Do you have multiple missing teeth in a row? Maybe you have whole arches of missing teeth. Dr. Keith Boenning and Dr. Nathan Dancykier offer dentures in Towson, MD, for patients with missing teeth. Full and partial dentures are dental restorations that are used to replace lost or missing teeth with natural-looking prosthetics. Dentures can be removable or secured by implants. We often recommend implant-secured dentures, especially for patients with a full arch of missing teeth. Dental implants restore the bite function of patients who have missing teeth and feel like a natural restoration.
Benefits of Receiving Dentures
Replacing missing teeth is vital for your overall health, oral health, and appearance. You may notice a change in your face shape once you receive your dentures. Facial sagging is one of the aesthetic changes that can occur if you have missing teeth. Dentures can fill out your face and combat facial sagging and the development of deep facial wrinkles.
Missing teeth will make it difficult to consume many types of food. Dentures will restore balance to your bite and make it easier to eat the foods you love. This includes many types of food that you need to remain healthy. Implant-secured dentures, in particular, are a longer-lasting restoration for patients with missing teeth.
We Offer Several Types of Dentures in Towson, MD
There are several types of dentures available. The type you will depend on several factors including how many teeth you are missing and where those gaps are located in your mouth. It will also depend on which type you find more comfortable and which one fits within your budget. Dentures can replace a few teeth or they can replace a full arch of teeth.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are for patients missing a whole arch of teeth. It is made up of false teeth that are fused to a base made of acrylic. The acrylic base is designed to blend in naturally with your gums. Your denture will remain in place by way of suction or adhesive. Full dentures must be removed for at least 7-8 hours daily to allow the gums to rest. Most patients choose to do this at night while sleeping.
Partial Dentures
We use partial dentures to replace multiple missing teeth in a row. They are also made of replacement teeth that are attached to a metal or acrylic base. The base is pink and blends in with the color of your natural gums. Partial dentures can also have a clasp to attach to your natural teeth. The prosthetic teeth that make up the denture rest on the gum ridge. Additionally, partial dentures are removable and do not need to be worn at night.
Implant Dentures
Implant-secured dentures hold prosthetics in place. To receive implant dentures, you must have sufficient bone tissue or can undergo bone grafting treatment to ensure that implants can be inserted into the jawbone. Implant dentures use several dental implants that are surgically placed into your jaw to hold prosthetic teeth. Sometimes, we can place a hybrid denture over one or more implants. Hybrid dentures sit on top of the gums like removable dentures, but they can be supported by multiple implants for more stability.
Caring For and Maintaining dentures
Now that you wear dentures, it is important to learn how to care for them. If you maintain them properly, they will last longer. This will also help them remain more comfortable in your mouth. Here are the things you need to do to care and maintain your dentures:
Dentures Must Be Cleaned Everyday
You have to clean your dentures daily. Just like your natural teeth, dentures will accumulate food particles, debris, and plaque. Therefore, you will need to clean them every day. We suggest that you use a soft bristle toothbrush or denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Rinse them with cold water only.
Handle your Dentures Carefully
Dentures are very fragile and must be handled with care. When taking then in and out, cleaning them, or setting them down, please do so with extreme care. If they are dropped, they can easily break especially if they land on a sink. It is wise to always handle them over something soft like a towel to lower the risk of them being damaged.
Never Use Hot Water
Hot water can warp dentures. Some of the materials used to make them can warp with high temperatures so we suggest always using cool water when rinsing and soaking them.
Soak your Dentures Over Night
To give your gums a rest and to remove bacteria from inside the pores of the denture, you should soak them overnight. We suggest using plain water or a denture solution. You will also need to place them in water when you are not wearing them. This will prevent the acrylic from drying out and keep them free of bacteria.
Try to Rinse after Eating
Rinsing your dentures with water after every meal is a good habit. This will remove many of the food particles that would otherwise just sit on the prosthesis and in your mouth.
Visit your Dentist
Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is very important for your oral health and to make sure your dentures are in good shape. Your dentist will make sure they fit properly and even clean them. This is also your opportunity to ask for advice if you are having any issues with your false teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dentures and Partials
Dr. Boenning and Dr. Dancykier want to help each patient achieve optimal oral health. Restoring a patient’s smile with dentures will help them live a happy, more fulling life. This dental prosthesis can be overwhelming for some patients and can generate lots of questions before, during, and after treatment. Our dentist office in Towson is available to answer your questions about dentures. We provide an environment where our patients are free to ask any question they have. Please read through our frequently asked questions regarding dentures. If you still have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us directly.
Are full dentures comfortable?
In most cases, dentures should fit comfortably and securely with no slipping or rubbing of the gums if fabricated correctly by your dental team. If you experience discomfort when wearing your dentures, consult with your dentist so they can make adjustments as necessary, or talk to them about implant-support dentures, a more stabilized option for those who struggle with denture adhesives and consistent shifting.
Can you leave partial dentures in all the time?
No. We do not recommend leaving partial dentures in the mouth at all times. You should remove partial dentures at night to allow your gums and the underlying bone structure a chance to rest and breathe. It will also allow you to thoroughly clean your partial denture and keep your oral hygiene routine consistent.
How long do implant dentures last?
Implant dentures are a long-term solution, with most implants lasting a lifetime and attachable implant-supported dentures up to ten years. The longevity of your implants and implant dentures will largely depend on how well you care for them. You need to follow up regularly with your dentist for check-ups and maintenance appointments to evaluate the health of your restorations and removable appliances.
How many teeth can a partial denture replace?
Partial dentures can replace any number of missing teeth, providing a secure and natural-looking restoration. Many patients opt for partial dentures to replace several consecutive teeth or even just one tooth if they do not want the more permanent commitment of a bridge.
What is the average age for getting dentures?
There is no “average” age for getting dentures, as it all depends on the individual. At any age, if you are missing several of your natural teeth and would like to improve your appearance and oral function, denture treatment may be a good option for you.
Do dentures prevent bone loss?
Dentures do not prevent bone loss, but they can restore function and improve the appearance of your smile by filling in missing spaces. You will still need to maintain the underlying structures of your jawbone. This is what makes implant-supported dentures a more desirable option. They avoid the natural bone loss that occurs with time after a teeth extraction or a missing tooth.
Book your Appointment for Dentures in Towson, MD
Dr. Boenning or Dr. Dancykier at booking appointments for patients who are interested in getting dentures. Request an appointment today to learn more about the types of dentures we offer. You can also call our Towson, MD dental office at 410.324.2294 to book your appointment.