Missing teeth negatively affect your life in a number of ways, making it harder to speak clearly, smile confidently, and enjoy many of the foods you love. Fortunately, modern restorative dentistry offers a wide variety of tooth replacement options, including dentures and partials. At Boston Smile Center in Brookline, MA, Dr. Alan Sasson and his team help patients find the restorative solution that fits their needs.
Dentures, Partials, and Dental Implants: Which Is Right for You?
Dentures are natural-looking, customized dental prosthetics that replace missing teeth so you can eat, speak, and smile more comfortably. Today’s dental technology makes it possible to fabricate dentures and partials that look and feel more like natural teeth than ever before, while remaining removable for comfort, cleaning, and adjustment as needed.
Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth, while partial dentures fill in gaps where some natural teeth remain, anchoring to those teeth for a secure fit. Both options restore function and appearance, though the right choice depends on how many teeth are missing and the condition of the teeth that remain.
What About Dental Implants?
A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Sasson determines which restorative solution is the ideal fit for your unique situation. While some patients prefer the structural stability of dental implants, not every patient with missing teeth is a fitting candidate — sufficient jawbone density and healthy gum tissue are typically needed to support an implant. During your consultation, we discuss your options and assess your jaw, gums, and existing teeth, and some patients may be candidates for implant-retained dentures, which combine the stability of implants with the coverage of a denture.
Caring for Dentures and Partials
Whichever option you choose, proper daily care extends the life of your restoration. Dentures and partials should be removed and cleaned daily, handled carefully to avoid dropping or bending them, and checked periodically by your dentist to confirm they still fit well as your gums and jawbone change over time.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
We welcome you to contact our office to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sasson and our experienced team. Our practice in Brookline, MA warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, and Chelsea. We look forward to helping you enjoy a complete, comfortable smile again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures and Partials
How long do dentures typically last before needing replacement?
Most dentures last 5 to 10 years before needing replacement or relining, as the shape of your gums and jawbone gradually changes over time.
Can I eat normally with dentures or partials?
Most patients adjust to eating a wide range of foods with time and practice, though very hard or sticky foods may still require some caution.
What’s the difference between a partial denture and a bridge?
A partial denture is removable and typically clasps onto existing teeth, while a bridge is permanently cemented in place. Your dentist can help determine which fits your specific situation.
Am I a candidate for implant-retained dentures?
Candidacy depends on having adequate jawbone density and healthy gum tissue to support the implants. A consultation with imaging is the best way to find out.
How do I clean my dentures properly?
Dentures should be removed and cleaned daily with a denture-specific cleanser and soft brush, then stored in water or a denture solution when not being worn.