Dentures – Millersville, MD
Repair Your Smile & Your confidence
Extensive tooth loss can be painful and stressful, but at McCarl Dental Group in Millersville, MD, our dentists make sure that the tooth replacement process is comfortable and stress free. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you reclaim your smile, you can call our knowledgeable dental team or use our online appointment request form. During a consultation visit, we’ll examine your smile and review all of your tooth replacement options.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic teeth crafted to restore smiles after extensive tooth loss. For a person who has lost numerous consecutive and/or nonconsecutive teeth or an entire arch of teeth, dentures can be crafted to completely restore the smile and bite to the ideal form and function.
Your Options for Dentures
Depending on the number and location of missing teeth, we may recommend either a partial or full denture, and for increased security and longevity, we offer implant-retained dentures. You can learn more about each option below.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used to fill in gaps in the smile. Like other types of dentures, a gum-colored and/or metallic base material is used to support the replacement teeth. The partial denture base is molded to fit snuggly between remaining teeth, and in most cases, it clips into place supported by healthy remaining teeth.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are crafted in a similar way, using a base material to support the replacement teeth. Unlike partials, full dentures do not have remaining teeth to provide support. Instead, the base is molded to fit against the gum tissue. The tight fit between the denture base and soft tissue creates suction that, in conjunction with denture adhesive, will hold the prosthetic firmly in place.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Traditional dentures are removable, and while they are much better than going without a full smile, they do not offer the longest lasting or most comfortable tooth replacement solution. For those who want a prosthetic that functions more like their natural smile, an implant-retained denture may be the better option. Using between two and six dental implant posts (replacement tooth roots) to provide support, the partial or full denture is anchored to your smile. Some dentures have a “snap in and out” feature in the implants and some are permanently attached. These implant supported prosthetics function much more like your natural smile.
Learn More About Dental Implant Dentures
How Dentures Are Made
While dentures have been around for centuries, in various forms, the materials and processes used to create these prosthetics have changed drastically. Thanks to advancements in dentistry, patients’ teeth now look more natural and feel comfortable while wearing them. If you are an individual who is preparing to receive these prosthetics to replace your missing teeth, learning how dentures are made in Millersville can be an eye-opening experience, as you will appreciate the time and skill it takes to create a smile that will last.
Benefits of Dentures
As someone who is considering dentures to replace your missing teeth, you may still be uncertain about the idea of these prosthetics living inside your mouth. Fortunately, our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice is here to explain the many great benefits you can expect to receive, such as:
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
The cost of your denture will vary based on many factors, including the number of missing teeth, materials used to craft the denture, and whether or not you’ll need to have teeth extracted before the denture is placed. During your consultation appointment with our team, we’ll walk you through all of your denture options, discussing the cost of each as well as dental insurance coverage and financing options to help you fit the cost of your tooth replacement prosthetic into your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
We know that replacing missing teeth with dentures is a big step, and before you get started with a tooth replacement plan, you will likely have questions. Below, we’ve included the answers to some frequently asked questions about dentures that we hear from our patients, but this is not a comprehensive list. Our Millersville dentists and the McCarl Dental Group team are always happy to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
How do I Get Used to Dentures?
When you first begin wearing removable dentures, it will take time for you to get used to the way they feel and function. To get used to your dentures, we recommend taking the following steps:
- Give them a chance! You need to wear them. If a “sore spot” develops, see your dentist for an adjustment.
- Sing or practice tongue twisters while wearing your denture. This will help you adjust to the ways your new teeth move, so you can speak more clearly.
- Test out chewing different foods. Start with softer foods. Then, work your way up to more difficult to chew foods as you feel comfortable.
- Don’t sleep in your dentures as this puts unnecessary stress on your jaw and soft tissues and can damage the prosthetic. The exception to this rule is if you had recent extractions and an immediate denture is being used as a bandage.
How do I Take Care of My Dentures?
Caring for your dentures is extremely important. You should brush your dentures after wearing them, using a specialized denture brush to remove stuck on food, plaque, and bacteria from the prosthetic teeth and the denture base. Once your prosthetic is free of debris, store it in a glass of cool water or cleansing solution until you’re ready to wear it again. Before replacing the denture, carefully rinse the prosthetic. If you have natural teeth remaining, you should brush and floss these teeth as usual. If you don’t have any remaining natural teeth, you should use an oral rinse and/or water flosser to remove foods, bacteria, and plaque from soft tissues every day.
What Foods Can I Eat with Dentures?
With a removable denture, you may not be able to eat all of your favorite foods, but with some adjustments, you can eat a full range of nutritious foods. As you’re getting used to the denture, start by eating very soft foods like mashed potatoes and applesauce. Then, gradually work your way up to more difficult to chew foods as you feel comfortable. If you notice pain or your denture comes loose as you eat, you may want to forego that food item in the future.
How Long do Dentures Last?
Every person is different, but with proper care, a traditional, removable partial denture can last for five to ten years. Research indicates that dental implant supported dentures can last much longer with a 99% success rate after twenty years.
Should I Consider Dental Implant Supported Dentures?
Dental implant supported dentures offer numerous benefits compared with traditional dentures, so we recommend all patients consider this option before making their final tooth replacement plan. Some of the many benefits of dental implant supported dentures include:
- Long lasting – implant dentures are proven to last more than twice as long as traditional dentures.
- Comfortable – unlike removable dentures that can slip and cause pain, dental implant supported dentures will stay put, causing less discomfort.
- Eat better – with dental implant supported dentures, you can eat a wider variety of foods, even those that can be difficult to chew with removable dentures.
- Preserve oral structures – traditional dentures place pressure on the gums and jawbone, which causes them to diminish over time. Dental implant posts provide the necessary stimulation to preserve healthy bone and soft tissue as well as supporting the dentures more like natural tooth structures.