At University Centre Dental Associates, Dr. Maurice Haynes offer dentures as part of his top-notch general dental services for local residents in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial teeth that replace missing teeth and usually can be removed for cleaning. Although they do not feel like real teeth when they are inserted in the mouth, they can look quite natural and often are comfortable. Dentures are represented by partial and full appliances.
How Are Dentures Designed?
Full dentures are made of an acrylic base that is fit on top of the gums with the upper dentures’ base covering the roof of the mouth. The lower appliance is horse-shoe shaped in order to accommodate the tongue. Dentures are customized and made in a dental lab after impressions have been taken.
The Traditional Full Denture
The traditional-type denture is placed in the mouth after the teeth have been extracted and the gum tissue has healed. Healing usually takes several months.
The Immediate Full Denture
The immediate full denture can be worn right after the teeth have been extracted. Measurements are taken, and models of the jaw are prepared during an initial visit. Because a reshaping of the bone occurs during the healing process, the denture, in the interim, tends to become loose and, therefore, needs to be relined after some time.
The Partial Denture
A partial denture is indicated where some but not all of the teeth are missing in the upper or lower jaw.
In some instances, crowns may be placed on the supporting teeth, thereby serving as anchors for the partial dentures. Partial dentures are similar to bridges, except they can be removed. They may be made of acrylic only, metal framework with acrylic, or they may be made entirely out of a flexible plastic material called Valplast®.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Dentures?
Dentures may feel somewhat uncomfortable initially. However, after about three to four weeks, patients generally adapt to wearing the appliance, especially if the denture is a full denture. Excess saliva and minor irritations are common at first.
How Long Will Dentures Last?
A number of factors will influence the longevity of your dentures. Dentures, over time, need to be remade, relined, or rebased. Rebasing a denture involves designing a new base for the denture teeth. Aging also causes changes in the mouth. Such changes may cause the teeth to loosen or cause some irritation to the gums. Therefore, to make optimum use of the teeth, it’s important to visit the dentist for a checkup each year.
How Do I Care for My Dentures?
Dentures are not as strong as natural teeth. Therefore, care should be taken when handling them. Place dentures in a cleanser and water when they are not worn. Don’t use hot water; otherwise, they will warp. Brush the teeth each day to get rid of plaque and to prevent staining. Besides your dentures, also brush the roof of your mouth and the tongue and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush before inserting them. Always make an appointment with the dentist if your dentures are damaged or become loose. Always remove them before going to bed.
Why Choose Dr. Maurice Haynes of University Centre Dental Associates?
Dr. Maurice Haynes stays up-to-date on the newest advances and technologies in the field of dentistry in order to provide his patients with the best care possible. He combines excellent dental services with compassion and is an active member of the American Dental Association.
How Much Do Dentures Cost in Greenbelt, MD?
The cost for dentures varies. Please schedule a consultation with University Centre Dental Associates to discuss your particular case.
Your dental insurance may cover the cost of dentures. Because every policy is different, the staff at University Centre Dental Associates will review your information and help determine the status of your dentures coverage.
We provide financing through CareCredit® as an option for any out-of-pocket dentures costs you may have. University Centre Dental Associates also offers a variety of payment methods to help make the process easier for our dentures patients.
Additional Family Dentistry Topics:
- Bonding
- CEREC®
- Composite Fillings
- Cosmetic Contouring
- Crown Restoration
- Dental Implant Restoration
- Lumineers
- Porcelain Bridges
- Porcelain Crowns
- Porcelain Inlays
- Porcelain Onlays
- Porcelain Vivaneers™
- Teeth Whitening (Zoom and Trays)
How Do I Schedule a Consultation?
Please call 301-302-8395 today to schedule your initial consultation! The general dental and orthodontic services we offer at University Centre Dental Associates have improved the lives of people from in and around Washington, DC, including residents in Greenbelt, MD, and Bowie, MD, as well as Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Anne Arundel County. Whether you are an adult, a child, or a teenager, our knowledgeable staff is committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve. Please call 301-302-8395 today to schedule your initial consultation!