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. Replace your ill-fitting dentures for a more comfortable fit today.
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. Having missing teeth can be awkward, but also affect your health. Lost teeth can make it hard to chew food and speak normally. They can also lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and jawbone loss.
Bone loss in the jaw can greatly impact your image and make you look years older than you are. If you have one or more missing teeth, you may experience an increase in dental problems. 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 a set of dentures is a great way to restore the beauty and functionality of your smile! Dentures help you chew and speak more easily, improve the way your face looks, and give you the confidence to smile again.
Dentures are also an affordable option for replacing missing teeth. They are usually less expensive than other tooth replacement options. Additionally, our dentist can customize your dentures to fit your individual needs. Dr. Gerald can also provide you with temporary dentures while you wait for a more permanent fix.
Contact our Vienna dental office if you notice changes in your oral health because of your missing teeth. Our professional dental team is here to help. We will closely check your remaining teeth and gums to 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. You can take removable dentures out and put them back in anytime. Fixed implant dentures attach permanently to your jawbone.
Each type of denture has its own perks and drawbacks. Knowing the differences between them will help you make a good decision about which type of denture is best for you.
Removable Dentures
Removable 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. The dental lab will fuse the false teeth to a base. The base will sit snugly in your mouth or clip onto 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 fully restore your bite because you have to watch how hard you bite down. The patient often has 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. Fortunately, patients who already wear dentures can upgrade to fixed implant dentures.
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. The implant posts will support the jawbone and soft tissue of your mouth.
Implant fixtures are titanium posts that an oral surgeon surgically inserts into the jawbone. Using these implants, we can attach a custom-fabricated permanent 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 over time. This will keep the integrity of your jaw in tact much longer.
You will not have to worry about jawbone loss and facial sagging either. One catch is that this modern treatment will cost more than a traditional removable denture. It also takes months longer to complete. However, Dr. Gerald makes getting dentures accessible for everyone with financing and payment options for every budget.
To qualify for implant-supported dentures, or any type of denture, you must be clear of periodontal disease. This 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. Having a healthy oral health foundation will almost guarantee the best results.
Dentures & Partials FAQs
How long after dentures can you eat solid food?
You will 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. Be patient while adjusting to your new dentures and give yourself time.
Are full dentures better than partials?
A partial denture is the best option for replacing your missing teeth if your dentist can save your natural lower teeth. Complete lower dentures are somewhat hard to adjust to. Any partial or full tooth replacement requires time to adjust to before it feels natural.
How do you clean partial dentures?
Before cleaning your partial dentures, remove them and soak them in cold water or a denture cleaning solution. Cleaning dentures is easy but can take time. To clean your partials, follow these simple steps:
- Wet a denture brush or a regular soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Apply a denture cleaner or a non-abrasive toothpaste to the brush.
- Gently brush your dentures for about two minutes.
- Rinse them well under cold or lukewarm water.
- Soak them in water or a mild denture-soaking product overnight.
Can you talk normally with dentures?
Patients can typically eat and speak normally about 15-30 days after getting new dentures. The hardest part is adapting your mouth to the denture adhesive cream. Denture adhesives feel better once saliva production and sore spots go away. Also, it will help you speak easier too.
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 complete restorative care by calling us at (703) 721-4796. We provide restorative dental care to patients in Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, and other surrounding communities.
You may also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Gerald and his team online. Do you have any remaining questions about affordable dentures near you? Let our team know and we will be happy to assist you.