Dentures—Derry, NH

Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?

We typically recommend dentures for patients who are missing several or all of their teeth. When you come in for your initial consultation, Dr. Berkal and our team will also examine your mouth to make sure you don’t have any ongoing dental issues like cavities or gum disease, as these will need to be addressed before you can be fitted with a prosthetic. If you’re only missing a single tooth or a small number of teeth, then a treatment like a bridge or dental implant crown might be a better fit.

Types of Dentures

Because tooth loss can occur in so many different ways, our office is proud to offer a multitude of options so we can find what is best for the patient.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture uses clips to fit between the remaining teeth like the final piece of a puzzle. A strong metal framework is covered by a gum-colored base that supports porcelain teeth.

Full Dentures

Full dentures can bring back an entire row of teeth with just one prosthetic. They sit directly on the gums and stay in place mostly through natural suction and maybe a little denture adhesive. On top of allowing patients to chew again, they also add height to the face to create a healthier and more youthful appearance.

Implant Dentures

With an implant denture, the prosthetic is connected to the jawbone using four or more dental implants. These act like new titanium tooth roots, anchoring the teeth in place so they are extremely stable. They also stimulate the jaw and prevent the bone loss that often follows tooth loss. Some implant supported dentures can stay fixed in the mouth--these do not need to cover as much of the roof of the mouth or gums.

Benefits of Dentures

Dentures are a life-changing tooth replacement option for those who have suffered from extensive tooth loss. This prosthetic can restore both the appearance and function of your smile. Continue reading to learn about some of the incredible benefits you can experience by opting for dentures.

Psychological Benefits

If you don’t currently have any healthy teeth, it can be a challenging thing to accept. Many sufferers of extensive tooth loss encounter negative effects on their self-confidence, resulting in higher levels of sadness and depression. When you restore your smile with dentures, you can feel better about your image, reducing anxieties regarding your appearance, speech articulation, chewing ability, and much more.

Clearer Enunciation

When you have gaps in your smile, it can be challenging to pronounce certain sounds and say different words. To enunciate your words properly, your lips and tongue need to be positioned properly. If there are gaps in your smile, your tongue can’t sit against the teeth, making some words very challenging to say.

Improves Nutrition

Many nutrient-dense foods are tough in texture. This includes healthy proteins, fruits, and vegetables. If you are unable to chew your food thoroughly thanks to tooth loss, this can negatively affect your eating habits, ultimately resulting in poor dietary choices and indigestion. When you have dentures, you can chew your food more easily, giving you the freedom to enjoy a more expansive diet.

Preserves Oral Health

If you have healthy natural teeth, dentures can help to keep them in optimal shape. By filling in the gaps with a partial denture, you can keep the surrounding teeth from shifting around. Dentures also help to bear some of the weight of regular biting and chewing, limiting the wear and tear of your natural teeth.

Expands Opportunities

When attending interviews, negotiating sales, and attending social events, it is important to make a great first impression. Because your smile is one of the very first things that people notice about you, having a healthy-looking smile will do nothing by help. Studies have shown that the probability of being employed is negatively associated with having poor oral health.