Affordable Dentures

What Are Dentures and Why Are They Important?

Dentures are removable oral appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissues. They are custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth and look like natural teeth. The purpose of dentures extends far beyond just aesthetics; they play a crucial role in maintaining your oral and overall health.

• Improved Chewing and Speech: Missing teeth can make it difficult to bite and chew your favorite foods, leading to dietary restrictions. Dentures restore your ability to eat a wide variety of foods and help you speak clearly, as missing teeth can cause whistling or slurring.
• Enhanced Oral Health: While dentures don’t prevent gum disease or cavities, they do prevent the remaining teeth from shifting into the gaps left by missing teeth. This helps to maintain the proper alignment of your bite and prevents other dental issues from developing.
• Aesthetic Benefits: Dentures provide a natural-looking smile that can boost your self-confidence. They also support the facial muscles, preventing the sunken appearance that can occur with significant tooth loss. This gives your face a more youthful and vibrant look.

Types of Dentures

Navigating the world of dentures can feel overwhelming, but understanding the different types can help you make an informed decision. Our team at Smile Design Dentistry is here to guide you through each option to find the best fit for your unique situation.

Complete Dentures

Also known as full dentures, this is the most common type of denture. They are a good solution for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth. Complete dentures are custom-fabricated to replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower arch (or both). Before receiving full dentures, any remaining teeth are extracted, and the gums are given time to heal—typically 8 to 12 weeks.

Partial Dentures

If you still have some healthy, natural teeth remaining, a partial denture may be the perfect solution. Partial dentures are removable appliances that fill in the gaps left by a few missing teeth. They are held in place by clasps that attach to your existing teeth. This option is often recommended for patients who can’t receive a dental bridge due to gum problems or other issues.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are a temporary solution placed in your mouth immediately after your teeth are extracted. This prevents you from being without teeth during the healing period. While they offer a quick cosmetic fix and help protect the healing gums, they are not a permanent solution. After your gums have fully healed and the swelling has subsided, you will be fitted for a set of permanent dentures.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For those seeking a more secure and permanent solution, implant-supported dentures are an excellent choice. This type of denture is anchored to dental implants that are surgically placed in your jawbone. The implants act as a foundation, providing a level of stability and confidence that traditional dentures can’t match.

• Snap-in Dentures: These are a type of implant-supported denture that can be removed for cleaning. They “snap” into place on the implants, offering a very secure fit.
• Overdentures: Similar to snap-in dentures, overdentures are removable and are held in place with fewer implants, making them a more affordable denture option within the implant-supported category.

Economy Dentures

Economy dentures are a budget-friendly option for those with financial constraints. These are pre-made, one-size-fits-all dentures that are not custom-fitted. While they are a great way to replace missing teeth at a lower cost, they may not offer the same comfort, natural appearance, or longevity as custom-fitted dentures. Economy dentures often need to be replaced more frequently, typically every 2 to 3 years.

The Benefits of Dentures

While there are many options for replacing missing teeth, dentures offer a unique combination of benefits that make them a popular choice for many patients.

• Improved Oral Functionality: Dentures restore your ability to chew and speak, improving your overall quality of life.
• Boosted Self-Esteem: A complete, beautiful smile can significantly enhance your self-confidence and willingness to engage in social situations.
• Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Modern dentures are designed to look incredibly natural, complementing your facial structure and giving you a vibrant, youthful appearance.
• Accessibility and Affordability: Dentures are often a more accessible and affordable denture solution compared to other tooth replacement options like dental implants, making them a viable choice for a wider range of patients.

How Much Do Dentures Cost?

The cost of dentures can vary widely depending on several factors. Understanding these factors can help you plan your budget and make the best decision for your oral health.

Factors Affecting Cost and Affordability

• Type of Dentures: The biggest factor is the type of denture you choose. Complete dentures will cost more than partials, and implant-supported dentures are the most expensive due to the surgical procedure involved.
• Material Used: Dentures can be made from a variety of materials, including acrylic resin and porcelain. Porcelain is more durable and aesthetically pleasing, but it also costs more.
• Additional Treatments: The total cost will also include any necessary preparatory work, such as tooth extractions, gum disease treatment, and X-rays.
• Custom vs. Economy: Custom-fitted dentures are more expensive but offer a superior fit and appearance compared to generic economy dentures.

Financing Options and Affordability

At Smile Design Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile, regardless of their budget. We offer several financial options to make dentures more affordable.

• Dental Insurance: Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dentures. We will help you understand your benefits and file claims on your behalf.
• Payment Plans: We offer flexible payment plans to help you spread the cost of your treatment over time.
• Financing: We also work with third-party financing options like Care Credit, which offers special financing and payment plans for healthcare expenses.

Our team will work with you to find financial solutions to make necessary emergency care affordable. Your health is our priority, and we believe financial concerns should never prevent you from receiving essential treatment.

The Longevity of Dentures and Their Care

With proper care, a set of high-quality dentures can last for 5 to 10 years or even longer. Regular checkups are essential to ensure a good fit and to address any issues that may arise. As your jawbone and gums change over time, your dentures may need to be adjusted or relined to maintain a comfortable fit.

Denture Care

Care For Removable Dentures

• Rinse After Eating: Rinse your dentures with water after every meal to remove food particles.
• Daily Brushing: Use a soft-bristled brush and a specialized denture cleaner to brush your dentures daily. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and damage the surface.
• Handle with Care: Always handle your dentures over a soft towel or a basin of water. They are fragile and can break if dropped.
• Soak Overnight: Keep your dentures moist by soaking them in a denture-cleansing solution or water overnight. Never use hot water, as it can cause them to warp.

Care For Permanent Dentures

• Brush Daily: If you have implant-supported dentures, you will need to brush them just like you would natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Floss Regularly: Use a water flosser or a special floss to clean around the implants and under the denture, where food particles can get trapped.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Routine visits to your dentist are crucial to ensure your implants and dentures are in good condition.