Dentures

bridges

Your Frederick, MD Cosmetic and General Dentist

Dentistry is all about smiles. We understand the importance of having a confident, healthy, and beautiful smile — even for patients wearing dentures! At Monocacy Valley Dental, our talented family dentist, Dr. Motz, provides personalized denture services that meet the needs and comfort levels of our patients. Because we know that each of our patients are unique, we create one-of-a-kind dentures that both feel comfortable and look natural, so you can feel confident showing off your new smile.

What are Dentures?

But, what exactly are dentures? Dentures are removable, natural-looking replacement teeth. There are two types of dentures: full and partial.

  • Full dentures are given to patients when all of their natural teeth have been removed. Conventional full dentures are placed by your cosmetic dentist after the gum tissue has healed, which can take several months. Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after the teeth have been removed and may require frequent adjustments during the first couple of months of use.
  • Partial dentures are attached to a metal frame that is connected to your natural teeth and are used to fill in empty spots where permanent teeth have been removed. Partial dentures are considered a removable alternative to bridges and can be provided by your cosmetic dentist.

How Do I Know if Dentures are the Right Choice for Me?

Dentures are not always the right choice for everyone, however. If you're interested in learning more about dentures and would like to know if they are a good fit for your lifestyle and situation, talk to your Frederick, MD cosmetic and general dentist at Monocacy Valley Dental. Our team would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and can determine the best course of treatment for your ongoing dental health.

Caring for Your Dentures

Dentures, just like natural teeth, require daily maintenance to stay clean and keep bacteria from growing inside of your mouth. To keep your dentures clean and your smile healthy follow these tips:

  • When handling your dentures, stand over a clean, folded towel or a sink full of water. This way, if you accidentally drop your dentures, they are less likely to break.
  • Your dentures are not immune from plaque and tartar build-up, so it's important that you brush your dentures every day. To brush your dentures, use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. Between brushings, it's important to rinse your dentures after each meal.
  • Use a gentle cleanser to clean your dentures. Many kinds of toothpaste, household cleaners, and mouthwashes can be too hard on your dentures, so it is recommended that you use a mild hand or dish soap to get your dentures clean. Be sure to check for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval to choose products that are safe for dentures, or ask your family dentist about products that may be best for you.
  • When not wearing your dentures, they need to be kept moist. Dentures that are not kept in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape, or even crack and break. Certain styles of dentures require certain soaking solutions, so be sure to ask your family dentist which solution is best for you.
  • Even if you have a full set of dentures, it's still important to keep your gums and tongue clean. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean your gums and tongue daily.

If by chance your dentures do break, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Broken dentures that don't fit properly can cause irritation to your gums and mouth. Also, remember to continue scheduling regular dental checkups every six months with your family dentist to make sure that your smile stays healthy for many years to come.

Schedule a Visit with Your Frederick, MD General Dentist


At Monocacy Valley Dental, it’s our mission to make sure each of our patients can feel good about their oral health and feel confident showing off their smile. If you’re not feeling your best about your smile, it may be time to talk to your Frederick, MD cosmetic dentist to do something about it! Contact us today and learn more about our available treatments and services. Our friendly staff is always happy to answer any questions you may have and can help you schedule your appointment today. Come see for yourself what sets us apart! We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, more confident smile soon.