Dentures & Partial Dentures—The Colony, TX
Renew Your Smile with a Custom-Made Solution
For people dealing with several missing teeth, dentures have provided a reliable replacement for generations, and thankfully, modern-day dentures in the Colony are very different compared to the ones your parents or grandparents might have worn! Now, Dr. Amos can provide you with a custom-made prosthetic that is strong, reliable, and completely natural-looking, ensuring that the next time you want to take a bite of your favorite food or speak with a friend, the last thing on your mind will be your teeth!
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Even if you’re struggling with missing one, several, or all of your teeth, it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be eligible for dentures. You’ll still need to visit your dentist for a consultation to be certain, as they’ll assess your situation and determine the best approach to restoring your smile. If you aren’t currently eligible for the treatment, our team can work with you and provide preliminary services to help get your oral health back in shape so that you’re ready for your future restorations. Until then, learn what can make you a good candidate for dentures in The Colony and alternative options you should consider.
Effects of Missing Teeth
The American College of Prosthodontists asserts that the most common causes of missing teeth involve tooth decay, periodontal disease, and accidental physical injury (such as when playing sports). Regardless of how your situation occurred, you must consider replacing the pearly whites you lost as soon as you can.
Though you may not always experience discomfort from your condition, multiple other negative consequences can arise later on. Some of these include difficulty eating or chewing, trouble speaking fluently, facial sagging, and lower self-esteem. Leaving tooth loss unaddressed for too long can also increase the risk of your remaining healthy teeth shifting out of place to fill the gap and jawbone deterioration.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Almost anyone who’s suffering from significant tooth loss can be a candidate for dentures in The Colony. However, you’ll need to have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density to ensure your restorations work for as long as possible. The last thing you’d want is any underlying problems that could interfere with your treatment in the future.
Furthermore, you’ll have to practice solid oral hygiene every day (i.e. brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash regularly). This should also involve scheduling routine visits to your dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months, and keeping a nutritious diet to promote healthy gums and bone tissue.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
Those who aren’t eligible for dentures can still explore alternative solutions for replacing their missing teeth, including:
- Dental bridges – These restorations are a great option if you’re missing one or multiple missing teeth in a row. They require that you have healthy natural teeth on either side of the gap, which will need a small amount of enamel removed to make room for the dental crowns.
- Dental implants – By inserting titanium posts directly into your jawbone, your restorations will have a much more stable foundation for renewing your bite. This solution can also help prevent jawbone deterioration and further tooth loss, and the results can last several decades to a lifetime with minimal dental care!
Dentures 101
You probably have a basic idea of what dentures are, but do you know what they’re actually made of? In the past, anything from animal teeth to wood would be used, but today, lab-made ceramic teeth are affixed to an acrylic base that is colored to look just like gum tissue. The end result is a prosthetic that fits seamlessly into the mouth and drastically improves a patient’s appearance and oral function at the same time.
Our Denture Options
Depending on your particular situation, Dr. Amos will recommend one of the following types of denture:
- Partial Dentures: Do you still have some healthy teeth? If so, a partial denture can be specially-designed to fill in the gaps in your smile like a piece of a puzzle. It will be held in place using small metal clasps that loop around your remaining teeth,
- Full Dentures: Do you have an entire row of teeth that needs to be replaced? If so, a full denture can do exactly that. This type sits directly on the gums and stays in place thanks to natural suction/a bit of denture adhesive.
- Implant-Retained Dentures: These look just like traditional dentures above the gum line, but the big difference is that the prosthetic is attached directly to the jawbone using four to six dental implant posts that act like new tooth roots. This not only makes them much more stable and secure compared to a regular denture, but because they also help preserve the density of the jawbone, patients can look forward to the initial fit lasting much longer as well.
How Dentures Are Made
Everyone’s smile is unique, so dentures are entirely customized. This requires a multistep process to ensure that your dentures fit your smile perfectly! Continue reading to learn more about what makes up your dentures and how they are crafted.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures are made up of two different components – the base and the replacement teeth. Here is what each one looks like:
- Base: The base of the denture is the structure that supports the replacement teeth. It can be made from a variety of different materials, including acrylic, nylon, and resin. Most of the time, acrylic is used because it can be easily tailored to match natural gum tissue.
- Teeth: The replacement teeth are secured to the denture base. Most of the time, they are made from resin or porcelain because they both have a natural-looking appearance. Porcelain tends to be more popular because it looks and feels just like tooth enamel. It is also very durable, so it is unlikely to become damaged.
The Denture Creation Process
These are the steps that make your dentures come to life:
- Your dentist begins by taking measurements of your jaw and impressions of your mouth. This is used to create a model that is the exact size and shape of your mouth. The model is then used to ensure that your final denture fits exactly as it should.
- The model is sent to the dental lab where your dentures will be created. First, a wax replica of your gumline is made. Then, the replacement teeth are set into place using a mechanical device called an “articulator.” Adjustments are made by a lab technician.
- Your wax dentures are sent back to the dental office for a fitting. If everything looks good, they are returned to the dental lab to complete the process.
- Once returned to the dental lab, the lab technician will place the dentures into a flask. Plaster is poured in to maintain their shape. The entire flask is placed in hot water to melt the wax. Holes are made in the teeth and acrylic is inserted into the flask to replace the wax.
- The plaster is then carefully removed from the denture with special tools. The dentures are placed in an ultrasonic bath to clean off the rest of the plaster.
- Any excess acrylic is cut away from the dentures, and they are polished for a more finished look.
- Now that the dentures are complete, they are sent to your dentist. Then, you will return to the office for a fitting. If everything looks and feels as it should, you can leave the office ready to show off your new and improved smile.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
It isn’t uncommon for patients to experience soreness when they first get their new dentures. However, this isn’t something to worry about. Temporary discomfort is completely normal as you adjust to your new prosthesis, and your dentures will begin to feel just like your natural teeth after some time. Just remember to stick to softer foods and exercise your facial muscles. If discomfort persists or you have any concerns regarding your replacement teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out so we can help!
The Benefits of Dentures
Losing some or all of your teeth can make daily tasks difficult to do, such as talking, eating, and smiling. With dentures, however, you’ll be able to regain your complete set of pearly whites as well as enjoy numerous advantages. These custom-designed prosthetics will effectively renew your smile and boost your overall quality of life after just a few appointments. Read on to learn about the benefits of dentures and what you can expect from your treatment.
Psychological Benefits
Not only does missing teeth affect your bite and smile, but it can also have a drastic impact on your self-confidence and psychological well-being. Having gaps can make you feel insecure and want to hide your teeth during social interactions. To avoid this struggle, you can restore your bite and smile with dentures, boosting your self-esteem in the process. In time, you won’t have to feel anxious about things like how you look, your speech, or your ability to eat.
Clearer Enunciation
Speaking without most or all of your teeth can be incredibly challenging. Typically, your tongue and lips will need to be properly positioned against your teeth to successfully pronounce certain words. If you can’t place your tongue against your teeth, you might not be able to enunciate sentences or phrases. By replacing your teeth with dentures, you can regain your ability to speak clearly. This can take a short adjustment period and some practice, but your new smile should feel natural over time.
Improves Nutrition
Certain foods can be tough to munch on, even nutritious choices like veggies, fruits, and lean meats. If you aren’t able to chew and grind your meals effectively, you can end up experiencing complications like indigestion and malnutrition. By improving your bite with dentures, you’ll be able to expand your diet for more vitamin-rich and nutrient-dense foods. This can help promote better oral and overall health in the long run.
Preserves Oral Health
Did you know that any remaining natural teeth can begin to shift out of place to fill gaps in your smile due to tooth loss? This can be detrimental to your oral health, as you could be at risk of losing more pearly whites as well as experiencing a weaker jawbone. With dentures, your artificial teeth can help maintain your natural ones, preventing them from moving around. Your prosthetics can also bear some of the weight of chewing, minimizing the risk of wearing down your enamel.
Expands Opportunities
Most people will notice your smile when they first meet you. This means your teeth can be incredibly important for making good impressions. Therefore, if you’re struggling with tooth loss and you’re wanting to open up either your social and/or professional opportunities, you should consider restoring your bite with dentures. They can help make you look more engaging, competent, and outgoing!
Get Started Today
If you’re tired of dealing with your missing teeth, or if you want to upgrade an old denture you can’t really trust anymore, Dr. Amos and the team at Ridgepointe Dental are ready to provide exactly what you need with expertise, care, and skill.
To schedule a consultation so we can get started renewing your smile, contact us today.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
After learning about dentures, you’re probably more excited than ever to start rebuilding your smile. However, you may be wondering about the cost of dentures in The Colony before you decide to move forward with the process. During your consultation, our team at Ridgepointe Dental will conduct an oral examination and explain which factors will affect the final price. Following the appointment, you’ll have a better understanding of what you can expect to pay for your treatment.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
Multiple considerations can influence the price of dentures in The Colony, including:
- Any work needed beforehand like tooth extractions or periodontal therapy
- The number of teeth you’re missing
- The type of acrylic used for the base (part that is dyed to match color of gum tissue)
- The materials your denture will be made of (usually porcelain or acrylic)
Is cost a priority? If so, you may be tempted to opt for cheaper dentures. Even though the upfront cost is certainly lower, they tend to break easily and require replacement much sooner than you’d expect. That’s why quality should always be of utmost importance, regardless of the cost.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures are generally more expensive than traditional ones. However, there’s a good explanation for that. They require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants, making them more reliable for everyday use since they do not shift out of place. Many patients discover this method of tooth replacement is well worth the investment because of several tremendous benefits.
Not only do implants stimulate the jawbone, but they can last decades or even a lifetime with proper care and maintenance with help from your denture dentist in The Colony. That means you won’t have to worry about replacing your dentures nearly as often!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Dentures are considered a major procedure which is why most dental insurance plans will cover approximately 50 percent of their cost. Certainly, every policy is unique, meaning the amount of coverage provided will vary from patient to patient. If you have any questions about your plan, contact your insurance provider or ask our dental team for assistance. We will gladly review the details of your policy and do everything possible to maximize your benefits and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Another Option for Making Dentures Affordable
We understand not everyone has dental insurance which is why we offer an additional financing option to make your dental bills much easier to manage. With CareCredit Financing, you can split up the total cost of your treatment into smaller, budget-friendly monthly installments. Options even come with little-to-no interest!
Ready to begin down the path to a beautiful, complete smile? Contact us today to schedule a consultation so we can answer any questions you might have.
Dentures Aftercare
Getting dentures can completely transform how your smile looks, feels, and works! However, even if you don’t have any remaining natural teeth, you should still be seeing a dentist every six months for checkups. There are several reasons for this. Your dentist will continue to monitor your existing teeth (if any) and your gum tissue. They will also keep an eye out for any abnormalities that could point to oral cancer. When detected early, many patients make a full recovery.
Removeable Dentures
Remove After Eating
After each of your meals, you should take out your dentures to rinse them off. This helps to prevent the buildup of food debris and plaque. When rinsing your dentures, be careful not to make the water too hot. Hot water can warp the denture material and cause it not to fit properly.
Clean Your Restoration
You should always remove your dentures to clean them. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of unscented hand soap, mild dish soap, or denture cleanser, gently brush your dentures. You shouldn’t use regular toothpaste, as dentures aren’t made to stand up to abrasive products. If you aren’t going to be wearing your dentures again right away, place them in a container of water or denture-cleansing solution so they don’t dry out and lose their shape. Remember to always rinse your dentures thoroughly before returning them to your mouth.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
When you clean your dentures, you should place a towel beneath you. This way, if you accidentally drop them, you will reduce the probability of your dentures becoming dentures. You should also keep your dentures out of reach of any curious pets or small children.
Remove When You Sleep
When you go to sleep at night, it is best to take your dentures out. Wearing dentures restricts circulation in the gums, leading to soft-tissue irritation. Sleeping with dentures has also been associated with a higher risk of pneumonia as well as higher levels of gum and tongue plaque. Overnight, keep your dentures in a denture-soaking solution to keep them from drying out.
Notice Changes
You should also be on the lookout for changes so you can address them with your dentist. This includes any mouth sores, gum irritation, or signs of infection. If your dentures become damaged, give us a call so we can help. For dentures that are shifting, clicking, or showing other signs of not fitting properly, schedule an appointment with us.
All-on-4 Dentures
If you have all-on-4 dentures, the aftercare process looks a little bit different. You should brush your dentures twice a day using a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also floss your replacement teeth once a day. You may want to consider investing in a water flosser to keep your replacement teeth extra fresh. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash is also a great step for preventing the growth of tartar.
Dentures FAQs
If you’re struggling with the inconveniences of not having a complete smile, we hope that you’ll schedule a consultation with us. Together, we can determine whether dentures in The Colony are just the solution you need. Before that, though, it may help to do some research on this treatment and what you can expect from it. While we’re happy to address any of your concerns during your appointment, here are the answers to some of the questions we get asked the most frequently.
How Long Will My Dentures Last?
Due to natural changes that occur in the shape of the jawbone after tooth loss, a traditional full or partial denture will often become loose over time. While routine adjustments can help to some degree, the entire denture will have to be replaced every five to eight years on average.
Implant dentures, on the other hand, tend to last much longer. This is because dental implants stimulate the jawbone and help it maintain its original shape and strength. The denture may have to be replaced every decade or so, but with proper oral hygiene, the implants could last a lifetime.
Do I Brush Dentures Like Natural Teeth?
Yes and no. If you have implant dentures that are fixed in your mouth, you can essentially brush and floss them like you would natural teeth to prevent plaque and bacterial buildup.
Traditional dentures require a bit more maintenance. You’ll want to invest in a toothbrush and cleaning solution specifically made for dentures – regular toothbrushes and toothpastes can be abrasive. Every morning and evening, gently brush your dentures as well as your tongue and gums to get rid of the plaque that has accumulated in the last several hours. Before bed, you should soak your dentures in a glass of denture cleanser or room-temperature water. Using hot water, or letting the dentures dry out, could warp their shape.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
Many factors can influence the cost of your dentures, including how many teeth you’ve lost, which materials the dentures are made of, and whether you’ll be securing your prosthesis onto dental implants. As such, we typically can’t give you a price estimate without looking over the specifics of your situation.
While traditional dentures are one of our lowest-priced solutions to tooth loss, implant dentures tend to be a better long-term investment. During your consultation, we can discuss your options and help you decide on what’s best for you.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Every insurance provider is different, so we’d have to take a look at your unique policy to answer this question. However, the majority of dental insurance plans will cover a significant portion of the cost of dentures. At Ridgepointe Dental, we gladly work with all dental insurance companies and will even handle the paperwork for you to make the process as easy for you as possible.
Is it Hard to Speak and Eat with Dentures?
When you first get your dentures in The Colony, you’ll likely have a hard time eating and speaking with them as your lips and tongue get used to them being in your mouth. This is something that everyone experiences the first time they get dentures, but with practice, you should be able to get used to the way they feel within a few weeks. We recommend reading out loud at home and saying the ABCs in the shower to practice!
How Long Will I Have to Wait to Get Dentures After a Tooth Extraction?
Some people require tooth extractions before they can receive dentures so the prosthetic can fit over their gumline. This additional step can lengthen your treatment timeline by about six to eight weeks because you’ll need to allow your gums to heal before they can adequately support your new restorations. However, the exact amount of time will depend on the type of denture you require. If you get an immediate denture, you’ll be able to start wearing your replacement teeth right away; however, if you get a traditional complete denture, you’ll require a healing period.
Can I Sleep with My Dentures?
It’s not recommended that you sleep with your dentures in your mouth, because you need to give your gums a chance to rest after wearing them all day. Be sure to remove your restorations each night while you’re getting ready for bed and store them in a glass of cool water. This will help them maintain their fit and shape. Avoid using hot or warm water.
What Foods Can’t You Eat with Dentures?
If you have traditional dentures, you’ll likely need to alter your daily diet to allow you to properly chew and eat your food, and to avoid accidentally damaging your new restorations. It’s recommended that you avoid eating foods that are excessively chewy, or if you do, be sure to cut them up into smaller pieces. This will prevent your restorations from slipping or shifting within your mouth. It’s also recommended to avoid sticky foods like peanut butter and gummy bears because these can dislodge your dentures and get caught underneath them. Lastly, steer clear of hard foods like peanuts, apples, carrot sticks, and corn on the cob. If you’re concerned about whether or not you should be eating a certain food, you can always reach out to your denture dentist in The Colony and ask!