If you are missing teeth or struggling with loose or uncomfortable dentures, you’re not alone. At Apex Dental, Dr. Robert Gauthier provides custom denture solutions to help patients in Westborough, MA. He helps patients restore their smile, confidence, and ability to eat and speak comfortably.
Dentures are a reliable way to replace missing teeth and improve everyday life. Whether you need full dentures, partials, or implant-supported dentures, our team will help you choose the option that fits your needs and goals.
Types of Dentures
Dentures are common dental appliances for patients who want to replace multiple missing teeth. They are made to look natural and fit comfortably in your mouth. At Apex Dental, dentures are carefully designed to match your facial features and bite to give you a more natural and secure fit.
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. We often recommend full dentures when all remaining teeth need to be removed from decay, damage, or gum disease. Traditional full dentures lay on the gums and use the support of adhesive.
Partial Dentures
We recommend partials when you still have some healthy natural teeth. They fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and help keep your remaining teeth from shifting out of place. Traditional partial dentures are removable.
Implant Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are one of the most secure and comfortable ways to replace missing teeth. These dentures are anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone. If you have all your teeth missing, we can recommend implant dentures with as few as four implants supporting each tooth arch. You may also get partial dentures supported by implants.
The many benefits of implant dentures include:
- Improved stability and comfort
- Less slipping or movement when you eat or speak
- Better chewing ability
- Reduced irritation of the gums
- Preserve jawbone health
When you think of dentures, you likely think of removable teeth that you have to take out and keep in a glass of cleaner. Most implant dentures stay in place and don’t need to be removed before sleep. You can also easily clean implant dentures with a toothbrush and floss.
Are Dentures Right for You?
Custom dentures may be a good option if you:
- Are missing multiple teeth
- Have severely damaged or decayed teeth
- Struggle with chewing certain foods
- Feel self-conscious about your smile
- Have loose or uncomfortable older dentures
A consultation at Apex Dental allows Dr. Gauthier to evaluate your oral health and recommend the best solution for your situation. You may be a good candidate for implant dentures in Westborough, MA if you have missing teeth, good oral health, and enough jaw bone to support the implants.
The Denture Process in Westborough, MA
Getting dentures is a step-by-step process designed to create a comfortable, natural-looking smile that fits your lifestyle. At Apex Dental, Dr. Robert Gauthier carefully plans each stage of treatment. He wants you to know what to expect and feel confident every step of the way.
Step 1: Dental Exam and Consultation
Your denture journey begins with a full dental exam and consultation. Dr. Gauthier will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone and discuss your concerns, goals, and budget. This is also when you’ll talk about your denture options, including traditional removable dentures and implant-supported dentures, so you can choose the solution that works best for you.
Step 2: Preparing Your Mouth
If we need to remove damaged or failing teeth Dr. Gauthier will explain the extraction process and healing timeline. If you are interested in implant dentures, he’ll place dental implants at this stage. You’ll need time for the implant posts to heal, which can take 3 to 6 months.
Step 3: Digital Impressions and Design
Once your mouth is ready, Dr. Gauthier takes digital impressions of your teeth. He uses these detailed images so your dentures are custom-designed for proper fit, bite alignment, and natural appearance. Dr. Gauthier takes care so your dentures support your facial shape and smile.
Step 4: Fitting and Adjustments
When your dentures are ready, you’ll return for a fitting appointment. Dr. Gauthier will check the fit, comfort, and bite and make adjustments as needed. It is normal to need a few adjustments as your mouth adapts, and our team is always here to help you stay comfortable.
Aftercare
Proper care helps dentures last longer and keeps your mouth healthy. But how you care for your new teeth depends on the type of denture. If you have a traditional denture, you need to remove it daily for cleaning. Good care helps prevent irritation, odor, and damage.
To care for traditional dentures:
- Remove and rinse your dentures after meals to wash away food particles
- Clean dentures daily with a soft brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner
- Avoid regular toothpaste, which can be too harsh and cause scratches
- Soak dentures overnight to keep them from drying out
- Handle dentures carefully and clean them over a towel or sink of water
You need to clean your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth each day. This helps remove bacteria, improve circulation, and keep your mouth healthy. If your dentures start to feel loose or cause sore spots, schedule a visit with Apex Dental for an adjustment.
Implant-supported dentures are more secure, but they still require daily care to protect both the denture and the implants supporting it. To care for implant dentures:
- Brush your denture daily using a soft toothbrush
- Clean around the implants carefully to remove plaque and bacteria
- Use any special tools recommended by Dr. Gauthier, such as floss threaders or water flossers
- Never skip regular dental checkups
Even though implants cannot get cavities, the gums and bone around them still need care. Routine dental visits allow Dr. Gauthier to monitor implant health and check the fit of your denture.
Schedule a Consultation
Do you need to replace full arches of missing teeth? Get dentures in Westborough, MA. Call (508) 506-1691 or request an appointment with Dr. Gauthier online.