Partial and Complete
Dentures in Stafford, VA
Denture Services
Dentures are more than a silly prop used in movies and tv shows. They are a legitimate dental solution for people suffering from missing a few or all of their teeth. Dentures are custom made to replace a person’s missing teeth and restore their quality of life. Dentures can help people who have lost teeth reduce discomfort while speaking or eating and gain confidence to show off their smile again.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and their surrounding tissue. They are custom made through jaw impressions and measurements to perfectly fit one’s mouth and give off as natural of an appearance as possible. There are two main types of dentures, partial and complete.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when only some of a person’s natural teeth are missing. They can be constructed on a plastic base or supported by metal framework. The partial denture is secured to crowns on the remaining natural teeth, with the artificial teeth filling in the gaps.
Complete Dentures
A complete denture is done when a patient has no remaining teeth to secure a partial to. These can be either conventional or immediate. Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed from the mouth and the gum tissue is mostly healed. This typically takes 8-12 weeks, then the denture can be placed in the mouth.
Immediate dentures are formed before the removal of teeth, so they can be placed as soon as teeth are gone. This prevents the wearer from having to be without teeth for weeks before getting the dentures. As the gums heal they will most likely change size and shape, so immediate dentures have to be adjusted over time. Immediate dentures are often a temporary solution while conventional dentures are being made.
Denture Cleaning & Maintenance
Dentures require the same level, if not a higher level, of dental care and hygiene that natural teeth do. They should be removed at night and placed in a cleaning solution to allow the gums time to rest while the dentures are out.
Dentures should be brushed gently with a soft bristle toothbrush on a daily basis, and denture wearers should rinse their mouth every day without the dentures in. This reduces the risk of infection and cleans any plaque off of the gums.
Final Thoughts
As we mentioned, dentures are a wonderful solution for those missing many or all of their teeth. They can restore confidence and quality of life in a number of patients. If you’re in the Stafford, VA or Washington, DC area and believe dentures may be the right dental treatment for you, consult a dentist to see if they’re the right fit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dentures Be Worn By Patients With Gum Disease Or Bone Loss?
Active periodontal disease and bone loss needs to be treated prior to denture placement. Untreated gum disease can further aggravate tissue destruction and compromise the stability of the appliance. In case of severe bone loss, an implant denture can be recommended by our dentists.
How Long Does It Take To Get Used To Wearing Dentures?
Adjustment can be expected to take between four and eight weeks. You may have some gum irritation, more saliva or even a slight difficulty speaking, which is normal in the beginning. The best way to adapt and develop long-term comfort is by wearing them regularly.
Can I Select The Shape And Shade Of My Denture Teeth?
Yes. We have a variety of tooth shapes and colors that can be selected according to the facial structure and skin tone of the patient. Our dentists help you make an appropriate choice in order to achieve a natural look.
What Cleaning Products Are Safe To Use On Dentures?
Dentures should be cleaned with a soft-bristle denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser, not with regular toothpaste, as it can scratch the denture surface. Soaking a prosthesis in a denture-cleaning solution overnight also removes bacteria and stains.
Do I Still Need To See A Dentist Regularly If I Have Full Dentures?
Yes. You still need to visit us for regular check-ups even if you wear full dentures. Our dentists will check on the condition of your dentures as well as any changes that may occur within your gums and jaw bone structure.