Are you searching for a tooth replacement option for your smile?
You may want to consider dentures or partials as your solution for missing teeth. Complex dental issues arise when you’re missing one or more teeth. For instance, missing teeth can lead to jawbone deterioration, loss of confidence, and difficulty eating or speaking.
Not only can replacing missing teeth restore beauty to your smile, but it can also improve your dental function. With custom dentures, you can achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Dr. Zahra Kavianpour and our team at Brighter Smile Family Dentistry and Orthodontics offer dentures and partials for patients with missing teeth. We provide personalized solutions and comprehensive treatment plans for patients who want to restore their smiles. Visit our Sterling, VA dental practice to determine if dentures or partials are right for you.
Types of Dentures
There are several different types of dentures available depending on your needs and preferences. The number of teeth you are missing, where they are located, and the quality of your bone structure will help determine the best denture for you.
Complete Dentures
Also called full dentures, complete dentures are a type of removable dental prosthetic that will replace all of a person’s natural teeth. There are both full upper dentures and full lower dentures available to meet our patient’s needs. A complete denture has two basic parts, the denture base and the artificial teeth. The base is the foundation of the prosthesis and will support the false teeth. Complete dentures require all teeth on the arch to be missing or removed.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are a type of removable dental prosthetic that only replace some of the teeth on the arch. Patients who still have natural teeth left will need a partial denture to replace the other teeth. The remaining teeth must be strong and healthy because they will be responsible for holding the partial in place. In addition to the base and the artificial teeth, there are several more parts that make up a partial. It also has connectors, rests, and clasps. This is because a partial is a little more sophisticated in that it must be designed to distribute force evenly while being fixed in place and clasped on to the remaining teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
A denture that is held in place with dental implants is called an implant supported denture. The denture can be fixed in placed with screws or it can be removable. A fixed implant supported denture uses a certain type of abutment that allows your dentist to physically screw the denture to the dental implants. The patient cannot remove the denture; it can only be removed by the dentist. A removable implant supported denture use a special type of implant that allow the denture to snap in and out easily. Complete and partial dentures can be secured with dental implants.
Receiving Dentures in Sterling, VA
During your appointment, Dr. Kavianpour will evaluate your teeth, jaw bone, and gums to determine the best type of denture for you. Our team will discuss all possible treatment options with you and you can decide which one will best fit into your lifestyle.
If you are receiving traditional dentures or partials, it will require at least 2-3 visits to our Sterling dental practice. During your first visit, we examine your smile and take impressions of your teeth. The lab uses impressions to create your custom dentures.
If necessary, we will place a temporary restoration while you wait. At your final appointment, the temporary restoration is removed, and your custom dentures are placed
Implant-Supported Denture Process
The process to receive an implant supported denture is very different from receiving a partial or full traditional denture. It will take several months to complete versus several weeks. It also requires surgical placement of the dental implants.
Smile Family Dentistry and Orthodontics can complete all phases of the implant process from the comfort of our office. During the first appointment, our team will place the appropriate amount of implants into the jaw. Over the next few months, the implants will heal and fuse with your jawbone. We will place a temporary denture for functionality and aesthetic purposes during this time.
After about three to six months, we will place the abutments and secure your custom denture.
Dentures & Partials FAQs
To learn more about dentures and partials, please read through our frequently asked questions section. When it comes to replacing your teeth, it is important to understand your treatment options. If you have any further questions, please reach out to our office staff during regular business hours.
Do dentures make you look different?
Dentures can change the shape of your face in a variety of ways. If you’ve been missing teeth, or have had bad-fitting dentures, the change may be for the better. Hopefully, if they change your appearance it is in a positive way, or a way that you do not mind.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
After initially getting dentures one may feel some discomfort eating and speaking. This should only last a few weeks. Eat soft foods during this period so that you adjust to your new teeth.
Dentures act like normal teeth, so one should be able to eat regularly with them. Some tips on doing this are to chew with both sides of your mouth to spread out pressure, and take smaller bites so there is less food in your mouth to chew at a time.
What materials are dentures made of?
We make dentures out of a variety of materials such as acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. These materials are moldable and fit well into a patient’s mouth while still looking like their real teeth. Porcelain lasts the longest typically, but they are all good options. If you are curious about different materials for dentures ask your dentist what they recommend may be best for you.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
We recommend taking your dentures out while sleeping. This allows all the oral tissues in your mouth to rest from the pressure and friction that dentures can exert on them during the day. Also, since they need to be cleaned daily, this is the best time to do it as well as keep your oral hygiene in check. Dental implant supported dentures do not need to be removed since they are not resting on your gums.
Will dentures affect my speech?
When you place a foreign object in your mouth, it will affect your speech. However, over time you should be able to get used to having it in your mouth. You will need to relearn how to pronounce sounds and move your mouth with it in. It will take practice and patience. Most people handle the adjustment process just fine.
How long do dentures last?
Most dentures last about 5 to 10 years. However, this will vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene habits, wear and tear, and changes to the bone structure. Over time, dentures will require maintenance to ensure proper function and will extend how long they last. Implant supported dentures tend to last longer since the underlying bone structure does not deteriorate and the denture fit will not change. The denture will need to be replaced only due to wear and tear.
Restore Your Smile With Dentures in Sterling, VA
Missing teeth can affect the health and function of your smile. Finding the right tooth replacement options for your smile is key to improving your smile. Visit our team at brighter Smile Family Dentistry and Orthodontics for the care you need. Our team offers a full range of tooth replacement options and can work with you to determine if dentures or partials are right for you. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call 703.444.3412 or request an appointment online.