Dentures in Alexandria

Full Teeth Replacement in Alexandria

Dentures are dental prosthetics that replace missing teeth. They are an affordable, non-invasive solution for anyone who has lost teeth due to tooth decay or injury. Dentures can be made from various materials, including acrylic, resin, metal, and porcelain. The most common material is acrylic, which is the most durable and strongest.

Types of Dentures

There is a wide range of denture options available to fix missing teeth, depending on the number of teeth missing, whether they have been recently extracted, and other considerations.

• Conventional Dentures: These are the most common and are designed and fitted after all teeth have been extracted and the gums have healed.
• Immediate Dentures: These are placed immediately after the teeth are extracted. The gums and jawbone are allowed to heal under the denture.
• Immediate Load Dentures: These are temporary dentures that attach to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. The implants heal for several months under the denture while a final, hybrid denture is fabricated.
• Implant-Retained (Snap-On) Dentures: Like traditional dentures, implant-retained dentures are removable, but rather than sitting on the gums, they snap onto posts or bars attached to dental implants embedded in the jawbone. This gives them greater stability and prevents shifting.
• All-On-4 Dentures: All-On-4 Dentures attach a full-arch denture to four dental implants placed in the lower jaw. This minimizes the number of implants needed while providing complete stability and greater bite force for the bottom jaw.
• Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are effective when patients are missing some but not all of their teeth. They function like bridges and are supported by two healthy teeth on either end. The partial is attached to these teeth with fasteners or clasps.

A typical upper denture usually covers the roof of the mouth, with the suction created between the roof of the mouth and the denture material keeping the denture in place. A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to allow room for the tongue and is more prone to shifting or floating because there is no suction to keep it in place. Dental adhesives can help to keep lower dentures in place, but proper fitting is crucial for both upper and lower dentures.

Benefits of Dentures

• Better nutrition: You can eat healthier foods, including raw fruits and vegetables.
• Improved chewing: Being able to chew properly aids digestion.
• Improved appearance: A complete smile boosts self-confidence and gives a better first impression.
• Facial support: Dentures support your facial structure for a more youthful appearance.
• Affordable Solution: Dentures are a cost-effective option for almost anyone, offering a more budget-friendly alternative to most other dental solutions.
• Non-invasive: Dentures are a non-invasive way to replace missing teeth, making them an ideal choice for individuals who prefer to avoid surgical procedures.

Should you get dentures?

If you are looking for an affordable solution for missing teeth, dentures offer many advantages. A consultation with Dr. Van Stralen can help you clarify whether they are the best option.

Dentures vs. Implants

• Function: Both improve your ability to eat most foods, but with dentures, you may need to avoid seeds or certain foods that could get caught beneath the dentures
• Care: You remove dentures at night for easy cleaning and to rest your gums. Implants are brushed and flossed like natural teeth.
• Cost: Dentures are less expensive than dental implants. Dental implants are more expensive.
• Process: Getting dentures takes several weeks and a few fittings. It is a non-invasive process. However, getting dental implants requires a commitment of several months and invasive surgery. Healing takes several months and there is a risk, although low, of implant failure.
• Longevity: Dentures typically last 7-10 years before needing replacement, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

Process of Getting Dentures

Dr. Van Stralen will examine your gums and any remaining teeth to determine whether you are a candidate for dentures. After discussing your options and deciding what type of dentures is appropriate, he will take impressions of your mouth, which our dental laboratory will use to create your dentures.

 

Depending on the type of denture you are receiving, Dr. Van Stralen may schedule dental implant surgery or tooth extractions. Once these procedures (if any) are complete, he will schedule an appropriate time to fit your dentures when the lab completes them.

 

At the fitting appointment, he will check your new dentures for any flaws, place them in your mouth, and make any necessary adjustments for a snug, comfortable fit. Any rough edges will be smoothed away, and you will go home with a beautiful smile.

 

How to Take Care of Your Dentures

Taking care of your dentures properly ensures their long life and proper function. Following the guidelines below will keep your dentures in good shape and protect  your oral health:

• Always remove your dentures at night.
• Clean them using a soft-bristle denture brush and non-abrasive paste.
• Soak your dentures in cool water or a denture solution overnight.
• Do not let your dentures dry out, as this can warp them.
• Brush your tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and any remaining teeth twice daily.
• See a dentist twice yearly for a complete checkup.

Cost of Dentures

Dentures are custom-designed and fabricated according to each individual’s needs. Because of variations in preparatory work, materials used, type of dentures, and other considerations, it is impossible to determine the cost of a patient’s dentures without an initial consultation. Contact our office at Kenneth M. Van Stralen, DDS office Phone Number 703-317-3900 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Van Stralen, who can evaluate your denture needs and provide you with an accurate price.