As you can probably imagine, not having any teeth can severely limit your diet, hinder your ability to speak clearly, and have a negative impact on your self-image. So how can you restore your smile if one or both rows of teeth are missing? Oftentimes, the best option is to get a denture that has been designed with your unique mouth in mind. Get in touch with Dr. Fitzgerald today to see if dentures may be the ideal answer for your lost teeth.
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Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?
There are different forms of tooth replacement available, but dentures are typically an excellent choice for patients who have suffered from particularly extensive tooth loss. So, if you are missing several teeth in a single arch or you don’t have any of your natural teeth left, get in touch with us – there’s a good chance that you’re a candidate for dentures! In the meantime, you can read on to learn the effects of missing teeth, the qualities we look for in an ideal candidate, and the other tooth-replacement solutions we offer.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Before we review what qualifies a patient for dentures and the other tooth-replacement solutions we offer, it’s important that we first discuss the effects of missing teeth. After all, we’re concerned with more than just aesthetics. The reality is that the gaps in your smile can lead to several serious consequences, including dental drift, indigestion, and trouble enunciating clearly. For all of those reasons, we recommend getting in touch with our welcoming, talented, and experienced team at Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry and Orthodontics sooner rather than later.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
If you are struggling with moderate to severe tooth loss, but your gums are healthy, then there’s a good chance that you’re a candidate for dentures. In fact, even if an untreated oral health problem initially stands in your way, like gingivitis, we can add the necessary restorative care to your treatment plan so you aren’t without a complete, healthy smile for long. In other words, if you set up an appointment at our office, we can examine the state of your oral health, consider the number of teeth you lost, and give you our recommendation for the steps you should take to rebuild your smile.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
Although dentures are one of the most popular tooth-replacement options, it isn’t the only one. Dental bridges, for example, are a great solution for patients who are missing several teeth consecutively in an arch. Dental implants, on the other hand, can replace a single missing tooth, several teeth throughout your smile, or even all of them, replacing both the root and crown of your teeth in the process. There is another considerable benefit that comes with dental implants as well: they can last for three decades or longer with proper care!
Rest assured, we will go over all of your treatment options at your consultation. At that time, we will also share our recommendations, create your custom treatment plan, answer any questions you have, and help you navigate the financial side of your care so the entire process of restoring your smile is as smooth as possible.
Types of Dentures
There’s actually more than one kind of denture that you can potentially get depending on the specifics of your situation. Each one is made out of state-of-the-art materials that help your new teeth look as natural as possible while also making them comfortable to wear. Below is a summary of your options when it comes to dentures.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture can be used when you are only missing some of your teeth. The prosthesis is designed to fit neatly into the gaps in your grin, much like a puzzle piece. Typically, it will have metal clasps that help it stay attached to your natural teeth.
Full Dentures
You’re likely already familiar with the concept of a full denture: a complete row of artificial teeth meant to replace either your upper or lower arch. Unlike partial dentures, full dentures don’t come with clasps. Instead, they sit on your gums and rely on natural suction to keep them stable.
Implant Dentures
Partial dentures and full dentures can both be combined with dental implants, thus allowing you to restore your smile without having to worry about your new teeth slipping out of place. Some implant dentures are designed to stay attached to the implant posts at all times; others are made to be removable.
The Benefits of Dentures
Oftentimes, patients hear “dentures” and think of the ones their grandparents or great-grandparents wore. However, the restorations made today are vastly different thanks to advancements in both the field of dentistry and technology in general. In other words, they are still considered a reliable means for replacing missing teeth and, with a well-made set, you can:
Eat a More Varied Diet
It’s surprising the negative impact even one missing tooth can have on your diet. In fact, like many other patients, you may have adopted a diet consisting of entirely soft foods following tooth loss. Unfortunately, this can lead to several problems – from indigestion to nutritional deficiencies – which is why we strongly recommend exploring your tooth-replacement options sooner rather than later. The good news is that dentures can help patients with even more severe tooth loss eat all kinds of foods and enjoy a more varied diet!
Feel Confident Again
Another downside of tooth loss is that it can take a serious toll on a patient’s self-esteem. If this sounds all too familiar, we have good news: we can fill the gaps in your smile with a custom partial or full denture. Since everything from the gum-colored base to the size, shape, and shade of the replacement teeth are made with your specific face shape and smile goals in mind, no unwanted attention will be drawn to your smile. In fact, you can show off a confident grin when meeting people for the first time, catching up with old friends, and everything in between!
Enjoy a Healthy Smile
In short, maintaining a healthy smile doesn’t require a bunch of special oral hygiene products. In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth, simply clean your denture each morning and night and, before you go to bed, place it in a glass filled with a dentist-recommended cleaner. Outside of that, just incorporate the same best practices you use to care for your natural teeth, like avoiding tobacco products and coming to our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
Speak Clearly
Patients are often surprised that – in addition to their oral health and confidence getting hit – it’s difficult to enunciate clearly following tooth loss. Don’t worry – we can fill the gaps in your smile with a partial denture or give you an entirely new one with a full denture! That way, you not only look your best, but you feel your best knowing that you can easily communicate with the people you interact with throughout the day.
Important note: When you first get your denture, you might experience some difficulty enunciating clearly. However, this is only temporary; with practice, you’ll adjust in no time!
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Dentures are often thought to be expensive, but they are more affordable than you might think. Many things influence the cost of dentures, but Dr. Alison Fitzgerald has the financial solutions you need to keep your new teeth affordable. You won't have to compromise quality or aesthetics to stay within your budget. You'll benefit from a high-quality, natural-looking denture to be proud of.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
There isn't a one-size-fits-all denture because every mouth is as unique as fingerprints. Therefore, many things will affect the amount you'll pay for a new set of teeth, like:
- Preparatory Procedures: It's not unusual to require a little prep work before getting dentures, like tooth extractions or gum disease therapy.
- Type of Denture: Depending on how many teeth you've lost, you have many types of dentures to choose from, including traditional prosthetics and implant-supported solutions.
- Materials: Discounted materials may not be as comfortable, durable, or aesthetically pleasing. It's best to invest in high-quality materials for comfort, durability, and confidence.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Implant dentures can cost about the same as traditional prosthetics. However, dental implants are the most affordable overall. They have over a 95% success rate. They are proven to last for 30 years or more. You won't have to budget for replacements every few years, like with traditional dentures. Not to mention, dental implants are the only treatment to mimic tooth roots, giving you the next best thing to your real teeth. You can't put a price on the benefits you'll gain by investing in implant dentures.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Dental insurance often covers the consultation and diagnostic services for dentures for a co-payment. After meeting your annual deductible, your insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the costs for medically necessary procedures, like any prep work. Your insurance may pay some of the cost for your dentures until reaching your yearly limit. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage to lower the amount you will pay.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
Besides dental insurance, our office offers various options to keep dentures affordable, like:
- Traditional Payments: We accept all traditional payment methods, including cash, personal checks, and most credit cards.
- KLEER Membership Plan: You can benefit from discounted services by joining our in-house membership program.
- Financing: Based on your credit approval, you can make monthly installments on any out-of-pocket expenses through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
Dentures FAQs
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While it’s possible to sleep with your dentures in, it’s generally recommended that you remove them at night. Taking your dentures out while you sleep gives your gums a chance to rest and prevents the risk of irritation or infection. At the same time, removing your dentures helps them stay stronger, longer by reducing wear and tear. Overnight care is also important to keep your dentures (and your mouth) feeling clean and smelling fresh. So, soak your dentures in a cleaning solution each night to keep them moist and bacteria-free. Doing this will keep your mouth free from sores and prevent issues like respiratory infections that can sometimes occur due to sleeping in dentures.
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The need for dentures is more determined by the condition of your teeth rather than your age. Some people need dentures as early as their 30s or 40s due to tooth loss from decay, gum disease, or injury, while others may not get them until much later in life. Generally, dentures become more common as patients age, particularly for those over 65, when tooth loss becomes more prevalent. In fact, a survey by the American Dental Association saw that nearly 57 percent of people aged 65 to 74 wear some form of denture. Regardless of age, dentures are a great way to revitalize your smile and quality of life.
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There are different models when it comes to the type of denture you receive; partial, full, or implanted. Each choice depends on specific qualities. Partial dentures are best if you still have some healthy teeth, as they effectively fill in gaps. Full dentures are necessary when all your natural teeth are missing, providing a complete set of artificial teeth. Implant dentures are a more permanent solution for patients with good oral health and jawbone density. These offer increased stability by anchoring the dentures directly to the jawbone with dental implants. Your oral health, lifestyle, and personal preferences will help determine which type of denture is the best fit for you!
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While dentures restore your ability to enjoy many foods, some can be challenging or even damaging. Sticky foods like peanut butter and caramel can dislodge your dentures or get stuck underneath them, causing discomfort. Some snacks, such as nuts, popcorn, and seeds hard candies make fine debris that can be irritating or harmful as well. Tough meats like steak can also be difficult to chew and may put strain on your prosthetics. It’s best to cut food into smaller, more manageable pieces, chew slowly, and balance your bite to avoid issues while you eat.
