What are dentures?
Dentures are tooth replacements for people who are missing teeth. They are primarily made from acrylic and plastic and can be taken in and out of your mouth.
What type of dental professional would I see about getting dentures?
The type of dental professional you would see about getting dentures could be a general dentist or even someone called a prosthodontist, who specializes in dentures.
When would a dentist recommend getting dentures?
A dentist would recommend getting dentures if you have multiple missing teeth on either the top or the bottom.
What are some alternatives to dentures and when would each be the most appropriate option?
Some alternatives to dentures would be dental implants or a bridge. A bridge is a non-removable solution that is used when you have teeth on either side and a missing tooth in the middle. A dental implant is inserted into your jawbone and is also not removable.
What types of dentures are there?
There are various types of dentures available. A complete denture is used when you're missing all your teeth. A partial denture is used when you're just missing some teeth. There are also implant-supported dentures that do not come out, and removable dentures, which can be taken out as the name suggests.
How are dentures made and what materials are used?
Dentures are made at the dental lab using plastic and acrylic. The process involves several steps that go back and forth with the lab for fabrication.
What happens during the denture placement procedure?
The denture placement procedure involves several steps. First, records like molds of your upper or lower jaw are taken. Then, there are trying appointments, detailed impressions, and finally the delivery of your actual denture. After a week, a follow-up appointment is scheduled to ensure everything is fitting well.
Is getting dentures painful?
Getting dentures fitted is not painful. If you're already missing teeth and no teeth need to be removed, then getting the actual denture in your mouth is not painful. You may, however, experience sore spots after wearing them for about a week, but we adjust these at our one-week follow-up.
What anesthesia options will be available during the denture placement?
Anesthesia for denture placement is not necessary unless you're getting any teeth removed. Just putting the denture in your mouth and trying it in does not require anesthesia.
What should I expect my dentures to look and feel like?
The look and feel of dentures will vary based on the type you have. A partial denture will have a metal skeleton and parts that hook onto whatever teeth are remaining. A complete denture would replace all of your teeth and would also cover the roof of your mouth.
Is it more difficult to speak with dentures?
If you've never had dentures before, an upper denture may feel odd initially as it covers the roof of your mouth, but it is something that you can get used to.
Will having dentures affect my ability to eat and drink regularly?
Drinking should not be a problem, but eating will be different with dentures. You have to divide the food into two pieces and place them in the back, where your back molars are, and bite with an up-and-down motion.
What is the best way to clean and care for dentures?
The best way to clean and care for your dentures is by using a Polydent tablet that dissolves in water. You can soak your denture in this solution, and it helps to remove any buildup.
What special care should I take for my mouth and gums after getting dentures?
It's crucial to keep your denture out while you're sleeping. Just like you wouldn't sleep with a shoe on your foot, you wouldn't sleep with a denture in your mouth. If it presses up against your gum and doesn't allow it to breathe, you can end up with a yeast infection in your mouth, which is not very pleasant.
How long will dentures last?
The longevity of dentures depends on how well you take care of them. Some patients have had their dentures for 10 to 15 years.
What if my dentures need restoration, replacement, or repair?
If your denture needs restoration, replacement, or repair, you can always bring it in. We have an excellent lab we work with that can replace missing teeth, match existing teeth, or fix a chipped tooth.
How long will it take for my mouth to heal and get used to dentures?
Adapting to dentures depends on each person. If you've had dentures before, it may just be something a little new to get used to. If you've never had dentures before, it may take a week or a few weeks to get used to chewing and biting and adjusting any sore spots.
What is the cost of dentures, and will insurance help pay for them?
Most insurances do help pay for dentures. If you have any questions about the cost, we are always here to help answer your questions.
When should I schedule an appointment for dentures?
If you have any questions about missing teeth and your options, schedule an appointment now.
If you have any more questions, feel free to call us here at the office at (301) 812-4599.
Dentures are removable prosthetic dental devices that replace the missing teeth in the mouth. It is customized to perfection for each patient with artificial teeth and an acrylic base. At Montpelier Family Dentistry, the dentists recommend dentures as an excellent treatment option to restore the missing teeth in the mouth.
Advantages of Dentures
- Dentures enhance the aesthetic appearance of the patient by filling the gap in the mouth.
- It provides solid support to the patient's bone structure and maintains the appearance of the lower face.
- The speech and communication problems caused by the missing tooth in the mouth can be resolved with dentures.
- Dentures are easy to maintain and last for over ten years on taking care of them.
What are the Types of Dentures and How are they Fabricated?
- Full Denture
Patients who have a complete arch of teeth missing in their mouth are provided full dentures. It replaces the entire set of teeth and restores the functionality of the patient's teeth.
It is fabricated with the help of the patient's dental measurements. The Dentist in Laurel MD uses a mold to obtain the impressions on the mouth. Digital imaging systems are also used for precise measurements. It is sent to the laboratory for the fabrication process. Dentures are created for the upper jaw and the lower jaw separately. The fully fabricated dentures are placed inside the mouth of the patient with the help of suction and are checked for proper fitting.
- Partial Denture
The dentists provide partial dentures for patients who have one or multiple teeth missing in their mouth. It is designed to fit the gap created by the missing teeth in the patient's mouth. The dentist takes the impressions of the mouth, which are sent to the laboratory for fabrication. Partial dentures are anchored in place to fix the gap.
Caring for Your Dentures
- Clean the dentures every day and rinse them under running water after meals.
- Brush the gums, tongue and palate every day.
- Place them in a soaking solution when not in use.
- If damaged, avoid self-repairing it and take it to the dental practice for repairs.
Montpelier Family Dentistry, located in Laurel, MD, is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care facilities for the patients. Call us at (301) 812-4599 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to know more about dentures and other services provided at the dental practice.