Dentures

More than 40 million Americans wear dentures. Dentures replace your permanent teeth, restoring your biting and chewing abilities. At Morrison Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Chevy Chase and Gaithersburg, Maryland, experienced cosmetic dentist Eric Morrison, DDS, and the team prescribe partial and complete dentures to adults. Whether you’ve lost multiple teeth to extractions or simply want to enhance your smile’s appearance, dentures can help. Call Morrison Cosmetic & General Dentistry today to schedule a denture consultation, or book your appointment online.

Are there different types of dentures?

The Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry team offers several types of dentures, including:

Partial dentures

Partial dentures replace several teeth. They have a metal framework, similar to an orthodontic retainer, that fits snugly into place around your remaining healthy teeth. 

Complete dentures

Complete dentures replace an entire row of teeth. They have artificial gums made of plastic or acrylic and rest on top of your gums. 

Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures are like complete dentures. The difference is that they attach to dental implants –– small titanium posts inserted into your empty tooth sockets. The implants fuse with your jawbone after placement, providing a foundation for your dentures.

Am I a good candidate for dentures?

Before recommending dentures, your Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry provider completes an oral exam and takes digital X-rays. During the exam, they consider various things, including the number of teeth missing, the density and volume of your jawbone, and your personal preferences.

After gathering the necessary information, your provider develops a personalized treatment plan. Specifically, they take impressions of your upper and lower jaws and send them to a denture lab.

Technicians at the denture lab use your impressions to make a model of your mouth. Then, they use the model to design a set of custom dentures that fit perfectly. When your dentures are finished, you return to Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry to try them on.

Your provider places your new dentures in your mouth and checks their fit. They make adjustments to ensure your comfort and provide care instructions. 

How long does it take to get used to dentures?

Getting used to wearing dentures takes time. Some people adjust within weeks, but for others, it takes months. It’s normal to experience mild gum soreness and swelling during the first few weeks of wearing. You might even need to visit Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry several times for adjustments. 

How long do dentures last?

Dentures typically last 10-12 years, but they often last longer with proper care.* The Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry team recommends cleaning your dentures daily, removing your dentures at night before going to sleep, and brushing your gums and tongue daily to prevent plaque and debris from collecting in your mouth.

Call the nearest Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry office today to schedule a denture appointment, or book your visit online.

*Individual results may vary.