Complete dentures replace a full arch or full mouth of missing teeth. They can be removable or permanently secured using dental implants. A partial denture is similar to a dental bridge and can replace several consecutive missing teeth. In most cases, a partial denture is permanently secured to stabilize dental health and restore natural function.
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy offer all types of dentures for patients who have missing teeth, need their teeth extracted, or have an ill-fitted denture and would like to explore a more stable option. Experienced restorative dentists with advanced training in implant dentistry, Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy 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. Things like the type of denture, pre-treatment dental work, or dental implant placement must be factored into your treatment.
Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy will meet with you to discuss your needs and do an exam. They will evaluate the condition of your teeth, gums and bone structure. We have a wide array of digital diagnostic technology for evaluating 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 diagnose and treat.
The Denture Process
The first step is to take 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. If we have to extract teeth, perform gum disease treatment, or gum surgery before placing a denture, we will work with you to coordinate that.
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.
During this time a temporary denture will be placed. This is so you can get used to your new smile and the gums can adjust to the new appliance. As with a traditional denture, a new set of impressions will be taken after the healing period for fabricating 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, providing the opportunity for Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy to monitor the health of your gums, the stability of your denture and to look for signs of wear or 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 to remove food particles, plaque, and debris that accumulate on their surface. You can 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 that just won’t come off with a brushing or flossing alone.
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, oral hygiene tips and recommend when to return for a checkup.
Implant Dentures: What Are The Benefits?
There are many benefits of dentures especially implant 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, preserving 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 at all times throughout the 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 to give your gums a 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. If teeth appear to be abnormally white, or a little bit too big or small for someone’s mouth, it may be a sign that they are wearing dentures.
How many appointments do you need for a partial denture?
In most cases, it takes between 4-6 dental visits, from start to Finnish, for patients to get their dentures. This varies from patient to patient.
Can you drink coffee with partial dentures?
Patients should avoid drinking coffee with dentures. It has a strong pigment and may stain dentures.