We have many restorative dentistry options available for Winchester patients with missing teeth. Peak Dental offers dentures in our Winchester, VA, dental office for patients who want a quick, non-invasive solution to missing teeth. Dentures are a common and effective way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. They can help you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Traditional dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and can look very natural. Dentures can replace some or all of your teeth. They are usually made from metal and acrylic and fit snugly over the gums.
Dr. Aaron Barborka also offers implant dentures supported by dental implants for a secure, permanent replacement option for a full arch of teeth. Implant dentures can provide key benefits for overall health and wellness, including the ability to chew food and speak with confidence.
Why Get Dentures?
There are several reasons why someone might need dentures. One common reason is tooth loss due to decay, gum disease, or injury. Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew food properly, speak clearly, and smile confidently. Dentures help restore the function and appearance of your teeth.
Another reason for getting dentures is to support the structure of your face. When you lose teeth, the muscles in your face can sag, making you look older. Dentures help maintain the shape of your face and provide support for your lips and cheeks.
Many patients opt to get dentures for convenience. The process is much faster and less invasive.
Denture Options in Winchester, VA
There are two main types of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures. When all of your teeth are missing, we use complete dentures. They can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” We make conventional dentures after removing the teeth, and the gums have begun to heal, usually taking about 8 to 12 weeks.
We make immediate dentures in advance. Also, we can place them as soon as we remove the teeth. However, because the gums and bones shrink over time, immediate dentures may require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process.
We use partial dentures when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture consists of replacement teeth attached to a metal or acrylic base that matches the color of your gums. Partial dentures fill in the spaces created by missing teeth. They can prevent other teeth from shifting position.
Implant Dentures and All On Four
Dr. Barborka offers comprehensive services for implant denture placement. He can give you a new smile using dental implants to secure a hybrid denture. In many cases, the All On Four procedure can be used to complete a tooth extraction, implant placement, and denture attachment in one visit.
Implant dentures will support healthier bone tissue in the jaw, helping to maintain the structure and appearance of your bite and lower jaw. They also allow you to enjoy a varied diet without fear of losing your dentures or being unable to bite properly.
Caring For Dentures
Neglecting denture care can lead to several health issues. Poorly fitting dentures can cause gum irritation and sores, making it painful to wear them. If not treated, these sores can become infected, leading to more serious problems.
Not cleaning dentures properly can also result in plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause bad breath and gum disease. In severe cases, infections can spread to other parts of the mouth or body, leading to systemic health problems.
Keeping dentures moist when cleaning overnight is crucial for several reasons. Dentures that dry out can lose their shape and fit poorly. This can cause discomfort and make it difficult to chew and speak properly. Additionally, dry dentures can become brittle and more prone to breaking.
Properly moist dentures also help maintain the health of your mouth. Wearing dentures that have dried out or are poorly fitted can irritate your gums and cause sore spots, leading to infections or other oral health problems. Soaking dentures in a cleaning solution overnight can help kill bacteria and reduce the risk of bad breath and gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? Our Peak Dental team is here to help. We welcome you to read answers to commonly asked questions about dentures in Winchester, VA.
Will dentures affect how I speak?
At first, yes. You may notice a lisp or difficulty with certain words. This is normal. Your tongue and mouth muscles need time to adjust. Reading aloud for a few minutes each day can speed up the process. Within a few weeks, most patients speak clearly and naturally.
How often do I need to replace my dentures?
The longevity of your dentures depends on the type. Conventional dentures can last 5 to 10 years. Immediate dentures may need to be replaced sooner as the gums heal and shrink.
Implant-supported dentures last the longest. The denture itself may need replacement after 5 to 10 years, but the implants can last decades with good care. We recommend regular check-ups help Dr. Barborka spot when a reline or replacement is needed.
Do dentures look fake?
No, Dr. Barborka will ensure your dentures look as natural as possible. If you get partials, he’ll ensure your new teeth match the remaining teeth in color and shape.
Dr. Barborka will also work with you to match the color of your new full dentures to match your desired tooth shade. Peak Dental works with local dental labs who custom-craft dentures to work well with your anatomy.
What can I do if my dentures feel loose?
Call Dr. Barborka. Loose dentures can happen, but you shouldn’t just live with them. He can adjust your current dentures for a better fit.
Dr. Barborka might recommend a reline, which reshapes the underside of your denture to match your gums. In some cases, he may suggest implant-supported dentures that snap securely into place.
Don’t use over-the-counter adhesives as a long-term fix without seeing the dentist first. Dr. Barborka will examine your dentures and gums to find the right solution for you.
Can you retrofit existing dentures?
Yes. If you have a poorly fitted denture or want the stability of implants, Dr. Barborka can help. He can often adjust your current dentures to fit better and feel more comfortable. In some cases, he can even convert them into implant-supported dentures. This means your existing dentures can snap onto implants for a secure fit. You don’t always need to start over with brand new dentures.
Do you offer denture consultations in Spanish?
Sí, hablamos español. Dr. Barborka spent two years in Spain and speaks fluent Spanish. If you or a family member feels more comfortable discussing denture options in Spanish, he can help.
Get Your Full Smile Back
If missing teeth are holding you back from eating, speaking, or enjoying life, it’s time for modern dentures. Call Peak Dental today at 540-506-3267. You can also request a denture consultation with Dr. Barborka online.