Do you suffer from advanced tooth loss? Are you ready for dentures?
Talk to your dentist about a prosthetic, which helps restore these missing teeth and improves your smile’s health and appearance.
Dentures are the traditional method for replacing a full arch or set of missing teeth. Modern dentures offer a more natural-looking design with a comfortable and secure fit. Dentures are custom-designed to complement the patient’s facial aesthetics.
Our team of dentists helps patients restore their smiles with custom-designed dentures. We provide patients with a one-on-one consultation and oral health exam.
The oral health and goals of the individual patient will be considered when determining the best course of treatment for replacing missing teeth. Our doctors will help patients consider the benefits of each treatment option so that they are able to make informed decisions about their oral health.
Our dentists haver many years of experience and education in restorative dentistry. Focusing on the function and fit, our dentists design dentures for patients that look and feel like natural teeth. Some patients may qualify for an implant-secured denture. Patients who would like to explore the option of an implant-secured denture may be referred to Dr. Roham Rafat.
Tooth Loss and the Need for Tooth Replacement
When you lose a number of teeth, the remaining natural teeth can drift and lead to misalignment. With misalignment, your smile develops a greater chance of developing tooth decay, gingivitis, TMJ disorder, and bruxism.
In addition, your overall health can suffer as tooth loss often means subsisting on a meal of primarily soft foods, reducing nutritional intake. Finally, the loss of tooth roots can cause your body to suspend the flow of vital nutrients to the jawbone, causing the jaw to change shape as the tissue dissolves.
Partial Dentures
A partial replaces multiple teeth, even if they are spread out across an arch. The prosthetic is lifelike, consisting of replacement teeth and a base that looks like gum tissue. Metal clasps on the prosthetic will attach to the natural teeth and secure the new ones.
Full Dentures
If you have lost most or all of your teeth, then a partial denture may not be enough. A full set of dentures replaces all of the teeth on one or both arches. Typically, the prosthetic is held in place with natural suction or possibly the assistance of an adhesive. However, we can sometimes use dental implants to secure a fixed one.
Implant-supported Dentures
By placing multiple implant posts, we can snap the prosthetic onto the implants and provide replacement teeth that won’t slip during meals or speech. Implant-supported Dentures also stimulate jawbone growth, preventing the loss of jawbone density.
To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 410-782-3021.
The denture procedure is a multi-step procedure. Patients may visit our Owings Mills dentist office 2-3 times to receive their dentures. Once the denture is designed and fit, patients enjoy a highly functional and beautiful smile for many years to come.
Your doctor will take precise molds of the patient’s mouth. The molds are used to create a type of “blueprint” that will be used to design the denture. Custom-fit dentures fit securely in the patient’s mouth and will help reduce the risk of slippage. Dentures are made from high-quality professional-grade resin. The color, shape, and size of the denture can be customized to the patient’s preference.
A dental lab will fabricate the denture to your dentist’s specifications. In about 2-3 weeks the denture will be shipped back to our Owings Mills dentist office. Patients will return to our office for a final fit.
If patients opt for a dental implant-secured denture, your dentist will coordinate with Dr. Roham Rafat, a Baltimore area prosthodontist, for the surgical placement of the dental implants. Dental implants provide added stability and long-term oral heal benefits.
Dentures FAQs
If you are ready to replace your teeth with dentures, we understand you may have several questions. We have compiled a list of the top frequently asked questions and answers regarding dentures. Please refer to this list and call our office if you have additional questions or concerns.
How do I know when it is time for new dentures?
The lifespan of your dentures will vary depending on factors such as denture material, oral hygiene practices, and changes in the shape of your mouth. There are several obvious signs that will let you know it is time for new dentures, including:
- Excessive discoloration, cracks, or missing teeth
- Loose or ill-fitting dentures causing discomfort or sores
- Difficulty chewing or speaking due to poor fit
If you notice any of these signs, please schedule an appointment to make a new set of dentures. The success of your dental restoration largely depends on fit and comfort. Waiting too long to replace them will affect how they function; therefore, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can begin the denture-making process.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
We do not recommend always wearing your dentures, including during sleep. Doing so will increase your risk of several issues. Wearing your dentures nonstop will increase your risk of buildup of denture plaque, soft tissue inflammation, and thrush, a yeast infection inside the mouth. The perfect time to clean your dentures is at night while you sleep. This will ensure that your gums get a much-needed rest and the appliance can be cleaned thoroughly.
Why is my lower denture loose while eating?
A lower denture’s stability depends upon the bone structure of the lower jaw. The denture will fit better if you have a healthy and well-shaped jawbone. However, many people experience bone loss in the jaw after years of tooth loss. Bone loss in the lower jaw will change how the lower denture fits and functions. The appliance is loose, leading to issues with eating.
How long will it take me to adjust to dentures?
When you place any foreign object in your mouth, it will not feel natural at first. Adjusting to your new false teeth will take time, patience, and practice. You should initially expect minor discomfort, excess salivation, and tight facial muscles. Most people can expect their adjustment period to last about a month. However, some will adjust much faster. To aid in the process, we suggest that you practice speaking immediately and practice different sounds until you sound normal. Also, start eating soft foods for the first week and slowly add more tough food to your diet.
How do I keep my dentures clean?
You must clean your appliance every day. Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. This cleaning routine is essential because it removes food particles, plaque, and other debris. After brushing, soak your dentures in a denture-cleaning solution and water overnight.
In the morning, rinse your appliance thoroughly before putting it into your mouth. Please remember to bring your dentures to every routine dental checkup so we can remove hardened tartar or stubborn stains. These steps will keep your dentures clean and disinfected and help them last for many years.
How long will my dentures last?
Removable dentures can last anywhere from 5-10 years. Caring for them properly and protecting them from damage is the key to their longevity. Things you can do to prevent damaging your dentures include:
- Avoid hot water as this can warp them
- Place a towel over the sink when handling them to avoid dropping them
- When not in use, store them in a cup of water or denture-soaking solution
- If they break or come loose, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible
- Never attempt to repair dentures on your own
Why do my dentures not fit anymore?
The most common reason for ill-fitting dentures is gum recession. Dentures do not support healthy gum growth. As your mouth changes with age, your dentures will need to be replaced in order to prevent pain and discomfort. Dentures should be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
Is it better to repair or replace broken dentures?
A denture that has been damaged or broken is not structurally safe anymore. They can cause more damage to your mouth as well. Dentists recommend replacing dentures that have significant damage over fixing them.
Can dentures be whitened?
Dentures do not whiten like regular teeth. Traditional teeth whitening will not work on dentures. Although, you can try home remedies to lift stains from dentures, they will not make your dentures look brand new. Be careful using DIY techniques because you can damage the denture if not careful.