James E Sullivan DDS
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(301) 248-8080
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Our Address

9400 Livingston Rd #345
Fort Washington, MD 20744

Hours

  • Monday: 10:00AM to 5:00PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10:00AM to 5:00PM
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 10:00AM to 5:00PM
  • Saturday: By Appt. Only
  • Sunday: Closed
Rate Our Service
(301) 248-8080

Get a healthy, gorgeous smile at James E Sullivan DDS

    • Home
    • About
      • About Our Practice
      • Privacy Policy
    • Patient Information
    • Services
      • View all Services
      • Dental Bonding
      • Dental Checkup
      • Dental Cleaning and Examinations
      • Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
      • Dental Implants
      • Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates
      • Dentures and Partial Dentures
      • Emergency Dentist
      • Kid Friendly Dentist
      • Oral Surgery
      • Periodontics
      • Root Canal Treatment
      • Smile Makeover
      • Teeth Whitening
      • TMJ Dentist
    • Patient Education
      • Dental Anxiety
      • Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
      • Do I Need a Root Canal?
      • Gum Disease
      • I Think My Gums Are Receding
      • Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures
      • Multiple Teeth Replacement Options
      • Options For Replacing Missing Teeth
      • Oral Cancer Screening
      • Oral Hygiene Basics
      • Post-Op Care for Dental Implants
      • Preventative Dental Care
      • The Dental Implant Procedure
      • What Can I Do to Improve My Smile?
      • What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures?
      • What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth?
      • When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary?
      • Why Are My Gums Bleeding?
      • Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants?
      • Wisdom Teeth Extraction
    • Blog
    • Contact Us

Fort Washington Dentures

Dentures and Partials Fort Washington, MD

Dentures

Dentures
Dentures are a trusted solution for replacing missing teeth. At James E Sullivan DDS our patients frequently ask Dr. James Sullivan about dentures to determine if they are a good solution for their particular needs. As with any dental solution, there are pros and cons to wearing dentures and whether or not they will work for you depends largely on your lifestyle and the goals that you have for your appearance and the functionality of your smile.

What are the types of dentures?
There are three main types of dentures: temporary, partial dentures, and complete dentures.

Temporary Dentures
Dr. James Sullivan will often provide patients with temporary dentures while they are undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure to replace a missing tooth. Temporaries ensure that patients throughout the Fort Washington area have a natural looking smile while waiting for dental implants or a dental bridge to be completed. This is an excellent solution for when a tooth is knocked out during a sports game or in an accident. The temporary denture is secured in place with a metal wire that works like a retainer and can be taken in and out whenever you like. If you are looking for an immediate solution for replacing a missing tooth call (301) 248-8080. Keep in mind that a temporary denture is only meant to be worn for a few months and will need to be replaced.

Partial Dentures
If only a few of your teeth are missing, partial dentures are a good solution for replacing them. Unlike a full set of dentures, these are held in place by a plastic base that is the same color as your gums. A metal framework is typically created in order to secure the base and prevent it from falling out. As long as you have natural teeth in place, you cannot wear a full set, so a partial set of dentures is necessary. We treat patients throughout the 20744 area that want to know if a partial set is better than a cosmetic procedure. They function differently because dentures are removable and cosmetic dentistry solutions are typically permanent. If you live in the Fort Washington MD area, call for your consultation and we can provide you with a list of options to consider.

Fort Washington Dentures and Repair

Complete Denture
When all of your teeth are missing, complete dentures can replace them. This is the type of dentures that you typically see in cartoons and movies. Technology has improved in recent years, making them more comfortable and natural looking than ever. Dr. James Sullivan can determine if this is the best way to replace your teeth or if an alternative solution would help you to achieve your goals. If you proceed with getting a complete set of dentures, your gums will be healed and ready in eight to 12 weeks after your teeth have been removed. When teeth are removed the bones and gums will start to shrink. By waiting for up to 12 weeks, you can be sure that your set of complete dentures will fit securely. Many patients throughout Maryland prefer not to wait and get immediate dentures. This solution does not require a waiting period, but there will be adjustments later on after the gums and bone have settled into their permanent size.

Check out what others are saying about our denture and partial denture services on Yelp: Dentures and Partial Dentures Fort Washington.

How are dentures made?
In order for dentures to be created, patients in MD need to schedule a dental appointment. At this time, the dentist will examine your gums and other teeth to determine if dentures are the best solution for you and if so, what type. A mold will then be taken of your teeth and gums so that the dentures can be created in a dental lab. Typically, several molds or impressions will be made so that the dentist can determine how your jaw functions and moves. Using these impressions, the lab will make a set of dentures that looks natural and fits perfectly. If necessary, adjustments will be made. Dr. James Sullivan can discuss the process in more detail during a consultation.

Benefits of Dentures
Patients throughout the 20744 area like how convenient dentures are. Whether you need a full or partial set, they can replace teeth in a non-invasive way. There is no surgical element to worry about, and temporary dentures can be fitted immediately. This provides a quick and easy solution. If, however, you are looking for something that feels more natural, you should consider a cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Negatives of Dentures
The biggest challenge with dentures is that they do not feel like natural teeth. Patients of James E Sullivan DDS tend to agree that while they are functional, you still have to think about them where other cosmetic dentistry procedures make it easy to forget you ever lost a tooth in the first place. Modern techniques have made dentures more secure and comfortable than they used to be, but they are still a foreign object in your mouth and can become loose when eating or speaking. If you are currently experiencing this problem, call Dr. James Sullivan at 301-248-8080 for a consultation.

Alternative Options
Patients in Maryland have been enjoying the benefits of a dentures alternative. There is a procedure that combines implant dentistry with dentures. Those that need complete dentures can benefit by having a secure way to hold their dentures in place. If you live in the Fort Washington MD area, we will be happy to examine your gums and let you know if you are a good candidate for the procedure. In this scenario, an impression is taken of your mouth in order to create a denture that will be secured in place using implants. Once created, metal posts will be implanted under your gums, and the dentures secured to it. This way patients get the benefits of how quickly dentures can be created and the convenience of the stability that can only come from using implant technology.

How do I care for my dentures?
Every night you need to take your dentures out. We advise patients of Dr. James Sullivan to rinse them thoroughly then use a denture brush to remove any food particles before rinsing them again. You also need to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. You can use an antiseptic mouthwash afterwards to kill any lingering bacteria and improve your breath. Your dentures should soak all night then be placed back in the mouth in the morning.

Helpful Related Links

  • American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
  • WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015

About our business, license, and website security

  • James E Sullivan DDS was established in 1989
  • We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
  • We serve patients from the following counties: Prince George’s County & Montgomery County
  • We serve patients from the following cities: Fort Washington, Silver Spring, Oxon Hill, Alexandria, Friendly, Waldorf, Accokeek, Andrews Field

  • Website Safety Ratings and Reputation – AVG Threat Labs. View Details
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Back to top of Artificial Teeth

  • Implant Dentures
  • Damaged Dentures?
  • Dentures and Partials

Related Topics

  • Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants
  • Implant Supported Dentures
  • Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
  • What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures

  • Find a Dentist in Fort Washington, MD

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Recent Posts

February 6, 2019

4 Signs That You Might Need Denture Repair

Dentures can be a great replacement method for teeth that are missing, but with use and time may come the need for denture repair. While dentures can last up to a lifetime, there are certain situations …


May 2, 2018

Do You Need to Take Dentures Out at Night?

Getting dentures can be one of the biggest decisions you make in your life. It does not just enhance your appearance but also boosts your self-confidence and self-esteem. You no longer have to feel anxious …


October 27, 2015

Ways to Keep Your Dentures in Excellent Condition

If you need dental prosthetics, dentures are an excellent way to replace missing teeth, whether you need to replace one or several. Fortunately, the dentures of today have improved significantly upon the older models and …


Definition of Prosthodontic Terminology

Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
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9400 Livingston Rd #345 Fort Washington, MD 20744
© 2025 James E Sullivan DDS. All Rights Reserved.
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9400 Livingston Rd #345 Fort Washington, MD 20744
© 2025 James E Sullivan DDS. All Rights Reserved.
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