Dentures at Elite Dental Associates in Hazlet NJ

Dentures provide a dependable solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, improving your comfort and confidence every day. At Elite Dental Associates, we design dentures that match your natural bite and facial shape for a smooth, balanced fit. Our experienced team is here to support you, answer questions, and assist with every aspect of your denture care.

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What Dentures Are and Why People Need Them

Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth. They help people eat, talk, and smile with confidence again. Many people choose dentures when several or all teeth are lost due to decay, injury, or age-related changes.

A denture usually includes a gum-colored base and artificial teeth shaped to help you bite and chew effectively. The base fits over your gums, creating support so the denture stays in place.

Dentures serve multiple purposes:

• Restoring Function: They allow you to chew and bite properly.
• Facial Support: Without teeth, facial muscles can sag, making the face look sunken or tired. Dentures fill out these areas, maintaining a balanced, youthful appearance.
• Speech Clarity: Missing teeth can change the way certain sounds are produced. Dentures help restore clear speech.

As you get used to wearing dentures, they become a regular part of daily life. While they may feel different at first, most patients adjust within a few weeks.

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Types of Dentures and How Each One Helps

There are several types of dentures, each offering unique benefits depending on how many teeth are missing and the level of support required.

• Full Dentures: Replace all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. They rest on the gums and rely on suction or adhesive for stability.
• Partial Dentures: Fill only the spaces where teeth are missing. They usually attach to remaining natural teeth with small clasps, preventing the natural teeth from shifting.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: These attach securely to dental implants placed in the jawbone. This design offers superior stability, eliminating slipping while chewing or speaking.
• Flexible Dentures: Made with softer, pliable materials that adapt to the contours of the gums. They are lightweight and often more comfortable for patients with sensitive gums.

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What are the Benefits of Dentures?

• Restored Eating Ability: They enable you to enjoy a wider variety of foods, supporting better digestion and nutrition.
• Natural Appearance: Modern artificial teeth are shaped and colored to look realistic, blending seamlessly with your smile.
• Protection of Natural Teeth: For partial denture wearers, the appliance prevents remaining natural teeth from shifting into the gaps left by the partial denture.
• Improved Social Confidence: Many patients feel more comfortable in social situations, no longer worrying about gaps in their smile.

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The Denture Fitting Process and What Happens During Each Step

Getting dentures is a process that unfolds in stages to ensure the final result fits well and feels natural. Your dentist begins with a thorough examination of your gums, bone structure, and remaining teeth. This helps them understand what type of denture will fit you best.

Next, measurements and impressions are taken. These impressions allow the dental lab to create a model that copies the exact shape of your mouth. Your dentist may also use wax models or try-in versions to test comfort, shape, and bite. These adjustments are important, as they help ensure the dentures sit properly and do not cause pressure spots.

Once the final denture is ready, you return for a fitting appointment. Your dentist checks the way your upper and lower teeth meet, how the denture rests on your gums, and whether you can speak and chew comfortably. It is normal to feel unusual at first because your mouth needs time to adjust to something new.

During the next few days or weeks, you may return for adjustments. These visits help fine-tune the fit so the denture feels stable and comfortable. Some soreness or tightness is expected early on, but these feelings usually fade as your mouth gets used to the appliance.

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How to Care for Dentures to Keep Them Strong and Clean

Dentures need daily care to stay clean, fresh, and strong. Good hygiene also protects your gums and remaining teeth.

• Clean Daily: Brush your dentures every day using a soft brush and a specified denture cleaner or mild soap.
• Soak Overnight: Keep dentures moist by soaking them in water or denture solution overnight to prevent drying or warping.
• Oral Hygiene: Even with full dentures, you must brush your gums and tongue daily to remove bacteria and improve circulation.
• Handle with Care: Dentures can break if dropped. Always clean them over a soft towel or a basin of water to act as a cushion.
• Avoid Hot Water: Never use boiling water, as it can warp the denture base.

Regular dental visits remain essential. Your dentist will check the fit to ensure the denture isn’t irritating. Over time, your gums and jawbone may naturally change shape, requiring the denture to be relined or adjusted.

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Modern Technology Used to Create Dentures Today

Today’s dentures are made using advanced tools that help create a more accurate and comfortable fit. One of the biggest improvements is digital scanning. Instead of using traditional molds, many dentists now use digital scanners to capture detailed images of your gums and mouth. These images help create dentures that match the exact shape of your mouth.

3D printing also plays an increasingly important role in denture design. It allows the dental lab to create a denture with precise measurements that match your bite and jaw movement. This can make the denture more stable and improve its chewing comfort.

Modern denture bases are lighter and more flexible, making them more comfortable for extended wear. Artificial teeth are shaped with advanced shading tools, leading to a more natural look.

Computer programs now help dentists test the bite before the denture is even made. This reduces the number of adjustments needed later and helps create a smoother fitting process.

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Meet Your Doctor

• Joseph Terranova
• Greg Campi
• Manreet Kaur

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Payment and Insurance

We are here to help make your care affordable. If you have questions about payment plans or insurance coverage for dentures, please reach out to our team. We will walk you through the details and help you find options that fit your budget.

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Contact Information:
Elite Dental Associates
1 Bethany Rd Suite 54
Phone: (732) 264-6202