As a restorative dental treatment, dentists use dentures to replace rows or full arches of lost or missing teeth. Dentures are prosthetic teeth that your dentist fixes in place. Dr. Matthew Gerald provides affordable fixed dentures to his patients in our Vienna, VA dental office.
We provide implant-supported dentures because they are long-lasting and stronger than their traditional counterpart. Complete dentures that our dentist places using dental implants also improve your bite pattern and prevent further bone loss. Continue reading to learn more about dentures and to see if you qualify for an implant-supported denture.
Why Replace Missing Teeth with Dentures?
You should replace your missing teeth for cosmetic and health reasons. Not only can it be awkward, but it can also affect your health. Missing teeth make it hard to chew food and speak normally. They can also lead to gum disease, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and jawbone loss. Bone loss in the jaw can greatly impact your image and make you look years older than you really are. If you have one or more missing teeth, you may experience an increase in dental problems, such as the following:
- Shifting teeth
- Overcrowding
- Crooked teeth
- Tooth decay or injury
- Further bone loss
- Uneven bite
- Dietary limits
- Periodontal disease
- Difficulty speaking
- Facial sagging
Replacing missing teeth with dentures is a great way to restore the beauty and functionality of your smile. Dentures can help you chew and speak more easily, improve your facial appearance, and give you the confidence to smile again. Dentures are also an affordable solution for replacing missing teeth, as they are usually much less expensive than other tooth replacement options such as dental implants. Additionally, dentures can be customized to fit your individual needs, making them a viable option for anyone looking to replace missing teeth.
Contact our Vienna dental office if you notice changes in your oral health as a result of your missing teeth. Our professional dental team is here to help. We will closely check your teeth and gums to help you decide the type of denture or dental repair that you need.
Removable vs. Fixed Implant Dentures
Removable dentures and fixed implant dentures are two types of dental prostheses that we can use to replace your missing teeth. Removable dentures are designed to be taken out and put back in the mouth, while fixed implant dentures are permanently attached to the jawbone. Each type of denture has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important for you to understand the differences between them. This will help you make a decision about which type of denture is best for your needs.
Removable Dentures
Dentures can be full or partial. Partial dentures replace many consecutive missing teeth wile still protecting existing teeth. Full dentures replace a complete upper and/or lower arch of missing teeth. Traditional dentures are prosthetic teeth that are removable. Our dentist fuses the false teeth to a base that sits in the mouth or clips in around the remaining natural teeth.
Some patients will use adhesive to help the piece stay in place, although they can still slip around the mouth. These dentures do not restore the bite and often have dietary restrictions because of this. They can be bulky, hard to adjust to, and uncomfortable. On the other hand, they are affordable and treatment can be complete in less than a month.
Implant-supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures, or fixed implant dentures, provide a more stable fit for our patients. This dental prosthetic uses dental implants to secure the denture, and support the jawbone and soft tissue of your mouth to replace missing teeth. Implant fixtures are titanium posts that an oral surgeon surgically inserts into the jawbone. Using these implants, we can attach a custom-fabricated denture and prosthetic teeth.
By anchoring dentures with dental implants, patients do not have to worry about shifting or slipping teeth. You can enjoy a greater range of food with the stronger bite power as well. Furthermore, the implants provide enough stimulation for the bone to regenerate and keep the integrity of your jaw in tact.
You will not have to worry about jawbone loss and facial sagging either. The one drawback is that this modern treatment will cost more than a traditional removable denture, and take months longer to complete.
In order to qualify for implant-supported dentures, or any type of denture, you must be free of periodontal disease and have healthy oral health. Periodontal disease can prevent your dentures from fitting correctly. The disease will also affect the success of the dental implants that hold the denture in place. Fortunately, we can address your gum disease and tooth decay before placing implant-supported dentures.
Dentures & Partials FAQs
How long after dentures can you eat solid food?
You’ll need about three to four weeks to get back into the swing of eating normally. Once you are able to eat solid foods again, try cutting them into smaller than usual bites to make chewing easier. It is important to be patient while adjusting to your dentures.
Are full dentures better than partials?
If any of your natural lower teeth can be saved, a partial denture is the best option for replacing your missing teeth. Complete lower dentures are notoriously difficult to adjust to. Any partial or full tooth replacement requires a period of adjustment before it feels natural.
How do you clean partial dentures?
Before cleaning your partial dentures, remove your partial dentures, and soak them in cold water. To clean your partials, simply wet a denture brush or a regular soft-bristled toothbrush, apply a denture cleaner or a non-abrasive toothpaste, and gently brush your dentures.
Can you talk normally with dentures?
About 15-30 days after getting new dentures, patients can typically eat and speak normally. Denture adhesives can help once saliva production and sore spots have decreased, which will also help promote easier speaking.
Request a Consultation for Dentures in Vienna, VA
Restore your beautiful smile with stable and secure dentures at our Vienna dental office. Contact Dr. Gerald for thorough restorative care by calling us at (703) 721-4796. You may also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Gerald and his team online. Do you have any remaining questions about dentures? Let our team know and we will be happy to assist you.