Dentures in Rochester

Types of Dentures

There are different types of dentures, depending on your needs and the extent of tooth loss:

• Complete Dentures: Full dentures replace all the teeth on an upper or lower arch and are perfect for individuals with complete tooth loss.
• Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when only a few teeth are missing, and they fit securely alongside your remaining natural teeth.
• Immediate Dentures: These dentures are placed immediately after teeth are extracted, providing you with a temporary solution while your gums heal.
• Implant-Retained Dentures: Implant-retained dentures are secured by dental implants, offering a more stable and durable solution compared to traditional removable dentures.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Unlike removable dentures, implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants, providing a fixed solution that doesn’t need to be taken out.

The Denture Treatment Journey

At Gentle Dental, we ensure that your denture journey is smooth and personalized for the best results. Our goal is to provide you with comfortable, well-fitting dentures that restore both the function and appearance of your smile. Here’s what you can expect during the process:

Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first step in your denture journey is a comprehensive consultation where our dentist will assess your oral health and discuss your goals for treatment. This appointment is crucial to understanding your needs and ensuring that we create the most appropriate solution for you.

• Comprehensive Oral Examination: Our dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine the best approach to your treatment.
• Discussing Your Goals: We’ll listen to your concerns and desired outcomes for your smile, ensuring we understand what you're looking to achieve with your new dentures.
• Impressions and Measurements: We’ll take impressions of your mouth to create an accurate mold. This helps ensure that your dentures will fit perfectly and comfortably. We may also take X-rays or digital images to assess your jawbone and gum health.
• Determining the Best Denture Type: Based on your evaluation, our dentist will recommend the most suitable type of dentures (full, partial, implant-retained, etc.) and explain your treatment options in detail.

Custom Fabrication of Dentures

Once we’ve completed the initial consultation, the next step is to craft your custom dentures. Our lab uses high-quality, durable materials to create dentures that not only look natural but are also comfortable and functional.

• Crafting Your Custom Dentures: Our dental technicians use advanced techniques to create dentures that fit your mouth and match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth.
• Natural-Looking Results: We strive to make your dentures as natural-looking as possible, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your smile.
• Materials and Durability: We use the latest materials, such as acrylic or flexible resin, that are both durable and lightweight. These materials ensure that your dentures are comfortable and long-lasting.
• Personalized Adjustments: Whether you need complete dentures or partials, the dentures will be crafted to your specific measurements, ensuring a perfect fit and functionality.

Fitting and Adjustments

Once your custom dentures are ready, we’ll schedule a fitting appointment. This is where we ensure that your new dentures are as comfortable as possible and provide a natural look and feel.

• Initial Fitting: During your fitting, we’ll carefully place the dentures in your mouth and check for any discomfort or issues with fit. We’ll discuss how they feel and make any necessary adjustments to ensure maximum comfort and functionality.
• Multiple Fittings: It's common to need more than one fitting. The adjustment process may take a few visits, as your gums and mouth may change shape slightly over time. Each time, we’ll make small adjustments to ensure the perfect fit.
• Comfort and Functionality: We want you to feel comfortable wearing your dentures and be able to speak, chew, and smile with confidence. If any irritation or discomfort arises, our team is ready to make adjustments to enhance your comfort.
• Follow-Up Care: Even after your dentures are fitted, we’ll schedule follow-up visits to ensure that they continue to fit well and remain comfortable. As your mouth changes, periodic adjustments will help keep your dentures in top condition.

Pros and Cons of Dentures

Understanding the advantages and challenges of dentures can help you make an informed decision:

Advantages of Choosing Dentures

• Restores full functionality for chewing and speaking.
• Enhances your smile and boosts your confidence.
• Affordable and non-invasive option for replacing missing teeth.
• Customizable for a perfect fit and appearance.

Potential Drawbacks of Dentures

• May require occasional adjustments over time.
• Initial discomfort during the adjustment period.
• Needs daily care and maintenance to keep them clean and in good condition.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Getting used to your new dentures can take time, but with proper care and adjustments, you’ll soon feel at ease.

Adaptation Period

The adjustment period can vary from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, you may experience some discomfort, but our team will work with you to ensure your dentures fit well.

Maintenance and Care

To keep your dentures in top condition, clean them daily with a denture brush and mild soap. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can scratch the surface. Rinse them after eating to remove food particles, and store them in water when not in use.

When to Seek Professional Help

While dentures are designed to be durable, it’s important to know when to contact your dentist:

Signs that You Need to Contact Your Dentist

• If your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable.
• If you experience persistent soreness or irritation in your gums.
• If your dentures become cracked or broken.
• If you notice changes in your bite or chewing function.

Exploring Alternatives to Dentures

While dentures are a popular option for replacing missing teeth, there are other alternatives to consider:

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution that involves placing titanium posts into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. They provide a stable, long-term solution that mimics the look and function of natural teeth.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It is anchored to adjacent natural teeth for support, offering a fixed solution for tooth loss.

Benefits of Choosing Dentures Over Other Alternatives

Many patients wonder whether dentures are the best option. Here’s why they can be a great choice:

• Cost-Effective: Dentures are often more affordable than other tooth replacement options, such as implants.
• Quick Results: Dentures can be made quickly and offer immediate improvement in appearance and function.
• Non-Invasive: Unlike implants, dentures don’t require surgery, making them a less invasive option.

Insurance Coverage for Dentures

While every insurance plan is different, many dental insurers provide coverage for dentures (especially when they are medically necessary, such as replacing missing teeth after extractions).

We accept most major dental insurance plans, including but not limited to:

• Aetna
• Cigna
• Delta Dental
• Guardian
• MetLife
• UnitedHealthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Northeast Delta Dental
• Humana
• Assurant