The Evolution of Denture Technology

Advancements in dental materials, technology, and methods of care have made it easier than ever to replace missing teeth with natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing results. While dental implants and fixed bridgework are effective solutions, removable dentures remain a reliable method for reestablishing a complete smile.

Custom-Made Dentures for Optimal Comfort

At Dental Associates of North Smithfield, we fabricate dentures from the highest quality dental materials for a precise and comfortable fit. Our dentures are meticulously designed to rebuild beautiful smiles and support natural facial contours, enabling patients to speak, smile, and chew with renewed confidence and ease.

We take pride in offering personalized solutions to address your dental needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Impact of Missing Teeth

According to recent statistics, over 175 million adults in the United States have lost at least one tooth, and nearly 40 million are missing all of their teeth. Tooth loss often results from extensive decay, advanced gum disease, traumatic injury, congenital anomalies, or medical conditions.

Missing teeth can lead to psychological and social consequences, affect speech clarity, and make it difficult to maintain a nutritious diet. If left unaddressed, missing teeth can also cause gradual changes in appearance and alignment of remaining teeth, potentially creating more gaps and affecting facial contours.

The Benefits of Dentures

It's never too late to rebuild a complete and beautiful smile. Both partial and full dentures offer an effective and satisfying solution for replacing missing teeth. Dentures are removable appliances designed to rest comfortably on the gums, consisting of natural-looking artificial teeth set in a supportive base.

Types of Dentures

The two main types of removable dentures are full dentures and partial dentures. The best solution for your smile depends on how many natural teeth are still present and their health. While a partial denture can be effective when some sturdy natural teeth remain, you may need a complete denture if all the upper or lower teeth are missing or require extraction.

Full Dentures

Conventional Full Denture:

• Fabricated and placed after all remaining teeth are removed and surrounding tissues have healed.

• Supports a precise and comfortable fit.

Immediate Denture:

• Allows you to avoid going without teeth while waiting for the extraction sites to heal.

• May require relining and adjustments as tissues heal and remodel.

Overdenture:

• Gains added stability and support from special attachments secured to remaining teeth or dental implants.

• Implant-Supported Dentures:

• Attaches to strategically placed implants in the upper or lower jaw.

• Provides significant stability and retention.

Partial Dentures are effective when some sturdy teeth remain. They typically use clasps or precision attachments on adjacent teeth for retention and stability.

• Removable Partial Dentures:

• Fill the void left by missing teeth and restore the look and function of a complete smile.

• Stabilize dentition and bite, preventing unwanted drifting of remaining natural teeth.

Providing Integrated Solutions to Rebuild Smiles

Fabricating an attractive, well-fitting, and long-lasting denture requires a comprehensive understanding of oral function, facial aesthetics, dental materials, and appliance design. At Dental Associates of North Smithfield, we combine the art and science of dentistry to provide outstanding treatment outcomes.

Once we’ve reviewed your medical and dental history, assessed your smile, and discussed your care expectations, we'll recommend the best options for restoring your smile.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Planning

Based on a thorough analysis, including advanced diagnostic imaging, we’ll determine if any additional procedures or extractions are needed before fabricating your denture. Ensuring that any remaining teeth are healthy and supported by sufficient bone is crucial. Sometimes, pre-prosthetic procedures are recommended to improve tissue anatomy for optimal denture fit.

The Process of Getting Dentures

Creating a denture involves several steps:

• Dental Impressions: Capturing accurate molds of your mouth.

• Framework Try-Ins: Ensuring a comfortable fit.

• Selecting Shade, Shape, and Size: Matching artificial teeth to your natural look.

• Bite Adjustment: Ensuring oral function is comfortable and healthy.

Whether it takes one or a few visits, achieving a satisfying and healthy outcome relies on careful execution of each step.

What to Expect with Your New Denture

Adjusting to Wearing a New Denture: It can take some time to get used to wearing a new denture, especially a full denture. Minor adjustments may be needed as you start to speak, chew, and function with your new teeth.

More Saliva than Usual: A natural response to a new denture is increased saliva production. This will decrease over time.

Speaking with Ease: Initially, speaking with a new denture might be challenging, but this will improve as you adapt. Reading aloud can help speed up this process.

Getting Used to Eating: Adapting to eating with a denture takes time, especially with a full denture. Start with soft foods and avoid chewing on one side.

Taking Care of Your Dentures

• Keep Dentures Clean: Rinse after eating and brush daily to prevent stains and bacteria buildup. Use a brush designed for dentures and soak them in water or a denture cleaner when not in use.

• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush any remaining teeth and your gums. If you wear an upper denture, clean the roof of your mouth.

• Remove Dentures at Bedtime: This allows your gums and jawbone to rest, preventing irritation and infection.

Added Stability and Follow-Up Care

• Stability: Full dentures may benefit from additional retention methods like denture adhesive, implant-supported dentures, or attachments.

• Routine Checkups: Regular visits help check the fit and condition of your dentures and assess the health of remaining teeth and tissues.

• Relines: Over time, supporting tissues change, and dentures may need relining for a better fit.

Personalized and Advanced Care

At Dental Associates of North Smithfield, we are dedicated to building healthy and beautiful smiles. As your trusted partner in care, you can depend on us to design and fabricate dentures that look good, fit comfortably, and serve you well for years to come.

If you have questions or concerns about your new dentures, feel free to contact our office. We're here to ensure you have a comfortable and satisfying experience with your new smile.