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 and tooth loss. Full and partial dentures are dental restorations that let dentists 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
We have several types of dentures available at Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry of Towson. The type you get will depend on several things. Two of those things include how many teeth you are missing and where those gaps are in your mouth. For example, 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. Full or complete dentures consist of false teeth that sit on an acrylic base. The acrylic base looks like gums and blends in naturally with your mouth.
Your full denture will remain in place by way of suction or adhesive. However, you must remove full dentures for at least 7 to 8 hours daily to allow your gums to rest. Most patients choose to do this at night while sleeping, and soak them in a solution overnight.
Partial Dentures
We use partial dentures to replace multiple missing teeth in a row. They also consist of replacement teeth that sit on 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 you don’t need to wear them at night.
Implant Dentures
Implant-secured dentures hold prosthetics in place. To receive implant dentures, you must have sufficient bone tissue or undergo bone grafting treatment. A bone grafting procedure will ensure that the dental implants can fit comfortably in the jawbone.
Implant dentures use several dental implants that the oral surgeon surgically inserts 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 also attach to implants for 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. The following are things you should do to maintain your dentures.
You Must Clean Dentures Every Day
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! Never use hot water. Hot water and high temperatures can warp dentures, and they won’t fit anymore.
Handle your Dentures Carefully
Dentures are fragile and you must handle them with care. When taking them in and out, cleaning them, or setting them down, please do so with extreme care. They can easily break if you drop them, especially if they land on a sink. Always handle them over something soft like a towel to lower the risk of damaging 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 Them 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 regularly is important for your oral health and to make sure your dentures are in good shape. Your dentist will make sure your dentures fit properly and even clean them for you. 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. We know that this dental prosthesis can be overwhelming for some patients because it’s an investment.
Our dental office in Towson is available to answer your questions about dentures. We provide an environment where our patients are free to ask any questions 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 traditional dentures comfortable?
Traditional dentures should fit comfortably and securely with no slipping or rubbing on gums. If you experience discomfort when wearing your dentures, consult with our dentists right away. They can make adjustments as necessary. You can also talk to them about implant-support dentures, a more stable option for patients who struggle with adhesives and consistent shifting.
Can you leave partial dentures in all the time?
No, we do not recommend leaving partial dentures in your mouth all the time. You should remove partial dentures at night to allow your gums and the underlying bone structure a chance to rest and breathe. Removing them 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. Most dental implants last a lifetime and attachable implant-supported dentures can last up to ten years. The longevity of your implants and implant dentures will largely depend on how well you care for them. Follow up regularly with your dentist for check-ups and maintenance appointments to monitor the health of your removable appliances.
How many teeth can a partial denture replace?
Partial dentures can replace any number of missing teeth in various locations within the mouth. They typically replace up to around four or five teeth in a row. Many patients opt for partial dentures to replace several consecutive teeth or even just one tooth. The alternative is a more permanent commitment to a dental bridge.
What is the average age for getting dentures?
The average age for getting dentures is typically in the 60’s or 70’s. However, some patients may need dentures at a younger age, so it all depends on the individual. Almost everyone qualifies for conventional dentures. If you are missing several of your natural teeth and want to improve your mouth, 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 Today 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.