How can we help you?
Patient education is an essential part of the services we provide at Bethlehem Town Family Dental. When you understand the impact that your oral health can have on your life, you’re more likely to be proactive about dental care.
Nobody expects you to know everything about dentistry, which is why we’re available to answer all your questions. The more information you have, the better prepared you are to make important decisions when the time comes. All the answers below are written by our team instead of some template that is used by hundreds of other dental offices.
Partial Dentures
There are a few options to replace a tooth or multiple teeth:
Flippers or Partial Dentures
The most economical option would be to make a flipper to replace a few teeth or a partial denture to replace multiple teeth and areas. Flippers are usually used as a temporary solution while patient explores other options. Flippers will help greatly with the look by filling the missing space with denture teeth so it appears as if you are not missing a tooth. However, it's not meant for heavy chewing or grinding food.
Partial dentures are designed to replace teeth more permanently with stronger retention and better fit. The denture will grab onto teeth that are next to the missing space and fill the missing space with denture teeth. Partial dentures will be great for both the look and chewing food. Flipper and partial dentures are both removable so patient must remove them at night before sleep. Please visit our partial denture page for more information about the material selection.
Dental Bridges
Bridges have often been the most optimal choice in the past prior to implants. Bridges can be a good choice if you wish to replace 1 or 2 teeth, but as the bridge gets longer, the risk for problems can increase. The main problem with bridge is the requirement to cut teeth next to the missing space down to a smaller size so we can properly insert the bridge. If teeth next to the space already need crowns or have large fillings, this may indicate the use of a bridge.
However, if the teeth next to the space are healthy teeth that never had any dental work done, bridges will not be a great choice. Bridges are also hard to keep clean because it's a connected piece so cleaning under the bridge can be challenging. Bridges are a fixed option so it will stay in the mouth without having to take it in and out. There are multiple criteria we screen for prior to suggesting a bridge and we welcome you to come in for a consultation.
Implants
Implants have become the best option to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth in the recent decade due to the advancement of implant technology. While implants can become very confusing and requires multiple steps, the end result is much better than any other options available at the moment. The treatment plan for implants will involve a surgeon (oral surgeon or periodontist) that places the titanium screw into the bone and after adequate healing we, will place the abutment and implant crown onto the implant screw. For details of how the implant procedure work, please visit our implant page for more information.
Implants can easily be cleaned and do not require us to cut an adjacent tooth. Once implants are completed it will feel like your own tooth and you don't have to worry about getting more cavities on this implant tooth. The set back for patients to receive this treatment has primarily due to cost. However, with payment plans such as Care Credit and insurance companies coverage, its popularity has continued to climb in the recent years. Please contact us to set up a consultation appointment as we are more than happy to continue this discussion. Implant is a fixed option so it will stay in the mouth without the need to take it in and out.
Local patients suffering tooth loss often seek restoration options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures in Glenmont, NY.
Dentures are one of the oldest tooth replacement options around. They have been time-tested, modernized, and are still used because they are practical, natural-looking, and affordable.
We offer complete dentures, partials, and implant-retained dentures in our dental office.
Complete dentures restore teeth on a plate or arch that stand in for complete tooth loss. The plate or arch is gum-colored, as are the restoring teeth. And each denture is custom-made for each patient, including fit and color.
Partials work similarly to complete dentures but with the addition of clips for extra support. Also, partial dentures depend on healthy remaining teeth for added stabilization.
Implant-supported dentures are fixed to the gum with four to six dental implant posts—screwlike restoration roots.
The denture process starts with a consultation. If your Glenmont, NY dentist finds that dentures are right for you, we take impressions, and a trusted lab relies on our results to fabricate your new smile. Then your dentist makes all final adjustments to ensure proper fit and function.
Dentures, Partials, and Implant-Supported Dentures in Glenmont
If you’re ready to book your consultation or have questions for the team, give us a call today.
Dentures and partials in Glenmont, NY restore function and aesthetics when some or all of your teeth are missing. Because they play such an essential role in your day-to-day life, keeping them in excellent condition is crucial.
Part of denture care includes keeping your prosthetic clean and free from bacteria. We recommend a denture bath for overnight soaks. You can also add a cleaning tablet to the bath to help get rid of bacteria. Your denture bath water should be room temperature—not too hot or too cold.
You can also brush your denture with a denture toothbrush and cleaning polish. It’s essential to use a denture toothbrush and paste because traditional brushes and fluoride toothpaste can scratch your prosthetic.
All products—denture bath, cleaning tablets, denture toothbrush, and polish—can be purchased in your local drugstore.
Besides these tips, you can also take your denture or partial to the dentist for a professional cleaning.
Other recommendations for keeping your denture or partial in top shape include talking to your dentist if the prosthetic cracks, becomes damaged, or is no longer fitting properly.
For More Information on Dentures and Partials, Give Us a Call
We are always here to help our patients get the most out of their prosthetics and restorations. Let us know how we can help you.