Dentures in North Bethesda, MD

Dentures in North Bethesda, MD

North Bethesda residents seeking expert dental care choose Dr. Gerald Marlin at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry. appliance fabrication is one of the traditional strengths of prosthodontics. A prosthodontist’s training emphasizes the biomechanics of replacement teeth, the principles of proper prosthetic design and fit, and the materials and techniques that produce comfortable, functional, natural-looking replacement teeth.

For North Bethesda professionals who have lost multiple teeth or who are considering full prosthetic teeth, our prosthodontic team at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, located 12 minutes from North Bethesda at 4400 Jenifer Street NW in Friendship Heights, has spent over 40 years fabricating dental prosthetics that feel comfortable, function properly, and look naturally beautiful.

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Understanding Dentures

A appliance is a removable prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth. replacement teeth rely on fit and retention to stay in place. The better the fit, the better the retention and the greater the comfort. Prosthodontic expertise is directly applied to achieving optimal treatment fit.

prosthetic teeth are recommended in several situations. A professional who has lost all teeth in one arch benefits from a full prosthetic. A professional who has lost several teeth but retains some natural teeth may be a candidate for a partial prosthesis. A professional who has gaps and missing teeth may benefit from a removable partial solution.

Types of Dentures

Complete Upper Dentures

A complete upper appliance replaces all upper teeth when none remain. The option sits on the palate and along the upper gum ridge. If your upper palate is broad and the ridge is well-formed, retention is usually good.

Complete Lower Dentures

A lower prosthetic replaces all lower teeth when none remain. The lower arch is more challenging than the upper because the ridge is narrower and the prosthesis is displaced by tongue movement. However, with careful design and proper fit, lower tooth replacements function well.

Removable Partial Dentures

A removable partial restoration replaces one or more missing teeth while some natural teeth remain. The partial option clasps onto the remaining natural teeth for stability. The design is custom-fabricated based on which teeth are missing and which teeth remain.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For patients who want greater stability, implant-supported custom teeth are anchored to dental implants placed in the jaw bone. These tooth replacements are more stable and comfortable than traditional custom teeth.

The Denture Fabrication Process

Initial Consultation

Your prosthetic consultation begins with a discussion of your needs and expectations. Do you want replacement teeth because you have lost teeth, or are you considering extraction and prosthetic teeth as a treatment for failing teeth? What is your experience with replacement teeth, if any? What are your concerns?

Elite Prosthetic Dentistry then examines your mouth, evaluating the condition of any remaining teeth, the ridge form and size, and the health of your gum tissues. We take measurements and discusses his recommendations.

Impression Taking

For dental prosthetics, detailed impressions of your mouth are essential. Elite Prosthetic Dentistry takes a preliminary impression to capture your mouth’s basic form. This impression is used to fabricate a custom tray that will be used for the final impression. The custom tray allows more precise capture of the contours that will support your appliance.

Final Impression and Bite Record

Using the custom tray, our team at Elite Prosthetic Dentistry takes a final, detailed impression of your gum ridge and palate. A bite record is taken to capture your correct bite relationship. These impressions and records are sent to our on-site laboratory for prosthesis fabrication.

Denture Fabrication

The laboratory technician fabricates your tooth replacements based on Elite Prosthetic Dentistry’s specifications and the impressions provided. The technician selects tooth shapes and colors that look natural and that match your facial characteristics. The denture base is tinted to match your natural gum tissue color.

Try-In and Adjustment

When fabrication is complete, you return for a try-in appointment. Dr. Marlin verifies that the fit is correct, that your bite is comfortable, and that the appearance is pleasing. Adjustments are made as needed.

Final Delivery

When all adjustments are complete, your finished replacement teeth are delivered. our prosthodontic team provides detailed instructions on insertion, removal, care, and adjustment to wearing prosthetic teeth. Most patients require a brief adjustment period as they adapt to their new dentures.

Denture Fit and Retention

The fit of a prosthesis is critical. A well-fitting appliance is retained by the intimate adaptation between the restoration base and your gum ridge. This retention allows you to eat and speak with confidence. Dentures that fit poorly shift and move, which is uncomfortable.

our prosthodontic team’s prosthodontic training emphasizes the precise techniques required for optimal denture fit. We take detailed impressions, verifies fit at the try-in appointment, and makes careful adjustments to achieve the best possible retention.

Denture Appearance

appliance appearance is important to many North Bethesda professionals. The teeth on your restoration are selected to match your age, skin tone, and facial characteristics, creating a natural appearance. The prosthetic base is tinted to match your natural gum tissue. When fabricated by our on-site laboratory under Dr. Marlin’s specifications, dentures appear natural and attractive.

Adjusting to Dentures

Most restoration patients require a period of adjustment as they learn to insert and remove their tooth replacements, as their mouth adapts to the prosthesis, and as their muscles adjust to moving around the denture while eating and speaking.

This adjustment period typically takes one to three weeks. In the beginning, wear time may be limited due to soreness, and our specialty-trained team may need to make small adjustments. Gradually, wearing time increases and comfort improves.

Caring for Your Dentures

Proper care extends the life of your dentures and keeps them in optimal condition:

• Remove and clean replacement teeth after each meal by brushing them with a soft brush and denture cleaner
• Soak dental prosthetics overnight in prosthesis soaking solution (never in hot water, which can cause warping)
• Remove tooth replacements for at least several hours daily to allow gum tissues to rest
• Do not use toothpaste on replacement teeth; use appliance-specific cleaners
• Store removable restorations in their container with soaking solution when not wearing them

Denture Adjustments Over Time

As your mouth continues to change after tooth loss, your tooth replacements may require adjustments. The gum ridge resorbs over time, changing shape and volume. restoration relines add material to the tissue surface of the denture to maintain fit.

Dr. Marlin monitors your denture fit at regular appointments and recommends relines when needed to maintain optimal comfort and retention.

Implant-Supported Denture Alternatives

For patients who find conventional removable restorations uncomfortable or unstable, implant-supported replacement teeth offer improved function and comfort. Two or more dental implants are placed in the jaw bone and serve as anchors for a prosthesis. The denture clips onto the implant attachments, providing greater stability.

Implant-supported dental prosthetics reduce the amount of bone loss that occurs with conventional dentures and often provide significantly improved comfort and function.

Denture Cost and Financing

Custom tooth replacements fabricated by our on-site laboratory represent a mid-range investment in tooth replacement. We provide detailed cost estimates and discuss financing options that make denture treatment accessible.

Related Resources

• Learn more about Dentures solutions
• Transitioning from Dentures to Implants
• Explore full-mouth reconstruction
• View all locations we serve
• Browse real patient case studies
• Read patient reviews
• Educational resources
• Am I a candidate?
• Learn more: are implant overdentures worth it
• View our smile gallery

Getting Here from North Bethesda

Our office at 4400 Jenifer Street NW is approximately 12 minutes from North Bethesda via Rockville Pike (MD-355) south. The Friendship Heights Metro station on the Red Line is adjacent to our building. Street parking and a nearby public garage are available.

Schedule Your Consultation or call (202) 244-2101.