Dentures
DENTURES
Tooth loss can result from a number of issues, including injury, periodontal disease and tooth decay. Unfortunately, losing a tooth causes serious problems. A missing tooth negatively impacts your remaining teeth, causing shifting and premature wear and tear. The tissues of the gums and jaw are also impacted by a lost tooth. The muscles can atrophy over time, causing the face to lose its shape. Many people who have lost teeth find it difficult to talk and eat normally.
If you’ve lost teeth, it’s important to find a tooth replacement option as soon as possible.
Depending on the state and health of your gums, your dentist may recommend options like dental implants or dentures to help provide structure and support to your mouth.
Unfortunately, dental implants
are not an option for many people. Implants require healthy gum tissue and good bone density. They also take a significant amount of time to heal. As a result, many people suffering from tooth loss opt for dentures.
Dentures can improve the facial shape and speech of an individual who is missing most or all of his or her teeth.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic, removable tooth replacement apparatuses. Dentures include an artificial gum molding that is formed to your unique mouth.
The base of a denture (the part that resembles natural gums) is usually made of an acrylic material. The replacement teeth in the dentures are typically made of resin or porcelain.
There are two types of dentures: complete dentures
and partial dentures.
Complete or full dentures
are used when all of the teeth on the upper or lower dental arch have been removed. Complete dentures are often challenging to wear, as they aren’t supported by natural teeth or stable structures. If possible, your dentist may recommend the placement of dental implants to help secure your denture while you wear it.
For many people, dental implants are not an option. Additionally, there may be remaining teeth that aren’t healthy enough to support a partial denture. These teeth will need to be extracted before complete dentures can be created.
Complete dentures are fitted snugly against the gums and palate of the mouth. The saliva between the denture and your gums creates a seal. This seal allows the denture to stay in place as you talk, eat and chew.
Partial dentures are removable teeth replacements that are held in place by metal clasps that fit onto remaining teeth.
Partial dentures are often recommended for patients who are missing several teeth on the upper or lower dental arch but who are not candidates for dental implants or dental bridges.
How Are Dentures Made?
Dental extractions
are often recommended for individuals receiving complete dentures. If your dentist recommends tooth extractions before your dentures, you will need approximately six months to heal. Your dentist may provide temporary dentures for you to wear during the healing period. These devices, often called immediate dentures, are created using a mold of your mouth taken before your teeth are extracted. They are placed immediately after your extractions are complete.
As your gums heal from your extractions, your temporary dentures may shift and need to be refitted.
After your six-month healing process, your dentist and dental laboratory will take a mold of your mouth. You will also decide what the false teeth in your dentures should look like. This information is sent to your dental laboratory so your dentures can be created.
What To Expect From Dentures
Most people need time to get used to wearing their dentures. It’s totally normal for your dentures to feel awkward and uncomfortable at first. The main thing is to continue wearing them and adjusting to them.
Over time, your dentures will begin to feel more natural and comfortable. You’ll learn how to talk and eat while wearing them. Eventually, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them.
While you adjust to your new dentures, it’s important to develop good oral hygiene habits:
- Remove and rinse your dentures following meals
- Be gentle when handling dentures; too much force can crack or break them
- Soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water
- Brush your remaining teeth and gums, the roof of your mouth and inside of your cheeks with a soft-bristled toothbrush daily
- Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleanser at least once per day
It’s important to pay attention to the way your dentures fit, feel and function. If they are consistently uncomfortable or cause issues with eating or speech, you should visit your dentist to have them refitted.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
A complete upper or lower arch denture costs approximately $1,500 – $2,000. A partial upper or lower arch denture costs approximately $600 – $1,200.
These costs can be impacted by the materials you choose for your dentures.
It’s important to note that your insurance policy may cover a portion of your denture costs.
Dentures With Gateway Family Dentistry of Murfreesboro
Gateway Family Dentistry is one of the highest-rated dentistry practices in Murfreesboro. We’re proud to offer a range of family dental services, including complete and partial dentures.
Are you interested in tooth replacement or dentures?
Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.
