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Dentist in Little NeckDo you have several teeth missing on your upper or lower jaw? Maybe you only have a few teeth left and their viability is nearly at an end. Our dentist in Little Neck understands that you need a replacement for them, and that's where dentures come in. There are two basic types of dentures: partial, which replace just a few teeth, and complete, which replace all of the teeth on your jaw. In both cases, you will find that it is not that difficult to restore teeth. Dentures continue to be a very popular option for filling the empty space where your teeth used to be. That's because they are effective, safe, comfortable, and reasonably priced.
Partial dentures are also referred to as removable bridges. Unlike fixed bridges, which are cemented into place, removable bridges can be taken out for cleaning and also to allow you the ability to perform necessary hygiene on your gums more thoroughly. There is one other advantage that they have over fixed bridges: your surrounding teeth will not have to be affected. Fixed bridges require that the two neighboring teeth on either side be drilled down by our dentist in Little Neck and an anchor held in with a cap to keep it in place. Partial dentures are clasped to the neighboring teeth as well as being held in at the gums with adhesive, giving you the benefit of keeping more of your natural teeth completely intact.
When you need to restore all of the teeth on your jaw, complete dentures are called for. Because there is no way to clasp them on the sides, they are held in 100% with adhesive at the gum line. In general, there is a waiting period of about 2 to 3 months from the time the last of your natural teeth have been removed until impressions can be taken by our dentist in Little Neck to have your complete dentures made. This is to allow for the shrinkage of bone and gum tissue that naturally occurs during that time. You will have a more precise fit and less adjustments as a result.
Both partial and complete dentures consist of plastic bases made to match the color of your gums, and then held in with a metal frame. On top are the appropriate number of prosthetic teeth. You will be able to have a complete smile once again, and also be able to eat solid foods in a manner more closely to what you were accustomed to. Call us and schedule a consultation with our dentist in Little Neck to find out if dentures are right for you.
By Stuart C. Shaffren, DDS
November 4, 2015
