Dentures and Veneers
Restore the function of your teeth without compromising beauty.
WHY DENTURES?
Your oral health depends on having all your teeth to maintain structural integrity. When that is no longer possible, there are options that can help you protect your remaining teeth for proper function and appearance. When implants and bridges aren’t an option, full or partial dentures can restore your ability to eat a variety of foods and show your smile.
How are dentures made?
In order to make a set of dentures, Dr. Gundersen will make molds of your upper and lower teeth, or simply the gums if no teeth are present. With those molds, he will make a relief that will be used to create plates that fit your jawline. The plates will be fashioned out of a hard resin polymer and created to look as close to your original teeth as possible.
How are dentures made?
Your oral health depends on having all your teeth to maintain structural integrity. When that is no longer possible, there are options that can help you protect your remaining teeth for proper function and appearance. When implants and bridges aren’t an option, full or partial dentures can restore your ability to eat a variety of foods and show your smile.
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What happens when I get my new dentures?
As with other new things in life, there is a trial/break-in period with dentures. Dr. Gundersen will first insert them into your mouth for proper placement. He will test the bite and comfort of the dentures and make adjustments needed.
If your dentures were made shortly after removal of teeth, there may need to be some resizing as the gums shrink with healing, so the dentures fit securely. Any gum sores you experience due to your dentures are a signal that they need to be adjusted for your comfort.
There is a learning process with dentures. Dr. Gundersen will help you with information regarding cleaning and protecting your dentures from damage, as well as what products may be helpful in keeping them in place to improve your experience when eating and speaking.
You may speak a little differently when you first get dentures. Most people learn to overcome any problems with speech in a short time. It just takes practice.
Can dental implants be used for dentures and partials?
Yes. Dental implants can give partial plates extra stability. If needed, Dr. Gundersen can add additional implants to the existing ones to create a firm foundation for your dentures.
When should you consider getting dentures?
As you age and your body begins to lose calcium, your teeth can begin to break down and weaken. Cavities and decay may become more prominent.
Dr. Gundersen can identify many of these problems and he may recommend the use of dentures as a way to help you regain your oral health. Dentures will allow you to chew your food more efficiently to help you maintain a proper diet.
WHAT IS A VENEER?
Cosmetic dental veneers solve problems other dental treatments can’t. A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is used to cover the surface of an existing tooth. They are made of a high-grade porcelain to look and feel just like a real tooth. They are formed to be the same size, shape, and color as other nearby teeth. This allows the mouth to look uniform and aesthetically pleasing.
Once the veneers are created in the proper size, shape, and color, Dr. Gundersen will prepare to permanently affix them to the surface of your teeth with a strong bonding agent. He will gently sand away your enamel to roughen the surface of your teeth. Once the veneer is bonded to the tooth, Dr. Gundersen will perform any cleaning or trimming necessary to complete the process.
How long does a veneer last?
Veneers can last up to 15 years with good dental care. Once you have veneers you should avoid chewing on hard things like ice or hard candies.
Veneers are permanently attached to the surface of your teeth and will need to be upgraded eventually. If a veneer becomes chipped or damaged in any way, Dr. Gundersen will remove it and replace it with a new one.
Veneers are also considered to be permanent due to the fact that the abnormalities that they cover are ones that cannot be changed or altered unless your tooth is extracted. Smaller than normal teeth or ones that have been broken may not be able to be corrected due to the extent of the damage. Veneers create the look of a brand new tooth while using your old tooth as a foundation.
What kind of issues can veneers correct?
Veneers can correct several structural abnormalities, as well as various types of damage to your teeth. A few of the most common uses are:
- Teeth that are smaller than normal
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Teeth that have an abnormal shape or that didn’t form correctly
- Gaps and spaces between the teeth.
A veneer can extend off of the tooth, closing small gaps and spaces that may not be able to be corrected through the use of conventional braces. This creates a more uniform appearance and makes your smile more visually appealing.
If you are interested in learning about the benefits of veneers and what options are available, you can make an appointment with Dr. Gundersen to learn how veneers can help you.
SIMPLE. EFFECTIVE. EFFICIENT.
Dental crowns offer function and beauty.
This common restorative dental treatment is the “royalty” of dental care. Here are a few of the benefits this reliable service can bring.
- Restore and protect a damaged tooth
- Remove pain and discomfort when chewing or drinking
- Ensure a long-lasting result
- Provide a natural-looking restoration that blends into your smile
- Replace a missing tooth as part of a dental bridge
- Restore your smile after a dental implant