Dentures Aurora

Effects of Missing Teeth

Tooth loss can happen for any number of reasons—the main ones involving gum disease, decay, and physical trauma. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, some of the negative effects of missing teeth include difficulty speaking and eating, facial sagging, jawbone deterioration, and reduced self-confidence.

With dentures, you’ll be able to resolve many of the above complications. Not only will your prosthetics serve as placeholders for any remaining teeth, but you also won’t have as many anxieties about your speech, chewing, and appearance.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

In most cases, patients who are struggling with any degree of tooth loss may be eligible for dentures. You’ll also need to be committed to practicing great oral hygiene as well as maintaining your prosthetics in the long run. This means you’ll need to brush and rinse them every day while also keeping your mouth and gums clean so that you avoid issues like decay and gum disease.

Of course, our team will need to address any underlying complications you might have before moving forward with creating your dentures. Once we’ve resolved any problems like periodontal disease or infection, we can begin your treatment. Dentures are also more affordable compared to other tooth replacements, making them a more convenient option for renewing your smile when working with a budget.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Not every patient will be eligible to receive dentures. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll be left without any alternative solutions. Our team can provide you with some effective and lifelike restorations that can also help you rebuild missing pearly whites. These include:

• Dental Bridges – Using two dental crowns connected by pontics (artificial teeth), a dental bridge can close the gap in your smile, replacing one or a few teeth in a row. This treatment requires preparing your abutment teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room, and the results usually last 10 years or more before needing to replace them.
• Dental Implants – By embedding titanium posts directly into your jawbone, we can rebuild your missing teeth from the roots up while also preserving your facial structure. Dental implants typically have a higher upfront cost, but the results can last decades to a lifetime with minimal maintenance.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures are made up of two different parts – the base, and the replacement teeth. Here is what each of these parts consists of:

• Base: The base of the denture is the structure that supports the replacement teeth. It can be made from a range 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. Partial dentures often use metal clips with an acrylic base.
• Teeth: The replacement teeth are secured to the denture base. They are usually made from resin or porcelain because they both have a natural appearance. However, porcelain tends to be more popular because it looks and feels just like natural tooth enamel. It is also highly durable, so it is much less likely to become damaged.

The Denture Creation Process

Here is the step-by-step process for the creation of your dentures:

1. Your dentist will begin 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 financial dentures fit as they should.
2. The model is sent to the dental lab where your dentures will be crafted. They will begin by creating a wax replica of your gumline.
3. The replacement teeth will be set in place using a mechanical device called an “articulator.” Adjustments are then made by a technician.
4. Your wax dentures are sent to the dental office for a fitting. If everything looks good, they are sent back to the dental lab.
5. Once returned to the lab, the technician will place your dentures in 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.
6. The plaster is then carefully removed from the denture with special tools. The dentures are placed in an ultrasonic bath to clear the rest of the plaster off.
7. Any excess acrylic is cut from the dentures. Then, it is polished for a finished look.
8. Now that your dentures are complete, they will be 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 practice with your new and improved smile!

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

It isn’t uncommon for patients to experience some soreness when they first get their new dentures, but this isn’t something to worry about. It is normal and temporary. With a little bit of time, your mouth will adjust to your new prosthesis, and your dentures will begin to feel just like your natural teeth. Just remember to stick to softer foods and exercise your facial muscles. If discomfort persists or you have concerns about your replacement teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out so we can help!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

How much will it cost to get dentures? There isn’t a set price for dentures because there are several big factors that will influence the final cost of treatment. Fortunately, we’ll be able to evaluate all these variables during your consultation in order to give you an estimate of how much you can expect to pay in the end. The largest factors we’ll be looking for are:

• Need for preliminary treatments: Some patients will need to complete gum disease treatment or tooth extractions before being fitted for dentures, which will naturally add to the final cost.
• Materials used for the denture: While dentures can be crafted out of a variety of materials, we only use the highest-quality options to ensure our patients receive the best results.
• The type of denture needed: How many teeth will you be replacing? Will you be pairing your denture with dental implants? These answers will influence the cost of your denture.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

In short, yes, implant dentures are initially more expensive than traditional dentures. However, many patients enthusiastically agree that the extra cost is well worth the incredible benefits. Implant dentures are anchored directly into the jawbone, so they’ll never slip out of place. In addition to this improved confidence in your smile, you’ll also be able to eat all your foods once again and preserve your jawbone, which will in turn help you avoid future tooth loss and oral health issues.

Plus, implant dentures often become the more cost-effective option over time. Traditional dentures need to be realigned and replaced every several years. However, implant dentures last a lifetime for most patients. Not only is this more convenient, but it can save you thousands of dollars in replacements alone.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

The details of every dental insurance policy are slightly different, so it’s important to review the specifics of your plan to fully understand your coverage. However, dentures are typically classified as a “major procedure or restoration” which often earns them 50% coverage. Our knowledgeable team would be happy to review the details of your dental insurance to ensure your benefits are being maximized.

What is the process of getting dentures like?

The standard process of getting full or partial dentures in Aurora typically takes place over the course of a few weeks and anywhere from three to five appointments. Our goal is to make sure that your replacement teeth fit precisely, which is why we may request more than one fitting appointment. The visits typically include the following parts of the process:

• First Visit: Impressions of your teeth, gums, and bite are taken and a model is built.
• Second Visit: Your dentures arrive at our office and we check to make sure they fit perfectly and look great.
• Any Following Visits: We make any necessary adjustments for maximized comfort.

Is it hard to adjust to wearing dentures?

Every patient who gets dentures in Aurora goes through an adjustment period that can last about a month. At first, they may feel odd and incredibly large in your mouth because you may not be used to having your cheeks filled out. This can cause you to produce more saliva or make it difficult to eat and speak. However, all of these side effects will go away as your cheek muscles begin to get stronger and you become accustomed to the way they feel and function. Some patients may also experience sores initially, but these are completely normal, so it’s important to not panic. If you continue to have difficulty using your dentures or they don’t seem to comfortably fit your mouth, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Should I use denture adhesive?

Some people find that using denture adhesive can provide them with additional support and stability, especially for lower dentures. However, it’s important to keep in mind that older dentures may be ill-fitting, which can’t be solved with adhesive. In this case, it’s important to visit your dentist in Aurora so we can replace, repair, or readjust your restoration.

Do I brush my dentures like regular teeth?

Cleaning your dentures can extend their lifespan and ensure that they continue looking like new. If possible, try to clean them after each meal. It’s important to use non-abrasive materials such as a soft denture brush and denture cleaner. It’s also important to soak your dentures overnight to sanitize them and make sure they don’t warp. Never use regular toothpaste on them or clean them in scalding hot water.

Will my dentures make it hard for me to speak?

When you first get your new full dentures in Aurora, it may take some practice to pronounce certain words and sounds. Here are some good tips to help you adjust quickly:

• Speak more slowly if your dentures make a clicking sound when you talk.
• Practice reading out loud.
• For slipping dentures, reposition them by gently biting down and swallowing.

If you continue to have problems, don’t hesitate to contact our office so we can ensure that they’re fitted correctly.