Dentures

One of our doctors will first meet with the patient to discuss the treatment and what to expect. Team members will take X-rays before making impressions of the patient's mouth. These will go to a lab technician who can customize the appliance for the patient. At this first appointment, our dental team may remove any decayed or severely damaged teeth. If necessary, this may occur at a subsequent appointment.

Once the dentures are ready, the patient will return to Alexandria Old Town Dental for the fitting process. This appointment will also happen after the gums have healed following any tooth extractions. In making sure the dentures fit correctly, we will also make any adjustments when necessary. Once complete, the patient will be able to bite down without issue.

Dentures may enhance your overall appearance. In addition to replacing any missing teeth and improving the smile, dentures can help stop the facial muscles from sagging.

It may take you some time to get accustomed to speaking with dentures. However, with enough time and practice, dentures will likely improve your speech.

Depending on the type of dentures a patient has, they may be able to sleep in them. However, it is usually suggested to remove dentures before going to sleep, even for those who can wear them overnight. Use this time to soak them in a mild denture-soaking solution or water.

For the most part, patients can continue to eat food with dentures as they normally would with natural teeth. This can be slightly uncomfortable and feel strange at first. Using proper denture adhesive and ensuring they fit properly by visiting a dentist can help.

Partial dentures are one of the most affordable options for missing teeth. We can go over dental coverage for this treatment during a consultation appointment in our office. We will go over the replacement options with you and the types of insurance we accept. If you wish to know about your coverage, you will need to contact your insurance provider.

Not replacing missing teeth can lead to various problems with oral health. Along with that, it can help to restore one's smile. Complete teeth replacement helps improve speech, eating, appearance, and oral health.

Patients with dentures or implant-supported dentures may need to avoid foods such as carrots, apples, nuts, and tough cuts of meat. With dental implants, there is no need to adjust the diet. Whatever one eats, it is important to continue to brush and floss regularly after getting dentures or implants.

After getting implants, there is no adjustment period because they act and feel like real teeth. Wearing dentures for the first time may require an adjustment of about 30 days. Patients may feel a little discomfort in the jawbone as their mouth gets used to the dentures.

Denture care consists of good oral hygiene, cleaning your dentures, and visiting the dentist for routine checks and maintenance. Dentures are a common, inexpensive, and effective way to improve the look and function of a patient's mouth who has one or more missing teeth. While dentures can include a partial or full set of artificial teeth, they require extra steps beyond regular oral hygiene.

Dentures do require ongoing maintenance outside of the typical oral hygiene routine. Many people believe they can set dentures down by the side of the bed. However, this can lead to warping and cracking over time. Patients should soak dentures overnight. Avoid hot water, as this may also cause warping. Never use a denture solution directly in the mouth. Patients who use denture solutions should rinse thoroughly before placing dentures in the mouth because denture solutions should not be ingested. Our team can help you determine if a solution is right for your regimen. It is also important to note that dentures require cleaning, just like regular teeth do. Whenever possible, remove dentures after eating or drinking and rinse them to get rid of food particles. Patients should brush dentures at least once per day. Dentists recommend a soft-bristled brush as a more abrasive brush may cause damage over time.

Even if no teeth remain, continued dental hygiene is essential. Brush the teeth and gums and floss any remaining teeth. Patients may use gauze or a soft bristled toothbrush to clean the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and the tongue. Finally, people who use adhesives should take care to remove it.

Denture adhesives are any adhesives placed in or on dentures to assist them in staying in place. They typically come as pastes, powders, or adhesive pads. Some also contain zinc to enhance adhesion. In moderation, they are safe to use.

Generally, no. The procedure usually does not require any tooth extractions, so it is relatively pain-free. However, you may experience some slight discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. Most people become fully accustomed to their partial dentures in a few weeks.

Not replacing missing teeth can lead to various problems with oral health. Along with that, it can help to restore one's smile. Complete teeth replacement helps improve speech, eating, appearance, and oral health.

While comfort is a major factor, there are other reasons to seek prompt help for damaged dentures. Uneven surfaces or a bad fit can gradually cause irritation, sores, and even infections in the mouth. It is preferable to get denture adjustments and repairs before a small problem gives rise to serious issues.

Modifying dentures can cause minor speech and eating issues. However, these will go away with a little practice. Properly-fitting and well-maintained dentures become more comfortable to eat and speak with over time.

Dentists caution against using superglue to repair a break. This material is not intended for use on anything that goes in the mouth. The chemicals in it can cause toxic reactions. In addition, it can be difficult to remove and can prevent a dentist from performing proper repairs.

Many types of damage can be repaired. If the damage affects a specific tooth replacement or only the base of the dentures, it may be possible to replace only the affected part. Your dentist will inspect the dentures and make an appropriate recommendation.

Even with careful maintenance, dentures do not last forever. Your dentist will give you care instructions to help you extend the life of your dentures as thoroughly as possible. Be sure to follow your dentist's advice on how to safely clean dentures, such as avoiding abrasive cleaning material and whitening toothpaste, bleach-containing products, and hot water that could warp your dentures.

Improper denture repair can potentially lead to pain. At Alexandria Old Town Dental, we will do everything in our power to minimize any risks.

The costs associated with denture relining and rebasing depend on a number of factors, including the dentist's proposal, the type of denture reline process, and the type of dental prosthesis. When it comes to cost, we will consider your insurance plan and preferred form of payment.

A patient can resume a normal lifestyle immediately after denture relining. The new fit may cause mild discomfort for a few days, but over-the-counter medications should relieve it. Patients may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with the dentist to ensure the denture fit is correct.

If the dentures feel loose or otherwise improperly fit, call us or visit the office for a checkup. One of our practitioners will be able to adjust them to ensure a proper fit. There are "do-it-yourself" adjustment kits on the market, but these can permanently damage dentures. A short follow-up can help solve the problem in a quick and efficient manner.

While dentures are a functional and reliable method of replacing missing teeth, sometimes, minor damage or a change in fit can decrease comfort. Getting necessary repairs and adjustments as soon as possible is essential to keeping dentures in good condition for longer.

The repair process will depend on the type of damage the denture has sustained. Even when dentures are in good condition, adjustments may be needed if the undamaged dentures no longer fit well due to changes in the jawbone, gums, or remaining natural teeth. Recognizing these early signs of required maintenance is important to return to wearing dentures comfortably as soon as possible. Early signs of needing dental maintenance can include:

• Broken or loose replacement tooth: Any issues with replacement teeth should be addressed promptly. A dentist can easily solve this problem. Avoid chewing with a denture whose structure is unsound, since this can lead to further breakage and possible mouth injury.

• Cracked or chipped teeth or base: Cracks or chipping can result from biting down on hard foods or dropping the dentures. While this defect may not render the denture unwearable, it needs a prompt fix. In addition to further deterioration, cracks and chips can provide havens for bacterial growth.

• Discomfort while chewing: Chewing with dentures often feels different from using natural teeth. However, after an initial adjustment period, it should not be uncomfortable. Pressure or pain while eating can mean the dentures need adjustment.

• Pain or pressure: These sensations in the mouth can indicate a damaged denture surface. They can also arise if the dentures no longer fit properly. Ignoring this sign can lead to more serious problems later.

• Persistent odor: Following your doctor’s care instructions should get rid of the smells. If it does not, this can mean a hidden crack where bacteria are growing. A dentist can identify and fix any issue causing a persistent odor.

Regular check-ups can help address issues requiring denture adjustments and repairs. We recommend denture wearers visit the dentist at least once a year. Individual patients may receive a recommendation to come in more frequently.

Using appropriate denture care routines goes a long way toward keeping them clean. Regular brushing and denture cleansing solutions are necessary to get rid of harmful microbes. A proper cleaning routine will keep the mouth healthy and prevent stains from occurring. However, sometimes stains persist. While many people reach for regular tooth whitening products, it is important to know that they are not appropriate for dentures and can even damage them.

Our team can help with persistent stains by performing an in-office cleaning or providing a specialty cleaning product that is effective and denture-safe. To minimize staining, rinse the dentures immediately after ingesting substances such as coffee or wine that commonly cause stains. Seeing a dentist according to the recommended schedule, closely following denture care instructions, and seeing a dentist are some other ways to keep dentures in great condition.

Even a seemingly simple fix is better left to a qualified professional. Attempts to make denture adjustments and repairs at home often cause damage that can take longer to repair or even necessitate a replacement. People who use over-the-counter denture repair kits should follow instructions to the letter and be aware that this is not a permanent solution but a stopgap measure until a visit to the dentist is possible.

Chips and cracks are common reasons patients need denture adjustments and repairs. Handle and clean dentures over a soft surface such as a towel, never over the sink or countertop. Avoid biting down on hard foods that can cause damage.

Dental implant patients can continue their normal oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Patients with dentures or implant-supported dentures should rinse the dentures after each meal and soak them in a cleaning solution at night. All patients should continue to make regular appointments with their dental provider.

When a patient is ready to go forward with complete teeth replacement, our team can guide them through the process. After deciding on a complete teeth replacement, our team schedules a consultation. We evaluate the mouth and gums and take X-rays. Then, the dental provider recommends treatment. Before getting dentures or implants, our dentist will remove any other remaining teeth or diseased gum tissue.

With dentures and implants, the dentist measures the mouth before treatment begins. We take impressions to get the right dimensions for the new prosthetic. Afterward, that information goes to the lab for a custom fit. After the lab creates the dentures, they may require several fitting appointments to ensure comfort. Patients who need implants will schedule surgery to place the implants. Then, there may be an appointment to place abutments onto the posts. A few months later, the dentist places the individual implants onto the metal posts.

Gum recession is a common risk of partial dentures. However, this typically occurs when bacteria become trapped between the partial dentures and the gums and the area where the partial dentures are attached to the natural teeth. As such, it is imperative for patients to remove their partial dentures nightly and clean both the natural teeth and the dentures properly.

Typically, implant-supported dentures are connected to the mouth with between two and five implants. It is common for an entire row to attach to four implants. However, the number needed varies from case to case.

The American College of Prosthodontists suggests that you visit your dentist to determine which type of dentures is right for you. When visiting our office, our dentist will provide a consultation and exam. This initial evaluation will help inform the treatment plan.

Dentures are typically replaced every five to 10 years. The bridge from implant-supported dentures may also need replacement after time. Dental implants can last for decades, so they may never need replacement.

Most patients end up needing to see a dentist for repairs or adjustments at some point. Following proper care routines can cut down on this necessity. However, normal wear and tear and changes to the shape of the mouth can still make it necessary to get adjustments or repairs.

This depends on the type of damage and the age of your dentures. Most dentures last between five and 10 years with proper care. If a denture is at the end of its lifespan, it can make sense to get a replacement. Likewise, a high level of damage may not be worth repairing.

The Mayo Clinic warns against using products containing bleach on dentures. Bleach can weaken the structure and degrade the materials of the dentures. A dentist can help with stains, as well as with any other necessary adjustments and repairs.

Damaged dentures tend to cause a bad fit. Continuing to wear ill-fitting dentures instead of fixing them can lead to problems such as gum pain, irritation, sores, and even infection. Poor placement can also affect the ability to chew food, resulting in digestive issues.

Proper care can help you wear your dentures comfortably for the maximum possible time period. Reduce the risk of cracks and other impact damage by only handling the dentures over a soft surface such as a towel. Following your dentist's care and cleaning instructions can help avoid cracks and abrasions.

There are several risk factors for receding gums, including but not limited to aggressive brushing, tartar buildup, smoking, genetics, diabetes, and HIV. Hormonal changes in women may also lead to gum recession.

As the name suggests, mini-implants are smaller dental implants. They have the same structure as regular implants, but consist of a one-piece screw less than 3mm in diameter. They also include a ball-shaped end protruding from the jawbone.

Call us immediately for an adjustment. Avoid moving the denture around in the mouth, as this can loosen it.