Dentures & Partials: An Overview
Dentures and partials are common restorative dentistry treatments for patients looking to replace a full or partial arch of teeth. Your teeth play an important role in your overall health and self-confidence. Our goal is to restore your smile as quickly as possible to help you avoid the discomfort of missing teeth. If you suffer from missing teeth or have teeth that will need to be extracted, schedule an appointment with our compassionate team today so we can get started on providing you with a set of custom-fit dentures or partials.
DENTURES & PARTIALS IN LAUREL, MD
As your trusted restorative dentist in Laurel, MD, we look forward to providing you with custom-fit dentures and partials to meet the needs of your smile. You deserve to live your life with a full set of functional teeth, and Laurel Smiles Dental Care is here to help you do so.
Preparing for Dentures: What to Expect
Before you can enjoy your new set of dentures, a few preparatory dental procedures may be necessary to ensure the best possible fit and comfort. Depending on your specific needs, your dentist may recommend the following:
- Tooth Extractions: If you have unhealthy or severely damaged teeth remaining, they may need to be removed to make way for your full or partial denture.
- Dental Crowns: Sometimes, crowns are placed on existing teeth to provide extra support for a partial denture.
- Healing Time: After any extractions or restorative procedures, it’s important to allow your gums and mouth to heal, which sets the stage for a comfortable, secure fit.
Once your mouth has healed, your dentist will take precise measurements and impressions. These help create a wax model of your new dentures for you to try on and adjust, ensuring your final dentures are both functional and comfortable.
TYPES OF DENTURES
Dentures are custom, artificial teeth that your dentist may suggest to replace missing teeth and some of the gum tissue. They are made in a dental lab with impressions of your mouth. We offer removable, fixed, and permanent dentures at their Laurel, MD, dentist office.
- Partial Denture: Partial dentures near you resemble a dental bridge because they replace several missing teeth. They will fill in the gaps in your smile.
Partial dentures are a versatile solution for patients who are missing a few teeth but still have some healthy natural teeth remaining. Depending on your needs and preferences, partials can be crafted from a variety of materials:
- Acrylic Resin Partials (Flippers): These are a more affordable and typically temporary option, ideal for use while you wait for a more permanent restoration. Flippers are lightweight and easy to adjust, making them a quick fi x if you need a replacement right away.
- Plastic Partial Dentures: Often reinforced with small wire metal clasps, these provide a balance of durability and affordability. They attach securely to your existing teeth and are suited for everyday use.
- Flexible Plastic Partials: Made from a pliable, comfortable base that adapts to the movement of your mouth, these partials offer a snug fit and are often chosen for their comfort and natural appearance.
- Metal Partial Dentures (Chrome Cobalt): For those seeking the thinnest and most durable option, metal partial dentures are a premium solution. Crafted from chrome cobalt, they are comfortable, strong, and designed for long-lasting wear.
Every type of partial denture is designed to restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence, while also helping to maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth.
What Materials and Styles Are Used for Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are designed to seamlessly fill the gaps left by several missing teeth and can be crafted from a variety of materials to suit your needs, comfort level, and budget.
- Acrylic Resin Partials: Often selected as a temporary solution, these “flippers” are an affordable option. They’re lightweight and ideal for those waiting on a more permanent restoration.
- Plastic Partial Dentures: These are more durable than temporary acrylics and use discreet wire clasps to anchor to your existing teeth. For patients seeking flexibility, some partials use a soft, pliable plastic that conforms closely to the movement of your mouth, increasing comfort and fit.
- Metal Framework Partials: Crafted from chrome cobalt, these are the thinnest and most durable type of partial available. While they come at a higher cost, they offer exceptional strength and a comfortable, snug fit for everyday wear.
Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your oral health, lifestyle, and cosmetic preferences, ensuring your new smile is both functional and natural-looking.
- Full Dentures: Full Dentures replace the entire upper or lower arch of teeth. These are an excellent solution for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth. Full dentures are customized to fit comfortably over your gums, restoring the appearance and function of your smile. Depending on your needs, you may choose from several types of full dentures:
- Conventional Full Dentures: Made and placed after your gums have healed from any necessary extractions, these dentures offer a precise fit for long-term comfort.
- Same-Day (Immediate) Full Dentures: Crafted in advance so they can be positioned right after tooth removal, allowing you to never go without teeth during the healing process.
- Implant-Supported Full Dentures: These attach securely to dental implants that are surgically placed in your jaw, providing enhanced stability and comfort compared to traditional options.
- Implant Dentures: Dentures secured by dental implants permanently attach dentures to the jaw using strategically placed dental implants. Dental implant secured dentures provide the highest rate of patient satisfaction.
What is an All-on-Four Denture?
An All-on-Four denture is a modern solution for patients needing a secure, full-arch tooth replacement. Instead of replacing each missing tooth individually, this method uses four strategically placed dental implants to anchor a full denture in place. The denture then “snaps on” to these implants, giving you a stable, functional smile that looks and feels much like natural teeth.
By relying on these four implants, the All-on-Four technique helps prevent jawbone loss—providing improved comfort, stability, and long-term oral health compared to traditional dentures. This makes them an excellent choice for patients seeking a permanent, worry-free alternative to removable dentures.
THE BENEFITS OF IMPLANT-SECURED DENTURES
There are many reasons why patients have the highest satisfaction with implant-secured dentures. Implant-secured dentures give you the benefits of dental implants, but you don’t have the price of replacing each individual tooth with single implants. The dentist can place a limited amount of implants to support a full denture. Implants stop the jawbone from deteriorating, and they help to spur jawbone growth.
With implant dentures, you don’t have to worry about adhesive and suction. They stay in the mouth and won’t slip or fall out when you’re talking or eating. You get back full bite function and don’t have to eliminate anything from your diet. You take care of implant dentures the same way you would with your normal teeth. Brush twice a day and make sure you’re visiting the dentist bi-annually to ensure everything is going the way it should.
DENTURES AND PARTIALS FAQS
SHOULD I KEEP MY DENTURES IN WATER OVERNIGHT?
Yes, your dentures must stay moist to retain their shape and fit. While you can sleep with your dentures in, we suggest that you avoid doing so to give your gums and jaw a chance to relax from the pressure of the oral appliance.
HOW DO I CARE FOR DENTURES OR PARTIALS?
Do not brush your teeth with regular toothpaste, as this can damage your dentures. Instead, you will need to buy over-the-counter denture cleaner to clean your dentures effectively. You want to ensure you regularly clean your dentures by hand at least once a day. This helps keep your dentures in good condition. It will remove the bacteria daily so that it can not negatively impact your gums or jawbone.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO AVOID DENTURE SLIPPAGE?
Denture slippage is a common issue. We recommend a few dental implants, so your dentures have something to hold onto in your mouth. Dental implants are prosthetic teeth that a dentist will surgically fuse into your jawbone. Ensuring that your dentures fit well and comfortably is a priority at Laurel Smiles Dental Care. Talk to your dentist if you have concerns about the fit of your dentures, as there are often several improvements that we can make to try to alleviate this issue.
HOW DOES A SOFT RELINE IMPROVE DENTURE COMFORT?
Over time, your gums and mouth naturally change shape, which can make your dentures feel less comfortable or secure. A soft reline refreshes the fit by adding a gentle, cushioning layer to the inside of your denture. This soft, flexible material acts like a shock absorber, reducing sore spots and relieving pressure on sensitive gum tissue. With a soft reline, your denture adapts more comfortably to the contours of your mouth, helping you enjoy a better, more stable fit for longer.
WHAT IS A SOFT RELINE FOR DENTURES AND WHY MIGHT IT BE NEEDED?
Over time, it’s natural for your gums and the shape of your mouth to change, which can sometimes make your dentures feel less comfortable or even create sore spots. To help restore comfort and ensure a better fit, your dentist may recommend a soft reline.
A soft reline involves adding a flexible, cushioning material to the part of your denture that rests against your gums. The process helps absorb some of the pressure from chewing and makes the denture feel much gentler on sensitive tissues. Soft relines are especially helpful for patients with tender gums, recent tooth loss, or frequent denture irritation.
If you notice soreness, shifting, or difficulty wearing your dentures, talk to your dentist about whether a soft reline might benefit you. Keeping your dentures comfortable ensures you can continue enjoying the full function and appearance they provide.
ARE THERE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS WITH DENTURES?
Dentures will restore some of your eating function. However, you will need to adhere to some dietary restrictions. Some types of food, such as sticky or hard food, simply require a strong biting force. It can be challenging to eat these kinds of food comfortably and keep the denture in place. To help make it easier to chew more difficult types of food, you can try cutting them into smaller pieces. Also, you must avoid very hot items.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DENTURES BREAK?
Dentures are a crucial part of life for many patients. If they break, we understand that you may panic. The first thing to remember is never to try to fix them yourself. DIY repairs can lead to further damage. Contact your dentist right away to schedule an appointment. Remove the denture from your mouth and any of the broken pieces. Keep them in a safe, place like a glass of water, until your appointment. Do not try to wear them with denture adhesive. Until you can have them repaired, you should refrain from wearing them. Once your dentist can see you, they will determine if they can be repaired or if they need to be replaced.
CAN I WEAR MY DENTURES WHILE I AM SLEEPING?
Technically, yes you can wear your dentures when sleeping. However your gums will need a rest from them. During the evening when you are sleeping is the perfect time for this. This is why most dentists will suggest removing them when you are sleeping. Each night, you should remove them, clean them properly, and store them in denture cleaner or water. Wearing dentures continuously can lead to discomfort, sores, and irritation of the gums.
HOW MANY DENTAL IMPLANTS WILL I NEED TO SUPPORT MY IMPLANT DENTURE?
First, it depends on which arch your denture is being placed on. The bone in the upper jaw is softer and may require more dental implants to secure the denture. The upper denture typically uses about 4 to 8 implants. The lower jaw has denser bone. As little as two dental implants can support a denture however, most dentists will want to use at least 4. The exact number will vary based on factors like the patient oral health, bone density, and the type of denture being used.