Getting dentures is less a single procedure than a short series of fittings, and that makes the location of the office matter more than it does for a one-time filling. Shield Dental Care is in Burke, on Sydenstricker Road in the Keene Mill Heights area, just west of West Springfield. Patients from Kings Park, Rolling Valley, Saratoga and Newington make the trip for full and partial dentures, often with a spouse or an adult child driving. This page is written for them: how the fittings are spaced, what each one asks of you, and what to plan for after the dentures are finished. It sits alongside our general family dentist page for Springfield, VA.
Full, partial or anchored on implants
Which kind you need depends on how many teeth remain and how healthy they are. A partial denture fills gaps in an arch that still has some natural teeth and clips onto them. A full denture replaces every tooth in the upper or lower arch and rests on the gums. Implant-supported dentures attach to implants placed in the jaw, which keeps them from shifting; the fixed full-arch version known as All-on-4 is covered on our Springfield dental implants page. Our complete guide to dentures goes through each type, materials and daily care in more depth.
If some teeth still need to come out first, the order of events matters. The ADA describes an immediate denture as one inserted the same day the remaining teeth are removed, and notes it may need relining or remaking after the jaw heals (ADA MouthHealthy: Dentures). Ask at your consultation which sequence fits your situation. Removals themselves are handled through our tooth extraction care for Springfield patients.
The fitting series, visit by visit
The practice builds dentures through four steps, each one a separate appointment so the lab can do its part in between:
- Records. Digital impressions, a cone beam CT scan and photographs give the lab the shape of your mouth and jaw.
- Bite. A wax rim on a base is used to set how your upper and lower jaws meet, and you check that it feels comfortable.
- Try-in. A wax version of the finished denture, with the teeth set in place, is fitted and adjusted for shape and color.
- Delivery. The finished denture goes in, with final adjustments made before you leave.
After delivery, plan on at least one short follow-up. The ADA notes that new dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks and that sore spots are common at first; those are smoothed out at the chair in a few minutes. From Newington the drive is about 7.2 miles, around 16 minutes outside rush hour, so each of these visits fits comfortably into a morning.
Bring someone to the try-in
The wax try-in is the last point at which tooth shape, shade and the fullness of the lips can be changed easily. A partner or relative who knows your old smile well is good at noticing whether the new teeth look like you. If someone close to you would like to give an opinion, ask the office whether they can join you for the try-in.
Paying for dentures after 65
A lot of our denture patients are retirees, and the most common surprise is Medicare. According to Medicare.gov, in most cases Original Medicare does not cover dental services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions or dentures, and you pay the full cost of services it does not cover (Medicare.gov: Dental services). Some Medicare Advantage plans include a dental benefit, and its limits vary widely. Our article on Medicare and dental coverage for Springfield and Fairfax seniors explains how to read those benefits.
Military retirees, a large group in the Springfield and Fort Belvoir area, generally get dental coverage through FEDVIP rather than TRICARE. Our guide to dental insurance options for federal and military households in Springfield covers how those plans treat prosthetics like dentures. Whatever coverage you have, the office reviews benefits ahead of time when it can, files the claims, and offers in-house payment plans for patients paying on their own. Call to confirm how your specific plan works with the practice.
Keeping the fit right over the years
Gums and the bone beneath them keep changing after teeth are lost, so a denture that fits perfectly on delivery day will gradually loosen. Signs that it is time for an adjustment or a reline include:
- Needing more adhesive than you used to, or needing it at all when you once did not.
- Food slipping under the denture more often.
- New sore spots or a clicking sound when you talk.
- The lower denture lifting when you open wide.
Even with no natural teeth left, an exam every year is worth keeping. It checks the fit, the condition of the gums and the soft tissues of the mouth. Adhesive is fine to use, but the ADA advises following the product instructions exactly. If a cracked or broken denture leaves you unable to eat, call the office; dial 911 or get to an emergency room if swelling travels up toward an eye or down into the neck, breathing or swallowing gets hard, a high fever sets in, or bleeding continues despite firm pressure.
Starting with a consultation
The first appointment is an evaluation. Dr. Pejman Ghorbani examines any remaining teeth and the gums, takes digital X-rays and, if useful, a 3D scan, then explains whether a partial, a full denture or an implant-supported option fits your mouth and your budget. Some patients with a few teeth missing decide a fixed option suits them better; our page on dental bridges for Springfield patients covers that route. You will leave with the number of visits and the expected cost in writing before anything is made.
To book a denture consultation, send us a message or ring (703) 250-5072. The office is in Burke, a few minutes west of Springfield along Old Keene Mill Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep wearing my old denture while the new one is being made?+
Usually yes. Your current denture stays in your mouth until delivery day, unless it is causing sores. Bring it to each appointment, since it gives the lab useful information about what you liked and disliked.
Does Medicare pay for dentures if I have Original Medicare only?+
In most cases, no. Original Medicare excludes routine dental care and dentures. A Medicare Advantage plan or a separate dental policy may include some benefit, so check the plan documents or call the office to have your coverage reviewed.
How do I know if my partial denture needs to be replaced or just adjusted?+
Loose clasps and minor sore spots can often be adjusted. If a supporting tooth has been lost, the base has cracked, or the teeth are badly worn, a reline or a new partial may be needed. An exam answers it quickly.
I care for a parent in Springfield. Can I help arrange their denture visits?+
Yes. Call the office with your parent present or with their permission, and the team can explain what forms are needed before the first visit and how many appointments to plan for.