Dentures — Longmont, CO

Effects of Missing Teeth

As you consider denture treatment, it’s crucial to know tooth loss causes and effects. Those details will help you see how the restorations can help.

 

In terms of causes, people lose teeth for various reasons. On the one hand, a tooth could decay so much that it falls out or needs extraction. Conversely, gum disease can wear down the bone and tissue holding teeth in place. Getting teeth knocked out from an accident or injury is possible as well.

 

Regardless of what prompts it, though, lacking teeth has consistently harsh effects. Without a full grin, everyday tasks – especially eating, speaking, and smiling – become more challenging. The condition also produces smile gaps that cause your jaw to erode. Left unchecked, this latter process could trigger facial collapse. Worse yet, the gaps could even result in further tooth loss.

 

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

As stated before, patients often qualify for dentures if they lack teeth. Even so, there are other factors you should keep in mind.

 

Take oral health, for instance. While dentures can replace already-missing teeth, they’re also good substitutes for sensitive or decaying ones. Plus, the appliance only works when the patient’s gum and jaw tissues are healthy enough. Otherwise, it’ll lack the support necessary to stay in place.

 

How many teeth you’ve lost also influences treatment. Depending on the number, you’ll need one of two possible denture models: partial or full. The partial type is best for replacing a few teeth. In contrast, full dentures are ideal when all pearly whites along an arch are gone.

 

Finances, too, play a role in your denture decision. The prosthetics, after all, are cheaper than alternative restorations. As such, they’re great for patients operating on a budget.

 

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Even if you aren’t a good denture candidate, there’s still hope; our practice has additional replacement options. In particular, Longmont Complete Dentistry has two other procedures you could try. They include the following:

 

• Dental Bridges – As fixed restorations, dental bridges only replace a few teeth. Being made of crowns fused to a pontic, they need surrounding teeth to support themselves.
• Dental Implants – In contrast to dentures or bridges, dental implants are posts placed in your jaw’s sockets. Consequently, they gradually fuse with your jaw and stay pretty secure. However, these features mean they’re costly and require high jawbone density to work.

 

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures have two main parts – the base and the replacement teeth. Here’s what each one consists of:

• Denture Base: This is the structure that supports your replacement teeth. It can be made from a few different materials, like acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. Full dentures are usually made from acrylic because they can be crafted to match your natural gum tissue. Partial dentures may use metal clips with an acrylic base. In some cases, nylon is used in place of acrylic.
• Artificial Teeth: The artificial teeth are usually made from resin or porcelain because they both have a natural appearance. However, porcelain is usually the preferred option because of its durability and natural feel.

The Denture Creation Process

Every denture is customized. This requires a multi-step process. Here is what this typically looks like:

• Step 1: Your dentist will begin by taking impressions of your upper and lower gums using a thick paste. This is used to create a plaster model that acts as a replica of your mouth. This model is necessary to ensure that your final restoration is the perfect shape and size to fit in your mouth as it should. Your dentist will also take measurements of your jaw at this time.
• Step 2: The cast is sent to the dental laboratory where your dentures will be crafted. They will create a wax replica of your gum line.
• Step 3: The artificial teeth are set in place. A mechanical device, called an “articulator,” will be used to attach the teeth with wax. The lab technician will make minor adjustments by shaping and carving the wax to ensure that it looks like your gums.
• Step 4: The wax dentures are sent to your dentist for a fitting. If everything looks as it should, the dentures are sent back to the dental lab where the process will be completed.
• Step 5: Once they have been returned, the lab technician removes the wax portions. To do this, they will place your dentures into a flask, or a holding device. Plaster is poured in to hold the shape of the dentures. Then, the entire flask is placed in hot water to melt the wax.
• Step 6: After the wax is melted away, holes are made in the teeth so the material can attach to it. A liquid separator is added to the plaster layer to stop the acrylic from sticking to it. Acrylic is injected into the flask to replace the wax.
• Step 7: The plaster is carefully removed using lab tools to reveal the dentures. The dentures are then placed in an ultrasonic bath to remove any remaining plaster.
• Step 8: Excess acrylic is cut from the denture, and the denture is polished.
• Step 9: Once the process is complete, you can return to the practice for a fitting. Adjustments will be made if necessary.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Some mild soreness is normal when you first get new dentures. Over time, your mouth will adjust to them, and speaking and eating will come naturally. By sticking to soft foods, exercising your facial muscles, and practicing difficult sounds, you can speed up this adjustment process. If any discomfort persists, or you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re eager for you to enjoy your new smile!

Removable Dentures

Remove After Eating

When you’re finished eating, no matter the time of day, it’s important that you remember to remove your denture and give it a thorough cleaning. This will help to prevent bacterial accumulation as well as food debris from burrowing underneath your prosthetic and irritating your soft oral tissues.

Forgetting to do so or neglecting this step each time you finish eating will only increase your chances of gum disease and bacterial build-up.

Clean Your Restoration

When it comes to cleaning your dentures, you’ll want to make sure that you brush the denture gently at least once a day using a denture cleanser or mild hand soap. Also, brush and floss your remaining natural teeth and gums after each meal, when you wake up, and before you go to bed.

Your gum tissues, existing natural teeth, and prosthetics need appropriate care to avoid serious problems and complications, so make sure that you are adhering to the instructions provided by our team at Longmont Complete Dentistry to keep your smile healthy.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

Your denture dentist understands that accidents can happen, but you’ll want to take precautions to avoid any damage to your dentures when possible. You can do this by placing a towel on hard surfaces so that when you place your clean denture on it, the soft barrier will prevent damage if it accidentally slips off of the counter.

You’ll also want to keep your dentures out of reach of small children and pets, as they can be mistaken for toys and be chewed up, stepped on, or thrown.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

It is never a good idea to wear your dentures to bed, as it can cause your gums and bones to miss out on vital nutrients throughout the night. It can also increase your risk of pneumonia and leave your denture exposed to harmful bacteria. While you sleep, you should soak the denture in water or a denture solution. This allows your gums to rest and keeps the denture moist.

Notice Changes

It’s a good idea to visit your dentist as recommended for dental checkups and cleanings (every six months), and you should not hesitate to get in touch if you experience discomfort or slippage. A refitting may help. It might also be necessary to inquire about a replacement denture or if you are interested in making the switch to implant dentures.

All-On-4 Dentures

If you choose to restore your smile with All-On-4 dentures, you’ll need to follow some similar tips to keep your new smile looking and feeling its best. When it comes to cleaning your teeth, make sure to maintain good oral hygiene habits each day. This includes removing your implant denture to brush existing teeth, gums, and dental implants. While asleep, follow the same type of routine of soaking your denture throughout the night using a denture cleaner. You’ll also want to make sure that you contact us should you notice any changes or issues that may occur.

Psychological Benefits

One of the most prominent psychological downsides to losing teeth is reduced self-confidence. With obvious gaps in your smile, you’re more likely to want to hide your mouth when talking or laughing. You may even be less willing to engage in social events because of your appearance. By replacing your teeth with dentures, you can feel much more relaxed and confident about showing off your fully rebuilt smile as well as reduce anxieties about things like your speech and chewing ability.

Clearer Enunciation

People typically need their teeth to speak clearly, as your tongue and lips tend to press against them for proper enunciation. Missing some or all of your pearly whites can make having conversations more difficult or embarrassing. With dentures, however, you’ll regain the necessary bite for proper speech. This will take some time, but a little practice every day will go a long way!

Improves Nutrition

Many foods that are healthy and nutritious can also be tough in texture, meaning they’re more difficult to chew. Without all of your teeth, this can make chewing your meals challenging and increase the risk of issues like malnutrition and indigestion. With dentures, you’ll be able to munch on your food more effectively, which can allow you to expand your diet. With more vitamin-rich and nutrient-dense options, you can also promote better oral and overall health in the long run.

Preserves Oral Health

Tooth loss can lead to jawbone deterioration, which can result in any other remaining natural teeth shifting out of place to fill the gaps. Dentures can help serve as placeholders, allowing your existing pearly whites to remain in place. Your prosthetics can also help bear some of the weight of chewing, preventing wear and tear of your natural teeth.

Expands Opportunities

In many cases, people will notice your smile first when meeting you. This can be extremely helpful during social interactions, especially for events like a job interview or a first date. If you want to make the best first impression possible, investing in dentures can be the game-changer you are looking for. Not only will you improve your bite and smile, but you’ll also be able to present yourself with confidence, which can boost your social and professional opportunities.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Dentures are customized specifically for your unique smile, meaning that we can’t give you an exact cost estimate for your restoration until you visit us for a consultation. Upon doing so, our team will be able to examine your situation and give you an idea of what you’ll likely pay, so there aren’t any surprises when you get your bill. That said, the cost of dentures often depends on factors like:

• The severity of your tooth loss.
• The materials used in your restorations.
• Any necessary preliminary dental treatments such as periodontal therapy or tooth extractions.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Generally speaking, implant dentures are more expensive than traditional ones; however, they’re well worth their higher cost. Implant dentures are different from standard ones in that they’re surgically embedded into your jawbone with the assistance of dental implants. Not only do these implants secure your dentures, but they also provide various oral health benefits including jawbone stimulation and facial support. They can also last for several decades with proper care, making them an incredibly cost-effective restoration option.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dentures are often deemed as essential for restoring and preserving your oral health, meaning that many insurance providers can cover at least a portion of the cost (usually around 50%). However, since the details of every plan differ it’s important to double-check your coverage before committing to treatment. We’d be happy to assist you with navigating the details of your insurance plan to ensure that you’re making the most of your benefits and minimizing your out-of-pocket costs.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you aren’t entirely out of luck when it comes to making dentures more affordable. We’re happy to offer financing through CareCredit that will allow you to pay for your care at a manageable rate. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today so that we can discuss your options and figure out the financial aspects of your treatment.