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Dentures Specialist

John S.K. Hsu D.D.S. and Virginia J. Chin D.D.S., P.C.

General Dentists located in Fairfax, VA

Dentures are an economical replacement option for missing teeth. For many people, dentures restore more than lost teeth; they restore lost confidence. Dr. Hsu and the team help many men and women from Fairfax, Virginia create the smile of their dreams with custom dentures. If you are ready to get serious about replacing lost teeth, reach out to John S.K. Hsu D.D.S. and Virginia J. Chin D.D.S., P.C. for a consultation. Online scheduling makes it easy to find an appointment time that fits your busy schedule.

Dentures Q & A

What are dentures?

Dentures are a tooth replacement option that fit on top of your gums. There are several different types of dentures:

Conventional full denture

This is the most common type of denture and is placed in your mouth after Dr. Hsu remains any remaining teeth, and your gums have had time to heal correctly.

Immediate full denture

Dr. Hsu installs this type of denture immediately after the removal of any remaining teeth. A dental lab creates the device based on precise measurements and models produced during a prior office visit. Immediate dentures require a follow-up visit to be reshaped to accommodate changes from the healing process.

Partial denture

When you want to keep your healthy teeth, and only need to replace some missing teeth, these dentures are perfect. Your adjacent natural teeth anchor them and are made of crowns sitting on a metal base.

Why is it important to replace missing teeth?

When you lose teeth, your remaining teeth shift out of proper alignment. That makes it hard to eat regular foods. Limiting your diet can have adverse effects on your health, as many nutritious foods require vigorous chewing.

Missing teeth can also affect your speech. The more teeth you are missing, the more difficult it is to maintain normal speech patterns.

Perhaps the most significant reason to get dentures is to restore the confidence that comes with a healthy smile.

Missing teeth can cause your facial muscles to sag, giving you the appearance of a much older person. Knowing your smile looks great makes it easier to interact with others and make a positive impression.

How do I care for my dentures?

Because dentures aren’t made of living tissue, they’re not subject to decay the way that natural teeth are. However, dentures do require routine care to preserve their appearance and structural integrity.

Here’s how to keep your dentures looking their best:

  • Brush them daily to remove plaque and food particles, and prevent staining
  • Store dentures in a special soaking solution when you’re not wearing them
  • Don’t use them to pry or open things, or to bite down on excessively hard foods

It is also essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits to keep your gums and other soft tissues healthy. Use a soft bristle brush to clean the inside of your mouth on a daily basis.

If your dentures chip, crack, break or loosen, schedule an appointment to have them adjusted.