Dentures are an attractive and affordable way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. At Art and Dentistry in Bethesda, Maryland, Ellen Brodsky, DDS, and Andrew Schliep, DDS, lead a team of professionals who create comfortable, durable, and natural-looking dentures. Book a visit over the phone to learn more.
Dentures are removable dental devices that sit atop your gum tissue and replace missing teeth. They’re a popular choice for people who want to restore their smiles relatively quickly.
There are two primary types of dentures: full and partial.
A set of full dentures consists of an entire upper or lower span of artificial teeth secured in a base of pink acrylic. A secure fit on your gums holds them in place throughout the day.
Partial dentures replace some of your natural teeth, leaving any healthy teeth in place. Each set is unique, and designed to fit perfectly within your smile. Some use small hooks to anchor to adjacent teeth.
Thanks to advancements in dental technology, today’s full and partial dentures are incredibly lifelike and create beautiful smiles.
Compared with dental implants, dentures are a more affordable teeth replacement option. Implants require significant jaw bone density to anchor the implant posts, and if you’ve experienced bone loss, you might not be a good candidate for implants, even with bone grafting.
A bridge can close a gap in your smile but requires a dental crown on either side to hold the artificial teeth in place. Bridgework is also usually more costly than partial dentures.
You won’t have to wait long for your new smile when choosing dentures. That makes dentures an appealing option for many people.
Your body and brain need time to adapt to the sensation of wearing a new set of dentures. Expect your dentures to feel strange for a few days, but keep wearing them throughout the day.
If you experience any localized areas of discomfort, sometimes referred to as “hot spots,” let your dentist know. They can make minor alterations to help create a better fit and avoid soft tissue irritation.
Before long, wearing your new dentures will feel like just another part of your daily routine. You’ll love how your new smile looks and how easy it is to enjoy a wide range of foods.
When you’re ready to move closer to a natural-looking smile, call to schedule a visit at Art and Dentistry.