Complete dentures replace a full arch or full mouth of missing teeth. They can be removable, or permanent using dental implants. A partial denture is similar to a dental bridge and can replace several consecutive missing teeth. Our dentists can permanently secure a partial denture to stabilize your dental health and restore natural function to your mouth.
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy offer all types of dentures. We work with patients who have missing teeth, or have an ill-fitted denture and would like a more stable option. Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy are also experienced restorative dentists with extensive training in implant dentistry. We will work with you on an individual basis to meet your needs and give you back a smile that looks and feels great.
Getting Dentures in Silver Spring, MD
The denture placement process will vary from patient to patient. We will consider many factors in your treatment plan. Things like the type of denture, pre-treatment dental work, or dental implant placement.
First, Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy will meet with you to discuss your needs and do an exam. Our dentist will evaluate the condition of your teeth, gums and bone structure using a wide array of digital diagnostic technology. This will help us quickly and accurately evaluate the structure of your mouth and the condition of your dental health.
This includes digital imagery that will help us find the best treatment option for you. If you choose dental implants, we can use these images to map out their placement. Digital images can also help diagnose any additional problems that we will treat.
The Denture Process
We start by taking dental impressions if you have any existing natural teeth. We will use them to create an immediate denture that will resemble your natural tooth shape and smile. Next, we will work with you to coordinate needed treatments. For example, if we have to extract teeth, perform gum disease treatment, or gum surgery before placing a denture.
We will take more dental impressions after any treatments or extractions and use them to create the final denture. This will help it fit comfortably on the gums and support a comfortable bite.
If we are placing dental implants to secure the denture, the next phase will be the surgical implantation of the posts. These posts will replace the missing teeth roots and secure your denture. It takes several months for the tissues to heal properly and the posts to integrate with the jaw bone.
We will place a temporary denture during this time. This is so you can adjust to your new smile and the gums can adjust to the new appliance. As with a traditional denture, we will take a new set of impressions after the healing period to fabricate the final restoration.
This will accommodate any changes in the soft tissues and gums that may have occurred during the healing time period. And provide a more stable fit.
How to Maintain Your New Dentures
Taking care of your new dentures is an important part of maintaining your oral health. Properly caring for your dentures will help them last longer, look better, and keep you healthy. Here are some tips on how to maintain your new dentures to ensure that you get the most out of them. From cleaning and brushing to storing and handling, these tips will help you keep your dentures in top condition.
Routine dental care is important for patients with dentures. It provides the opportunity for our dentists to monitor the health of your gums and the stability of your denture. We will also look for signs of wear and damage. Daily care involves brushing your dentures with a soft bristled tooth brush with nonabrasive cleaner.
You should brush your new dentures at least once a day. Remove food particles, plaque, and debris that accumulate on their surface. Also use dental floss as an effective brushing tool to remove these particles from between teeth and along the gum line. Rinsing your dentures after you brush or floss will help remove plaque and food particles too.
Next, prepare an overnight soak solution in a jar or cup. Fill the jar up with water, or an overnight denture-safe cleaner. Then place your dentures in the jar overnight to allow the cleaning agents to get to work. This will help remove bacteria and plaque build-up, ensuring that your dentures stay healthy and looking their best!
We will provide personalized instructions for daily care of your new full or partial denture or implant supported denture. Our team will give you oral hygiene tips and schedule your next checkup.
Implant Dentures: What Are The Benefits?
There are many benefits to our affordable dentures, especially implant-supported dentures. Choosing dental implants to secure your denture will offer several key benefits for quality of life and long-term oral health:
- Stable, permanent restoration: Implants will secure your denture so there is no fear of your teeth “falling out”.
- Reduces bone loss: Replacing the tooth root with the implant post will minimize bone loss in the jaw over time. The titanium post preserves your natural jaw and facial structure.
- Normal diet and speech: Implant dentures that do not slip enable patients to enjoy a varied diet and to speak confidently.
Dentures FAQs
How many hours a day should you wear your dentures?
You should wear your dentures throughout the entire day so that you can speak, eat, and function as usual. However, you need to give your gums a rest and recover from wearing them all day. Dentists recommend doing this at night. This allows your gums to rest for at least six to eight hours.
What happens if you sleep with dentures?
Sleeping with dentures puts patients at a higher risk of developing other diseases over time. It may increase your chances of developing pneumonia, gum disease, and inflammation in your mouth. It is in your best interest to remove your dentures while you sleep. Removing them will give your gums a much-needed break from wearing them all day.
Can you tell if someone is wearing full dentures?
Your dentures will look, feel, and behave like natural teeth. However, in some cases you can tell that someone is wearing dentures. The way that patients with dentures speak and move their mouth is sometimes different and noticeable while wearing dentures.
For example, a person might be wearing dentures if their teeth appear to be abnormally white. Or if their teeth look a little bit too big or too small for the size of their mouth.
How many appointments do you need for a partial denture?
In most cases, it takes between four-to-six dental visits for patients to get their dentures. This varies from patient to patient however. Some patients can get same-day dentures, while others have to wait until after the healing process when they are a good candidate.
Can you drink coffee with partial dentures?
Patients should avoid drinking coffee with dentures. It has a strong pigment and may stain dentures.