Life with missing teeth can be very uncomfortable. Simple everyday activities such as talking and eating can become very difficult. It can also leave you feeling very self-conscious about social situations. Health-wise, numerous missing teeth can lead to several complications. The good news is that, with the help of modern dentistry in Meriden, it may be easy for you to regain a complete and confident smile! Continue reading below to learn more about dentures and their benefits.
Why Choose Meriden Dental Group for Dentures?
- High-Quality, Natural-Looking Prosthetics
- Friendly & Empathetic Dental Team
- Multiple Payment Options
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Dentures are an excellent tooth replacement option for many patients who have lost all or most of their teeth throughout one of their dental arches. During your consultation, we will verify that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to support a prosthetic. If you are not currently a candidate for dentures, you may become one after some preparatory procedures. Or, we may recommend that you pursue an alternative form of tooth replacement, such as a bridge or dental implants.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Missing teeth may be the result of gum disease, severe tooth decay, injuries, lifestyle choices, or other factors. Regardless of why you have suffered tooth loss, your condition may affect your daily life in a number of ways:
- You may not be able to eat all of your favorite foods.
- You may feel self-conscious about your appearance due to sagging cheeks and space in your smile.
- You may withdraw from social situations and experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The good news is that dentures can help to minimize or eliminate many of the consequences of missing teeth.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
You may qualify for dentures if:
- You have suffered extensive tooth loss. If you have lost just one or a few teeth, a different form of tooth replacement may be better for you.
- Your teeth and gums are healthy enough to support dentures. If they are not, you may need to undergo one or more restorative treatments.
- You want a cost-effective tooth replacement solution. Dentures are one of the lowest-priced ways to address the loss of multiple teeth.
Alternative Tooth Replacement Options
If we determine that dentures are not quite right for you, we may recommend that you move forward with a different form of tooth replacement:
- A dental bridge. A traditional bridge relies on the teeth surrounding an empty space (the abutment teeth) for support. This type of restoration can be sturdy, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing. However, it does require some significant modification of the abutment teeth.
- Dental implants. Dental implants are small titanium cylinders, also called posts, which get placed into the jawbone. Acting as prosthetic tooth roots, they can support crowns, bridges, and dentures. We often recommend them as the best form of tooth replacement because they are strong and long-lasting. They also offer benefits for jawbone health.
Types of Dentures
Dentures are a set of prosthetic teeth that are attached to a gum-colored base, and they are typically used to help a patient restore numerous missing or damaged teeth. Depending on your circumstances, we might recommend that you receive partial dentures, full dentures, or implant dentures. Here is an overview of each type of prosthetic:
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures consist of teeth placed into a gum-colored base. However, instead of forming a complete arch, they are designed to fit into a patient’s existing smile like a puzzle piece, completing gaps and creating a completely uniform appearance. They are able to stay in place with the help of small, comfortable clips. Partial dentures resemble dental bridges, but they are actually removable, which can provide you with more comfort and convenience in your daily routine.
Full Dentures
Unlike partial dentures, full dentures are able to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. They can fit into the mouth in a variety of ways, such as by using natural suction or denture adhesive. We carefully design full dentures so they fit as comfortably as possible on the gums and provide optimum function.
Implant Dentures
Dental implants are small titanium posts that get surgically placed beneath the gumline. They can support dentures, providing them with remarkable strength and stability. We often recommend dental implants as the best type of tooth replacement because they last a long time, support bone health, and offer numerous other outstanding benefits.
The Benefits of Dentures
Some of the most outstanding benefits of dentures include:
- They are among the most cost-effective ways to replace missing teeth.
- They can look incredibly natural — onlookers may not know that you were ever missing any teeth!
- Dentures can improve your ability to eat a nutritious, balanced diet.
- Caring for dentures is simple. It does not require a lot of time or effort.
- Because they prevent your cheeks from looking hollow, dentures can allow you to enjoy a more youthful appearance.
How Dentures Are Made
Are you eager to get started on your tooth replacement journey? If you have chosen to get dentures, you have an exciting path ahead of you. Are you curious about the steps you will take before you receive your final prosthetic? Below, we discuss what dentures are made of, how they are created, and what you can expect when you first get your beautiful new teeth. What you discover may just enhance your appreciation for your new dentures!
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures have two main parts:
- The base of dentures, which rests on the gums, is often made of acrylic. This material is a popular choice because it can be molded to match each patient’s unique gum tissue. However, in some cases, nylon or other materials might be used. Partial dentures also include metal or acrylic clips that help them stay in place during eating and speaking.
- The teeth of dentures are usually made of porcelain or acrylic. Porcelain is often used for full dentures due to its strength and natural appearance. However, it can be hard on natural teeth, so acrylic is usually favored for individuals who still have some real teeth left.
The Denture Creation Process
The first step to getting your dentures is to make an appointment with our team. We will examine your mouth and jaw and determine if dentures are the best solution for you. Once that has been decided, we may need to extract any remaining teeth in order to better accommodate the dentures. After you have healed, the process to make your dentures will involve four basic steps:
- A series of impressions and images will be taken of your jaw to see how they fit together.
- A laboratory will create a wax model of your dentures. You will return to our office so we can see how it fits you. We will communicate any necessary changes with the laboratory.
- After as many fittings as necessary, the final design of your dentures will be determined before the laboratory fabricates it.
- Once your new denture arrives in our office, we will make sure it meets our expectations and make any final adjustments before we send you home with it.
The entire process is usually accomplished over the course of a few weeks with multiple visits. Our goal is to provide you with dentures that are comfortable and make you feel confident.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
Even though dentures are designed to be comfortable for your unique mouth, they still come with an adjustment period. At first, your gums might be a bit sore, and your speech may sound different. Be patient and practice using your prosthetic every day. Gradually, it should become easier and easier to use your dentures. You are always welcome to call us if you have questions or concerns about how to get the most out of your new smile.
What Will They Feel Like?
You may be advised to wear your dentures for 24 hours a day at first. This will help your gums conform to them, as well as help you get used to using them. Your dentures may feel loose initially, so a bit of dental adhesive can help this. Tasks such as talking and eating will require some practice. You can try reading out loud every night to get used to speaking with your dentures, and limit your diet to softer foods in order to learn how to eat with them.
While you might experience some minor irritation at first, you should make an appointment immediately if you feel any lasting pain. After the adjustment process, the dentures should feel very natural and enable you to go throughout the day without thinking about them.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
The cost of dentures is accessible for most patients. In fact, they are usually one of the most affordable forms of tooth replacement. Their exact price depends on several factors; our team will provide a personalized estimate during your consultation. We will also help you understand your payment options, such as insurance and financing.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
A few factors that can have a bearing on the cost of dentures include:
- Preliminary treatments. Some patients require gum disease therapy or extractions before they can get dentures. Each of these services comes with its own fee.
- The materials used to make the dentures. The base of dentures is usually made of acrylic, whereas the teeth may be constructed of acrylic or porcelain. These materials, as well as where they come from, can affect the overall price of tooth replacement.
- The type of denture. Full dentures, partial dentures, and implant dentures all have different price points.
Keep in mind that “cheap” or “bargain” dentures commonly fall short of expectations — quality is important!
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures come with a higher price point than their traditional counterparts. The reason for the cost difference is due to the significant amount of extra time and resources that go into the treatment process for implant dentures.
Are implant dentures worth the cost? Most patients would say yes. Implant dentures provide extremely sturdy tooth replacement. They can stand up to virtually any food without slipping or sliding around the mouth. Plus, they can last for much longer than traditional dentures, which typically need to be replaced every 5 – 7 years or so.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
In most cases, yes, dental insurance covers dentures. They are usually classed as a major service, meaning that around 50% of their cost is covered, up to the amount of a plan’s annual maximum. Our practice is happy to accept most insurance plans, and we will be pleased to help you understand your benefits. We can also assist you with getting pre-authorization, filing your claims, and more.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
In addition to assisting you with insurance, we offer a few provisions that might make it easier for you to afford dentures:
- Financing. We are partnered with CareCredit, a third-party lender that provides low-interest and no-interest payment plans for dental services.
- Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan is designed for patients without insurance. It provides reduced fees on virtually all the services available at Meriden Dental Group
- FREE dental implant consultation. If you are leaning toward getting implant dentures, you can start your journey for nothing out of pocket.
Are you ready to learn more about dentures and their cost? Get in touch with our team today to schedule a consultation. We are ready to answer your questions!
Dentures Aftercare
Once you get your dentures from our Meriden practice, they should serve you well for several years. But they will only live up to their potential if you take good care of them! One important thing you should do is attend regular dental visits, where our team can inspect your prosthetic, offer advice on maintaining it, and provide needed routine care for your oral tissues. This proactive approach can stop minor issues from becoming major problems for your smile’s health and function.
What else can you do to keep your dentures in good shape? Below, you will find some practical advice.
Removable Dentures
Remove After Eating
We recommend that you take out your dentures after every meal or snack. By doing this, you prevent food particles from sticking to the appliance and your gums, where they could cause irritation or odors. Rinse your dentures with water to wash away debris before placing them back in your mouth. Make sure the water is cool or room temperature; hot water could warp your prosthetic and render it unusable.
Clean Your Restoration
You should clean your dentures thoroughly every day. Use a soft-bristled brush and a nonabrasive cleanser (preferably something designed specifically for dentures) to clean all surfaces of your prosthetic. Avoid using regular toothpaste, which may cause scratches. Rinse your dentures well before putting them back in your mouth. It is also wise to soak your dentures in a cleaning solution overnight; this can help to get rid of lingering bacteria and food particles, allowing you to start each day with a fresh and confident smile.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
Handle your dentures with care to avoid damage. When you remove them, place a towel in the sink or fill it with water to cushion any accidental drops. Keep them out of reach of small children and curious pets. If your appliance becomes cracked or warped, bring it to our office promptly so we can assess what kind of repairs are needed.
Remove When You Sleep
We advise you to take your dentures out before you go to bed at night. Sleeping without your appliance allows your gums and oral tissues to rest and recover, which promotes a healthy oral environment and good circulation in your gums. In contrast, leaving your dentures in could increase your risk of bad breath, infections, and even respiratory issues. Place your dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight to keep them moist and prevent warping.
Notice Changes
Pay close attention to any changes in how your dentures fit or feel. If you notice discomfort, sore spots, unwanted movements, or difficulty chewing, contact our office as soon as possible. Your mouth may change over time, leading to the need for adjustments to your prosthetic. Our team can evaluate the situation and recommend your next steps. If you have already had your denture for several years, we may not be able to reline (adjust) it. Instead, you may need a new one that is tailored to your mouth’s current shape.
Dentures FAQs
Are you thinking about investing in dentures? You have much to look forward to! However, before you contact us to request a consultation, you may have questions about this treatment and what to expect from it. That is why we have put together the following brief list of FAQs. If you would like further explanation on anything you read here, you are welcome to reach out to us directly.
Do Dentures Have to Be Kept in Water?
It is important that your dentures stay moist. If they dry out, they could develop cracks or lose their shape. Therefore, when you are not wearing them, you should place them in water or in a specialized denture-soaking solution. Never place them in hot water because doing so could damage them; it is best to use room-temperature water. Also, avoid the use of bleach or other harsh cleaning chemicals.
How Many Hours a Day Can I Wear My Dentures?
After the initial adjustment period, you should refrain from wearing your prosthetic overnight. Removing your teeth at bedtime gives your gums a chance to rest and can help to prevent sores and bacterial accumulation. Also, since your mouth tends to be dryer while you are asleep, taking your dentures out at night can prevent them from losing all their moisture and suffering damage as a result. In general, you should spend at least 5 or 6 hours without your denture in your mouth each night.
Do Dentures Irritate Your Gums?
When you are first getting used to your dentures, your gums may be sore simply because your prosthetic is a foreign object in your mouth, and it is putting pressure on your gums. After you adjust to them, however, they should be quite comfortable. If they ever do begin to irritate your gums, that is a sign that they no longer fit well or that they have suffered damage. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist so your dentures can be relined (adjusted) or repaired.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
With proper care, dentures typically last for 5 – 8 years before they need to be replaced. That is not because the denture itself wears out. It is because the jaw changes shape over time, so there will come a point where it is no longer possible to adjust the dentures so they fit well. If you are interested in a longer-lasting tooth replacement solution, ask your dentist about dental implants. Dental implants act as prosthetic tooth roots and help to prevent changes to the jawbone. They have the potential to last a lifetime, and the dentures they support can last for well over a decade.