Dentures – Dallas, TX

Effects of Missing Teeth

Tooth loss can happen for a variety of different reasons, with the most common being tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma. There are several negative consequences of missing teeth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, those with missing teeth experience facial sagging, difficulty speaking, trouble eating, and lower self-esteem.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Dentures are ideal for patients who have experienced significant tooth loss. It’s also important that denture recipients are committed to their dental health to keep their smiles in good shape. The number of teeth you are missing will ultimately determine which type of denture is best for you. One of the great things about dentures is the fact that they tend to be more affordable than other tooth replacement options, making them ideal for those who are unable to invest a lot of money into their smile at this time.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If you don’t make a good candidate for dentures or they don’t sound appealing to you, you may want to consider another tooth replacement option, like a dental bridge. This type of tooth replacement “bridges” the empty gap with a replacement tooth. A dental bridge requires healthy teeth surrounding the missing tooth to support it. It is ideal for patients who are only missing one or a couple of teeth.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures are made up of two different parts – the base and the replacement teeth. Here is what each component looks like:

• Denture Base: This is the foundational structure that gives the replacement teeth support. It can be made from a variety of materials, including acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. Full dentures are usually made from acrylic because it can be easily tailored to match your natural gum tissue. Partial dentures may use metal clips with an acrylic base.
• Replacement Teeth: The replacement teeth are usually made from resin or porcelain because they both have a natural appearance. However, porcelain is the most popular option because it looks and feels like natural tooth enamel. Porcelain is typically only recommended for full dentures because it can be abrasive on the adjacent teeth.

The Denture Creation Process

Every denture is custom-made for the patient’s mouth, so it requires a multistep process. Here is what this typically looks like:

1. Impressions are taken of the patient’s upper and lower gums. This is used to create a plaster model that is a replica of the patient’s mouth. This model is used to make sure the final denture is the perfect size and shape. During this time, measurements of the jaw are also taken.
2. The cast is sent to the dental laboratory where the dentures are made. They will create the wax version of the gumline.
3. The artificial teeth are set into place. A mechanical device, called an “articulator” will be used to attach the teeth with wax. The technician will make minor adjustments by shaping and carving the wax to ensure that it looks just like your gums. This wax base will be used for your finished dentures.
4. The wax dentures are returned to the dental office for a fitting. If they are approved, they are sent back to the lab where the process will be completed.
5. Once they are back at the lab, the technician will boil the dentures to get rid of the wax portions. The dentures are placed in a flask, which is a holding device into which plaster is poured to maintain the shape of the dentures. The entire flask is placed into hot water to melt the dentures.
6. Holes are made into the teeth so the material can attach to them. A liquid separator is added to the plaster layer to prevent the acrylic from sticking. Acrylic is then injected into the flask to replace the wax.
7. The plaster is carefully removed using special lab tools to reveal the denture. The acrylic dentures are placed in an ultrasonic back to remove any remaining plaster.
8. Any excess acrylic will be cut from the denture. After trimming, the denture will be polished to perfection.
9. Now that it is ready, the patient will return to the office for a fitting. Adjustments will be made as necessary to make sure that everything works properly and smoothly.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

It is completely normal for patients to feel some level of discomfort when they first get new dentures. This often includes mild soreness and difficulty speaking and eating. Fortunately, your mouth will quickly adjust, and they will end up feeling more similar to natural teeth. To speed up this adjustment process, remember to stick to soft foods and exercise your facial muscles. If your discomfort persists, don’t hesitate to reach out so we can help.

Psychological Benefits

For many, accepting tooth loss is something of a tall order. That much is natural since teeth are crucial to pretty smiles. As such, living without them can lower your self-esteem and make you self-conscious. Should that happen, you might refrain from social life and start feeling sad or depressed.

Still, dentures solve these problems when they restore your smile. By giving you a beautiful new grin, they boost your confidence and ease in social situations. From there, you’d feel less anxious about your looks, speech, and chewing ability while with friends or family.

Clearer Enunciation

As you may know, having fewer teeth leads to speech challenges. Without all your chompers, it’s tricky to position your tongue well. In that case, you’ll likely struggle to enunciate words correctly.

Of course, you can count on dentures to replace missing teeth. As tooth substitutes, they’ll help your tongue and lips work properly. All it takes is a brief adjustment period and some committed practice. When those are done, speaking will come as naturally as ever.

Improves Nutrition

Like talking, eating is harder with tooth loss too. Lacking teeth reduces your bite force, making it tricky to chew food. Therefore, you might go without nutritious foods tough in texture – crisp veggies and fruits, lean proteins, etc. You’d then likely suffer from indigestion and malnutrition.

Thankfully, dentures let you eat normally. The prosthetics equip you with new teeth that are effective for chewing. As a result, they’ll grant you access to an expansive diet of healthy foods. You’ll thus have the necessary vitamins and minerals for ideal physical health.

Preserves Oral Health

Unfortunately, gaps in your smile don’t just look bad; they also harm your oral health. For one thing, they’re breeding grounds for germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Adding insult to injury, the gaps also tilt surrounding teeth until they fall out.

In contrast, dentures improve oral health by “filling in” your smile. Without gaps between teeth, bacteria have fewer places to thrive. Likewise, the new teeth keep your other ones secure and in place. Lastly, the restorations can reduce wear and tear on your natural chompers.

Expands Opportunities

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Consequently, its appearance is crucial to making a good first impression – with friends, partners, and even employers. A 2019 study, in fact, showed that being employed is negatively associated with poor oral health.

Given these facts, dentures would expand your opportunities in social settings. People would think better of you if you could flash a lovely grin. With time, then, you could have better prospects in friendship, romance, and work.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Some of the primary factors that affect the cost of dentures in Dallas include:

• Preparatory treatments. Some patients require tooth extractions or gum disease therapy before they are able to receive dentures.
• The materials used. Dentures typically consist of an acrylic base and porcelain or acrylic teeth. Higher quality materials may cost more, but they are certainly worth it.
• The type of denture you receive. Whether you receive a full, partial, or implant denture, you can expect the nature of your prosthetic to affect your total bill.

Beware of “bargain dentures!” Many low prices come with subpar results or have hidden fees attached to them.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures present a significantly higher upfront cost than their traditional counterparts. After all, they require a more complex and time-consuming treatment process. They may also require more extensive preliminary treatments. However, they are a wise investment. Their longevity means they have to be replaced less often than traditional prosthetics, which may make them cheaper over time. Plus, they offer significant advantages that are truly priceless, such as a strong bite force and reliable stability. Some implant dentures can even be permanently anchored in the mouth, so you can treat them similarly to natural teeth.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dentures are generally considered a major dental procedure. Most dental insurance plans cover about 50% of the cost of major procedures, up to the amount of a policy’s annual maximum. This means that your plan could potentially take $1,000 or more off the price of your prosthetic. Our team is in-network with many major insurance plans, and we can help you take advantage of out of network PPO insurance as well.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

As your denture dentist in Dallas, we want to help you afford your new smile! In addition to helping you navigate your insurance, we offer other provisions that may make it easier for you to manage the cost of your prosthetic:

• Our VIP Plan. For a reasonable annual fee, our membership plan provides sizeable discounts on many of the services we offer.
• We are partnered with CareCredit, a third-party lender that offers low-interest and no-interest payment plans. In-house financing is also available.

Would you like to learn more about dentures and their cost? Our team is ready to assist you. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Removeable Dentures

Remove After Eating

Firstly, it’s best to remove and rinse your dentures after meals. Eating causes food bits to gather on their surfaces. As such, rinses keep debris and plaque from sticking to your new teeth. The result is a greatly reduced risk of gum disease and other oral problems.

Still, don’t use hot water for these rinses. Intense heat warps a denture’s material, ruining its fit. If that happens, you’ll need to get a replacement.

Clean Your Restoration

Aside from after-meal rinses, it’s best to give dentures once-daily cleanings. Doing so removes bacteria and plaque that a rinse might miss.

Generally, these cleanings are easy to perform. Just remove the denture from your mouth and brush it with a toothbrush. However, make sure to use hand soap instead of toothpaste. (The latter is abrasive and erodes dentures.) If there’s time, you can soak the dentures in a cleansing solution later. Then, rinse them thoroughly before putting the teeth into your mouth.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

Today’s dentures rely on solid materials, but they aren’t invincible. They’ll break when put under intense force. Given that fact, keep them safe when they aren’t in use.

A few good methods exist for protecting dentures. For instance, you might place a towel in your sink while cleaning them. (That way, the dentures are cushioned from falls.) Similarly, you could store the dentures in a secure, hard-to-reach case. This container would stop kids or pets from breaking the restorations.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

Ultimately, you shouldn’t wear dentures when you sleep. It’s better to remove them before bed. In fact, the best approach is to soak them in a disinfecting solution overnight.

You see, overnight denture use harms your body. The habit prevents good gum circulation, resulting in irritated mouth tissues. It also increases the plaque in your mouth, putting you at risk of cavities and gum disease. In the worst case, this practice might even lead to pneumonia.

Notice Changes

When you start wearing dentures, monitor them and your mouth for changes. Such things could require direct help from a dentist. In particular, watch for mouth sores, gum irritation, and signs of infection.

Most crucially, try to see a dentist if your dentures get damaged. Attempting a DIY repair will harm them further. Meanwhile, a qualified dentist will know precisely what to do. They could provide a denture reline or even replace the restorations.

Should I have all my teeth pulled to get dentures?

Any dentist strives to preserve natural teeth for as long as possible, but there are situations it’s best to have one or more teeth removed. We will only recommend an extraction if it’s necessary, such as if a tooth is beyond repairable. If you have suffered significant tooth loss or your teeth are badly damaged, extractions may be the most cost-effective option than repairing them. If extractions are best, there isn’t any limit to the number of teeth that can be removed in a single appointment; however, some tooth removals can be more challenging than others. Your denture dentist in Dallas will explain all your options before suggesting extractions.

Can I sleep with my dentures in my mouth?

No one wants to be caught without their teeth but get in the habit of taking your dentures out at night. You will be instructed to wear them for a full 24 hours, even while sleeping, but then you’ll need to remove them before going to bed. Dentures restrict blood circulation to your gums, which can lead to sores, inflammation, or infection if the tissues aren’t given a break. Sleeping without your dentures allows your gums to recuperate and get the nutrients they need to support your new smile the next day. Not to mention, your mouth is dark and moist. It’s the perfect environment for bacteria to rapidly multiply. This can lead to several oral and general health issues, like quicker ridge resorption or pneumonia. The buildup of bacteria can affect the lifespan of your denture and cause an unpleasant odor. Taking your denture out before calling it a night can safeguard your investment and your health. Besides brushing your denture, don’t forget to soak it in a cleaning solution to remove any lingering bacteria.

Should I use toothpaste to clean my dentures?

Any dental professional will advise against using regular toothpaste to clean your dentures because it is abrasive. It can leave small scratches that will tarnish their appearance and trap bacteria. You can ensure your new teeth look their best by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dishwashing liquid or hand soap to clean them. You can also purchase cleaning products designed for dentures. No matter which method you use, never expose your prosthetic teeth to hot water when cleaning them. The heat can cause them to warp. Your dentist recommends cleaning your dentures after every meal to remove any food particles that can increase plaque, stains, and odors. With the proper aftercare, your dentures can last for years to keep smiling confidently.