Removable Appliances in Brooklyn Heights, NY

WHAT ARE DENTURES?
Dentures are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring the full use of a patient’s bite as well as restoring the visual appearance of a patient’s smile. Dentures are dental appliances that use artificial teeth that are held in the mouth with a base frame. Dentures come in partial sets or complete sets, and they can be permanent or removable.

WHAT ARE REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES?
Removable partial dentures are dental appliances made to replace one or multiple teeth. The appliance is not permanently attached and can therefore be removed at any time to clean your natural teeth.

WHY WOULD I WANT A REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE?
Partial dentures give patients the convenience of being able to replace several missing teeth with a single appliance. This option is much less expensive than cemented bridges or dental implants. Partial dentures usually require minimal reshaping of the surrounding teeth. As previously stated, removable dentures are not permanent, are not supported by dental implants, and are therefore less expensive than permanent dentures that must be supported by dental implants. 

IS THIS THE BEST CHOICE FOR TOOTH REPLACEMENT?
The treatment choice of partial dentures depends on the patient’s current dental health. A removable partial denture is not as effective for chewing as cemented bridges and implants. As a removable appliance, it may move up and down during eating. However, in some cases there aren’t enough teeth to support a bridge, and implants may not be an option, leaving a partial denture as the best alternative.

WHAT ARE DENTURES?
Dentures are a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring the full use of a patient’s bite as well as restoring the visual appearance of a patient’s smile. Dentures are dental appliances that use artificial teeth that are held in the mouth with a base frame. Dentures come in partial sets or complete sets, and they can be permanent or removable. 

WHAT ARE REMOVABLE COMPLETE DENTURES?
A complete or full denture is a dental appliance for cases in which someone is missing all the teeth in their upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. It is not permanently attached; therefore, it can be removed at any time.

WHY WOULD I WANT A REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE?
If all the teeth are missing on the top or bottom jaw, they can all be replaced with a single appliance. A removable complete denture restores lost function and esthetics that result from missing teeth. It is less expensive than cemented bridges or implants.

IS THIS THE BEST CHOICE FOR TOOTH REPLACEMENT?
While complete dentures are the most economical choice for replacing missing teeth, the most ideal treatment involves placing implants and using those to provide a fixed or “permanent” bridge that will stay in the mouth at all times.

CAN I CHEW FOOD WITH A FULL DENTURE?
Patients who have lost all of their teeth can chew food comfortably with a removable complete denture. However, this appliance is not as effective for chewing as cemented bridges and implants. As a removable appliance, it may move up and down during eating. However, in some cases there are no teeth to support a bridge, and implants may not be an option, leaving a full denture as the best alternative.

What is an Overdenture?
Overdentures are great for those who want comfort and an increased level of function. These dentures are removable and are attached to the natural teeth or dental implants.

Overdentures are a great way to replace teeth. This method will combine dental implants with dentures to help the patient feel like they have a full set of teeth in a natural way. Getting overdentures is also highly affordable compared to other options out there. A patient with overdentures will be able to bite into almost anything they want to.

Over time, when people do not stimulate the jawbone they can lose muscle loss and cause negative health effects along with aesthetic effects as well. Regular dentures do not allow for stimulation of the jawbone and this is what leads to the appearance of a sunken in face when a person wears dentures. Overdentures require anywhere from 4 to 6 dental implants that are put inside the jawbone. These support the attached denture and help provide the stimulation that the jaw needs.

The Benefits of Overdentures

There are several benefits to getting overdentures and they are:

• Aesthetics: This method protects the jawbone from muscle loss and helps keep the appearance of the face as it should be.
• Health: Protects the jawbone and allows for proper consumption of foods.
• Proven: There are many people who have been satisfied with getting overdentures.
• Function: Overdentures allow for eating and chewing most foods without any restriction.
• Comfort: Overdentures are extremely comfortable and cause no pain.
• Easy maintenance: Overdentures are extremely easy to maintain and can be cleaned just like normal teeth.
• Reliability: Overdentures will stand the test of time and patients who get these will not have to worry about their teeth again.

Overdentures are a great way to help those that wish to have normal functionalities of their teeth again at affordable prices. Patients should consider overdentures when they are looking to replace their teeth. 

INVISALIGN – A RELIABLE AND CONVENIENT ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT SOLUTION 
Among today’s most popular orthodontic solutions, Invisalign offers patients the beautiful final results that are expected from traditional orthodontics but with the added convenience and discretion of clear aligners. The Invisalign system works with a series of custom-made clear aligners that gradually move your teeth into the correct final position. They can be worn to correct crowded teeth, spacing, and general aesthetic issues. An added benefit of straighter teeth is that they are easier to clean and therefore less likely to suffer from gingivitis or periodontal disease. Two of the largest benefits of Invisalign are the comfort they offer, as there is no metal hardware placed in the mouth, and the discretion that clear aligners offer, which are far less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?
The Invisalign process begins with a consultation in our office where our team will assess your candidacy for Invisalign. Typically, Invisalign candidates present with many of the same symptoms that traditional braces patients may be experiencing, such as tooth spacing, crowding, and other orthodontic concerns. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired final position. Each aligner is worn 20-22 hours a day, but since the trays are removable, you can take them out to eat, drink, brush and floss. Every 2 weeks you receive a new aligner, which continues to gently guide your teeth into the correct position.

Especially in the first days and weeks of wearing Invisalign aligners, some patients may experience slight pain or discomfort as a result of wearing these new appliances. Typically, this discomfort will only last for the first few weeks of wearing Invisalign as your teeth begin moving toward their final positions. Patients can take Ibuprofen or other over-the-counter medications to help ease the discomfort associated with wearing Invisalign.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR INVISALIGN?
Typically, Invisalign candidates experience the same orthodontic complications as traditional orthodontic patients, such as tooth spacing or crowding. The best way to determine if Invisalign is a good match for you is by coming in and meeting with our knowledgeable team at Brooklyn Comfortable Dental Care. Our team has been providing Invisalign treatments since 2014 and is excited to discuss your treatment options with you at no cost. Call us at 718-855-7545 or send us a message!

A nightguard is a preventative device that protection your teeth, gums, jaws and musculature from grinding and clenching.

WHAT IS A NIGHTGUARD?
A nightguard is a preventative, custom-made appliance that protects your teeth, gums, jaws, and musculature from grinding and clenching.

WHAT IF I CLENCH OR GRIND MY TEETH DURING THE DAY?
For people who find themselves clenching and grinding during the day, a dayguard can be made. “Occlusal Guard” is the term that includes both nightguard and dayguard appliances.

WHY IS CLENCHING OR GRINDING ONE’S TEETH A BAD THING?
Many people experience jaw discomfort or pain from grinding at night. The discomfort can occur on either one side or both at once. Other consequences of grinding include wearing down your teeth, gum recession, and/or bone loss. Sometimes patients experience one or two of these issues, sometimes all of them.

Another downside to grinding is that it puts additional pressure and stress on any previous dental work you have. This extra stress can cause your existing fillings or crowns to break. An occlusal guard will protect any dental work that you may already have.

ARE OCCLUSAL GUARDS COMFORTABLE?
Yes! In fact, some of our staff members wear a nightguard every day. Feel free to ask us about it.

WHAT DOES GETTING A NIGHTGUARD INVOLVE?
The nightguard is made over the course of two brief appointments. During the first appointment the dentist takes a scan and a mold of your teeth. In between the appointments the mold is sent to a dental laboratory where the nightguard is custom fabricated. During the next appointment the nightguard is calibrated to your bite, so it fits comfortably.

HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED BETWEEN EACH APPOINTMENT?
Usually two weeks, but it can be done faster if needed.

WHAT ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING A NIGHTGUARD?
After flossing and brushing your teeth at night, wear your nightguard to bed. In the morning, rinse it with cold water (you can brush it with a toothbrush and soap and water if needed) and then place it in its case.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WEAR MY NIGHTGUARD?
The more nights you wear it, the better. Just like brushing and flossing!