Dentures – Ridgefield, CT
Replace All Your Teeth with Natural-Looking Dentures
The idea of replacing multiple missing teeth may seem daunting at first glance, but luckily, dentures provide a time-tested, cost-effective way to completely restore your grin with a single prosthesis. Whether you need a full denture to replace an entire arch or a partial denture to fill in a few gaps, you can count on our dentists at Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center to provide a personalized solution for an incomplete grin. Ready to start the denture process? Call our office today to set up an appointment.
Why Choose Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center for Dentures?
- Personalized Full and Partial Dentures Available
- Multiple Dentists in One Location
- Up-to-Date Dental Technology
Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
If you have dealt with tooth loss in the past, dentures could be the ideal solution you’ve been looking for. During your consultation, we can take a look at your smile and determine whether or not dentures are for you. Even if you don’t make a good candidate right away, they may still be a viable option for you in the future. Here’s what you should know.
Effects of Missing Teeth
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, the most common causes of missing teeth include tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma – like an accident or injury. Many different consequences can occur as a result of tooth loss. Here are some of the most prominent:
- Facial Sagging: When you are missing teeth, the muscles of your face aren’t being supported like they should be. Your cheeks can end up looking sunken, and your lips may become wrinkled. This can leave you appearing older than you really are.
- Difficulty Speaking: If you are missing teeth, it can become more challenging to enunciate your words. This makes it harder for others to understand what you are saying.
- Trouble Eating: When you are unable to chew your food correctly, you will be leaving out items that contain essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain good health.
- Reduces Confidence: Having gaps in your smile decreases your self-confidence, therefore negatively impacting your work life and social life.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
If you have experienced significant tooth loss or a lot of decay, and you have sufficient, healthy gum tissue and jawbone structure, dentures could be a good option for you. People who opt for dentures also must be committed to their dental hygiene routine and willing to properly care for their dentures.
The number of teeth that you are missing will determine which type of denture is ideal to meet the needs of your smile. Dentures are usually more affordable than alternative tooth replacement options, making them ideal for patients who are on a budget.
Alternative Tooth Replacement Options
In addition to dentures, people who have lost teeth may want to consider the following options:
- Dental Bridges: A dental bridge is ideal for patients who are only missing one or a few teeth. This is because a dental bridge requires healthy teeth surrounding the missing tooth or teeth to support it.
- Dental Implants: A titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. For this tooth replacement option, a strong jawbone is required. Dental implants are more costly than traditional dentures, but they are made to last much longer.
Types of Dentures
Dentures can be divided into three categories: partial dentures, full dentures, and implant dentures. We’ll consider your overall situation carefully before we give you our recommendation regarding the kind of denture that you should get.
Partial Dentures
Do you have a good number of healthy teeth but are still bothered by gaps in your smile? Those empty spaces can be filled with a custom-made partial denture, which can be attached to your natural teeth with clasps. The prosthetic teeth attached to your partial dentures will be designed in a way that lets them blend in with the rest of your smile.
Full Dentures
A full denture is all it takes to replace all of the teeth in a single arch. The prosthesis will be designed to be as lifelike as possible, and it will be carefully customized so that it fits comfortably on your gums. Suction is typically enough to keep full dentures in place, although some patients might benefit from using a denture adhesive.
Implant Dentures
At Ridgefield Perfect Smile Center, you can have dental implants placed in-office. If you choose to get dental implants to support full dentures, about 4 to 8 implant posts may be needed. When your dentures are anchored to dental implants, you don’t have to worry about them slipping or shifting when you’re trying to chew or talk.
The Benefits of Dentures
When you talk to our team about getting dentures, we’ll be more than happy to give you an overview of all the benefits associated with the treatment. Here are just a few ways that dentures can help improve your life:
- They make it possible for you to continue eating all kinds of foods, allowing you to enjoy a more comprehensive diet filled with important nutrients.
- They can help you speak with clarity in front of others.
- Not only can they enhance your appearance by giving you a complete smile again, but they can also help you preserve a younger-looking face shape.
- They are easy to take care of and can last for 7 to 10 years at a time.
Denture FAQs
Can I Use Regular Toothpaste to Clean My Dentures?
Instead of using regular toothpaste, we recommend using a toothpaste that’s designed specifically for dentures. A mild dishwashing liquid can also be used to remove food particles, plaque, and other debris from the surface of your restoration. In both cases, it’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush; this will prevent microscopic scratches from surfacing, prolonging the lifespan of your dentures in the process.
Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?
We do not recommend removing your healthy, natural teeth. If, however, your remaining teeth are decayed, cracked, or otherwise compromised, then we will need to extract them before restoring your smile with dentures. That way, the final result is a smile that looks great and has a healthy foundation.
Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?
It’s very normal to experience a bit of a learning curve at the beginning. The good news is that it won’t take too long for you to adjust, and you can speed up the process by practicing! Try reading a book out loud or conversing with a trusted friend. Go slow at first and be patient with yourself. When you come across a word that’s more difficult, take a breath and try again. Before you know it, you’ll be back to your normal cadence!
What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?
Really chewy, sticky, and crunchy foods should be avoided with dentures since they can tug them out of place or lead to damage. We recommend instead filling your plate with foods that are softer in consistency, nutrient-dense, and smile-friendly. Some examples include white fish, sugar-free pudding, scrambled eggs, cooked carrots, and plain yogurt.
Tip: If you go out to eat – whether it’s at a restaurant or a friend’s house – and you have something chewier on your plate, like steak, then cut it up into really small pieces. That way, less chewing power is required.
Why Do My Dentures Smell?
Does your breath smell? After further inspection, you might find that your dentures are the root of the problem. They can start to develop an odor if they aren’t cared for properly, so the best thing to do is go back to the basics. That includes brushing them after each meal and soaking them overnight in a denture cleaner or water. It’s also a good idea to eliminate any particularly pungent foods from your diet, like pickled onions and garlic fries. If you’ve tried everything but nothing seems to be working, schedule an appointment with us. From there, we can conduct an exam and determine if an untreated oral health problem, like gum disease, is to blame.
Can You Kiss with Dentures?
Yes, you can kiss with dentures! Like everything else – from eating to speaking – it may take some time to adjust to doing everyday things. So, make sure to go slow and be gentle.