Are you missing rows or arches of teeth? 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. As a trusted restorative dentist, Dr. Bowersox can help you do that.
What are Dentures?
Dentures and partial dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and some gum tissue. They will restore the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. This set of false teeth will closely resemble your natural teeth, and 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 must be taken out daily for maintenance and cleaning. However, our dentist can also permanently secure them with dental implants.
How are Dentures Made?
Dentures are made from impressions and measurements of your mouth to ensure a proper fit. A top dental lab will create your new denture using a custom mold. Once ready, they will return the new restoration to us, and we will have you try it on. Dr. Bowersox will check for proper fit, bite alignment, and aesthetics and 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 sagging. This will prevent premature aging and boost your self-confidence.
Without teeth, it can also be 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, they will get easier over time.
Types of Dentures
The main denture types include the following:
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 comprises a metal or acrylic framework that attaches to your remaining natural teeth. The artificial teeth are fused to the framework and will fill the gaps along the arch.
Implant Dentures
An implant denture is a full or partial denture held in place with dental implants instead of resting on the gum or relying on the remaining teeth. Multiple dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to secure the restoration. We attach a custom denture once you heal and the implants fuse to the bone. The implants hold the denture firmly in place, making it more stable and durable.
Dr. Bowersox will consider your budget, oral health, and goals before recommending the right type of denture for you.
He will carefully evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums and your mouth structure. Dr. Bowersox will take your personal goals into account. Whether you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile or restore full functionality to your bite, he will work with you to understand your preferences and expectations.
Your budget is also a consideration. Dr. Bowersox understands that dental treatments are an investment, and he will ensure that the recommended denture options align with your financial situation.
Why Do Patients Choose Implant Dentures?
Compared to traditional removable dentures, implant dentures use small titanium posts to stabilize your restoration. With a removable denture, you must use adhesive to keep it in place and remove it for cleaning. Implant-supported dentures stay in your mouth so you can clean your restoration, gums, and remaining teeth.
Dental implants also ensure dentures last. You must rebase or replace dentures more frequently than you would if you have implant dentures. Because an oral surgeon places dental implants in the jaw bone, the implants heal over time to become new tooth roots.
While dentures help maintain your face shape, implants go the extra level by supporting your natural jaw bone. After you lose a tooth, your jawbone loses support from the tooth’s root. Over time, this jaw bone recedes, which changes your facial structure.
Before implant treatment, we will ensure you have enough healthy jaw bone tissue to support the implant posts. If you do not, we will recommend bone grafting. After implant treatment, you can benefit from better bone health and a lifted look.
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 must adjust to the dentures. Increased salivation is also a common side effect as your mouth adjusts. However, this is 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 with soft foods and slowly introducing harder foods as you can. Taking small bites and chewing your food slowly will help you adjust faster. With practice, you will regain your ability to chew various foods.
Dentures FAQs
Here are some common questions regarding our dentures in Westminster, MD:
How can I make my dentures stop shifting around?
Dental implants are a great way to prevent denture slippage. Our 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. At our visit, Dr. Bowersox can demonstrate how to properly clean your dentures.
In addition, you should continue to schedule regular dental checkups with Dr. Bowersox even after you get your dentures so that he can ensure the maintenance of your dentures and 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?
You should wear partial dentures during the day and remove them at night. This gives the gums and mouth a rest period. Remove your dentures for at least 6-8 hours daily.
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 feel 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.
How long do dentures last?
Removable dentures last 5 to 10 years. However, with the support of implants, dentures can last 10 to 15 years or more. Caring for your dentures properly will help them last for years. If you notice that your dentures don’t fit well or are uncomfortable, we can make changes to help your dentures fit better and work properly.
Can I eat normally with implant dentures?
Yes, you can eat normally with implant dentures. Unlike traditional dentures, implant dentures are securely anchored to dental implants in your jaw. This gives them a stable and firm fit, so you can enjoy eating a wide variety of foods without worrying about them slipping or moving.
While it may take some time to get used to eating with implant dentures, most people find that they can chew and bite more easily compared to regular dentures. Once you’re fully healed, you can enjoy your favorite foods with confidence.
Restore Your Lost Teeth Today
Renew the look and function of your teeth with complete or partial dentures. Call Dr. Bowersox for long-lasting dentures in Westminster, MD, at 410-642-5634. You may also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Bowersox on our website.