Dentures – Frisco, TX

Effects of Missing Teeth

When deciding whether dentures are a good fit for you, it’s a good idea to remind yourself why replacing missing teeth is important. There are multiple reasons why you might end up with an incomplete smile (such as tooth decay or gum disease), but the consequences of losing any number of teeth are generally the same:

• Your facial features will lose support and start to collapse, meaning you won’t look as young as you used to.
• Your tongue needs to touch certain teeth in order to make specific sounds while talking. Consequently, tooth loss can lead to speech impediments.
• You may have a hard time chewing when some of your teeth are missing. This means fewer options for maintaining a balanced diet.
• You’re likely to feel less than confident about your appearance if there’s a significant amount of empty space visible when you open your lips to smile.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Do you have multiple teeth that are missing or might need to be removed soon? If so, then you could be a candidate for dentures. To qualify for the treatment, you need to have the following:

• A mouth that’s free of gum disease.
• A strong jaw with plenty of bone.
• The ability to maintain a healthy mouth and clean dentures.

While we’re deciding whether you can get dentures, we will also need to narrow down the kind of denture that you’ll need. Full dentures, partial dentures, and implant dentures are all available; once we determine the kind that’s right for you, we will let you know why it’s a good option and what advantages it has to offer.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Dentures are an ideal choice for many patients, but no treatment is perfect for everyone. In some circumstances, a different tooth-replacement option might be better suited for meeting your specific oral health needs.

• Dental Bridges: While dentures sit on your gums, dental bridges are attached to two of your teeth to fill the gap between them. We might suggest a dental bridge if you have only lost one tooth, or if there are multiple consecutive teeth that need to be replaced.
• Dental Implants: Dental implants are used to support prosthetic teeth and preserve your jawbone. You can only have dental implants placed if there’s enough bone density in your jaw.

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures are typically comprised of two parts: the base of the denture, and the teeth. Here’s a closer look at each:

• Denture Base: The base of the denture is its foundational structure that gives support to the artificial teeth. It can be made from a variety of materials such as acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. In most cases, full dentures are made with acrylic because it can be tailored to match your natural gum tissue. Partial dentures may use an acrylic base but may also have metal clips to hold them in place.
• Artificial Teeth: The teeth of a denture are typically made of either resin or porcelain. However, porcelain is usually more popular because it both looks and feels like real teeth. It’s also extremely durable, but because it can be somewhat abrasive to adjacent teeth, it’s typically only used for full dentures.

The Denture Creation Process

Because each denture is custom-made for the patient’s individual mouth, they require a highly detailed, multi-step process to create. Here’s a closer look at what this typically looks like.

• Step 1: The first step on your denture creation journey begins with you. Your dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower gums using a thick paste. This will be used to make a plaster model that is basically a replica of your mouth. The model will be used throughout the manufacturing process to ensure that your final denture is the right size and shape. Your dentist may also take some measurements of your jaw if necessary.
• Step 2: Now the cast will be sent to the dental laboratory where they will begin creating your prosthetic. Once delivered, the lab will create a wax version of your gum line.
• Step 3: Next, the artificial teeth can be set in place using a mechanical device known as an articulator. The lab technician will make minor adjustments by shaping and carving the wax to ensure it looks just like your gums. This base will be used for your finished dentures.
• Step 4: The wax dentures will now be sent back to your dentist, where you will return for a fitting. If you and your dentist approve the model, the dentures will be sent back to the dental lab to complete the manufacturing process.
• Step 5: Once they have returned to the lab, the lab technician will boil the dentures and remove the wax portions. This is done by placing them in a flask which acts as a holding device into which plaster is poured to maintain their shape. Then, the entire flask is placed into hot water.
• Step 6: Holes can now be made in the teeth so the denture material can attach to them. The lab technician will add a liquid separator to the plastic layer to prevent the acrylic from sticking to it. They will then inject acrylic into the flask to replace the melted wax.
• Step 7: The plaster will now be carefully removed using special lab tools, revealing the denture. The entire prosthetic will be carefully placed in an ultrasonic bath to remove any remaining plaster.
• Step 8: Any excess acrylic will now be cut from the denture, and it will be polished to perfection and sent back to your dentist’s office for a fitting.
• Step 9: Once delivered, you will return to your dentist’s office and try on your new smile. Any necessary adjustments will be made at this time to ensure that your prosthetics both look and feel comfortable.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

During the first few days and weeks of wearing dentures, it’s normal to feel some level of discomfort. Initially, this may include some mild soreness. You may also have difficulty speaking and eating. However, with time and a bit of practice, your mouth will adjust to your dentures, and they’ll eventually feel very similar to natural teeth. You can speed up the adjustment process by eating soft foods, exercising your facial muscles, trying out adhesive, and practicing speaking aloud as often as possible.

If the initial discomfort persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for assistance, as further adjustments may be needed.

Lifelike Appearance

If you still imagine the dentures that you saw as a kid decades ago, you may be surprised to hear that they are extremely lifelike now. That’s because they have benefited from advancements in both dentistry and technology in general. As a result, they can be customized to each patient’s unique face shape, dental needs, and smile goals, resulting in a more natural and youthful appearance overall.

Improves Nutrition

Another perk of custom dentures: they offer immense durability, and, in turn, the ability to enjoy your favorite foods without worry. Not only does this mean you’ll be able to eat more satisfying and well-balanced meals, but it also means it will be significantly easier to get the minerals, vitamins, and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.

Cost-Effective

Dentures can seamlessly restore an entire arch of missing teeth. Not only that, but a portion of the cost is usually covered by dental insurance providers. So, if you are insured and have already met your yearly deductible, there’s a good chance that your out-of-pocket expenses will be lower. Rest assured, we will assist with the process of understanding and utilizing your benefits during your consultation.

Clearer Enunciation

Like many other patients, you may have found it difficult to enunciate clearly in the weeks, months, or years following tooth loss. Fortunately, dentures can help with that as well. While partial dentures can fill the gaps in your smile like a custom puzzle piece, full dentures can give you an entire arch of teeth. Shortly following the initial adjustment period, you’ll sound like your usual self again!

Easy Maintenance

In short, you don’t need a long list of expensive cleaning products to keep your dentures in pristine condition. Simply use a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean, room-temperature water, and a mild dishwashing liquid to gently remove food particles, plaque, and other debris from the surface. Then, before you go to bed at night, carefully place them in a clean container filled with water or a dentist-approved cleaning solution.

Prevents Dental Drift

If you haven’t heard of dental drift before, it’s when the teeth surrounding the gaps in your smile begin to move. Although it may not seem like anything to be concerned about, this oral health problem can lead to several issues, including difficulty chewing properly and premature wear on certain teeth. The good news is that partial dentures can fill the open spaces, helping to preserve the alignment of your bite in the process.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Several major factors that can impact the cost of dentures include:

• The number of teeth that’ll require replacements.
• The kind of dental materials used for the teeth and the base of the restorations can influence the price. For instance, porcelain dentures are typically more expensive than those made of acrylic.
• Any preliminary treatments required before you can get your dentures, such as tooth extractions or gum disease therapy, can hike up the overall cost.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

While implant dentures do have a higher initial price compared to traditional ones, there’s a good reason why. Instead of relying on the natural suction with the gums, these restorations are directly embedded into your jawbone. Not only does this mean they’ll have a more stable foundation for biting and talking, but they’ll also preserve your facial structure as well as prevent further tooth loss. Since they’ll be anchored to your new permanent titanium roots, you won’t have to replace your dentures as frequently as with traditional ones. By having significantly fewer appointments for new restorations, you can save more money in the long run.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Since dentures are an essential restorative treatment, most dental insurance policies can offer around 50% coverage for the cost. However, since each plan will vary depending on each person, you’ll need to confirm the details of your benefits with your insurance company. You can also reach out to our office directly if you have questions. Our knowledgeable staff will do everything they can to help you maximize your benefits, and we’ll be more than happy to help you navigate your policy.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Even if you don’t have dental insurance currently, it doesn’t mean you’ll be completely left on your own. Our team is proud to offer alternative financing options to help make the cost of dentures more manageable. We’re partnered with CareCredit—a third-party financier that can break up the overall price of your treatment into smaller, budget-friendly monthly installments. Additionally, many of their plans also come with little-to-no interest! Be sure to consult us if you’re interested in signing up with this option, and we’ll be happy to see if you qualify.

Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?

We’ll first examine your mouth to see if you need to have teeth extracted before you can get dentures. If so, then you might experience mild soreness or discomfort after your surgery. However, this can easily be managed by taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers. Any uncomfortable sensations should improve after a few days of your procedure. Once you’re wearing your dentures, your mouth may have to get accustomed to the appliance. This process may involve minor irritation on your gums, but it should go away over time. If not, be sure to call us so that we can help.

Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?

Some patients find it slightly difficult to speak with their new dentures when first wearing them. Though this adjustment period will vary from person to person, you’ll likely be able to reduce the time needed by practicing often. Make sure to repeat challenging words or phrases frequently, speak slowly to pronounce them clearly, and try reading to yourself aloud. In time, speaking with your dentures should feel much more natural! If you’re still having difficulties talking with your restorations, be sure to let us know, as we can make any necessary adjustments or provide you with denture adhesive.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

While you can sleep with dentures on, we highly recommend that you refrain from doing so. Instead, you should remove your restorations before heading to bed every night. Not only will this give your gum tissue rest and prevent soreness or irritation, but you’ll also have the opportunity to soak your dentures overnight. By storing them in a glass of water or denture cleaner, you can ensure they remain clean and bacteria-free until you wear them again in the morning.

Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?

One of our top priorities is to preserve as many natural teeth as possible. Extractions will be reserved as a last resort, typically when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed and is beyond repair. Should the situation pose a risk to the rest of your oral health, then removing any affected pearly whites may be a viable option. For this reason, our team will thoroughly assess your mouth before making any decisions, that way we can determine the best way to preserve and/or restore your smile.