A denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces missing teeth. Dentures are designed to closely resemble your natural teeth and are used to restore your smile after tooth loss. Removable partial and full dentures are custom appliances crafted from acrylic resin. Full dentures rest on top of the gums and stay in place with the help of suction or adhesives and partial dentures are attached to the adjacent teeth. 

Types of Dentures

There are several types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing in either the upper jaw or lower jaw. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain in the upper or lower arch. Several factors are considered when deciding which denture type is the best fit for you.

Partial dentures fill in the gaps of teeth that have been lost but don’t interfere with existing healthy teeth.

Complete dentures are a more functional option than partial dentures because they replace all of the teeth at once. With a complete denture, no healthy teeth need to be altered or damaged in order to place the device in the mouth.

Are Dentures Right for You?

While full and partial dentures replace missing or extracted teeth, these restorations aren’t suitable for every patient. It’s best to talk to our Dentist in Sterling, VA about whether dentures are likely to meet your needs or if another treatment would be a better option. For instance, if you have significant tooth loss, we may recommend a full-arch restoration, such as a dental implant-supported denture. These provide better support and stability than a removable denture.

Pros and Cons of Dentures

While dentures are a common solution for tooth loss, they may not be the best option for everyone. Here are a few benefits and drawbacks to getting dentures:

Positives

• Replace missing teeth quickly
• Affordably priced
• Can be made to look as natural as possible
• Maintain facial structure by preventing facial sagging 
• Restore your smile and boost your confidence

Negatives

• It may take some time to get used to speaking and eating with dentures
• Can slip out of place or be uncomfortable when eating certain foods
• Need to be thoroughly cleaned and maintained to avoid irritation

Even though there are a few downsides to dentures, they can still be a great choice for many people. Talk to our dentist today to determine if dentures or another treatment would be right for you!

To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (703) 444-9244 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 46161 Westlake Dr., #110, Sterling, VA 20165.