Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Effects of Missing Teeth
There are various reasons why you might lose teeth in the first place. The most common ones involve gum disease, tooth decay, and accidental physical injury. Even certain systemic conditions can cause some of your pearly whites to fall out.
Missing some or all of your teeth can lead to several negative consequences. Not only will you have more difficulty eating, speaking, and grinning confidently, but you might experience situations like indigestion and malnutrition. Since there won’t be much stimulation of blood flow due to a lack of roots, your jawbone can also begin to weaken and shrink, which can lead to further tooth loss and facial sagging.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
In many cases, people who have lost any number of teeth can be good candidates for dentures. This, of course, depends on several factors that will ensure the restorations work as long as possible. Firstly, our team will need to verify that you have strong and healthy gum and jawbone tissue. You’ll also need to be committed to practicing good oral hygiene every day and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups. We’ll also need to address any underlying problems before moving forward with your treatment, such as gingivitis, as they can interfere with your restorations.
The number of teeth that you’re missing will also establish the kind of denture you’ll receive. Based on your current smile, you might get partials if you’re missing some, or full dentures if you no longer have any of your teeth.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
If you aren’t eligible for dentures, this doesn’t mean you won’t have any other solutions to rely on. Our team is more than happy to discuss alternative tooth-replacement treatments that can also effectively restore your smile, including:
- Dental bridges – If you’re missing one or several teeth in a row, then a dental bridge can be the perfect restoration for you. They usually consist of two dental crowns that rest atop healthy teeth on either side of the gap and are connected via pontics (artificial teeth).
- Dental implants – By embedding titanium posts into the jawbone, you can anchor your restorations directly to your facial structure. Not only will this provide incredible stability, but you’ll be able to preserve your jawbone and expect results that can last several decades to a lifetime.
Types of Dentures
Partial Dentures
Full Dentures
Implant Dentures
How Dentures Are Made
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures are made up of two main parts, the base, and the artificial teeth. Depending on the model of prosthetic you choose—full, partial, or implanted, different materials may be used to improve comfort or increase its stability.
The base for full dentures is usually made of acrylic that has been dyed to match your gums. However, partial dentures may also include metal brackets to help secure them to your remaining teeth. Other, less popular materials like nylon or resin may be used based on your needs and preferences.
The most popular medium for artificial teeth in dentures is porcelain because of its natural, slightly translucent appearance.
The Denture Creation Process
- Consultation: The first step in obtaining your new dentures is scheduling a consultation with us. During this visit, you’ll receive a thorough oral exam and discuss your goals with Gizachew. Once you’re cleared to proceed, he’ll use our advanced digital impression system to create an accurate 3D model of your mouth and send it to our partnered dental lab.
- Wax Cast and Fitting: The skilled technicians at the dental lab will use the 3D model of your oral cavity to create a wax sculpt of the denture base as well as temporary replicas of the teeth made of resin. This is then sent back to our office where you’ll have a chance to try them on. Then, it’s sent back to the lab with notes for adjustments.
- Final Casting: Once the wax cast has made it back to the lab, the technicians will cover the base in plaster and make holes in the teeth to create a mold. The wax is melted, leaving behind a perfect mold of your gums that is then injected with acrylic and left to harden. The final piece is fused with porcelain teeth, trimmed, and sent back to us.
- Fit and Finish: Once we receive your permanent prosthetic, you’ll have one more fitting. If there are no adjustments to be made, you can wear them home that day!
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
Despite the quality materials and comfort provided by our dentures, most patients still need a brief adjustment period when they first receive their prosthetics. The space inside your mouth will change slightly, and your tongue and gums will need a chance to get used to the presence of your dentures. However, rest assured that this is temporary, and with practice and perseverance, you’ll be back to speaking and smiling with ease once again.
Benefits of Dentures
Psychological Benefits
If you don’t replace your missing teeth, you have gaps in your smile, which can make you feel self-conscious. As a result, you may even develop mental health issues like depression or anxiety around other people. In contrast, when you have a complete set of teeth, your confidence is boosted, helping your self-esteem. You don’t have to feel hesitant to be around others or to express your smile.
Clearer Enunciation
Th, s, t, d, and f are all sounds that rely on your teeth to pronounce them correctly. Without dentition, communication can become much harder, which can not only lead to misunderstandings and frustration but can also isolate you from others. Dentures give you the ability to speak clearly with those around you. That way, you can communicate your needs and thoughts as needed without confusion.
Improves Nutrition
Without teeth to bite and chew, you must stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, eggs, oatmeal, and extremely soft vegetables. In many cases, denture wearers turn to more processed foods that tend to be softer than fresh alternatives.
However, when you have strong, well-fitted replacement teeth, you can enjoy a more varied and nutrient-rich diet. Not only will this freedom in your foods be more delicious, but it can also help you have a higher quality of life and even prolong your life expectancy!
Preserves Oral Health
If you have some natural teeth left in your mouth, dentures can help these pearly whites stay in their proper places. Otherwise, they would wander and shift out of alignment, increasing the chances of more tooth loss. Your dentures can keep these teeth where they belong.
Dentures also fill in the space between your upper and lower jaws, without which your face would take a sunken look. Dentures help your mouth appear full and healthy.
Implant dentures take oral health preservation to the next level by keeping the jawbone stimulated and robust. As a result, there isn’t any shrinkage over time.
Expands Opportunities
Like it or not, people judge others based on their appearance to some extent. Whether you’re trying to get a job or meet new people, the way your smile looks will count. With missing teeth, you may have opportunities closed to you; on the other hand, with a smile restored with dentures, you may find that doors are opened for new and better experiences and relationships.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
When estimating the final cost of your new dentures in Brick Township, several factors are taken into consideration. Here are a few elements that influence the price:
- Any preparatory dental work needed before getting dentures (i.e., tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, etc.)
- Number of teeth you’re missing
- Type of acrylic used for the base
- Materials your replacement teeth are made of (usually porcelain or acrylic)
If you want to save money, you might be tempted to opt for cheaper dentures. However, they’re not the most ideal option in the long run. Since these appliances are often made of subpar acrylic, they tend to break easily and will require replacement much sooner than you’d expect. That’s why when it comes to dental work, quality should always be of utmost importance regardless of cost.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Short answer: yes, but for a good reason. Implant dentures are typically more expensive than traditional ones because they require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants. However, many patients find it to be a worthwhile investment because of the benefits. Not only are implant dentures designed to last several decades, but they’re one of the most durable solutions for missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, they won’t shift out of place while in use. That means you can eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence once again!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Since dentures are considered a major procedure, most dental insurance plans offer some level of coverage for it. Generally, you can expect around 50% of their cost to be covered by insurance. Of course, every plan is unique, meaning the exact amount of coverage you’ll receive depends on your specific policy. If you have any questions about your benefits, our dental team can review the details of your plan and explain how it works. We’ll do everything we can to maximize your benefits and significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance or your plan doesn’t cover a large percentage of the costs, we’ve got you covered. We offer additional financing options to help make your dental bills a little easier to manage.
- In-House Membership Plan – Save big on all our services by paying just one annual fee. We’ll tailor it to fit your exact budget, helping you receive and pay for the care you need without having to break the bank. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about things like annual maximums or deductibles!
- CareCredit Financing – With this option, you can break the cost of your treatment into smaller, budget-friendly payments. You can choose from several low-to-no interest plans, making even the most expensive dental treatments fit just about any budget.
Ultimately, the best way to learn how your costs will add up is to schedule a consultation with Dr. G. He’ll be more than happy to address all your questions and concerns so you can feel confident about your decision to get dentures in Brick Township!
Dentures Aftercare
Removeable Dentures
Remove After Eating
After each meal, you should remove and rinse your dentures. By doing this, you can prevent the buildup of food debris and plaque. Don’t use hot water when you rinse your dentures. This can warp the denture material and cause them to not fit properly.
Clean Your Dentures
To clean your denture, take them out first. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of unscented hand soap, mild dish soap, or denture cleanser to gently brush your dentures. You shouldn’t use regular toothpaste, as dentures are not built to stand up to abrasive products. If you won’t be wearing the dentures again right away, place them in a container of water or denture-cleansing solution so they don’t dry out and lose their shape. You should always rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. These cleaning materials are not meant to be used in the mouth.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
When you clean your dentures, place a towel beneath you just in case you accidentally drop them. This will reduce your chances of damaging your dentures. Keep your prosthetic out of the reach of small children and pets.
Remove When You Sleep
Take your dentures out at night before going to bed. When you wear dentures, the circulation in your gums is restricted and can lead to soft tissue irritation. Sleeping with dentures has also been associated with a higher risk of pneumonia as well as higher levels of gum and tongue plaque. When you sleep, keep your dentures in a denture-soaking solution. If you leave them out, they will dry out and permanently lose their shape.
Notice Changes
You should keep an eye out for changes in your mouth. This way, you can address them with your dentist. This includes mouth sores, gum irritation, or signs of infection. If your dentures become damaged, don’t try to fix them yourself. Give your dentist a call. For dentures that are shifting, clicking, or not fitting properly, let us know, your restoration may need to be relined or replaced.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
If you have All-on-4 dental implants, you should brush your dentures twice a day using a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Stay away from toothpaste that contains baking soda or stain-removing agents. Floss your replacement teeth once a day. You can find floss threaders to help your floss beneath your denture/ Consider investing in a water flosser to keep your restoration and implants clean. Sulcus brushes are 1/3 the width of normal toothbrushes, so they are great for cleaning between your dentures and gums. Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash daily to prevent the growth of plaque and tartar.
Denture FAQs
Is it hard to talk with dentures?
Since you’re used to talking with your natural teeth (or with no teeth), it will take some time to get used to speaking while wearing dentures. This adjustment period can take varying amounts of time for different patients, but for most people, it usually takes a few weeks until talking with dentures feels like second nature.
Generally, the more you practice, the more quickly you can adjust to speaking with dentures. One issue that new denture wearers often deal with is a slight lisp due to changes in the palate. However, you can overcome this issue by reading out loud and practicing words that have a lot of “s” sounds, like “Mississippi.” Denture adhesive can provide some extra stability during this adjustment process.
Can I use regular toothpaste to clean my dentures?
Cleaning your dentures every day is essential, but you should avoid using toothpaste to do so. Toothpaste is actually abrasive to dentures and can leave microscopic scratches on the surface, severely damaging them over time. You should avoid using a hard-bristled toothbrush on them for the same reason.
Instead, clean your dentures with antibacterial hand soap, mild dishwashing liquid, or specialized denture cleaning solutions. To keep your smile looking and feeling great, rinse and clean your dentures after every meal.
Can I sleep with my dentures?
Although you can sleep while wearing your dentures, we highly recommend not doing so. Taking your dentures out before bed gives your gums and jawbone a break from holding your prosthetic all day. As a result, you’ll feel much more refreshed in the morning. Removing your dentures at night also gives you the perfect chance to clean them. Let your dentures soak overnight in denture cleanser or room-temperature water (hot water can alter their shape and make them not fit correctly).
Can I have my dentures relined if they don’t fit properly?
After tooth loss, the shape of your jaw naturally changes over time. That, coupled with the fact that your denture experiences wear and tear, means that even the most well-made denture will eventually lose its once-snug fit. If and when this occurs, your denture dentist in Brick Township may suggest a reline to help.
A soft reline can help if your gums are particularly sensitive to pressure from the dentures. Dr. G can even add extra cushioning material to minimize irritation. If more extensive modifications are required, however, we’ll recommend a hard reline. This necessitates several appointments, as we’ll need to send your dentures to a lab.