Dentures – Newark, DE
Rebuild Your Smile with a Lifelike Restoration
Tooth loss detracts from your daily quality of life in several ways. Your teeth are essential in your ability to eat and speak; without them, these once-basic tasks suddenly become more challenging. Not only that, but you might develop anxiety worrying about whether others will judge the way you look.
Our team at Clay Dental Associates can rebuild your smile with a lifelike restoration. Dentures are a versatile solution that enhances your smile’s appearance and functionality. Read on to learn more, and feel free to contact us for additional information.
Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Potentially anyone missing teeth can benefit from these prosthetics. With that said, they aren’t the best solution for everyone’s unique circumstances. That’s why it’s so important that you schedule a consultation with one of our talented dentists at White Clay Dental Associates! If you want to learn a little more in the meantime, including a few of the qualities that we look for in a good candidate for dentures, feel free to read on.
Effects of Missing Teeth
To put it simply, you rely on a complete row of teeth for a lot of things, from chewing your food to enunciating words. As a result, tooth loss can have a significant, negative impact on your overall quality of life. If that’s the boat you’re currently in, then we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our dental office in Newark so we can review your treatment options and help you decide which one is best for you.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Are you self-conscious about the gaps between your teeth? Has the reduced strength of your bite left you eating a soft foods diet? Are you struggling to enunciate clearly? If so, you may be a good candidate for dentures! The best way to find out for certain is by scheduling a consultation at our office so we can complete a comprehensive oral exam and ensure there aren’t any pre-existing issues, like gum disease or tooth decay. If there are, don’t get discouraged – we offer a wide range of restorative treatments.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
While dentures are great when it comes to replacing a large number of missing teeth, some patients don’t need that. For instance, if you are only missing one tooth, then we will recommend either a:
- Dental Bridge – We can replace one tooth or a few teeth consecutively with a custom dental bridge. Once we anchor a dental crown to the two teeth surrounding the gap, we can “bridge” the open space, restoring your confident smile and strong bite force in the process.
- Dental Implant – Dental implants can actually replace any number of missing teeth! If you are only missing one, then we can secure the implant post into your jawbone. Then, we can attach a custom dental crown on top, restoring the entire structure of the tooth in the process.
Are you interested in learning more about your tooth-replacement options and which one we recommend for you? If so, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our team at White Clay Dental Associates! The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll have the complete, confident smile that you deserve again.
Types of Dentures
Dentures can be adapted to meet your individual needs, regardless of how many natural teeth you have remaining. Once our team has the chance to examine your condition, we might recommend one of the following options based on our findings:
Partial Dentures
These are ideal for those who have lost several teeth sporadically throughout their mouths. They contain the necessary number of pontics (teeth) in a gum-colored acrylic base. They typically contain metallic clasps that clip to healthy teeth in your mouth to remain in place.
Full Dentures
This is the tried-and-true solution to replacing an entire arch (or row) with a single prosthetic. These usually consists of an acrylic, gum-colored base that relies on a firm suction against the connective tissues over the bony ridges in your mouth. If your jawbone is too flat, you may do better with implant dentures.
Implant Dentures
This is the only type of denture that involves strategically placing anywhere from two to eight titanium rods into your jawbone for a more stable, permanent restoration. Once the metal poles are inserted, your jawbone eventually fuses with them so they’re firmly rooted. Then, we’ll provide a specially designed set of teeth that attaches to them and isn’t intended to be removed.
Immediate Dentures
For this method, either Dr. Bond or Dr. Ganfield will record precise measurements of your mouth before removing any teeth in preparation for your prosthetics. We’ll then have fully customized dentures created in advance of your extraction procedure. That way, we can remove your teeth and place your restoration on the same day. We’ll schedule another appointment to adjust the fit to accommodate your jawbone once it has fully healed.
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures have allowed countless people with extensive tooth loss to enjoy the many daily life benefits that come with having complete smiles. By improving their self-image, confidence, overall health, and quality of life with dentures, many people have found more success at work and achieved more fulfilling social lives. Here’s a brief guide to how dentures from our Newark office can potentially enhance your lifestyle.
Psychological Benefits
People who have lost all of their teeth often have trouble accepting their tooth loss, and this can lead to issues such as diminished self-esteem, hampered social lives, and greater risks of experiencing sadness and depression. People who are unhappy with their smiles are less likely to engage socially, but restoring the appearance and function of your teeth may give you the confidence you need to smile proudly at gatherings with your loved ones. Since dentures can also improve your chewing and speaking ability, they can make events such as barbeques and dinner parties much easier to enjoy.
Clearer Enunciation
Tooth loss can make it difficult to speak clearly since the teeth play an important role in how the mouth forms sounds. Since dentures function as your lost teeth, they can allow you to pronounce your words clearly, and you should be able to speak with them easily after a brief adjustment period.
Improves Nutrition
Many nutritious and delicious foods such as fresh meat, nuts, and snappy raw fruits and veggies can be quite difficult to chew if you don’t have any teeth. Tooth loss can also make chewing thoroughly difficult, which makes indigestion and malnutrition more likely. By improving your chewing ability, dentures can allow you to enjoy a more varied diet full of healthy foods that can help you maintain your overall health for life.
Preserves Oral Health
Tooth loss presents a number of challenges for your oral health such as increased risks of gum and dental injury and the remaining teeth shifting out of alignment. Dentures can help brace the teeth so they don’t drift as far, and since they help the mouth distribute the pressure of chewing more evenly, they can help your remaining teeth avoid unnecessary wear and tear. They also protect your gum tissue from injuries caused by hard or sharp bits of food debris.
Expands Opportunities
According to one study in 2019, individuals with poor oral health were found to be less likely to be employed. People almost always notice other people’s smiles nearly as soon as they see them, which makes your grin an important factor in sales, job interviews, and getting promotions. Dentures can help you make an excellent first impression by giving you a full set of teeth that you are proud to show off.
Dentures Aftercare
Getting your new dentures is an exciting milestone, but the way you care for them afterward plays a big role in how comfortable and long-lasting they'll be. Whether you're adjusting to your very first set or you've worn dentures for years, it's easy to overlook the small daily habits that keep them fitting well and feeling fresh. Below, you'll find some general guidelines for caring for your dentures in Newark. If you have questions specific to your situation, don't hesitate to give us a call. We're always happy to help you personalize your routine and keep your smile in top condition.
Removable Dentures
Remove After Eating
Food particles and bacteria can build up under and around your dentures throughout the day, which may lead to irritation or unpleasant odors. After a meal, take a moment to rinse your dentures under warm (not hot) water, gently rubbing away any residue. If you can't find a sink or fountain where you are, a quick rinse with water later in the day still helps keep things fresh until you're able to give them a more thorough clean.
Clean Your Restoration
Brush your dentures daily using a soft-bristled brush designed for your prosthetics, along with a non-abrasive cleanser. Regular toothpaste is too harsh and can scratch the surface over time, so it's best to find products specifically tailored to dentures.
Be sure to clean every surface, including the areas that rest against your gums, to remove plaque and bacteria buildup. A denture cleaning solution can also help lift stains and freshen your restoration between brushings.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
When you're not wearing your dentures, store them in a case filled with water or a denture-soaking solution to prevent them from drying out or warping. Also, avoid wrapping them in a napkin or paper towel, which can easily lead to them being thrown away by accident, or picked up by curious kids or pets. It's also a good idea to handle them over a folded towel or a sink filled with water in case they slip from your hands, since even a short drop can cause cracks or damage.
Remove When You Sleep
Taking your dentures out before bed gives your gums and jawbone a chance to rest after supporting them all day. This helps improve blood circulation in the tissue and reduces the risk of irritation or bone loss over time. It's also a convenient time to let your dentures soak, keeping them clean and ready to wear again the next morning.
Notice Changes
Keep an eye on how your dentures feel over time. A denture that once fit snugly may start to feel loose or cause irritation as your gums and jawbone naturally change shape. Sore spots, bad smells, or visible wear are also worth mentioning to our team.
Catching these changes early allows us to make adjustments before small issues become bigger problems, which, in turn, helps keep your smile healthy and comfortable for the long run. If you notice any of these signs, contact our team to request an appointment.