Dentures
If you have multiple missing teeth and are ready to reclaim your smile, dentures may be the perfect option for you. At Northern Virginia Dental Solutions, we’ll help you to evaluate the solution that works best for your oral health and financial situation.
Why Choose Dentures?
Although they’ve been around for ages, today’s dentures are more comfortable and natural looking than those of the past. Dentures can either replace all of your teeth or a few, which is known as partial dentures.
Both types may require that some teeth be pulled or that some surgery be performed on the bony ridges beneath the gums to better accommodate your new dentures so they have a perfect feel and “fit.”
What to Expect
We begin by taking an impression of your teeth which is used to custom make your dentures. If your dentures are full, and any extractions are necessary, a temporary denture is placed to assist with the healing and to provide “teeth” while your gums heal. Partial dentures replace missing teeth and are attached to existing teeth with anchors made of plastic or metal.
A final denture is prepared after all healing has taken place, usually within 2-3 months.
Both full and partial dentures are removed at night when you go to sleep, so that saliva can “wash” over your gums to maintain a healthy mouth.
Implant Supported Dentures
How Implant-Supported Dentures Work
During the procedure, two or more dental implants are surgically placed into the bone, typically in the lower or upper jaw. Once the implants have fused to the bone (a process known as osseointegration), the denture is securely attached to the implants. Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip or shift while eating or speaking, implant-supported dentures remain firmly in place, giving you increased confidence and comfort.
Benefits of Implant-Supported Dentures
- Enhanced Stability: The implants act as anchors, preventing the denture from slipping or shifting, even while chewing or speaking.
- Improved Comfort: With the denture securely in place, there’s less irritation or discomfort often associated with traditional dentures.
- Better Functionality: Implant-supported dentures restore the ability to bite and chew naturally, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods with ease.
- Preservation of Jawbone: By placing implants into the bone, we help stimulate the jaw and prevent bone loss, which is a common issue with missing teeth.
- No More Adhesives: Unlike traditional dentures that often require messy adhesives to stay in place, implant-supported dentures are fixed, offering a more reliable solution.
Clip-On Dentures
Some patients may also refer to implant-supported dentures as clip-on dentures due to the mechanism by which the denture clips securely onto the dental implants. This option is highly customizable, and we can adjust the fit for optimal comfort and function, ensuring that you enjoy a secure, natural-looking smile.
Non-removable, implant-supported dentures
If you’re ready to explore a more secure, non removable solution for missing teeth, implant-supported dentures could be the right choice for you. At Northern Virginia Dental Solutions, we’ll guide you through the process and help you achieve a smile that feels as natural and comfortable as possible.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re ready to discuss dentures, we’re here for you. Of course there may be other options available as well, but we won’t know for sure until we see you! Contact us today to schedule an examination and consultation.