Whether some or all of your natural teeth are missing, we may be able to restore the functionality of your mouth and aesthetics of your smile with dentures.
Since our office is conveniently located in Greenbelt, MD, you don’t have to go far to get great professional denture service.
A denture is synthetic teeth attached to a plastic base that has been made to match your natural teeth and gums.
Besides making your smile look better, dentures also fix the way your mouth functions overall. Dentures also support your cheeks and lips to reduce sagging of the muscles in your face.
Below are some types of dentures that might be available to you. Even though there are many options, not all patients are good candidates for every type of denture. During your appointment, we will let you know which options may work best for you.
Conventional complete dentures consist of an upper denture and a lower denture.
The upper denture is made to replace all of your teeth in your upper jaw. It covers the roof of your mouth and fits securely on your upper gums and palate.
The lower denture is made to take the place of all your teeth in your lower jaw. It sits on the lower gums and stays in place with the help of your tongue, saliva, and cheek muscles.
Your mouth must be clear of all natural teeth before conventional complete dentures are placed. If some of your teeth need to be removed, the dentures will be placed once your gums have healed.
Like conventional complete dentures, implant-supported complete dentures replace all of your natural teeth. Instead of relying solely on the structure, tongue, saliva, and cheek muscles, this type of dentures uses implants to keep them secure.
Implant-supported complete dentures are placed on healthy gums that have fully recovered from teeth extractions and/or implant placements.
Immediate dentures are put into place right after all of your remaining teeth have been removed. You do not have to wait for your gums to heal before the immediate dentures are placed. The dentist may need to make adjustments once your gums have fully healed.
Partial dentures are also comprised of synthetic teeth attached to a plastic base made to look like your natural teeth and gums. Below the plastic base, they usually have a framework that attaches to your teeth. Unlike complete dentures, partial dentures cannot be placed in a mouth with no teeth.
Dentures require special attention to keep them working well and looking good.
Dentures are fragile and should be handled very carefully at all times. They can break after being dropped just a few inches.
When they are not in your mouth, handle your dentures over a folded towel or sink of cool water. Never place your dentures in hot water since the heat can warp them.
When not in your mouth, dentures need to be stored in water so they will not dry out and lose their shape. Also, be sure to keep your dentures out of the reach of pets and children.
Like your natural teeth, your dentures need to be cleaned well.
Remove them from your mouth and rinse with cool water to remove loose food particles. Use a denture brush or soft-bristled toothbrush with denture cleanser to clean them. Once you have finished cleaning your dentures, rinse them with cool water in case there are chemicals in the cleanser that are not meant to go into your mouth.
Since dentures are more delicate and not made of the same materials as natural teeth and gums, do not use toothpaste or hard bristled toothbrushes to clean them. Such cleaning materials may be too abrasive and scratch your dentures. This can leave them less attractive, more susceptible to stains, and harder to clean. Use denture cleaners that meet the American Dental Association’s standards for effectiveness and safety. These products have the ADA Seal of Acceptance on them.
You should continue to clean all parts of the inside of your mouth daily as well. Brushing your palate, tongue, and gums every morning with a soft brush increases the circulation in your tissue and helps get rid of plaque.
To keep your dentures in place and properly supported, you should maintain a healthy mouth. Along with cleaning your mouth daily, a balanced diet can keep your mouth strong. Also, avoid foods that may discolor or damage your dentures.
You should visit the dentist to make sure your dentures and mouth are functioning together correctly. Besides checking the fit of your dentures, the dentist will also look for any signs of oral diseases.
When teeth are missing, there are many different ways to help your mouth function optimally and look great. Making an appointment with a dentist is the best way to determine what type of treatment is best for you.
At Greenbelt Dental Associates we work with the top denture lab specialists in Greenbelt, Beltsville, Lanham, Riverdale, Hyattsville, Glenn Dale, and nearby areas to get you the best dentures possible in MD.
Give us a call at (301) 241-8100 to schedule an appointment. Let’s us help you feel great with an awesome looking smile!
