Do you have rows or arches of missing teeth? You may need dentures. Dr. Robert Gauthier offers dentures in Worcester, MA, as part of his restorative dentistry services. You can get traditional or implant dentures to restore a full and beautiful smile.
Types of Dentures
Dr. Gauthier offers both partial and complete dentures supported by the gums or by dental implants. We recommend partial dentures when you still have some natural teeth remaining. They fill in the gaps and help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of place. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in the upper arch, lower arch, or both to give you a full smile again.
Dentures supported by dental implants add more stability and comfort. Implants are small titanium posts placed in the jawbone, which help hold the denture firmly in place.
This option can make eating and speaking feel more natural, and it helps protect the jawbone over time. Whether you choose traditional dentures or implant-supported dentures, Dr. Gauthier will help you find a solution that fits comfortably and looks natural.
The Benefits of Dentures: Traditional vs. Implant Dentures
Dentures can help you eat, speak, and smile with confidence again. Whether you choose traditional dentures or implant-supported dentures, both options are designed to replace missing teeth and improve your quality of life. The right choice for you depends on your oral health, budget, and personal comfort.
Traditional Dentures
Removable dentures rest on your gums and can be removed for cleaning. They’re a more affordable tooth replacement option and can be made to look natural. Many patients like that traditional dentures don’t require surgery and can be created relatively quickly. With proper care and regular dental visits, traditional dentures can help you maintain a complete and confident smile.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implants keep dentures stable, so they won’t slip or shift while you talk or eat. This option also helps support the jawbone, which can prevent bone loss and keep your facial structure looking more natural over time.
While treatment may cost more at first, patients find implant dentures feel more secure and comfortable than traditional dentures. Dental implants also help dentures last longer without the need to rebase or replace your new teeth.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Most patients can get dentures with no problem. You may be a good candidate for dentures if you are missing multiple teeth and have healthy gums and jawbone. During your visit, Dr. Gauthier will evaluate your oral health and recommend the type of denture that best fits your needs.
Missing Teeth
Dentures can be a great solution if you’re missing some or all of your teeth. Dr. Gauthier may recommend partial dentures if you still have healthy natural teeth. Partials fill in gaps while preventing nearby teeth from shifting out of place. If you are missing all of your teeth in the upper or lower arch, we’ll recommend complete dentures.
Healthy Remaining Teeth and Gums
You may be a good candidate for removable dentures if your remaining teeth are healthy enough to support them and your gums are strong. These dentures rest on your gums and can be removed easily for cleaning and care.
If you have gum disease, cavities, or tooth decay, Dr. Gauthier can provide pretreatments. He may recommend fillings, gum therapy, or extractions to improve your oral health before placing dentures.
Enough Jaw Bone
Traditional dentures sit on top of the gums and do not rely on the jawbone for support. However, patients who choose implant-supported dentures need enough healthy jawbone to securely hold the dental implants. If you don’t have enough bone to support implants, Dr. Gauthier will recommend bone grafting or a sinus lift.
The Denture Process at Apex Dental
You can get dentures in several visits. Denture treatment in Worcester, MA, takes several steps:
- Exam and Pretreatments: First, Dr. Gauthier will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw. He uses digital X-rays to view how much jaw bone you have and if you have dental problems that need treatment first. Dr. Gauthier will talk with you about your goals, comfort, and lifestyle. He’ll also recommend pretreatments like bone grafts during this time.
- Impressions: Once he ensures you’re healthy, Dr. Gauthier will take precise measurements of your mouth. He’ll take digital impressions that he sends to a local dental lab. Our goal is to create dentures that fit securely. Dr. Gauthier will also give you a temporary same-day denture.
- Implant Placement: If you’re getting implant dentures, Dr. Gauthier will place the implant posts and give you time to heal. You need 3 to 6 months for osseontigration, where the posts fuse to the jaw bone.
- Final Denture: Once your dentures are ready, we’ll remove the temporary and carefully place the final restoration. Dr. Gauthier will adjust your dentures as needed so you feel comfortable. He’ll also give you aftercare instructions.
Denture Aftercare
When you first get dentures, it may take some time to speak and eat comfortably. With traditional removable dentures, your tongue and lips will need to adjust to the new fit, so practice speaking slowly and reading aloud if needed. Chewing may feel different at first. Start with soft foods and cut them into smaller pieces.
Keeping your dentures clean is key to oral health. For removable dentures, brush them every day with a soft denture brush and soak them overnight in water or a denture solution. This removes food, plaque, and bacteria while keeping your dentures from drying out or losing their shape.
Implant-supported dentures also need daily cleaning. You should brush around the implants and your gums carefully to prevent irritation or infection. Regular dental visits help ensure that your dentures and implants continue to fit well and stay healthy.
Can I Get Implants if I Have Dentures?
Yes, many patients who already have dentures can still get dental implants. If your dentures feel loose, uncomfortable, or make it hard to eat certain foods, implants can help provide more support. Dental implants are placed in the jawbone to act like natural tooth roots, giving your dentures a secure and stable foundation.
Before he recommends implant-supported dentures, Dr. Gauthier will check the health of your gums and jawbone. Some patients may need more treatment to build up bone or improve gum health before getting implants.
If you’re interested in upgrading your dentures or improving the fit, Dr. Gauthier can help. You don’t have to settle for dentures that slip or cause frustration. We can work with you to create a secure, natural-feeling solution.
Request an Implant Consultation
Do you need to replace multiple missing teeth? We can help. Call Apex Dental for dentures in Worcester, MA at (508) 506-1691. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Gauthier online. We offer dentures for patients in Westborough, Shrewsbury, and Northborough, MA.