How to Fix a Gummy Smile: Cosmetic Treatment Options in Bel Air, MD
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Whether you are missing a few teeth or an entire arch, there is a denture solution that fits your needs and your budget. At Elevated Smiles Dentistry in Bel Air, MD, Dr. Joshua Englander creates custom-fitted dentures that look natural, feel comfortable, and help you eat and speak with confidence again.
We offer three main denture options, each suited to different situations.
Full dentures replace all of the teeth on the upper arch, the lower arch, or both. They rest on the gums and are held in place by suction and, if needed, denture adhesive. Full dentures are the most common choice for patients who have lost all or most of their natural teeth. Modern dentures are designed to look much more natural than older versions, with custom tooth shading and a gum-colored base that mimics real tissue.
Partial dentures are used when several teeth are missing but healthy natural teeth remain. They attach to the surrounding teeth with clasps or precision attachments and fill the gaps in your smile. Partials prevent the remaining teeth from shifting and restore chewing function across the whole arch.
For patients who want a more stable and permanent solution, implant-supported dentures snap onto dental implants placed in the jawbone. They do not slip or shift while eating or talking, require no adhesive, and help preserve jawbone density over time. Dr. Englander places the implants in-house, making the whole process more convenient.
Learn About Dental ImplantsMost traditional dentures last five to ten years before they need to be relined or replaced. As your jaw shape changes over time, the fit loosens. Implant-supported dentures tend to last longer because the implants prevent bone resorption.
There is usually a short adjustment period where certain words feel different. Most patients adapt within a few weeks. If speech remains difficult after that, Dr. Englander can adjust the fit of the denture.
Yes, though it takes some practice at first. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and gradually reintroduce harder foods as you get used to chewing with your denture. Implant-supported dentures generally allow a wider range of foods.
The denture itself causes no pain. If teeth are being extracted prior to denture placement, those areas will be sore during healing. Immediate dentures placed the same day as extractions often need more adjustments as the gums heal and change shape.
It is generally recommended to remove them at night. Wearing dentures 24 hours a day can irritate the gum tissue and increase the risk of infection. Removing them overnight gives your gums time to rest.

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The process takes several appointments over a few weeks. Dr. Englander starts with a comprehensive exam and takes measurements and impressions of your mouth. A custom denture is fabricated by a dental lab to match the dimensions and color we have recorded. You will have a fitting appointment where adjustments are made to ensure proper fit and bite alignment. Most patients need one or two follow-up visits in the weeks after receiving their denture to fine-tune the comfort and fit.
Remove your dentures each night and soak them in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water to prevent them from drying out and warping. Brush them daily with a soft-bristled brush and denture-specific cleaner, never regular toothpaste, which is too abrasive. Even if you have full dentures, brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth each morning to stimulate circulation and keep the soft tissues healthy. Come in for regular checkups so Dr. Englander can check the fit as your jaw shape naturally changes over time.
The cost of dentures at Elevated Smiles Dentistry depends on the type, the materials used, and whether any teeth need to be extracted beforehand. Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for dentures as a restorative procedure. Implant-supported dentures involve a higher investment because of the implant components involved. Our team will review your insurance benefits and provide a transparent cost estimate before any treatment begins. Financing options are available.

We Welcome You to Elevated Smiles Dentistry of Bel Air Maryland.
Schedule an AppointmentVisit us at our modern office in downtown Bel Air. We’re ready to help you achieve your best smile.
Monday: 8am – 4pm
Tuesday: 8am – 4pm
Wednesday: 7am – 3pm
Thursday: 7am – 3pm
Friday: By Appointment Only
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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