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 for a balanced bite, better chewing function, and a more confident 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.
For added stability and comfort, dentures can also be supported by dental implants. Implant-supported dentures attach to small titanium posts placed in the jawbone, which helps 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
Our implant dentures are held in place by small titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone. These implants help keep the denture stable, so it 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?
Dentures can be a great solution if you’re missing some or all of your teeth. You might 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 taken out for cleaning.
If you want a more stable option, implant-supported dentures might be right for you. These dentures attach to dental implants placed in your jawbone, which helps prevent bone loss and keeps your dentures secure. But candidates for implant dentures need enough jawbone to support the implants and good overall oral health.
If you don’t have enough bone to support implants, Dr. Gauthier will recommend bone grafting or a sinus lift. He can also treat gum disease or cavities, so you’re healthy enough for treatment.
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.
Implant-supported dentures are more stable, which often makes speaking and chewing easier. They stay in place better, so you can enjoy a wider variety of foods with less worry about slipping.
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 recommending implant-supported dentures, Dr. Gauthier will check the health of your gums and jawbone. Some patients may need additional treatment to build up bone or improve gum health before getting implants. Once placed, implants can help improve comfort, make eating easier, and prevent bone loss over time.
If you are interested in upgrading your dentures or improving the fit, Dr. Gauthier can help you decide if implant-supported dentures are the right choice for your smile. You do not have to settle for dentures that slip or cause frustration. We can work with you to create a secure, natural-feeling solution.
Request an Appointment
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.