areas like Bound Brook, Metuchen, and North Brunswick Township, NJ. We look forward to welcoming you!
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