Dentures – Fort Worth, TX

Effects of Missing Teeth

During the treatment’s consultation phase, we’ll guide you through tooth loss’ causes and effects. Doing so will help you see how prosthetic teeth can protect your health.

 

Truthfully, people lose teeth for various reasons. A patient’s tooth may decay so much that it falls out or needs extraction. Meanwhile, gum disease wears down the bone and tissue that secure your pearly whites. Your teeth can also get knocked out by an accident or injury.

 

No matter its cause, though, tooth loss has deeply adverse effects. The biggest is that it makes everyday tasks – eating, speaking, smiling, etc. – much harder. At the same time, untreated smile gaps will slowly erode your jaw. (This process could then trigger a facial collapse.) They can also result in yet more tooth loss.

 

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Again, most patients can qualify for dentures if they lack teeth. Even so, there are other factors to ponder.

 

Take oral health, for instance. You could get dentures to replace decayed existing teeth rather than “fill in” for missing ones. At the same time, remember that treatment only works if your gum and jaw tissues are healthy enough. An ideal candidate is thus committed to proper dental care.

 

How many teeth you lack is also a concern. Based on the number, you’ll need one of two possible denture types. A partial model (per the name) is best for replacing a few teeth. Full dentures, in contrast, are preferable when all pearly whites along an arch are gone.

 

It’s also wise to consider finances in your treatment decisions. After all, dentures cost less than other restorations. That means they’re ideal for patients on a budget.

 

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If our office concludes you’re not a good dentures candidate, don’t worry; you have other options. In fact, Hulen Crossing Family Dental has two other procedures you could try. These include:

 

• Dental Bridges – A dental bridge is a fixed restoration made of crowns fused to a pontic. As such, it clasps onto nearby teeth to support itself and stay in place.

• Dental Implants – Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants fuse with your jawbone. They’re thus replacement teeth that won’t slip or fall over time. In exchange for such features, these prosthetics can be pricey compared to the alternatives.

 

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

What are Dentures Made Of?

Every denture – no matter the type – has two essential parts: the base and the artificial teeth. Each of these components is crucial to the prosthetic’s function.  To learn what they do, consider the details below:

• Denture Base –  A denture’s base is its pink-colored part that sits on your gums. Generally, it’s meant to support the artificial teeth. To that end, a lab will make a base from acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal materials.
• Artificial Teeth – A denture’s artificial teeth are its tooth-replacing portions. As such, they’re made from resin or porcelain to produce lifelike results. Still, porcelain tends to be the more popular material; it looks and feels more like natural teeth.

The Denture Creation Process

Each denture is custom-made by qualified lab technicians; no two are exactly alike. Consequently, the creation process for one involves a multi-step process. The relevant actions are:

• Step 1: Your dentist performs an oral exam and takes a dental impression. Afterward, they send the latter to an offsite lab that fabricates the dentures.
• Step 2: After some brief crafting, the dental lab will send wax dentures to your dentist for a fitting. If these are approved, the restorations will be sent back for completion.
• Step 4: A technician will boil the returned dentures to remove their wax portions. From there, they’ll place the appliance in a flask. This item will be placed in hot water once it’s filled with plaster.
• Step 5: Holes will be made in the artificial teeth, thus ensuring new material can attach. The technician will also add a liquid separator to the plaster layer. They’ll then inject acrylic into the flask to replace the wax.
• Step 6: The lab worker will remove the plaster to reveal the prosthetics. Later, they’ll place the dentures in an ultrasonic bath to remove leftover plaster.
• Step 7: After removing excess acrylic, the technician polishes the restorations. Next, they return the dentures to the dentist.
• Step 8: The patient returns to the office for fitting and final adjustments.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Technically, you may feel discomfort when you start wearing dentures. Rest assured that this symptom is normal; it fades pretty quickly. In little time, your mouth will adjust until the dentures feel like natural teeth.

Of course, you can speed up the denture adjustment process. You simply need to practice certain mouth habits. For example, you could eat soft foods for a week (or two) that won’t irritate your sensitive gums., On the other hand, you might exercise your facial muscles or use denture adhesives. These acts would help you adjust and reduce potential aches.

Whatever approach you take, be careful. You may need to see a dentist if your pain persists. Should that happen, you may require replacement work.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

There’s no one-size-fits-all denture because every mouth is as unique as fingerprints. The cost of replacing missing teeth differs for everyone. Your dentist will examine your mouth and learn more about your preferences to create a personalized treatment plan. You can expect your estimate to include:

• Preliminary Treatments: It’s not uncommon to need a little prep work, like gum disease therapy or tooth extractions.
• Type of Denture: You have many types of dentures to choose from, including partials, dentures, and implant-supported options.
• Number of Arches: Treating both arches will increase the cost.
• Materials: Discounted materials can be of low quality, which can compromise their aesthetics, durability, and comfort. It’s better to focus on quality instead of the price tag.

A member of our team will review your estimate and explain the fees, so you’ll know exactly what you’ll have to pay before committing to anything.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Implant dentures can be more expensive upfront, but they are the most affordable long-term. Dental implants have an average lifespan of 30 years or more, which means you’ll never have to budget for replacements. Dental implants also preserve your jawbone to improve your oral health. You can avoid costly procedures later to save more money down the road.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Most dental insurance will cover a portion of the cost of dentures. They are considered a major service, so most plans will pay 50% of the cost after meeting your deductible. You can also use your benefits for other aspects of your treatment plan, like your consultation, preliminary procedures, and imaging. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your annual allowance. We’ll explain how your coverage is being used and if there’s any remaining balance.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Your financial situation should never stand in the way of treating your tooth loss. We will discuss all your payment options during your consultation, which include:

• Traditional Payments: Our office accepts all traditional payment options, including cash, checks, and credit cards.
• Monthly Financing: You can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using monthly installments. Based on your credit approval, you can benefit from little or no interest in financing for low monthly payments.
• Special Offers: Hulen Crossing Family Dental offers many promotions for select services, like a free dental implant consultation and free 2nd opinions.

If you have questions about your payment options, or you are ready to rebuild your smile, contact our office today to speak with someone in our office.