Denture Care
Caring for Your Dentures
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At Bridgewater Dental Center, we want to help you get the most out of your dentures — and that starts with proper daily care. While only a dental professional can adjust or diagnose issues with your dentures, there are several important steps you can take at home to keep them in excellent condition.
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Daily Cleaning:
Brush your dentures thoroughly every day, inside and out, using a soft, large nylon toothbrush with rounded bristles. Instead of regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive and cause scratches, use a denture-specific cleaner. Always rinse your dentures with cool water — hot water can warp the material and affect the fit.
Regular Inspection:
Check your dentures often for signs of wear, such as flattened or stained teeth. Worn dentures not only affect your appearance but can also impact chewing function.
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Medication Awareness:
Be sure to inform your dentist about any medications you’re taking. Certain prescriptions can influence your oral health, including the fit and comfort of your dentures.
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Professional Checkups:
Even if your dentures feel fine, it's important to see your dentist regularly. If your dentures become loose, schedule a visit right away. Loose dentures can irritate your gums and bone, leading to further oral health problems.
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Proper Storage:
When not wearing your dentures, always keep them moist by placing them in water or a denture cleaning solution. Letting them dry out can cause warping and poor fit.
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Insurance Tip:
Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for new dentures every five years, so be sure to review your benefits and discuss options with our team.
By following these care guidelines, you can extend the life of your dentures, protect your oral health, and continue enjoying a confident, comfortable smile.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate Dentures: A Seamless Transition to a New Smile
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If you require the removal of all your remaining teeth, immediate dentures can help you avoid the experience of living without teeth during the healing process. At Bridgewater Dental Center, we can design and prepare your custom immediate dentures ahead of time, so they are ready to be placed immediately after your teeth are extracted.
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The process begins with detailed impressions of your existing teeth and gums, allowing us to create a carefully crafted replica of your mouth. Once your teeth are removed, your new denture is inserted, giving you a natural-looking smile right away.
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Important Information About Immediate Dentures
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Fit Adjustments:
Because immediate dentures are made before extractions, we cannot fully test their fit in your mouth beforehand. Some minor cosmetic compromises may be necessary to ensure comfort and stability. -
Healing Changes:
After your teeth are removed, your gums and jawbone will naturally shrink as part of the healing process. Regular follow-up visits will be important to monitor changes and maintain a proper fit. -
Temporary Liners and Adjustments:
To keep your denture fitting comfortably during healing, we may place soft liners or tissue conditioners, which could require periodic adjustments. A permanent reline or refitting will typically be needed once healing is complete.
At Bridgewater Dental Center, we’ll help you decide whether immediate dentures are the right solution for you, and we’ll create a customized plan to meet your specific needs. Please note that additional treatments like liners and relines may involve separate fees.
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If you’d like to learn more about immediate dentures or schedule a consultation, reach out to our team — we look forward to helping you achieve a confident, healthy smile without delay!
Implant-Retained Dentures
Restore Your Smile with Implant-Retained Dentures
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When you lose a tooth — or multiple teeth — replacing them is essential for maintaining your oral health, appearance, and quality of life. Missing teeth can disrupt your bite, make chewing and speaking difficult, strain your jaw muscles, and even lead to headaches or jaw pain. They can also affect your smile and overall facial structure.
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At Bridgewater Dental Center, we offer implant-retained dentures as a secure, long-lasting solution to restore both function and confidence.
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Why Choose Implant-Retained Dentures?
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Implant-supported dentures offer several important benefits:
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Increased confidence when speaking and smiling
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Enhanced stability when eating and chewing
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Preservation of bone and gum tissue
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Easier maintenance of oral hygiene
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Improved aesthetics for a more natural-looking smile
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Better nutritional health through improved chewing ability
Options for Replacing All Lower Teeth
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If you are missing all your lower teeth, there are several implant-supported options available:
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Ball Attachment Denture
In this option, two dental implants are placed in the lower jaw. The denture "snaps" onto these implants for added stability compared to a traditional denture. Some movement may still occur, and occasional adjustments may be necessary, especially if food particles get underneath.
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Bar Attachment Denture
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This approach involves placing four to six implants in the lower jaw, depending on your bone structure. The implants are connected with a custom support bar, and the denture clips securely onto this bar. This provides much greater stability than the ball attachment system and minimizes denture movement, while still allowing for easy removal for cleaning.
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Screw-Retained Denture
For maximum security, five or more implants are placed and a permanent denture is affixed directly to the implants using screws or attachments. This denture does not rest on the gum tissue, allowing easier cleaning underneath — although it requires greater dexterity to maintain. This denture remains in place except during scheduled maintenance visits at the dental office.
Options for Replacing All Upper Teeth
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If you are missing all of your upper teeth, implant-supported dentures are also an excellent option. Because the upper jawbone tends to be softer than the lower jawbone, more implants are typically needed for secure support.
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With enough implants in place, it may be possible to design a denture that does not cover the roof of your mouth. This design improves your ability to taste food and enjoy natural temperature sensations — making your denture feel more natural and comfortable. These dentures are removable for easier cleaning and maintenance.
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Implant-Retained Upper Dentures
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By placing enough implants in the upper jaw, we can often avoid covering the palate with a full denture. This not only improves comfort but also enhances your overall eating experience and speech. You’ll enjoy a more natural feel with the added benefit of easy removal for thorough cleaning.
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If you have questions about whether implant-retained dentures are right for you, or if you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact Bridgewater Dental Center today. We’re here to help you reclaim your smile with solutions tailored to your needs.
Partial Dentures
At Bridgewater Dental Center, we offer removable partial dentures as a reliable solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Beyond restoring the natural look of your smile, partial dentures improve your ability to eat, speak, and maintain overall oral function.
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Missing teeth can lead to changes in your bite, speech challenges, and shifting of your remaining teeth. A custom-designed partial denture helps prevent these issues while enhancing your appearance and comfort.
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How Partial Dentures Are Made
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Partial dentures are carefully crafted from materials like high-quality metal alloys combined with acrylic or, in some cases, all-acrylic designs. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your specific needs, your oral anatomy, and the number of teeth being replaced.
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Metal-Based Partial Dentures:
Preferred for their strength, slimmer profile, and better hygiene, metal partials provide a more durable and long-term solution. -
Acrylic Partial Dentures:
These are typically used as temporary or transitional solutions, offering a more affordable but less durable option.
A properly designed partial denture evenly distributes chewing forces across your teeth and gums, protecting your remaining teeth and helping preserve the health of your jawbone and soft tissues. Sometimes, minor adjustments to your natural teeth are recommended to optimize the fit and function of your partial denture.
Benefits of Partial Dentures
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Help maintain the natural position of your remaining teeth
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Improve chewing efficiency and aid in better digestion
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Restore clarity in speech
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Enhance facial aesthetics by supporting lip and cheek structure
At Bridgewater Dental Center, our team will work with you to design a partial denture that fits comfortably, functions effectively, and blends naturally with your smile. We’ll guide you through every step — from consultation to custom fabrication — ensuring you receive the best possible care.
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If you have questions about whether a partial denture is the right solution for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team.