Dentures – Oshkosh, WI

Improved Confidence

In the last few years alone, both dentistry and technology have advanced significantly. As a result, dentures are no longer the obvious restorations they once were. Instead, they are custom-made for each patient from only the best materials. The enhanced aesthetic allows you to look and feel more comfortable and confident than before – whether you were only missing a few teeth or you lost all of your teeth.

Cost-Effective

If you are missing a large number of teeth, then dentures are one of the most cost-effective solutions. Plus, they are often covered by dental insurance. So, if you are struggling with tooth loss, but you haven’t scheduled an appointment yet because you’re worried it will be too expensive, don’t wait any longer! At your consultation, we can provide you with an estimate of the price and review the financial solutions available to you, like dental insurance and flexible financing.

Prevents Dental Drift

Have you heard of dental drift? This refers to when the teeth surrounding the gap start to move, negatively impacting the look, health, and function of your smile in the process. The good news is that dentures can seamlessly fill the open space, preventing this oral health problem and several others. So, even if you are only missing two or three teeth that no one can see, don’t take the “wait and see” approach; schedule a consultation with us to see if dentures are right for you!

Easy to Care For

Like your natural teeth, your dentures require care. The good news is that keeping them in pristine condition doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your existing oral hygiene regimen. In addition to brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently, you should soak your dentures each night in a glass of water or dentist-recommended cleaner. You should also schedule a dental checkup and cleaning every six months so your teeth, gums, and restoration can be inspected periodically.

Varied Diet

Patients struggling with tooth loss only have one choice when it comes to their diet: eating soft foods. Unfortunately, this can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which is another reason it’s so important to explore your tooth-replacement options. With dentures, we can restore the look of your smile as well as some of the strength of your bite, allowing you to eat a more varied, nutrient-dense diet.

Better Enunciation

Finally, dentures lead to better enunciation. That said, you can expect a slight learning curve at first. The good news is that you can speed up the adjustment period with lots of practice. So, take every opportunity you can – from reading a book out loud to talking with a trusted friend. Many patients also find it helpful to bite down and swallow first (this ensures that your dentures don’t move and excess saliva is removed).

Removable Dentures

Remove After Eating

Your new teeth aren’t made of the same materials as the ones you were born with, so they can’t get cavities. However, bacteria in your mouth are attracted to leftover pieces of food, and can form a layer of plaque on the surfaces of your dentures. This can contribute to issues like gum disease and chronic bad breath.

To prevent potential problems, remove your restoration after eating and rinse them under gently running water. Remember to use cool or room-temperature H2O because hot water can warp the base of your prosthetics, so they no longer fit.

Clean Your Restoration

You might feel tempted to brush your dentures while they’re in your mouth to save yourself the extra time and effort it takes to wash them properly. Unfortunately, you can’t reach all sides to cleanse them unless you take them out.

Instead, you should also take your teeth out twice daily to gently scrub all surfaces thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap or a special denture paste. Standard toothpaste can be too harsh and damage the surface and should be avoided.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

Your prosthetics can become slippery during washings and sustain chips, cracks, breaks, or other damage if they tumble to the floor. It helps to put a soft towel underneath you when you clean them so that they have a soft, safe landing if they do slip and fall to the floor.

Also, keep your new teeth out of the reach of small children and pets who may not handle them carefully.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

Many patients wonder if it’s okay to sleep with their restoration inserted, but doing so increases the likelihood of developing gum disease or other issues. Your mouth produces less saliva at night, allowing bacteria to thrive and contribute to periodontal problems or illnesses like pneumonia.

We recommend soaking your dentures in a glass of water or a special solution while you sleep to eradicate up to 99% of unwanted germs.

Notice Changes

Paying attention to your dental condition can help you notice small changes that could point to a larger underlying concern. For instance, if your gums look darker or puffier than usual, you could have developed gingivitis and should call us for an appointment.

Also, if you see that your dentures are damaged, please let us know rather than try to fix them at home. Many patients have inadvertently harmed their restoration even further in their attempt to mend chips, breaks, and other issues. Plus, many household products (like glue) can be toxic if ingested and aren’t approved for oral use. If your teeth are loose, clicking, or causing you discomfort, contact us so we can help.

All-on-4 Dentures 

If you’ve received implant dentures, your care instructions look a little different because your new teeth are anchored to dental implants, which are a permanent part of your smile. You can’t remove them, so instead of taking them out to scrub all sides, you must brush them in your mouth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.

Then, be sure to floss them to remove any food, plaque, and bacteria that may be trapped between the teeth. If you’re struggling to floss beneath your prosthetic, you can purchase floss threaders to help maneuver the tight space. Finally, rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to prevent tartar growth.