Full or Partial Dentures

Dentures offer an affordable way to replace any number of missing teeth in your mouth. They have a long history of success and continue to earn a place in the list of options for rebuilding your smile.

As you may know, dentures are removable substitutes for missing teeth. Full dentures provide value when a person is missing all of their natural teeth while partial dentures replace only individual missing teeth to eliminate gaps and improve chewing. Denture treatment is customized specifically to each patient, and Dr. Zain can help you decide which option works best for you.

Full Dentures (conventional and implant-supported)

Sometimes dental conditions, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can become unmanageable. This may lead to the decision to remove your remaining teeth on one or both jaws. Regardless of the case, full dentures are an economical and efficient way to restore your function and smile.

A complete denture consists of a thin acrylic base that rests on the gum tissue and is the same color as your gums. Porcelain or acrylic replacement teeth built into the base give the appearance of natural teeth emerging from the gums. We know that your smile is unique, and Dr. Zain has the experience to help you select the teeth that appear most natural and harmonious in your smile. This gives you the option to customize the way you look, whether you want a "new" smile or just want to restore the one you had.

While dentures boast a long history of successful use, modern technology offers better options to enhance the way they fit and the way you look. In many cases, dentures can be secured more firmly to your jaw with the use of dental implants, placed in the jaw and connected under the base of the denture. This connection can be designed to create permanent fixation of the denture or to allow for its removal at times. In addition to having greater retention and a more natural look, implant-supported dentures tend to last longer. Dr. Zain can discuss these options and help you understand the ways they can improve your experience with dentures.

Partial Dentures

Whether you've lost one tooth or many, chewing and smiling can become more difficult because of the gaps left behind. Partial dentures are an economical solution to replace the missing teeth and fill in the spaces, improving chewing ability and the confidence to smile. A partial denture in place will also help keep your natural teeth from shifting, lowering the risk of losing those teeth in the future.

Most partial dentures contain a thin metal framework that is designed to rest close to your gums and allow for a smooth, non-bulky feel. The framework is supported by your natural teeth to provide a reliable, secure appliance that is easy to use. Where teeth are missing, natural-looking replacement teeth are attached to the frame, and gum-colored acrylic is used to make the appliance blend with your mouth. Again, your mouth and your needs are unique, and Dr. Zain works with skilled technicians to create a solution that is comfortable and esthetic.

With advances in technology, implants can also be used to support removable partial dentures, improving the fit while reducing the size of the appliance. Dentures inherently bring some challenges, especially to new wearers. Our goal is to minimize the everyday frustrations to the lowest level possible.

We look forward to discussing your options to make your mouth full again and to give you back a confident, glowing smile!

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Dentures | Fredericksburg, VA

  • Yes, if you have one or more missing teeth, partial dentures could be an option for you. A plate or frame is created to fit into your mouth with a replacement attached for every missing tooth.

    It is a good choice for anyone who doesn't want to have oral surgery but has spaces in their mouth that they want to fill.

  • Are dental implants an option for everyone?

    First, it is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18 since their jawbone could still be growing and moving, and this could render the treatment ineffective. The is no upward age limit, although there are some requirements, such as having the capability to follow the necessary dental care treatment plan for caring for the implants.

    Other people to whom we generally do not recommend dental implants are smokers and those with ongoing gum disease. Smoking can hinder the healing process and increase the chance of an infection, and gum disease must be treated before implant options are considered. Otherwise, the treatment could be painful and may not heal properly.

  • The debate between partial dentures and dental implants is very common with our patients, and the best choice is different for different people. It helps to understand the key differences.

    • Partial dentures can be removed easily at any time, while implants are attached to a plate on your jawbone and can only be removed professionally.

    • Your partial denture plate hooks onto the back of your natural teeth to stay in place, but implants are screwed into your mouth and replace the original tooth root.

    • Dentures cost significantly less than dental implants.

    • Implants last anywhere from a decade to a lifetime if you care for them properly and practice good oral hygiene. A partial denture doesn't usually last much more than five years before it needs replacing.

    There are pros and cons to both, and it largely depends on age, budget, location and number of missing teeth, and whether or not you are willing to have surgery. You can arrange a consultation to speak with a team member at Serene Smiles about getting implants or dentures in Fredericksburg, VA.

  • You can make your appointment for the best Fredericksburg dentures that can give you back your smile through the Serene Smiles website or by calling our office during business hours. All the relevant details are available on the Contact Page.

  • Many dental insurance policies cover dentures as part of their plan- usually up to 50% of the cost. This is a great option for more affordable dentures in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

    The amount of coverage you have will depend on your dental plan, so double-check your policy before proceeding.

    At Serene Smiles, we work with several payment and financing options to help everyone get the confidence-boosting smile they deserve.

  • If your dentures start to feel loose or cause any discomfort, they could need to be repaired, or it could be time for a new denture. Even with excellent oral care and hygiene, it is normal that you may need some adjustments after a few years of wear- especially if you use a full denture.

    Constant irritation, sore gums, and feeling like the dentures don't fit properly are all reasons to contact us about denture repair in Fredericksburg, VA.

    Our dentistry expert can find the problem, treat it, service the denture, or create a new one to ensure you feel comfortable, your mouth is happy, and your smile is the best it can be.

  • It depends on how many healthy natural teeth you have. Usually, it is not recommended to remove healthy teeth in favor of dentures since it is likely to be detrimental to the structure of your jawbone.

    That said, if only one or two natural teeth are remaining, the stress they are likely to be under could make them deteriorate very quickly.

    Every case is different, so it is best to schedule an appointment for the dentist to inspect your mouth and make a recommendation based on your situation.

    Remember, there are other ways to restore your smile, and it may be worth exploring your options first.

  • Molds are usually taken a while before dentures are put in to ensure the right shape and size, but it is sometimes possible to have them put in on the same day your teeth are removed. This is called an immediate denture, and it has pros and cons.

    With implant-supported dentures, there is usually a waiting period before installation. Again, every case is unique, and your Serene Smiles dental care expert can advise what is best for you.

  • What are the various tooth replacement options?

    Partial denture or bridge
    Removable frames that mold to your mouth and hook onto existing teeth to fill gaps

    Full dentures
    A complete upper or lower set of teeth that either suction onto your gums or are secured in place with implants.

    Dental implants
    The gold standard in tooth replacement options- available as individuals or a full set- that are fixed into your jawbone to replace the tooth root