Losing some or all of your teeth, whether from decay, an accident, or disease, can significantly affect your quality of life. When teeth are missing, it can be difficult to chew, talk properly, and smile. Thankfully, dentures are an excellent solution for replacing your missing teeth – they also make it easier to eat, chew and speak regularly, and they help improve your appearance.
At Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide exceptional denture services to patients in Independence. Our talented denture dentist, Jeffrey D. Peter, DMD, will evaluate the health of your teeth, the structure of your jaw bone, and your overall oral health to recommend the type of dentures that are best for you.
We will take measurements and molds of your teeth and gums to create a comfortable and efficient set of dentures for you. If you or your loved one has lost some or all their teeth, they may be an excellent candidate
What Are Dentures?
A denture is a removable set of false teeth for anyone with missing teeth. The word often conjures up visions of grandma’s teeth floating in a drinking glass. But dentures are not only for the old.
As many know, dentures are removable substitutes for lost teeth. They are porcelain or acrylic “teeth” attached to a gum-colored foundation, along with a metal brace. They attach to your other teeth, holding the denture in place in your mouth.
There are two types of dentures; complete and partial. Complete dentures are often used to replace all teeth when natural teeth are not present in your mouth. On the other hand, partial dentures cover only a segment of missing teeth when other natural teeth are present in the mouth.
Implant-Supported vs. Regular Dentures: What Is the Difference?
There are different types of dentures, partial, full, implant-supported, and ones without implants. Regardless of whether you choose full or partial dentures, you will have to decide if you want implants or not. Dentures are a great option for a complete smile makeover. And both types of dentures come with different benefits.
Dentures that attach to implants give support and roots like real teeth would as well as give constant stimulation to your jawbone but they cannot be removed. Regular dentures on the contrary, can and should be removed every night and left to soak to keep them from drying out. If you want a removable and less permanent option then dentures without implants are for you.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures do not slide around or fall out because they are connected to the implants that are fused to your bone. This makes them incredibly sturdy and reliable.
The down and upside of implant-supported dentures are that they require additional treatment to place the implants but they provide you with a stronger jaw and no chance of them falling out while talking or eating. This jaw stimulation will keep your face youthful and reduce facial wrinkles in addition to helping prevent TMJ disorder or lockjaw.
There is a difference in cost as well. Insurance should still cover most, if not all, of the treatment but if you do not have insurance or it does not cover dentures then the implant-supported dentures will cost more because of the additional treatment that is involved.
You will need to place titanium rods and fuse them with the jawbone to then attach the dentures. This takes longer but it is a permanent treatment and will save you money in cosmetic and dental treatment in the future.
Non-Implant-Supported Dentures
These require less treatment and are a simple way to restore tooth-like function. Instead of months to do the implant process, healing, and getting your dentures placed, you will have a few appointments at our dental office and leave with a brand new smile.
Regular dentures are great for people who do not want the permanency of implant-supported dentures and want to be able to remove them to brush their gums.
The style, look, feel, and ease, you are looking for with your dentures will determine the type you should get. At Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we will work with you to give you the treatment you need for a smile you can be proud of.
Who Should See a Denture Dentist?
Anyone with significant tooth loss is a good candidate for dentures or someone looking for a complete smile makeover. Dentures are not dependent on age, but on the condition of the patient’s teeth. It’s also vital for a patient to have enough jawbone structure and healthy gum tissue remaining. Dentures are an affordable option for anyone with missing teeth.
Benefits of Dentures
An alternative to missing teeth, dentures provide several benefits to patients with missing teeth. Modern dentures are designed to be comfortable, as well as perform the functions of natural teeth. Having your missing teeth replaced with proper fitting, high-quality dentures from Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers several benefits:
- Improved appearance and smile: When you lose all of your teeth, your jaw area begins to look sunken, affecting your appearance and making you look older. Dentures help fill out your face, retaining your normal appearance.
- Preserves bone density: The loss of teeth also means the oral bone structure will begin to perish. Dentures help decrease the rate at which these bones disintegrate.
- Restores chewing function: Dentures make it possible to eat the foods you love, which may be difficult to chew if you miss some or all of your teeth.
- They are removable: Dentures are removable, which allows for proper cleaning. It also allows your gums to rest and heal.
- Improved self-confidence: Dentures restore your smile and eliminate any social awkwardness you may have felt about the gaps in your teeth. You will feel more comfortable speaking and smiling in public and photos when you have dentures.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Dentures can last for 5 to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. Practice good dental hygiene—brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.
You should also brush your dentures daily, but with non-abrasive denture toothpaste. Regular toothpaste is abrasive and makes microscopic scratches where food and plaque can build up. Use a brush with soft bristles designed for cleaning dentures, and avoid using a hard-bristled brush, as it can damage or wear down your dentures.
Gently brush all denture surfaces, and be careful not to damage the plastic or bend attachments. Soak your dentures in a commercial denture cleanser liquid or water when you’re not wearing them to keep them from drying out or warping.
If your dentures have metal attachments, the soaking solution could cause them to tarnish. Refer to your denture dentist’s recommendations on how to best care for your dentures.
Affordable Dentures
Dentures can vary in cost, but most full dental insurance policies cover up to 50 percent or all of the cost of dentures. Typically removable dentures are the most affordable option. If you’re considering getting dentures, we recommend contacting your insurance provider to discuss your options for affordable dentures.
We have payment plans available if you do not have insurance or it does not cover the treatment you need. We do not want anyone to walk away from a necessary treatment because of insurance complications. Getting the treatment you need will protect and preserve your oral health for years to come.
If you have any questions regarding your insurance plan, our helpful team at Peter Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is ready to help.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Dentures can help restore your smile, boost your confidence, and improve your appearance and quality of life. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and begin your journey to a healthier smile.