8894 Stanford Blvd Suite 200 Columbia, MD 21045-5162

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Dentures & Partials Columbia, MD

Howard County Smiles offers treatment options for replacing missing teeth, including full dentures, partial dentures, and denture implants. The dentures that we offer in our Columbia, MD dentist office near you are called cosmetic dentures because they are highly aesthetic and feel just like your natural teeth. Full or partial denture installations are restorative dentistry procedures we offer in Howard County, Maryland.

Cosmetic dentures provide an effective solution for missing teeth to restore beauty and function to the smile. They are made from high-quality state-of-the-art dental materials that look and function like natural teeth. We custom-design dentures to fit comfortably and look natural, allowing you to eat, speak and smile with confidence.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Many people don’t realize that teeth play a huge role in the appearance of the lower face. Our patients in the Columbia, MD area who are missing teeth often look older because they don’t have healthy tooth structure to support their lips and cheek giving a saggy or droopy appearance.

Replacing teeth can greatly improve the appearance of a patient, even when they are not smiling. In addition, the most common cause of bone loss is when a tooth or teeth are not replaced. Once a patient has lost teeth, the bone structure begins to deteriorate. A jawbone is actually preserved by the constant pressure and stimulation of chewing. If the teeth are missing, the bone cannot be preserved.

The Benefits of Partials: Patient Testimonial

“I feel wonderful, I can chew, I can eat, no sensitivity to the heat or cold, it’s perfect.”

Columbia, MD dentist Dr. Ray Becker offers several varieties of dentures available to address specific issues, from partial dentures to dental implant-supported dentures. The best option for you will depend on your individual situation.


Types of Dentures

removable denture types

Dr. Ray Becker offers several types of dentures and will help you select the best one based on your needs, goals, and budget. The dentures that we offer in our state-of-the-art dental office are called cosmetic dentures because they are highly aesthetic and look and feel just like natural teeth. They are designed to fit snuggly and comfortably in your mouth.

There are basically two types of dentures: Full Dentures and Partial Dentures. Full dentures replace all of a person’s upper or lower teeth. A partial denture replaces several missing teeth, similar to a dental bridge. These dentures can either be removable or fixed. Fixed dentures are anchored by dental implants and are often called implant dentures.

What to Expect With Dentures

If you’ve recently lost your teeth and received an immediate denture, it’s normal to find some tissue shrinkage and bone loss occurring. Therefore, in several months you may find that your immediate dentures no longer fit well.

You will have two choices at this point:

  • You can have your immediate (temporary) dentures re-lined.
    This means that material is added under the denture’s base to better conform to the new contours of your alveolar ridge.
  • A better option is to move to a set of conventional full dentures.
    A conventional full denture that will last longer and fit better. With proper care, dentures offer a functional, aesthetic and economical solution to the problem of tooth loss.

About the Denture Implants Procedure

The procedure for denture implants is the same as the procedure for having a single dental implant. Rather than having one dental implant placed, however, the dentist will strategically place several dental implants to anchor the denture or partial denture.

This procedure is often called same-day dentures or one-day dentures. In most cases, the denture will be secured to the implants on this same visit. This will aid in the healing process, as well as offer cosmetic and functional benefits. During the healing process, you will be asked to follow a soft diet.

Some patients may have a temporary denture placed, with the permanent restoration being secured once the dental implants have fully integrated into the bone.

Implant-supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures, also known as all-on-four or fixed dentures, have an extremely high success rate and level of patient satisfaction. While there is a greater investment for implant dentures, they do provide superior long term benefits over removable dentures:

  • Secure fit, no worries about dentures falling out when you eat or speak
  • Improved bone retention, implants help to prevent bone loss
  • Ability to eat foods without restrictions
  • No adhesives necessary

all-on-four Dentures and Partials

Dental implants serve the same purpose as the roots of natural teeth: anchoring the replacement teeth to your jawbone. Just like natural tooth roots, they lie under the gum line and therefore are not visible in the mouth. Only the lifelike prosthetic teeth attached to them (the fixed denture) can be seen by you or anyone else.

Dental implants are extremely stable and reliable because they are made of titanium, a metal that has the unique ability to fuse to living bone.


Dentures & Partials FAQs

Are store-bought dentures the same as traditional dentures?

No. Store-bought dentures or do-it-yourself dentures do not come close to the quality of dentures from a dentist. They are only meant to be used as temporary dentures before you get dentures from Dr. Becker.

What happens when you first get dentures?

Immediately after you receive dentures, you must get accustomed to your new bite. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, and stick to a soft diet. Eat softer foods and chewing on both sides of your dentures will help keep your restorations in place. Stay hydrated and soak your dentures if you receive removable dentures. If you have implant-supported dentures, gently brush and floss your restorations to keep them clean.

Can an old denture cause pain and dental issues?

Yes. Your mouth changes over time, but old dentures do not change with your mouth. Your gums slowly recede, your jawbone deteriorates, and more things happen to your mouth as you age. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your dentures every 5 to 7 years.

Do you need to lose all of your teeth to get dentures?

We may sometimes need to remove a patient’s teeth due to severe decay or damage and replace them with full dentures. However, dentures can also benefit you if you have rows of teeth missing but have some natural teeth remaining. You can benefit from partial dentures if you are missing multiple teeth.

Should I repair or replace my old dentures?

We recommend replacing your old dentures. This is the best course of action because it will save you time and money from having to repair dentures that are already old and don’t fit right.

Are dentures covered by insurance plans?

Most dental insurance plans include some restorative coverage, but it may be limited to a certain percentage of the cost. The cost of dentures can be covered, but it is up to your insurance provider. Contact your provider directly for specific coverage options.

Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation

If you are missing teeth and interested in getting dentures in Columbia, MD, schedule an appointment with Dr. Becker. He will discuss your cosmetic goals and budget concerns to determine which kind of dentures are right for you.