Dentures in Chevy Chase, MD
We craft custom dentures (complete and partial dentures) that fit comfortably and naturally, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Achieve a Complete Smile With Custom Dentures at Our Chevy Chase Dental Office
Missing teeth change more than your smile. They can make eating uncomfortable, affect your speech, and leave you feeling self-conscious in social situations. If you’re looking for dentures in Chevy Chase, MD, Smiles of Chevy Chase offers custom full and partial dentures to help restore your smile’s appearance and function.
Our Chevy Chase dentist, Dr. Despina Markogiannakis, and our dental team will help you explore replacement options based on your oral health, remaining teeth, and personal goals. Whether you need to replace several teeth or an entire arch, we’ll help you find a solution that feels comfortable and looks natural.
Call our Chevy Chase dental office at (301) 652-0656 or book your denture consultation online. We welcome patients from Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Friendship Heights, and nearby Washington, D.C. neighborhoods.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made prosthetic teeth attached to a gum-colored base. They replace missing teeth, making it easier to chew, speak, and smile comfortably.
Modern dentures are designed to look natural, with tooth shapes, sizes, and shades selected to complement your facial features.
There are two primary options:
- Full Dentures: Replace all teeth in the upper or lower arch.
- Partial Dentures: Replace several missing teeth while using your remaining natural teeth for support.
The right option depends on how many teeth you’re missing, the condition of your gums and jawbone, whether you need gum disease treatment, and whether you want a removable or implant-supported solution.
Why Patients Choose Smiles of Chevy Chase for Dentures
Choosing replacement teeth is a personal decision, and you deserve a practice that takes the time to understand your needs.
Patients choose Smiles of Chevy Chase for:
- Personalized Treatment Planning: Dr. Markogiannakis considers your oral health, comfort, and smile goals when recommending dentures.
- Restorative Care in One Location: Our practice provides extractions, gum treatment, dentures, dental implants, and bridges.
- Comfort-Focused Appointments: Local anesthesia and sedation dentistry help patients feel more comfortable during treatment.
- Modern Dental Technology: Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras help us evaluate your oral health and explain treatment recommendations.
- A Recognized Local Practice: Our practice has received recognition from Washingtonian, Bethesda Magazine, and Potomac Magazine.
We want you to understand your options and feel comfortable with your decision before moving forward.
Types of Dentures Available in Chevy Chase, MD
Full and Conventional Dentures
Full dentures replace all teeth in an upper or lower arch. Conventional dentures are made after any necessary extractions and once your gums have healed. They rest on your gums and rely on a proper fit and suction to stay in place.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace multiple missing teeth without removing healthy remaining teeth. They attach to your natural teeth using a supporting framework.
Common materials include:
- Acrylic: Lightweight and generally more affordable, often used for temporary or transitional dentures.
- Cast Metal: Uses a thin metal framework for strength, durability, and a slimmer fit.
- Flexible: Made from a thermoplastic material that bends slightly and blends with your gum tissue.
Other Common Types of Dentures
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are placed on the same day your remaining teeth are extracted, so you don’t have to go without teeth while your gums heal. Because your gums and jawbone change shape during healing, these dentures usually require several adjustments and may need a reline or replacement later.
Implant-Supported Dentures
If traditional dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, implant-supported dentures may offer greater stability. Also called overdentures or snap-in dentures, they attach to dental implants placed in your jawbone.
Dental implants help secure the denture during eating and speaking while also stimulating the jawbone. Ask our Chevy Chase dentist whether this option is appropriate for you.
Signs You May Need Dentures (or Replacement Dentures)
You don’t have to lose every tooth before considering dentures. A consultation may be worthwhile if:
- You've lost several teeth because of decay, injury, or periodontal disease.
- Chewing has become difficult or uncomfortable.
- Remaining teeth are severely damaged, worn, or loose.
- Gaps in your smile make you hesitant to speak or laugh.
- Your existing dentures slip, cause sore spots, or no longer fit properly.
Replacing missing teeth can also help maintain your ability to eat a varied diet and prevent remaining teeth from shifting into open spaces.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Most adults who have lost some or all of their natural teeth may qualify for full or partial dentures. However, your dentist must evaluate your oral health before recommending treatment.
During your examination, Dr. Markogiannakis will assess:
- Gum Health: Existing gum disease or infections may need treatment before dentures are made.
- Remaining Teeth: Healthy teeth may support a partial denture, while severely damaged teeth may require extraction.
- Jawbone Condition: Bone changes can affect denture stability and determine whether implant support is possible.
- Medical History: Certain health conditions and medications can influence healing and oral comfort.
- Personal Preferences: Your budget, appearance goals, and desired level of stability help guide treatment planning.
We use digital X-rays and intraoral camera images to evaluate your mouth and explain your options.
The Denture Process From Start to Finish
Getting dentures involves several appointments to ensure your replacement teeth fit properly and complement your smile. The exact timeline depends on whether you need extractions and how long your gums take to heal.
How long does the process take? Partial dentures without extractions may take a few weeks, while conventional dentures involving extractions and healing can take several months. Immediate dentures are placed sooner but generally require additional adjustments.
Getting Used to Your New Dentures
Even well-fitting dentures take some practice. During the first few weeks, you may notice changes in how you eat, speak, and feel throughout the day.
A few simple habits can make the adjustment easier:
- Eating: Begin with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth and gradually introduce firmer foods.
- Speaking: Reading aloud can help your tongue and lips adjust to the new shape of your teeth.
- Soreness: Mild pressure spots are common, but persistent discomfort should be evaluated so we can adjust your dentures.
- Saliva Changes: Extra saliva or a temporary gagging sensation may occur as your mouth adapts.
Most patients become more comfortable within a few weeks to a few months. Contact our office at (301) 652-0656 if your dentures continue to feel uncomfortable or unstable.
How to Care for Your Dentures
Proper care helps keep dentures clean, comfortable, and in good condition.
Follow these recommendations:
- Brush your dentures daily using a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser.
- Rinse them after meals to remove food particles.
- Remove them at night unless you’ve received different instructions following a recent procedure.
- Soak them in cool water or an appropriate denture-cleaning solution.
- Avoid hot water and harsh chemicals that can damage or warp the material.
- Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth every day.
- Schedule regular dental visits to check your oral health and denture fit.
If your dentures crack, chip, or become loose, contact our office rather than attempting a home repair.
How Much Do Dentures Cost in Chevy Chase, MD?
The cost of dentures depends on the type of replacement teeth you need and the preparation involved. Before treatment begins, we’ll provide an estimate based on your individual situation.
Factors that influence the cost include:
- Whether you need full, partial, immediate, or implant-supported dentures.
- The materials and customization involved.
- Extractions, gum disease treatment, or bone grafting.
- The type of sedation dentistry, if needed.
- Follow-up appointments, adjustments, and relines.
- Your dental insurance coverage.
Does Insurance Cover Dentures?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of full or partial denture treatment, although annual maximums, waiting periods, and coverage limitations may apply. Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dentures, but some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits.
Our team can help you review your benefits before starting treatment. If you don’t have insurance coverage, we offer financing options to help make restoring your smile more manageable.
Dentures vs. Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
Dentures aren’t the only way to replace missing teeth. Depending on your oral health and goals, dental implants or bridges may also be worth considering.
- Dentures: Removable appliances that replace several or all missing teeth. They’re generally the most affordable option initially and don’t require implant surgery.
- Dental Implants: Surgically placed in the jawbone to support individual replacement teeth or a full-arch restoration. They offer strong stability and help preserve jawbone structure.
- Dental Bridges: Fixed restorations that replace one or several missing teeth by using neighboring teeth for support.
Each option has different benefits, costs, and treatment requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my dentures look natural?
Yes. Modern dentures are customized to complement your facial features, gum color, and natural smile. During the try-in appointment, you can review the appearance and request adjustments to the tooth shape, size, or shade before the final dentures are made.
Can I get dentures if I have gum disease or bone loss?
Often, yes. However, active gum disease must be treated before dentures are made to ensure your gums provide a healthy foundation. Bone loss may affect denture stability or implant eligibility, but your dentist can help determine which options are appropriate.
What if my dentures feel loose?
Loose dentures can develop as your gums and jawbone change over time. Depending on the cause, a denture adjustment or reline may improve the fit. If conventional dentures continue to feel unstable, implant-supported dentures may provide additional retention.
Can dentures be repaired or adjusted?
Yes. Dentures can often be repaired, adjusted, or relined if they become damaged or stop fitting properly. Avoid attempting home repairs, as adhesives and repair kits can cause additional damage. Your dentist can determine whether a repair or replacement is the better solution.
Can I get dentures if I've been missing teeth for several years?
Yes. Even if you’ve lived with missing teeth for years, you may still be a candidate for dentures. However, prolonged tooth loss can lead to changes in your jawbone and remaining teeth, so an examination is important to determine the best replacement option.
Schedule Your Denture Consultation at Smiles of Chevy Chase!
If you’re considering dentures in Chevy Chase, MD, Smiles of Chevy Chase is here to help you take the next step. Our office is located at 5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 810, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, and we welcome patients from Bethesda, Friendship Heights, Somerset, Kensington, Silver Spring, Potomac, and Northwest Washington, D.C.
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your oral health, explain your denture options, and provide a treatment plan based on your needs. Call our dental practice in Chevy Chase at (301) 652-0656 to schedule your consultation.
