Dentures in Murfreesboro, TN:

FAQs + Important Info

Advanced gum disease, tooth decay, traumatic facial injuries and other health conditions can cause significant tooth loss. For individuals with multiple missing teeth, it is vital to find a tooth replacement option.

If missing teeth aren't replaced, gum tissue can change shape, surrounding teeth can shift and underlying bone can begin to deteriorate and die. These changes can alter a person's face and jaw shape and make talking and eating difficult or painful. Additionally, a person who is missing several teeth may have issues with self-confidence and professional presentation.

Gateway Family Dentistry is proud to offer consultation and fabrication of dentures in Murfreesboro, TN. 

When a person loses most of their teeth, it can be frustrating and confusing to find a tooth replacement option that works. 

While some cases of tooth loss can be corrected with crowns, bridges, and dental implants, some patients with extensive tooth loss may be happier using dentures, especially if they choose high-quality dentures that are comfortable and look natural. 

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about getting dentures for tooth replacement.

When Does a Person Need Dentures?

There are a few situations in which a patient may choose dentures over dental implants or other tooth replacement options. 

Dentures may be the best choice for a person who doesn’t want to undergo the long process of receiving multiple dental implants to replace lost teeth. Many other patients can’t commit to the sizable financial commitment of dental implants. 

Your tooth replacement options also depend on how many of your teeth are missing, damaged or decayed.

For instance, some people with tooth loss have several consecutive missing teeth. This can make it difficult to fit a bridge or multiple crowns, especially if the surrounding natural teeth, gum tissues or underlying bone aren’t healthy. 

Additionally, people with extensive tooth loss--such as having only one or two natural teeth left--may not have enough jaw bone left to support the placement of dental implants.

Do Dentures Look Natural?

Thanks to developments in dental science and aesthetics, well-made dentures can look very natural. 

Most denture teeth are made from resin or porcelain. Both materials are able to mimic the natural hue and transparency of real teeth. 

With that being said, it’s still important to talk with your dentist and/or your prosthodontist about your aesthetic expectations and your budget before getting fitted for your dentures. Some cheaper denture materials cause false teeth to look flat and opaque. Additionally, cheaper materials may not provide a natural-looking shape to false teeth. 

Before your dentures are fabricated, you’ll visit your prosthodontist to take a wax mold of your gums and remaining teeth. This will help ensure that your finished dentures fit comfortably in your mouth and won’t alter the shape, protrusion or placement of your cheeks and jaw. 

Additionally, you can choose the shape, color and hue of your denture teeth. Your dentist will help you select a hue that suits your skin tone and preferences and will look natural when you smile.

Are Dentures Comfortable?

Years ago, denture wearers often described their dentures as rough, uncomfortable and ill-fitting. Thankfully, as dental science has improved, so have the fit and feel of dentures.

Today’s dentures are manufactured to be comfortable, to fit snugly in the wearer’s mouth and to mold to the natural shape of their gums. Dentists are able to closely mimic the shape of a wearers gums and soft tissues by taking a wax mold of their mouth before their dentures are created. This helps ensure that a finished denture fits effortlessly over the gum tissue and arch bones, without creating pressure points or other issues with fit. 

Talk to your dentist about choosing the right denture adhesive, and ask for tips on getting used to the feel of your dentures after you begin wearing them daily. 

Are There Different Types of Dentures?

There are two main categories of dentures: partial dentures and full dentures. 

A partial denture, often called a removable dental bridge, is a tooth replacement apparatus that fits one or more replacement crowns into the spaces left by missing teeth. 

Partial dentures are used by individuals who have several of their natural teeth remaining. They may be recommended when one or two consecutive teeth are missing. Partial dentures not only replace missing teeth, they can also prevent shifting in the natural teeth that surround a missing tooth’s space. 

Full dentures replace all of the missing teeth in the maxillary (upper) arch or the mandibular (lower) arch in the mouth. Some patients require a complete set of dentures for both arches.

A temporary denture can be manufactured and used while an individual is healing from tooth extraction required to fit complete dentures. Temporary dentures also provide support and structure to the mouth while a patient’s complete dentures are being fabricated. 

How Much do Dentures Cost?

The cost of dentures varies by your location, your dentist, and the materials you choose for your denture crowns (false teeth). Dental insurance often helps significantly defer the cost of medically-necessary dentures. Most dental plans cover 15% - 20% of the cost. Some insurance plans may cover up to 50% of the cost. 

A complete set of basic dentures made of cold-cured acrylic costs approximately $800 to $1500, although this cost can be higher or lower depending on the materials you choose for your dental crowns. Cold-cured acrylic cuts down on fabrication time and manufacturing costs, but can lead to staining and color changes in your denture teeth over time. Cold-cured acrylic is also more vulnerable to breaking and may require more frequent repairs.

A complete set of dentures that use heat-cured acrylic and more expensive crown materials (porcelain, for instance) can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000. These dentures typically last longer, look more natural and require less maintenance than basic dentures. 

Premium dentures that use top-of-the-line materials and have fully customizable options can cost $10,000 - $15,000 for a full set.

If you don't have dental insurance or can't afford to pay for dentures up front, there are multiple payment plans that provide flexible options for paying for dentures. CareCredit provides easy payment options that patients can pay in installments that work for their budget. Learn more about CareCredit at Gateway Family Dentistry today.

*Please note that these estimates are based on natural averages. Your costs may vary considerably based on your insurance plan and dental health needs. 

Dentures at Gateway Family Dentistry in Murfreesboro, TN

Gateway Family Dentistry is one of Murfreesboro’s leading implant and sedation dentistry practices. Our dental office specializes in cutting-edge tooth replacement options, including high-quality, long-lasting, comfortable dentures. 

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment with our outstanding dental team.