Dentures

Serving both Nassau and Suffolk County, Dr. Elliot and Dr. Nick at Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry believe there’s no reason to live with missing teeth when dentures are a fast, affordable option.

Types of dentures

Dentures are removable false teeth designed to replace a single tooth all the way up to a complete set of teeth. Over the years, dentures have been made from solid gold, brass, ivory from hippos and elephants, porcelain, metal rivets and even wood. Dentures have evolved tremendously over the years, and it’s now possible to have a complete set of perfectly aligned replacement teeth that are as strong, functional and as natural-looking as your original teeth.

The three types of dentures:

1. Conventional dentures are either full or partial. Complete dentures are removable and replace a full set of teeth on either the upper arch (the maxillary arch) or the lower arch (the mandibular arch) or both. They have an acrylic mouthpiece which adheres to the gums and roof of your mouth and must be precisely fitted to create proper suction to keep the mouthpiece in place. Removable partial dentures are for patients who have lost some of their teeth. Partial dentures attach to a patient’s existing teeth with clips and have a gum-colored plastic base which blends with the existing gums. Fixed partial dentures or bridges are made from crowns that are fitted on the remaining teeth. Constructed of materials closely matching the existing teeth, they “bridge” the gap between teeth to create a smooth attractive appearance. Fixed bridges are more stable than removable dentures but are more costly.The flexible partial denture is a popular solution which doesn’t use metal clips to stay in place. It’s more costly than a standard denture but its nylon mouthpiece is comfortable and virtually undetectable in public.
2. Immediate or temporary dentures are sometimes called same day dentures because a patient can have a damaged or diseased tooth removed and have its pre-fitted replacement cemented into place that day. At a later visit, the temporary tooth can be replaced with a more stable, longer lasting partial denture.
3. Overdentures are replacement teeth anchored in place by titanium implants. They combine strength and stability giving you confidence that your dentures will stay firmly in place in all situations.  For someone who has suffered the embarrassment of missing most or all of their teeth, overdentures promise a new found quality of life.

During your in-office consultation and examination, Dr. Elliot or Dr. Nick will discuss which denture options make the most sense for you.

Benefits of dentures

Just as your smile is a great way to make a first impression, having missing teeth or gaps in your smile may cause you to lose confidence in social or professional settings. New dentures will be a boost to your self-esteem and psychological well-being.

Dentures are relatively maintenance free. As part of your bedtime routine, you’ll take them out for cleaning, but they come out and slip in easily.

Dentures can dramatically improve the contours of your face. Gaps of missing teeth create a lack of support for your facial structure, causing your cheeks to sag and take on a sunken, aging look. Dentures can take years off your appearance.

Many edentulous patients (without teeth) or those with broken teeth or exposed gums can barely remember the pleasure of comfortably chewing and enjoying a meal. Dentures restore that simple joy.

Unlike implants, the installation of dentures is non-invasive (surgery not required). Other than an extraction, the denture process is relatively quick, easy, and pain-free. Dentures are the most affordable tooth replacement option available.

Drawbacks of dentures

Since dentures are not fixed, they can slip out of position in your mouth. Most denture wearers remember at least one embarrassing moment when their dentures slipped out of place at the wrong time. Some denture wearers may be candidates for denture stabilization with mini-implants.

To keep dentures in place, denture adhesives may be necessary. The adhesives are often messy and unwieldy to apply and can potentially trap food particles, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.

For many new denture wearers, a significant “break-in” period of some discomfort is needed to adjust to a removable device in your mouth.

Because your mouth changes over time, dentures may need to be replaced every five to seven years. For someone seeking a more permanent solution, dental implants may make more sense.

Denture alternatives

For patients seeking a solution to being “tooth compromised,” advances in dental implants have made them the best alternative to dentures. Implants are relatively permanent, completely natural looking, and can be maintained in the same way that you take care of regular teeth, including regular brushing and flossing.

Fitting for dentures

Dr. Elliot or Dr. Nick will create a mold of your natural teeth and gums to ensure a proper fit. Once the mold is created, certain teeth will be extracted to allow for insertion of the dentures. Long Island cosmetic dentists Dr. Elliot and Dr. Nick can advise you about the proper shade, shape, and size of your replacement teeth.

The last step is the fitting itself. Precise measurements of your mouth will be taken to make sure your dentures are properly sized when they arrive from the lab. Once your new dentures arrive, some tweaking and minor adjustments by Dr. Elliot and Dr. Nick may be needed to give you maximum comfort. Over time, your dentures can be adjusted accordingly so that you can enjoy many years of use.

Results to expect from your new dentures

With properly-fitting dentures, you’ll definitely be thrilled by the new you—your face will take on a more youthful contour, and simple acts like smiling and eating will be much more enjoyable.

There will be a period of several weeks to get adjusted to having a full set of teeth. Some minor irritation and soreness is to be expected, but those annoyances will fade, and your enjoyment of your new life with dentures will take over!

Affordable dentures on Long Island, New York

Dentures are a cost effective and life-changing solution to an uncomfortable dental problem.

Call Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry today at 631-744-5700 for a free consultation with Dr. Elliot or Dr. Nick to help you understand the broad range of denture options available and their costs. Most dental insurance plans cover all or part of the cost of dentures.