Take a big bite out of life with precision Dentures and Partial Dentures options
At Abel, Phan, & Associates of Sterling, Virginia, we know that tooth loss does not have to be a part of the aging process. Throughout this oral health journey, we partner with our patients to support the health and integrity of their natural teeth and the gums that support them. With this in mind, if you already have gaps in your smile due to tooth loss, we can fill them with dentures and partial dentures that recreate the appearance, structure, and feel of your natural and healthy teeth. Additionally, if you are holding on to aching teeth, we can place dentures immediately following dental extractions. So, you never have to be seen in public without teeth! Drs Anna Abel and Chuong Phan are pleased to provide insight into your options for replacing several teeth or all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch (upper and lower jaw).
The “basics”
Dentures are replacement teeth that are primarily made from acrylic, porcelain, and stainless steel. The metal framework is expertly color-matched to replicate the pink-red gum tissue. The acrylic or porcelain teeth are also matched to your preferences and specifications. So, they can also blend in naturally with your complexion or with remaining natural teeth.
Partial dentures can be designed to replace several teeth. The partial is stabilized in the mouth with specialized attachments. These attachments may connect to their natural neighbors, and the color of those components can also be matched to surrounding tissues, with no silver hue peeking through. Complete dentures may be designed to replace all teeth in an upper arch, lower arch, or both arches. The denture must conform to your mouth. So, it fits well. Ill-fitting dentures rub up against the insides of the mouth. When they slip around, your ability to eat comfortably suffers, as does your speech and self-confidence. While denture products (such as adhesive) can help retain dentures, especially in the tricky horseshoe-shaped lower jaw, optimal fit is a must. The denture itself must also evolve with you and your needs. Over time, the tissues in your mouth can shrink. The denture itself cannot adapt to these changes. It must be helped along with adjustments. During your regular check-ups, we will assess the fit of your denture and may recommend services such as relining to restore and preserve proper fit and, in turn, satisfaction with your dentures.
Many modern options
In addition to well-fitting “conventional” dentures, we also offer immediate dentures. A temporary or provisional denture may be applied immediately after irreparably damaged teeth are removed. We do not have to wait for four to six weeks as tissues at the extraction sites heal. As your mouth heals, you get a jumpstart learning how to chew food, speak, or otherwise “use” your new teeth. After this healing period is over, you will ultimately return to our office to place the permanent denture.
Dentures may also be stabilized with dental implants placed in the jaw. These implants function like tooth roots to “fix” or securely hold the denture. Because the overlying teeth and gums in the denture are directly connected to the jaw by way of these artificial tooth roots, the strength of the supporting bone is retained. The devastating consequences of bone loss are avoided.
Dentures transform lives. We are privileged to play a role in such transformations. Call us at (571) 450-9848 to schedule your dentures consultation. You deserve to live life to the fullest!
Dr. Anna Abel
Dr. Chuong Phan