Dentures – Moorestown, NJ

The Effects of Missing Teeth

Whether you’re missing one tooth or all of your teeth, tooth loss can have a drastic impact on your overall health and wellness. Whenever you lose teeth, not only are you left with visible gaps in your arch, but the roots of those teeth have also left a space in the jawbone.

Over time, the lack of stimulation and blood flow to this empty space of the jaw bone can cause it to erode, causing your cheeks to look sunken or hollow. While traditional dentures don’t replace these missing roots of teeth, implant dentures do, allowing them to prevent this from occurring.

In addition to bone erosion, missing teeth can also affect your health by drastically minimizing the types of foods you eat as well as your self-confidence. These effects can impact your social life by making you less likely to go out with friends and family, as well as your nutritional intake.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

The best candidate for dentures in Moorestown is a patient who is missing either most or all of their teeth along one or two arches. Because there are multiple different types of dentures, they can accommodate patients who have already sustained bone loss, are looking for a removable or permanent prosthetic, and those who want natural looking results.

If you want to learn whether you qualify for treatment, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced restorative dentists at Dr. Suzanne Land & Associates.

Alternative Tooth Replacement Options

If you don’t feel like a full or partial denture is the right option for you, and you decide you want results that will feel as permanent as they look, dental implants may be a better solution for you. This leading-edge treatment replaces both the roots of the missing teeth as well as the crowns, eliminating any slipping or shifting that may occur with traditional dentures. The added stability and permanence of this procedure makes it a top choice among our patients.

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Firstly, dentures consist of two components:

• The Base: This is the gum-colored foundation designed to be your gum line which will hold your teeth in place. In many cases, the denture base will be constructed out of acrylic or nylon because of the material’s ability to seamlessly blend in with your soft oral tissues. For partial dentures, you may expect some metal to be involved so that they can clasp onto nearby healthy teeth.
• The Artificial Teeth: Your new pearly whites will typically be made out of either acrylic or porcelain because they can match natural tooth enamel. However, acrylic may be reserved for partial dentures, as the material won’t be abrasive to your existing natural teeth. If you’re getting full dentures, porcelain is the popular option, since it’s natural-looking and durable.

The Denture Creation Process

To create your dentures, several steps will need to be taken to forge your brand-new teeth. Here’s a brief look at the process:

• Our team will first take impressions of your mouth so that we can develop a plaster replica of your smile. We might also take measurements of your jaw so that the dental lab technicians can create the perfect fit for you.
• The plaster model will then be sent to a trusted dental lab where their team will construct a wax version of your gum line and then use an articulator to embed your artificial teeth into it.
• The wax dentures will then be sent to our office and we’ll call you in for a fitting. If all looks well, we’ll send the prosthetics back for completion, working closely with the technicians so that your results are perfect.
• After a series of essential steps, including melting the plaster, using an ultrasonic bath to remove any residue, and trimming and polishing your dentures, your permanent prosthetics will be sent to us for a final fitting. Our team will ensure they fit your mouth comfortably and that your bite is correct before sending you on your way to enjoy your new pearly whites.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Most people will need to take some time to adjust to their newly created dentures, especially since your gums won’t be used to wearing them right away. Not only will you need to grow accustomed to having them on, but you’ll also need to practice speaking and chewing with them so that they feel more natural over time. With some repetition and patience, you should be able to make the most of your prosthetics. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for denture adhesives if you need help during your adjustment period, and notify our team of any abnormalities with your new teeth so that we can address the underlying issue.