Comprehensive Denture Services in Barrington, RI

If you are a Barrington, RI resident interested in swapping your missing or flawed teeth for dentures, Maple Avenue Family Dentistry is here to help! With over 70 years of combined experience, our dental specialists possess the integrity and know-how to provide our patients with unrivaled care. If you have lost teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or some kind of accident, removable dentures can replace your missing teeth while maintaining the natural appearance of your smile.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are natural-looking and comfortable replacements for missing teeth. Constructed from either an acrylic-based resin material or porcelain, they are colored to match the appearance of your natural teeth. Dentures can be taken out and put back into your mouth whenever you please. At Maple Avenue Family Dentistry, we want our patients to understand that missing teeth can cause oral health issues like shifts among remaining teeth, difficulty chewing and talking, and the loss of your natural facial structure. Support from dentures is the best solution if you are missing multiple teeth and want a comprehensive solution. Not only do dentures improve your appearance, but they work to improve your oral health as well.

What Are the Different Types of Dentures?

Dentures are custom-made from an impression of the patient’s mouth. At Maple Avenue Family Dentistry, we offer the following denture options:

  • Complete Dentures – Complete dentures are needed when several teeth need to be replaced as an arch. There are two varieties: conventional and immediate. Conventional dentures are placed in the mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and the tissue has completely healed. The healing process can take eight to 12 weeks. Immediate dentures are placed in the mouth as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, you will not have to go without teeth. However, you will need to have your dentures refitted eventually because your gums and bones will shrink during the healing process.
  • Partial Dentures – A partial denture is recommended when a patient has viable, healthy teeth remaining. It rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Dentures can often be used in conjunction with implants for enhanced bite stability. Sometimes crowns will also be placed on some of your natural teeth to serve as an anchor for your dentures. Partial dentures are great for those who want a removable alternative to bridges.
  • Implant-Supported Dentures – An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to dental implants. This option is used when a patient does not have any existing teeth but has enough bone in their jaw to support implants. The denture is held in place by attachments that allow it to snap onto the implants.

The seasoned dentists at Maple Avenue Family Dentistry will assess your needs to determine which denture type is best for you.

How to Care for and Maintain Dentures

No matter what type of denture you choose, it will require regular cleaning and care to avoid any future dental health problems and prolong its lifespan. The following can be done to properly care and maintain your dentures:  

  • Always clean or handle your dentures over a sink or surface. Dentures are typically pretty delicate and can be easily broken if dropped.
  • Don’t let your dentures dry out! When removed, your dentures should be placed in water or a denture cleanser soaking solution.
  • Only use lukewarm water when cleaning your dentures, as hot water may cause them to warp.
  • Brush your dentures daily to remove plaque, food deposits, and any stains.
  • Before inserting your dentures, make sure you’re thoroughly brushing your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in your tissues.
  • Be sure to visit or call our Barrington, RI location right away if your dentures become chipped, cracked, broken, or loose.

H3: Are There Alternative to Dentures?

Yes! Dental implants are a great alternative to complete and partial dentures and can be used to support cemented bridges, which eliminate the need for dentures. Dental implants are permanent fixtures that mimic the roots of teeth and are surgically placed into the bone, fusing with it over time for a natural fit. These implants are then loaded with a natural-looking prosthetic, such as a crown or bridge. Though this is a great alternative, not everyone is a proper candidate. If you don’t believe that dentures are suited for you, please see our information on dental implants vs dentures, or reach out to the team at Maple Avenue Family Dentistry to discuss your options.

Are Denture Adhesives Safe?

This is a bit of a loaded question. While denture adhesive products are generally safe to use, it is important to note that overusing these types of products could result in adverse effects. Here’s what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has to say about denture adhesives:

  • Carefully follow the instructions provided
  • If the product does not come with instructions, or the instructions are unclear, consult with a dental professional
  • Do not use more adhesive than recommended
  • Understand that some dental adhesives contain zinc, and though safe to use in moderation, excess zinc can lead to health problems such as nerve damage
  • Manufacturers may not always list their products’ full ingredients
  • There are zinc-free dental adhesive products
  • Stop using the denture adhesive and consult your physician if you begin experiencing symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the extremities
  • Start with a small amount of denture adhesive; if the adhesive oozes off the denture and into your mouth, you’re likely using too much
  • A 2.4-ounce tube of denture adhesive used by a consumer with upper and lower dentures should last seven to eight weeks
  • Track how much denture adhesive you’re using by marking a calendar when you start a new tube and when the tube is empty
  • Consider visiting your dentist to ensure your dentures fit properly because they can become ill-fitting as a person’s gums change over time

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dentures?

Though the answer to this question will vary depending on the type of denture you choose, most dental insurance providers will generally cover some or all of the cost of dentures. However, some insurance companies consider dentures to be cosmetic dentistry, and will not cover this service due to it not being a medical necessity. If you would like to find out for sure if your insurance covers the cost of dentures, reach out to your provider directly.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

If you’re looking for a comprehensive way to improve your oral health and smile, reach out to Maple Avenue Family Dentistry for the best denture solutions in all of Barrington, RI. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be with you every step of the way to discuss your options and provide you with the best possible care. Contact us today to set up your appointment! We look forward to meeting you!