Dr. Wayne Myles offers full and partial dentures and additional restorative dental treatments in Reston, VA. Unlike the dentures of yesteryear, which took at least five dental visits and numerous adjustments to make, digital dentures are generally made in just two appointments. By using CAD-CAM technology, a denture can be designed with an incredible fit and appearance.
If you lose or break your denture, a permanent digital record of it is kept so a new one can be made right away. Also, a second denture set can be made at the time of the two appointments, so you’ll never be without your teeth again.
Full dentures are removable prosthetics that replace either all of the upper or all of the lower teeth. They consist of a gum-colored base that supports an entire row of artificial teeth, which are usually made out of porcelain or acrylic. Dentures are a cost-effective dental treatment that is easy to care for. When secured with dental implants, dentures enable patients to restore the full function of their bite so they may enjoy their favorite foods. Modern dental prosthetics also allow dentures to look and feel just like natural teeth.
A partial denture is similar to a full denture but with one big exception. Rather than replacing an entire row of lost teeth, a partial denture fits in around the remaining natural teeth, filling in the empty spaces throughout a dental arch. The benefits that partial dentures offer are similar to those offered by full dentures.Dentures are an excellent option for patients who have lost a significant number of teeth and who are looking for a cost-effective way to rebuild their smile. However, Dr. Myles may recommend implant-supported tooth replacement instead if your jawbone is in fairly good shape and you want to have new teeth that are as sturdy and long-lasting as possible.
It is recommended that you wear your partial denture for 14-16 hours per day and remove it for the remaining 8-10. It is important that you remove your dentures for at least 8 hours to give your mouth time to rest. Wearing dentures 24 hours a day can cause infection and bacteria to gather and gum irritation.
Dentures have been known to shorten patients’ lifespans. This is not directly due to the dentures but due to how diet may be impacted by wearing and chewing with dentures. It is not uncommon for patients with partial dentures to struggle with chewing. Many healthy foods are difficult to chew, which results in patients avoiding them. This can cause malnutrition in patients, which can shorten their lifespan.
Dentures can change the shape of your face. However, this does not always happen. Dentures are known to lift your face because of the added support and structure they provide for your mouth, jaw, and cheekbones.
In general, dentures need to be replaced about every 5 to 10 years. The lifespan of dentures varies based on a variety of factors including patients oral care, diet, and their placement. We recommend scheduling regular dental cleanings and examinations so we can check in on the overall health of your dentures and be ready to replace them whenever needed.
For a comprehensive consultation about custom-made dentures, contact us at 703-925-0800 or schedule a denture appointment online. We are proud to offer extraordinary dental care to patients living in Oakton, Vienna, Reston, and throughout Northern Virginia.
