Dr. Denise Halliburton provides dentures to patients in her Ellicott City, MD dental office. Dentures are a restorative dentistry solution that restores multiple rows of teeth or even full arches of missing teeth. It is important to restore missing teeth in order to prevent dental infections, overcrowding, and even further tooth loss.
Dentures are a great option for patients who want to treat problems with biting, speaking, and chewing that are caused by their missing teeth. We can also provide replacement dentures or new implant-secured dentures for patients looking for a longer-lasting restoration.
Types of Dentures
A partial denture is similar to a dental bridge in replacing several consecutive missing teeth. Full dentures can replace all of the upper or lower teeth. Implant dentures are full or partial dentures that are permanently attached to the jaw using dental implants.
Traditionally, dentures are removable prosthetics that are secured to the gums with adhesives. Dental implants offer a permanent option for dentures and help retain the bite’s function. With implants, patients do not require dietary restrictions and can easily eat the foods they love.
Traditional, Removable Dentures
These are what you probably think of when you think of dentures. They’re made of metal and resin and contain a full arch of teeth. They stay in your mouth with suction and special dental adhesives. While they used to be bulky and awkward, dental technology has come a long way. Today’s dentures aren’t nearly as bulky and look more natural in your mouth. They also feel more comfortable when you’re speaking or talking with them.
Traditional dentures are a faster and less-expensive denture option when compared to implant dentures. However, traditional dentures still have negatives. For instance, you don’t regain your full bite function with removable dentures. You’ll have to eliminate certain foods from your diet because you won’t be able to choose them. They’re at risk of slipping or falling out when you’re eating or speaking.
Removable dentures require more maintenance, too. You have to take them out every night when you go to bed to give your gums a rest. Wearing them for too long can irritate your gums and make them sore. You also have to get special denture cleaner to get rid of lingering adhesive and make sure that you keep them as clean as possible.
Implant Dentures
Whenever possible, we recommend implant dentures for our patients. They’re the gold standard of tooth replacement. But not all patients are eligible. You have to have a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure to support the implants. They’re also a more expensive option. Though they cost more upfront, you don’t have added costs down the line. You won’t have to readjust or replace them down the road.
Implant dentures are a lifetime restoration. The implants fuse with the jawbone, stopping jawbone deterioration and eliminating readjustments needed due to the fit changing. You don’t experience the sagging face that comes with jawbone deterioration, either. They don’t require extra maintenance, unlike traditional dentures. You’re able to brush and floss them like you would your natural teeth.
But maybe the best benefit of implant dentures is getting back 100% of your bite function. The adhesive isn’t needed, and you don’t have to worry about your restoration slipping or falling out when you eat or speak. You’re able to continue to eat a healthy, balanced diet. You can bite into an apple with ease, as well as eat other healthy foods.
Denture Treatment
If you are receiving implant-secured dentures, Dr. Halliburton will refer you to a local surgeon for dental implant surgery. An oral surgeon inserts the titanium implant posts into the jaw during this procedure. After the implants integrate with the jaw bone, you can return to our office for dental impressions. These impressions are used to fabricate your custom dentures.
We will provide you with a temporary denture while your permanent dentures are being created. Once the dentures are in place, we will provide you with at-home care instructions so you can properly care for your new restoration. Removable dentures will need to be cleaned and removed at night. They also require adhesives to stay in the mouth during the day. Implant-secured dentures also require daily cleaning but are not removable and can function like natural teeth.
Receive Dentures Today
Do you need a functional restoration for your missing teeth? Call our office at 443.232.0656 for a consultation. You may also schedule a dental appointment on our website.