Losing your teeth can be hard to deal with physically and emotionally. When you lose a tooth, it can be difficult and embarrassing to eat and speak. Missing teeth can make you look much older than you are and force you to hide your smile. Wearing dentures and partials from our office in Northborough, MA, can restore your function and beauty.
High-quality dentures can help you eat, speak, and smile confidently. Dentures and partials are one of the restorative dentistry services Dr. Robert J. Gauthier, Jr., DMD, and his dental team provide to the public.
What are Dentures?
A denture is a prosthetic device that can replace an entire arch of teeth. They are held in place with a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over the gums.
There are many types of dentures. Upper dentures will cover the roof of your mouth and lower dentures are shaped like a horseshoe.
A partial denture can replace a few missing teeth to fill the gaps in your smile. A metal framework that attaches to the remaining natural teeth holds it in place.
Replacing your missing teeth with dentures is a great way to regain your confidence and allow you to chew and speak much easier.
Dentures can be removable or secured with dental implants. Dr. Gauthier will recommend implant dentures when appropriate. Benefits of implant-secured dentures include:
- No worries about them falling out when you eat or speak.
- Dental implant-supported dentures replace the tooth root, preventing bone loss.
- You will have the ability to eat foods without restrictions.
- There is no need for adhesives to keep them in place.
- They resemble natural teeth.
Dentures at Apex Dental
Dr. Robert Gauthier offers full, partial, and implant-supported dentures in his Northborough, MA dental office. In many cases, Dr. Gauthier can perform a full mouth reconstruction to restore your missing teeth.
Removable Dentures
Today’s cosmetic dentures are far superior to traditional dentures and false teeth. These dentures are designed to fit securely and comfortably. Cosmetic dentures use the latest tooth-like materials to look and function like natural teeth.
Whether you need full dentures to replace all of your teeth or just need partial dentures, Dr. Gauthier can help you get the smile you deserve that looks and feels great.
Implant-Secured Dentures
Dr. Gauthier may suggest dental implant dentures for patients who wish for a more secure alternative to removable dentures
If you already have dentures, Dr. Gauthier can develop a treatment plan to place dental implants for a more secure and stable fit.
Patients do not need to worry about going without their teeth. Dr. Gauthier offers same-day treatment options that provide for an immediate restoration.
Dentures secured by dental implants eliminate the need for glues, adhesives, soaks, or rinses and restore normal chewing function. You don’t have to worry about your teeth slipping around in your mouth or fear that they will fall out.
You also don’t need extra maintenance because your dentures stay fixed in your mouth. Removable dentures require soaks, special cleaners, and extra cleaning steps. You can just brush your teeth like you normally would with implant-supported dentures.
You can keep your same diet and not have to worry about removing foods that your dentures can’t break down. Implant-supported dentures give you back 100% of your bite function.
Implants also help to prevent bone loss in your jawbone. Our dental care team will help coordinate the surgical phase of your treatment plan from the comfort of our Northborough dentist office.
Dentures and Partials FAQs
Read answers to common questions about full and partial dentures:
Am I a good candidate for implant-secured dentures?
Most patients are good candidates for implant-secured dentures. There are only a few circumstances that may prevent you from getting them. For example, if you have gum disease, you must address that first to provide a healthy foundation for the denture. Consult with Dr. Gauthier for more information.
Can I replace my old dentures with implant-supported dentures?
Yes. Implants can benefit you if you have traditional dentures and want a fixed and permanent solution. We will recommend them as long as your gums are healthy and you do not have any other oral health issues.
Can I whiten my dentures?
No, dentists cannot whiten dentures the same way they whiten natural teeth. The materials used to make dentures don’t respond to regular teeth whitening gels or treatments.
However, you can keep your dentures looking their best by cleaning them every day. Proper care helps prevent stains from building up over time.
How much do dentures cost?
Denture cost can depend on multiple factors:
- Dental implants
- The type of denture
- Denture materials
- Number of missing teeth
- Insurance coverage
We will provide multiple denture options after an examination and consultation in our office. Our office will work with you to find a tooth restoration that fits your budget.
How do you clean implant dentures?
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush when you brush fixed implant-secured dentures. Brush in circular motions or use an electric toothbrush. Make sure you brush your dental restoration, any remaining teeth, and your gums.
You can also floss between your implant restoration and your gums. When you use traditional floss, clean around each tooth in a C-shape and go beneath your gums to remove harmful bacteria. You may also use interdental brushes, water flossers, and floss threaders to floss your implant denture.
How many implants do I need for partial and complete dentures?
If you require a partial denture, we can use as few as two dental implants to secure your restoration. However, if you require a complete implant-secured denture, we may use as few as four dental implants to secure a full tooth arch. The number of implants you require for your restoration can vary. Your number of missing teeth, jaw bone density, and other factors can alter the implants required.
Is there an age limit for implant dentures?
No, there is no age limit for dentures or dental implants. We recommend implant dentures for patients who are good candidates, regardless of age. You will be a good candidate for implant-supported dentures as long as you have enough healthy jaw bone tissue and are in good oral health.
Will I need a tooth extraction before dentures?
We may recommend a tooth extraction if you have severely infected or damaged teeth we cannot save. Removing problem teeth will decrease the risk of them impacting your new restoration. After your tooth extraction, we will wait until your gums heal before we place the implants.
Restore Your Smile Today
Replace all your missing teeth dentures in Northborough, MA. Request an appointment with Dr. Gauthier or call Apex Dental at (508) 506-1691.
Dr. Robert Gauthier is a local dentist in Northborough. Our office also accepts patients for treatment with dentures in Shrewsbury, Worcester, and Westborough.