Dentures – Gilbert, AZ
Reverse the Effects of Advanced Tooth Loss
With over 35 million adults missing all of their teeth, tooth loss is a prevalent issue in America. Initially, this may seem like nothing more than a cosmetic concern. In reality, even missing one tooth can negatively impact your bite, oral health, and speech. Luckily, there is a cost-effective, lifelike solution to this problem: dentures. These restorations can reverse the effects of advanced tooth loss, providing you with the smile you’ve been missing. Get in touch with our team today to schedule your initial consultation!
Why Choose Desert Springs Dental For Dentures?
- Experienced, Friendly Dentist
- Custom-Shaded to Match Your Natural Teeth
- Flexible Financing Options Available
Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?
There are multiple kinds of dentures to choose from, each with its own benefits. But before you commit to getting any of them, you should take the time to consider an important question: are dentures the right choice for you to begin with? We encourage you to set up a consultation with us so that we can check the health of your gums and various other factors that can help determine whether dentures are the tooth-replacement option you should be pursuing.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Why do you need to have some or all of your teeth replaced? It might be due to gum disease causing irreversible damage to the tissue that previously kept the teeth connected to your jaw. In other cases, you might have needed tooth extractions due to large cavities or severe infections. Or perhaps your mouth is generally in good health but you suffered a blow to the face that knocked a tooth out of its socket.
Missing teeth affect more than just your appearance. The empty space in your smile could make it harder to chew your food or enunciate properly. Also, missing teeth can affect your confidence and cause you to avoid interacting with others; you may also be at risk for depression.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
There are several qualities that can help us determine whether dentures are the right choice for you. Generally speaking, we’ll consider dentures when you are missing several teeth or an entire row of teeth. To make sure that you won’t have any problems wearing dentures, we will take a look at the condition of your gum tissues and your jawbone.
You may be able to get a full denture or a partial denture depending on how many teeth are missing. And if you’re able to have dental implant surgery performed, we may recommend implant dentures for the various unique benefits they can provide.
Even if you’re not sure whether dentures are the right choice for you, it pays to speak to a trained dental professional. Our team can help you narrow down the best solution for your missing teeth.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
So what should you do if you aren’t able to get dentures? Depending on your oral health and the number of teeth missing, there are other treatments we might recommend:
- Dental Bridges: To create a dental bridge, one or more prosthetic teeth are suspended between a pair of crowns. A bridge can replace a minimum of one tooth, and it can be attached to two of your natural teeth.
- Dental Implants: Crowns, bridges, and dentures can all be attached to dental implants. This gives you the benefit of replacing both the top parts and the roots of your missing teeth. You can often keep your dental implants for life with good maintenance.
Types of Dentures
Dentures today aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution – they are custom-made! Depending on your unique dental needs, Dr. Condie will recommend one of the below options:
Partial Dentures
If you are missing teeth, but still have a few of your natural ones intact, then partial dentures are ideal. By anchoring natural-looking, durable prosthetic teeth onto a gum-colored base, this restoration can seamlessly fill in the gaps in your smile. Plus, the discreet metal clasps are virtually undetectable and provide maximum stability.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, on the other hand, are the best solution for patients missing an entire arch of teeth. Although this option is similar to partials in their lifelike look and durable makeup, they are distinctly different since they are held in place with natural suction, denture adhesive, or a mixture of the two.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are where traditional dentures and state-of-the-art dental implants intersect. The primary advantage of this tooth-replacement option is that it is unmatched in durability, allowing you to bite, chew, speak, and laugh without stressing about embarrassing slipping.
How Dentures are Made
When you visit our office to get a denture, you can rest assured that the prosthesis you receive will be personalized just for you. The process of creating a denture can take some time, but it will all be worth it after you’ve re-completed your smile. Are you curious to learn more about the steps of making dentures or the materials that the prosthesis will be made out of? Read on to find the information you’re looking for.
What are Dentures Made Of?
Each denture is made up of a base and a number of artificial teeth. More often than not, the base will be made of acrylic, which is a material that can easily mimic the appearance of your natural gum tissue. A partial denture often comes with metal clasps, but acrylic can still be used to create the base.
The artificial teeth attached to your dentures are typically made from porcelain, a highly durable material that closely matches the appearance of tooth enamel. Some dentures have artificial teeth made out of resin instead.
The Denture Creation Process
Creating a one-of-a-kind denture with your comfort in mind requires a number of steps:
- At the start of the process, we will take impressions and create a model of your mouth. By referring to this model, we can figure out how big your dentures need to be in order to ensure that they fit properly.
- Our team will send the model to a dental laboratory so that the technicians there can start making your dentures. A wax replica of your gums will be made, and the artificial teeth will be carefully inserted with a device called an articulator.
- The wax dentures will be sent to our office. We’ll need to make sure that they fit as they should inside your mouth before returning them to the lab.
- The wax dentures will be placed into a flask. Plaster will be added to said flask to ensure that the dentures keep their proper shape during the next step of the process.
- The flask will be immersed in hot water. This will cause the wax portions to melt away. Then, after holes are created in the teeth, acrylic will be injected into the flask so that it can act as the new base for the dentures.
- The prosthesis will be taken out of the flask. Then the plaster will be carefully removed, unneeded acrylic will be trimmed away, and the artificial teeth will be polished.
- With your dentures complete, it will be time to send them back to our office so that we can schedule the final fitting appointment for you.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
Your mouth will eventually get used to the presence of dentures, but until then, there will likely be some slight discomfort. Exercising your facial muscles and eating a diet of soft foods can go a long way toward making the adjustment process easier. Please let us know if the discomfort seems to last longer than it should.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures have been used for decades to help patients struggling with advanced tooth loss. If you have gaps in your smile, you know from experience how challenging it can be to perform everyday tasks. Not only will eating and speaking be difficult, but missing teeth can also negatively affect your self-esteem. Fortunately, restoring your grin with dentures will allow you to enjoy several incredible benefits. Simply click on the button below to learn more!
Psychological Benefits
Missing any number of teeth, whether it be one or several, can have a significant impact on your overall quality of life. It can increase your risk of social anxiety, sadness, and depression. Additionally, edentulous people (those without teeth) are less likely to engage in social activities due to insecurity. By renewing your smile with dentures, you can avoid having these worries. Having a beautiful and fully functioning set of teeth will help boost your self-esteem, speech articulation, and chewing ability.
Clearer Enunciation
As you can imagine, it’s quite difficult to pronounce and enunciate certain words when you have missing teeth. Since your lips and tongue interact with your pearly whites to perform the proper speech, it can be hard to communicate effectively once they’re gone. Luckily, dentures restore your entire smile, making it easier for you to speak with others again. Although it will take some practice to get used to them, you’ll speak confidently and fluently again in no time!
Improves Nutrition
Most healthy foods are tough in texture, like certain vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins. If you can’t chew your food thoroughly because of tooth loss, you might experience issues like indigestion and malnutrition. Completing your smile with dentures allows you to enjoy a more balanced diet full of nutritious foods. This way, you can receive the essential nutrients needed for optimal overall health.
Preserves Oral Health
If you have any remaining natural teeth, they may eventually shift toward the spaces in your smile. Getting dentures can help prevent this drift from happening! Plus, it’ll help you avoid further tooth loss and jawbone resorption. Your new restorations can withstand the pressure of chewing, allowing you to avoid further wear and tear of your remaining teeth.
Expands Opportunity
Did you know that your smile is one of the first things people notice about you? Whether it’s a job interview, date, or social gathering, your pearly whites play a crucial role in making a great first impression. By restoring your smile with dentures, you can improve your oral health and boost your personal opportunities in the long run!
Tips for Maintaining Your Dentures
Dentures can last 10+ years, which is great news for your smile, bite, and wallet. The key to prolonging their lifespan is caring for them properly. To start, make sure to brush and floss any of your remaining natural teeth and clean your dentures daily with a denture-friendly toothbrush and cleaner. Additionally, avoid poor dental habits at all costs, like using tobacco products and chewing on ice. And, of course, visit our team every six months for a dental checkup and professional cleaning.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
The cost of dentures in Gilbert is different for each person. Because no two cases are alike, it’s necessary that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Condie to determine your individual plan and how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for your new smile. Various factors must be considered when formulating your estimate and can only be determined once you undergo a full oral examination by our qualified team of experts at Desert Springs Dental. If you’re ready to address your tooth loss once and for all, contact us today to let us help you take the next step in your journey.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
Three major factors ultimately affect the cost of your dentures. These include:
- Any preparation or preliminary treatments that must be performed before receiving dentures (i.e., tooth extraction, periodontal therapy, etc.)
- The type of acrylic that is used to create the base of your partial or full denture, as it must be color-matched to blend in with your natural gum tissue
- The artificial teeth created to replace your missing teeth. Typically, they are made of acrylic or porcelain and must be durable enough to remain sturdy yet, lifelike.
It’s important to remember that cheaper materials are not always best. Should you work with a denture dentist in Gilbert who offers cheap dentures, you’ll likely need an adjustment or replacement much sooner than if you were to trust your new smile with a professional who uses only the very best acrylic and porcelain.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures are more expensive than their traditional counterpart; however, when you consider the many unique benefits you receive with these permanent prosthetics, you’ll find they’re well worth the investment. Implant dentures not only fuse with the bone tissues to create a solid foundation for your new smile, but they can remain firmly in place for 30 years or more and provide greater stimulation to your jawbone each time you chew and bite down. Not to mention, they offer a natural look and make eating your favorite foods much easier. Instead of spending your hard-earned dollars on a prosthetic that will need to be replaced every 5-7 years, you can enjoy implant dentures that can last a lifetime with proper maintenance!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Yes, your dental insurance company will likely agree to pay up to 50% of the total cost of your dentures in Gilbert. However, you’ll need to check with your insurance company to make sure there are no exceptions or stipulations first. Your deductible and annual maximum will play a part in how much they’ll be willing to pay, so it’s best to find out how much they’ll be willing to cover so you have an idea of how much your out-of-pocket expenses will be. If you need help to gather this information, our team at Desert Springs Dental will be happy to assist in maximizing your benefits and helping you save the most money.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
If you are uninsured or need help to pay the remaining balance left over from your dental insurance claim, you’ll be pleased to learn that we work closely with CareCredit and Lending Club to provide flexible financing! If you are eligible, you can apply for a low or zero interest payment plan that allows you to break up the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments. You’ll also be happy to learn that we have an in-office discount plan that our team will be happy to discuss if you are interested in learning more about the program.
Dentures Aftercare
Dentures can transform the appearance and function of your smile. However, even if you have few or no remaining natural teeth, this doesn’t mean that you should stop going to the dentist. You should still attend regular checkups for a variety of different reasons. Your dentist will continue to monitor any existing teeth and gum tissue, and they will keep an eye out for abnormalities that could indicate oral cancer. When you have dentures, it is very difficult to notice these changes in your mouth on your own. Early detection is key to making a full recovery!
Remove After Eating
After each of your meals, you should remove and rinse your dentures. This will help to prevent buildups of food debris and plaque. Don’t use hot water because it can warp the denture material and cause them not to fit properly.
Clean Your Restoration
When you clean your dentures, remove them from your mouth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of either unscented hand soap, mild dish soap, or denture cleanser to gently brush your dentures. While toothpaste is great for cleaning your natural teeth, dentures aren’t made to stand up to abrasive products. If you aren’t going to wear your dentures again immediately, keep them in a container of water or denture cleansing solution in the meantime so they don’t dry out and lose their shape. Before you put your dentures back in your mouth, always rinse them thoroughly.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
When you clean your dentures, you may want to place a towel underneath just in case they slip out of your hands. This will reduce the likelihood of your dentures becoming damaged. Keep your dentures in a place where small children and pets aren’t able to reach them.
Remove When You Sleep
Before you go to bed, it is a good idea to take out your dentures. Wearing dentures as you sleep restricts the circulation in your gums, therefore leading to soft-tissue irritation. Sleeping with dentures has also been associated with a higher risk of pneumonia. As you sleep keep your dentures in a denture-soaking solution.
Notice Changes
Keep a close eye on your smile so you can address any changes with your dentist. If you develop mouth sores, gum irritation, or signs of infection, they are things that you should mention. If your dentures become damaged in any way, don’t attempt to repair them on your own. You could accidentally damage them further. Instead, give us a call.
Dentures FAQs
How long will I have to wait to get dentures after an extraction?
Your dentist in Gilbert strives to preserve your natural teeth, but there are times when an extraction may be in your best interest. If you need to have a tooth removed, you can expect to wait for 6 to 8 weeks to get your denture; however, the length of time necessary largely depends on your treatment plan. It’s often ideal to allow your gums to heal to ensure your dentures fit comfortably, but there are also immediate options. Same-day dentures are placed on the day of your extraction, so you won’t need to go without any teeth while you recover. You’ll likely need adjustments in a few weeks because your jawbone and gums will change shape as your mouth heals. If you’re choosing an implant denture, your bone will need to be fully healed from your placement surgery, which can take 4 to 6 months.
Will it hurt to get dentures?
If you need to have any teeth extracted before receiving your dentures, you can expect some discomfort while you recover from your oral surgery. It’s best to take any prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as recommended until your discomfort subsides in a few days. After getting your dentures, your mouth may be a little sore as you adjust to wearing the appliance. The length of time the discomfort lasts varies from person to person. If your pain is persistent, your dentures may not be fitting correctly, or there might be an underlying oral health issue. As a result, it’s recommended you contact your dentist.
Can I sleep with my dentures?
No one wants to be caught without their teeth, but you should remove your dentures at night. Initially, you’ll be advised to keep them in your mouth for 24 hours after receiving them, even while you’re sleeping. Afterward, it’s best to take them out at night to give your gums time to rest. Dentures restrict the circulation in your gums, which can lead to irritation and sores while also potentially increasing ridge resorption. Removing your dentures nightly allows your gums to get the nutrients they need to recover. Not to mention, a dark, moist environment, like your mouth, creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which is why sleeping with dentures is linked to a higher risk of pneumonia. Taking them out nightly lowers the likeness while also giving you the opportunity to properly clean and soak your new teeth to keep them bacteria-free. By maintaining your oral health and keeping your dentures clean, you’ll decrease levels of gum and tongue plaque to keep your smile healthy.
