When Is it Time to Consider Dentures?

Even if you have practiced good oral hygiene throughout your life, dentures or other tooth replacement options may become unavoidable at some point. 

In fact, millions of Americans wear dentures, so if you are considering dentures as a tooth replacement option, you are not alone. 

When You Should Consider Dentures

If you have lost a tooth or have lost several teeth, you should contact our Fairfax, VA dental office as soon as possible so we can evaluate your oral health and recommend tooth replacement options. For the sake of your oral health, it is always best to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible.

Your facial structure and bone health rely on your teeth and the roots of your teeth being in place. If you lose a tooth, your bone and facial structure lose support, and your jaw bone can even begin to atrophy. Over time, the missing teeth and bone atrophy can cause the shape of your face to change. With gaps in your smile, your remaining teeth may begin to shift as well, affecting your overall oral health.

With dentures, you can help maintain your facial structure and protect your remaining teeth, and you’ll also enjoy a full, new smile!

The Difference Between Partial and Full Dentures

If you have lost some teeth but still have strong, healthy teeth remaining, our dentist, Dr. Cerina W. Fairfax, may recommend partial dentures instead of full dentures. With partial dentures, your remaining teeth can act as an anchor for the dentures, and the partial dentures will simply fill the gaps where you are missing teeth. 

Full dentures replace all of your natural teeth, so if you have some teeth remaining, but they need to be removed due to decay, infection, or for another reason, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction followed by a set of full dentures.

Dentures are custom made to fit comfortably in your mouth, providing you with a full set of teeth. 

Full and Partial Dentures in Fairfax, VA

If you’re considering whether or not it’s time to look into dentures, contact us at Dr. Fairfax and Associates Family Dentistry for a consultation. Dr. Fairfax would be happy to help you restore your smile!