Dentures – Millersville, MD

Effects of Missing Teeth

Tooth loss is a serious problem that not only affects your physical appearance but also your general health. Being unable to eat certain foods can result in malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies. The inability to speak clearly can lead to embarrassment, depression, and a decline in mental well-being.

There are many reasons tooth loss can occur (i.e., gum disease, bruxism, facial trauma, and severe decay), so getting the treatment you need sooner rather than later is essential.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Qualifying for dentures requires that you first meet with a member of our dental team. While it’s reassuring to know that most people who suffer from tooth loss are cleared to receive dentures, we must make sure that no additional treatment is required first.

Not only will we examine your mouth for any signs of gum disease, existing decay, or significant bone loss, but we’ll also go over the type of denture you can receive. This will depend on how many teeth you are missing.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Should we find that dentures may not be the best option for tooth replacement, or you would rather seek an alternative solution, there are two you can consider:

• Dental Bridges – Combining two dental crowns and free-standing replacement teeth, a dental bridge can fill in the gap left behind by multiple missing teeth. These are generally recommended if there are no more than a few absent teeth.
• Dental Implants – More permanent and stable than traditional dentures are dental implants. Made of titanium and positioned within the jawbone, these prosthetics can support a bridge or denture so that your smile looks natural, feels comfortable, functions naturally, and lasts 30+ years with optimal care.

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Two parts make up a denture – the base and its artificial teeth. Here is a brief description of what is required for each:

• The Base – The base of your denture will likely be made from acrylic and mimic the shade of your natural gum tissue. If a partial denture is what you require, you can expect there to be a metal component that allows for the prosthetic to attach to natural teeth and remain in place.
• Artificial Teeth – The teeth that are created and attached to the base of dentures are often crafted from acrylic or porcelain. The reason is that they are capable of mirroring the shade of tooth enamel, so they appear more natural.

The Denture Creation Process

The denture creation process requires several steps. After taking impressions or digital images of your mouth and jaw, we will send them off to a dental laboratory. Here, lab technicians will create a wax model using the impression or image provided. This will help to create the proposed shape, color, and fit of the denture.

After placing the wax model in a device known as an articulator, your custom teeth will be put into place with wax before a technician begins to carve and shape the wax so that it takes the shape of your gums.

A flask is then used to house the dentures, while plaster is poured in to help retain the shape of the dentures. After placing the flask in hot water, the wax melts and is removed. Lab technicians will then use a liquid separator to add to the plaster so that acrylic will not attach once injected into the flask.

The process continues with the technician removing the plaster and placing the dentures in an ultrasonic bath. This helps to remove any plaster that may remain on the prosthetics. After cutting any additional acrylic off and polishing the dentures, they are returned to our office.

You will return to undergo your fitting to make sure that your new teeth look and feel good the moment you put them in your mouth.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

The adjustment phase for dentures is expected but only temporary. You will likely experience some challenges while attempting to eat or speak initially; however, you will receive detailed information that is designed to help you navigate this adjustment period. A few things you’re likely to see on the list include:

• Eat soft foods in the beginning to help your mouth become accustomed to chewing and keeping your denture in place.
• Practice reading aloud so that certain words and syllables become easier to pronounce over time.
• Make sure to clean your dentures each time you finish eating and allow them to soak at night while you sleep.

The soft tissues inside your mouth need time to adjust to the new objects in your mouth. But there is no need to worry, as your tongue, cheeks, and other facial structures will become more familiar with these prosthetics over time.

Psychological Benefits

If you want to notice more than just a physical improvement but also a mental and emotional boost, you can’t go wrong with dentures. These customized prosthetics help to restore a beautiful and functional smile that allows you to take part in many of the events, tasks, and daily interactions that were not possible before. With dentures, you can eat freely, speak with clarity, and smile knowing that your teeth are in place and looking great.

Clear Enunciation

Clearer speech is an important component of new dentures. Although an adjustment phase is likely, once you begin to say certain words or sounds more clearly, you’ll be eager to meet with family, friends, and colleagues again. You won’t back down or sit out when it comes to engaging in conversation but instead maybe even lead the discussion.

Improves Nutrition

Missing teeth can cause you and your body to miss out on valuable nutrients needed to keep your oral and overall health in check. Once you have dentures, though, you can expect that your diet will improve. Although eating harder, crunchy, and even stickier foods can be tricky, you can still enjoy many of your favorite meats, fruits, and vegetables, all of which help to treat and safeguard teeth from bacteria and decay.

Preserves Oral Health

Once dentures are put into place, they’ll not only reduce your chances of experiencing a sagging, facial experience but instead, they will help to not only give you a more beautiful aesthetic but also improve your chances of better oral health. Once you see your new teeth in place, you’ll be more likely to take proper care of your teeth and gums, no matter how many of these may be artificial. The investment you make in receiving dentures is one you don’t want to go away, which is why keeping your teeth (real and artificial) and gums healthy is key.

Expands Opportunity

If you want the job, you’re more likely to make a good first impression if you have a full, complete smile. If you want to meet someone new, having a healthy, beautiful smile can make a difference in whether it goes well. With dentures, you have a chance to expand your opportunities far beyond what you could imagine. With a functional and full smile on display, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable pursuing all types of opportunities.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

An important component to remember when it comes to receiving customized dentures to replace your missing teeth is that your case will be different than another patient’s treatment plan. As a result, you cannot expect to pay the same price.

When meeting with a member of our McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice team, you will be evaluated based on the following criteria that are used to formulate cost estimates:

• How many teeth are you missing? This will determine if you need a full or partial denture.
• Do you require periodontal therapy or tooth extraction beforehand? Do you need bone grafting to further support a new smile?
• Will your dentures be crafted from acrylic or porcelain?

Anytime you are faced with the reality of undergoing extensive dental care, you may inquire about more cost-effective solutions. It’s natural to want to save money, but you shouldn’t cut corners when it comes to your smile. Other professionals may use cheaper materials to produce full or partial dentures, but if you choose to go this route, you can expect that your new teeth will not last as long nor remain as durable.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

If you are one of the many individuals who are interested in dental implants to replace your missing teeth, you’ll be pleased to learn that although the initial cost is higher, the long-term investment will bring you stability, confidence and comfort. You’ll enjoy a smile that remains firmly fused with the bone tissues so that your teeth withstand normal, daily wear and tear

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

You have the option to review your plan or have a member of our team do it for you to determine if you have coverage for dentures. In many cases, dental insurance companies offer to pay anywhere from 50% or more of the total cost so that your out-of-pocket expenses are significantly less. We’ll be happy to review your policy and make suggestions as to how you can get the most out of your plan.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Instead of maxing out your credit cards or forgoing treatment altogether, our team is pleased to offer flexible, interest-free financing through CareCredit. Here, you can enroll in one of their available plans so that you spread out the cost of treatment over several months, reducing your initial cost and allowing you to move forward with care.