Full and Partial Dentures in Bethesda & Chevy Chase, MD

Whether it's due to injury, decay, or simply aging, missing teeth can have a significantly negative impact on our daily lives. Loss of permanent teeth can result in reduced oral health, an aged appearance, and lower self-esteem. At Smiles of Chevy Chase, Dr. Despina Markogiannakis and her team provide custom-fit full and partial dentures to patients who need help restoring their smiles and improving their oral health.

With the latest technology and a commitment to comfort, patients in the greater Washington, D.C. areas can be confident that their dentures are comfortable and lifelike. Learn more about full and partial dentures, the benefits they offer, and what to expect when you visit our Chevy Chase restorative dentist.

Dentures are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth. Full dentures are used to replace a complete arch of missing teeth, while partial dentures replace a few missing teeth in an arch. Unlike full dentures, partial dentures rely on adjacent healthy teeth for support. Both full and partial dentures are custom-made to fit comfortably in a patient's mouth and improve the appearance of their smile.

A few notable benefits of full and partial dentures include:

• Improved appearance and smile aesthetics
• Easy and affordable restoration
• Restored ability to chew and speak effectively
• Maintained facial shape and prevention of sagging
• Increased self-esteem and confidence
• Enhanced overall oral health

You may be eligible for full or partial dentures if you have lost any number of teeth due to:

• Injury
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Any other reason

Your Chevy Chase restorative dentist will provide a complete evaluation during your consultation to determine if full or partial dentures are the best solution for your individual oral health needs.

Initial Consultation

Before you receive your new full or partial dentures, you’ll attend an initial consultation with Dr. Markogiannakis. During your initial consultation, she’ll examine your mouth, review your medical history, and discuss your goals and expectations. Your consultation is a great time to ask her any questions you may have.

Preparation

If you’ve been approved for full dentures, your dentist will perform any necessary tooth extractions to ensure there’s room in your mouth for your restorations. For partial dentures, no supplementary tooth extraction will be necessary. Rest assured that if you need teeth extracted, your dentist will apply local anesthetic beforehand.

Impressions

After any necessary supplemental procedures have been performed, images and impression molds will be taken of your mouth and any remaining teeth. These will serve as the blueprints for your custom dentures. Depending on your case, your dentist may provide immediate dentures, which are temporary dentures that can be worn until your conventional, permanent dentures are ready.

Try-In Appointment

A try-in appointment will be scheduled where you will be able to try on the conventional denture and your denturist can make any necessary adjustments.

Final Fitting

The complete full or partial denture will be adjusted to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Follow-up Visits

Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to ensure that your dentures continue to fit properly and to address any concerns or issues you may have.

Caring for Your Full and Partial Dentures

It’s important to properly care for your dentures to ensure they last as long as possible. This includes:

• Brushing them daily
• Soaking them overnight
• Visiting Smiles of Chevy Chase for regular check-ups and denture maintenance
• Following specific care instructions from your restorative dentist

If you need full or partial dentures in the greater Washington, D.C. area, look no further than Smiles of Chevy Chase. Dr. Markogiannakis boasts over a decade of experience in dentistry and is known as one of the best dentists in her community. She leads a team of experienced and knowledgeable dental professionals you can trust to deliver the highest quality care and results.

How long does it take to get used to wearing dentures?

The amount of time it takes to get used to wearing dentures varies from patient to patient, but it typically takes a few weeks to a few months. Your restorative dentist will work with you to ensure a comfortable fit and proper adjustment.

Can dentures be repaired or adjusted?

Yes, dentures can be repaired or adjusted by a restorative dentist. It’s crucial to schedule regular follow-up visits with your denturist to ensure that your dentures continue to fit properly. If your dentures are damaged, don’t attempt to repair them yourself. Instead, take them to your denturist who will either repair them or replace them as needed.

Can dentures be used as a permanent solution for missing teeth?

Yes, dentures can provide a long-term solution for missing teeth, but they’ll eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear or changes in the shape of your mouth. Regular check-ups with your restorative dentist can help to ensure your dentures continue to fit properly and allow them to address any issues that may arise.

Can dentures be cleaned like natural teeth?

Like natural teeth, dentures should be cleaned daily to remove food particles and plaque. It's important to use a soft-bristled brush and a cleaning solution specifically designed for dentures to avoid damaging the material. Avoid using hot water or harsh chemicals, as these can cause dentures to warp. Your denturist can provide you with more specific information on how to care for your full or partial dentures.

With full and partial dentures from Smiles of Chevy Chase, you can easily and affordably restore your smile and improve your overall oral health. Dr. Markogiannakis will work with you to ensure your dentures fit comfortably and look natural.

Book your denture consultation at Smiles of Chevy Chase by dialing 301-652-0656 and experience the benefits of full and partial dentures for yourself. You can also schedule your appointment online and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. We serve patients across the greater Washington D.C. area, including Bethesda, Somerset, and Forest Hills, MD.