Dentures in Westminster, MD at Bowersox Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
To help patients replace missing teeth on an arch, Dr. Paul Bowersox can create custom dentures in Westminster, MD. Dentures and partial dentures are a great way to restore dental health when teeth are lost due to periodontal disease, decay, trauma to the face, or old age. You deserve to live a life with a set of beautiful teeth and, as a trusted restorative dentist, Dr. Bowersox can help you do that.
What are Dentures?
Dentures and partial dentures are removable dental appliances that are used to replace missing teeth and some of the gum tissue. They will restore the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. This set of false teeth will closely resemble your natural teeth and match the base will match the color of your gums. They are typically made of acrylic resin or a combination of acrylic resin and metal. Most types of dentures will need to be taken out daily for maintenance and cleaning. However, your dentist can also permanently secure them with dental implants.
How are Dentures Made?
To ensure a proper fit, dentures are made from impressions and measurements of your mouth. Using a custom mold, a top dental lab will create your new denture. Once ready, they will return the new restoration to us and we will have you try it on. Dr. Bowersox is checking for proper fit, bite alignment, and aesthetics, and will make any necessary adjustments.
The Benefits of Wearing Dentures
When you are missing a full set of teeth or most of your teeth on an arch, your facial features may begin to sag. Dentures are a great solution to support the facial muscles and prevent the sagging. This will prevent premature aging and boost your self-confidence.
Without teeth, it is also harder to chew food and pronounce certain sounds. False teeth will help you chew your food better and also help in proper speech pronunciation. While these activities may seem difficult at first and require practice, it will get easier over time.
Types of Dentures
Full Dentures: A full set of dentures, or complete dentures, replaces a whole row of missing teeth. Full dentures can replace a whole row of upper or lower teeth. They are made of a gum colored, acrylic base that fits over your gums and remains in place with suction or adhesive. The artificial teeth are fused to the base and will mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
Partial Dentures: A partial denture replaces several missing teeth on an arch but not the whole row of teeth. Your dentist will suggest this if you have some healthy teeth left. A partial denture is made up of a metal or acrylic framework that attaches to your remaining natural teeth. The artificial teeth are fused to the framework and will fill in the gaps along the arch.
Implant Dentures: An implant denture is simply a full or partial denture that is held in place with dental implants instead of resting on the gum or relying on remaining teeth. Multiple dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw bone to secure the restoration. Once you heal and the implants fuse to the bone, a custom denture is then attached to the implants. The implants will hold the denture firmly in place making it more stable and durable.
Adjusting to Life with Dentures
Everyone will have a different experience when they begin wearing dentures. It is perfectly normal to need time to adjust to the new sensations as your mouth adapts. Most people will experience some discomfort and soreness at least for the first few weeks or less. Your oral tissues, gums, and muscles will need to adjust to the presence of the dentures. Increased salivation is also a common side effect as your mouth adjusts but is only temporary.
Every patient will need to adapt to speaking and eating with their dentures. Essentially, these are new activities with a foreign object in your mouth. The best thing you can do is practice by yourself. Reading out aloud and speaking as much as you can will help you adjust and regain normal speech patterns. With food, we suggest starting off with soft foods and slowly introducing harder foods as you are able to. Taking small bites and chewing your food slowly will help you adjust faster. With practice, you will regain your ability to chew a wider variety of foods.
Dentures FAQs
Here are some common questions regarding our dentures and partials:
How can I make my dentures stop shifting around?
Dental implants are a great way to prevent denture slippage. Your dentist can use dental implants to anchor dentures, especially lower dentures that tend to shift when you talk or chew.
This gives the dentures something to hold onto while in use, making them stay more firmly in place. For patients with removable partial dentures, implants can replace missing teeth so you have a more natural-looking smile.
How should I clean and take care of my dentures?
You should clean your dentures with denture cleansers instead of traditional toothpaste. The ingredients in traditional toothpaste can wear down your dentures over time. Dr. Bowersox can demonstrate how to properly clean your dentures at your denture and partial appointment.
Additionally, you should continue to schedule regular dental checkups with Dr. Bowersox even after you get your dentures so that he can ensure their maintenance of your dentures as well as the health of your soft tissues and jawbone.
Should I wear my dentures when I sleep?
You can wear your dentures while you sleep, though we do not suggest it. Taking your dentures off while you sleep allows your mouth muscles and gum tissue to relax from the pressure of your dentures.
How many hours a day should you wear your partial denture?
Patients should wear partial dentures during the day, and remove them at night. This gives your gums and mouth a rest period. You should remove your dentures for at least 6-8 hours per day.
How long do partial dentures take to settle?
It typically takes a few days to settle into partial dentures. Your mouth will adapt to the dentures as time goes by. After about 2-3 days patients typically report that they are ‘settling in’ and feeling more comfortable wearing their dentures.
Do partial dentures hurt?
Partial dentures should not cause excessive or unbearable pain. Some patients report some discomfort and sensitivity after getting them, but it should not last long. OTC medication can help alleviate pain while you adjust to the partial dentures.