For most people, the main concern of missing teeth is the way they look. A smile is a large component of your appearance. When your smile has one or more missing teeth, you know that others notice. This simple awareness can make you feel very self-conscious and even uncomfortable.
But there’s really more to it than what meets the eye. Tooth loss can also impact your general health and well being. For example, sometimes people with missing teeth cannot eat certain foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, because they’re difficult to chew and therefore digest. So replacing your missing teeth will not only help you feel more confident when you smile, but is also likely to improve your general health, too.
For centuries, dentists have relied on dentures as the solution for tooth loss. Fortunately, dentures today have come a long way from where they started. Whether you need a partial or full denture in Grafton, Dr. Kern will work with you to create a prosthesis that provides a delightful smile that you can count on. To schedule your denture consultation, give us a call today!
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
If you want to know whether you’re a good candidate for dentures or not, you’ll need to visit our team for a consultation first. We’ll need to assess various factors like your oral health and the number of teeth that you’re missing to determine if you’re eligible for the treatment. We can also walk you through alternative solutions for renewing your smile, that way you’re informed about all of your options. In the meantime, here’s what we’ll keep in mind when determining your eligibility.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Millions of people across the United States are struggling with tooth loss, which can come with a wide range of complications. Not only will it negatively affect things like your ability to chew efficiently or speak clearly, but it will also lead to jawbone deterioration, resulting in issues like facial sagging and further tooth loss. Not to mention the psychological downsides to losing some or all of your pearly whites, as many people tend to avoid certain social events or interactions due to embarrassment. Dentures can be the solution you need to improve both your oral and mental well-being.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Practically any adult suffering from moderate to severe tooth loss can be a good candidate for dentures. However, you need to be in good oral health before you can be fitted with dentures. During your consultation, we’ll look for issues like tooth decay, unhealthy teeth, and gum disease. If any problems are found, we’ll help you address them before moving on to completing your smile with dentures.
The number of teeth that you’re missing will also determine the kind of prosthetic you’ll receive. These can include partial, full, and implant dentures. In many cases, this treatment is a budget-friendly option for patients, so you won’t have to worry about paying a high upfront cost to effectively restore your bite.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
If dentures aren’t a good fit for you at the moment, this doesn’t mean you’ll be out of options. Our practice offers alternative methods for replacing missing teeth, including:
Dental bridges – These restorations utilize two dental crowns connected by pontics. After placing the crowns on the adjacent healthy teeth on either side of the gap, the restoration will then “bridge” the space to complete your smile.
Dental implants – This option uses titanium posts embedded into your jawbone to effectively support your new restoration(s). Not only will this optimize the stability of your brand-new smile, but the results can end up lasting decades to a lifetime with minimal maintenance!
Not only are dentures a good choice for most candidates who are interested in them, but our custom-made dentures can be used to address varying degrees of tooth loss. Depending on your unique situation and goals, we may recommend one of the following:
Partial Dentures
Did you know that there are around 175 million Americans who have at least one missing tooth? If you stand among this crowd, then your Grafton dentist would like to see you. Dr. Kern will be happy to design a customized partial denture to rebuild your smile and help you eat and speak with ease.
A partial denture consists of false teeth that are attached to a thin metal frame, which has clasps that hook around a couple of your natural teeth in order to hold the denture in place. No need to worry if your missing teeth are not consecutive. As long as they’re along the same arch, Dr. Kern can design your partial to fit just like a puzzle piece between remaining teeth.
Full Dentures
If all of your teeth are missing along one or both arches, then Dr. Kern will recommend a full denture. For your upper arch, this denture consists of false teeth attached to a gum colored base; the base may or may not cover the roof of your mouth, too. For your lower teeth, the base is U-shaped in order not to get in the way of your tongue.
Dr. Kern takes precise measurements of your mouth in order to specify dentures that are just the right size and shape for your smile. And while natural suction can hold your dentures in place, you may feel more confident using a denture adhesive, too.
Implant Dentures
Alternatively, your partial or full denture can be anchored securely into place with the help of dental implants. Instead of resting on your gums or relying on your remaining teeth, an implant denture is attached to four to eight dental implants that have been inserted directly into your jawbone. This unique method offers vastly improved function, comfort, and longevity, but you’ll need to have adequate jawbone density to be considered a good candidate. During your consultation, we’ll review all your tooth replacement options and help you determine if implant dentures are a good choice for you.
How Dentures Are Made
Before committing to the denture process, you likely want to know what to expect. By understanding what they’re made of and what materials are used to create your artificial teeth, you can better appreciate your new smile. Do you need a partial denture? A full one? An immediate one? Regardless of the type of denture you choose, the process is very similar for all of them. Below, you’ll learn more about how the magic happens!
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures are made of two components:
Denture Base: This is the foundation for artificial teeth, providing structural support. It can be from materials like acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. However, full dentures are often made using acrylic because they can be customized to match your natural gum tissue.
Artificial Teeth: Usually, the teeth are made from resin or porcelain because they both have a natural appearance. Porcelain is the most popular option because it looks and feels just like normal teeth. It’s also a very durable material, meaning it can last years to come with proper care!
The Denture Creation Process
Getting dentures in Grafton is a multi-step process that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. One of the first things your dentist will do is take impressions of your smile to create a mold of your mouth. This will ensure the final denture is the correct size and shape.
The mold will be sent to a trusted dental laboratory to begin the denture creation process. Your artificial teeth will be made of acrylic resin and set in place into a wax version of your gum line. Using a special device, the technician will shape the wax until it looks like your gums. The wax dentures will then be sent to our office for a fitting. Once the mock-up is approved, it’ll be sent back to the lab for the final step.
At the lab, a technician will boil the dentures to get rid of the wax. The dentures are placed in a flask and plaster will be used to help maintain the shape of the dentures. Holes are made in the teeth so the material can attach to it. After the denture is trimmed, cut, and molded to perfection, it’ll be sent back to the office once and for all.
Now that it’s ready, the patient will return to the office for a final fitting. Your dentist will make any final adjustments as needed to ensure everything is working smoothly. Afterward, you’ll be ready to put your brand-new smile to use!
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
When you first get your dentures, you may feel slight discomfort for a few days. For instance, you might have soreness and difficulty speaking and eating. Eventually, your mouth will adjust to dentures, and they’ll feel just like your natural teeth! The good news is that there are several ways you can speed up the adjustment process.
Some tips include:
Eating plenty of soft foods
Using a denture adhesive
Exercising facial muscles
Benefits of Dentures
When you are missing several teeth, it can be difficult to complete tasks you once found easy, like chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence. The good news is that dentures are a life-changing tooth replacement option for people who are missing several, most of, or all of their teeth! If you have suffered from tooth loss, here are some of the benefits that dentures can provide.
Psychological Benefits
Numerous psychological downsides can be related to tooth loss. When there are obvious gaps in your smile, it is common to feel insecure. This can make you less likely to engage in social activities. By restoring the function and appearance of your smile, you are more likely to experience improved self-esteem. Ultimately, dentures can reduce anxieties surrounding appearance, speech articulation, chewing ability, and more!
Clearer Enunciation
When your smile isn’t complete, it can be much more difficult to speak clearly. To pronounce words, your lips and tongue need to be positioned properly. When you can’t touch your tongue to your teeth, some words become very difficult to enunciate. Because dentures replace your missing teeth, they allow you to make sounds more clearly. After the short adjustment period and a little bit of practice, you will be able to talk just like you used to.
Improves Nutrition
Many foods that are good for your health are tough in texture. This includes fruits, veggies, meats, and other healthy proteins. When you can’t chew your food thoroughly, you can experience things like indigestion and malnutrition. With an improved ability to chew, dentures allow for a vaster diet full of nutritious foods. In the end, your body will receive more of the essential nutrients it needs for optimal overall health.
Preserves Oral Health
If you still have remaining healthy teeth in your mouth, dentures can help to keep them from shifting around to fill in gaps left behind by missing teeth. Dentures also bear some of the weight of chewing, therefore reducing the wear and tear of existing teeth.
Expands Opportunity
Your smile is one of the very first things that people notice about you. When it comes to interviews and promotions, it is crucial to make a great first impression. A complete smile is definitely an advantage! When you feel more confident about your appearance, it will show in the way you present yourself. This can mean greater opportunities in both your personal and professional life!
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
It’s no secret replacing missing teeth can be expensive; however, dentures are likely more affordable than you might realize. Unfortunately, there isn’t a pre-determined fee for the prosthetics because the cost of dentures in Grafton varies depending on your treatment plan. Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the solutions you need to rebuild your smile without breaking the bank.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
The amount you’ll pay for your dentures is determined by your specific needs. Although every case differs, you can expect to pay for:
Preparation:It’s not uncommon to need additional procedures to prepare your mouth for dentures in Grafton, like a tooth extraction or gum disease therapy.
Materials:Generally, an acrylic base is customized to match the color of your gum tissue to ensure it looks natural.
Replacement Teeth:Most dentures feature prosthetic teeth made of acrylic or porcelain to make them look realistic.
Although there are many dental practices that offer discounted dentures, the saying is true, “you’ll get what you pay for.” When it comes to treating your tooth loss, quality should be primary over the price. Paying a little extra for better materials will promote the overall durability and aesthetics of your denture.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
As an alternative to traditional dentures, you can secure your new teeth to your jawbone using dental implants. While you’ll initially pay more for implant dentures, they are the most cost-effective because they can last for decades instead of 5 to 7 years. Not to mention, they offer unmatched benefits that aren’t possible using a regular denture. With over a 95% success rate, you’ll make an investment in your oral health and quality of life when choosing implant dentures.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Every insurance policy is unique; however, most dental plans can be used to offset the cost of dentures. By paying your monthly premiums, you have access to a yearly allowance to use toward restorative treatments, like dentures. After reaching your deductible, you can use your allowance to lower the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your insurance company to file the necessary claim forms to maximize your annual benefits. We’ll explain how your coverage is being used and if there’s a remaining balance.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
If you have any out-of-pocket expenses, we accept several payment forms to replace your missing teeth without draining your wallet. Our office accepts all traditional payment options, as well as third-party financing. Based on your credit’s approval, you’re given the funds you need, which you’ll repay using a plan that accommodates your budget. We’ll help you find the affordable solutions you need to enjoy a complete, functional smile again.
Dentures Aftercare
Even after renewing your smile with brand-new dentures, you’ll want to make sure your mouth is completely healthy moving forward. This means you’ll still need to keep your oral health in good shape by cleaning your new teeth and visiting your dentist for checkups every six months. This will allow our team to monitor your mouth for any complications and ensure your dentures remain successful for many years to come. Here are several aftercare guidelines to help you maintain your prosthetics for the long run.
Removable Dentures
Remove After Eating
Whenever you eat a meal, pieces of food can start to accumulate around your dentures and gums. Neglecting to remove these particles can cause your prosthetics to appear less than perfect as well as allow bacteria to settle and grow in the area. If left unchecked, you can end up leaving your gums more vulnerable to plaque and infection. That’s why you’ll want to take your dentures off after every meal, using warm water to rinse them and avoid warping their structure. This will also allow you to rinse your mouth and gums to clear out any lingering food particles and bacteria.
Clean Your Restoration
To minimize the chance of plaque and tartar forming around your smile, you’ll need to clean your dentures as often as possible. While they can’t decay like natural pearly whites, allowing bacteria to gather around them can leave you susceptible to periodontal disease. By cleaning your dentures, you’ll reduce your risk of inflammatory problems as well as promote better overall health. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap to keep them beautiful and healthy. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive for your artificial teeth.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
Although your dentures may be sturdy, it doesn’t mean they’ll be indestructible. One wrong bite can cause your prosthetics to get damaged or break. For this reason, you’ll want to avoid biting or chewing on hard items like pens or ice cubes. Choose foods that are easier to chew to keep your dentures safe while remaining as comfortable as possible. Keep them out of reach of pets and small children. When cleaning them, be sure to place a towel in case you drop them to avoid damaging them.
Remove Dentures When You Sleep
Since your mouth produces less saliva during sleep, which is important for washing away bacteria, you can end up being more vulnerable to germs throughout the night. This is because less saliva can cause your smile and dentures to dry out. Even if there is moisture, bacteria tend to grow in moist and dark areas like the space between your dentures and gum line. That’s why, to avoid these issues, we recommend taking your prosthetics out before bed and soaking them overnight in a cup of water to keep them clean and healthy.
Notice Changes
If your dentures start to not feel well-fitted or stay in your mouth as effectively as before, it’s best to visit our team right away for help. Your jawbone will typically change in structure due to tooth loss. To keep up with this situation, you should visit your dentist every six months so that they can monitor your progress and address any developing issues they might detect to help you maintain good oral health. We can also adjust your dentures if necessary to help you be more comfortable with your brand-new smile.
Denture FAQs
If you’re considering replacing your missing teeth with dentures in Grafton, then chances are you have a few questions about the process. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have during your consultation. Before then, however, we invite you to read through the following section to see whether your question is one of the ones we get asked the most often. If you still have concerns after reading the FAQs below, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Kern Family Dentistry and ask!
How Can I Get Adjusted to Living with Dentures?
When you first receive your prosthesis, it may take some time for your mouth to get used to it. During this adjustment period, we recommend wearing your dentures as much as possible so that you can practice eating and speaking.
Until you fully get the hang of chewing with your dentures, you might want to stick to a soft food diet or cut your food into tiny pieces. Remember to chew with even pressure on both sides of your mouth to keep your dentures in place.
Also, you may produce excess saliva at first, but you can manage this by sipping water frequently and sucking on sugarless candy to encourage regular swallowing.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
This depends on the type of denture you’re receiving. A traditional partial or full denture will typically last five to ten years before it needs to be replaced. It will also need to be adjusted, or “relined” every year or so to accommodate for the natural jawbone changes that occur after tooth loss.
Implant dentures, on the other hand, can last exponentially longer. Because dental implants stimulate the jawbone, they prevent the natural changes that would normally take place. As a result, they won’t need to be replaced nearly as often. While your prosthesis may have to be replaced every decade or so, the implants themselves can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene.
How Should I Take Care of My Dentures?
For an implant denture that is fixed in the mouth, you can pretty much care for it the same way you did your natural teeth. Brush, floss, and rinse every day, and visit us for checkups at least twice a year.
Conventional dentures require learning a new maintenance routine. Every day, you should brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and no toothpaste. Also, brush your gums, tongue, and palate to prevent plaque buildup. Soak your dentures overnight in a denture cleansing solution or water. Just be sure to not use hot water since that could alter their shape.
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