Dentures – Dallas, TX

Effects of Missing Teeth

The teeth are very strong. Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the entire body – even stronger than bone! That being said, teeth aren’t completely indestructible. They can be lost for a variety of different reasons, including tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma to the mouth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are numerous negative effects of tooth loss, including facial sagging, difficulty speaking, trouble eating, and lower self-confidence. When you replace your missing teeth with dentures, you can improve all of these things, therefore improving your overall quality of life!

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Dentures are ideal for people who are missing multiple, most of, or all of their teeth. Depending on the number of teeth you are missing and where they are located in your mouth, we can create a customized treatment plan and restoration for you. If you are currently dealing with gum disease, tooth decay, or another oral health issue, we will need to address that before we can move forward in the process of getting dentures.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement

If dentures don’t sound like something you are interested in, or they don’t meet the needs you have for your smile, you may want to consider an alternative tooth replacement option, like a dental bridge. A dental bridge works by “bridging” the gap where one or more consecutive teeth are missing. A bridge consists of two dental crowns that are placed over the adjacent teeth and a number of “pontics,” or replacement teeth. Depending on the number of teeth you are missing, and where they are located in the mouth, a dental bridge may be an ideal option for you.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

What are Dentures Made Of?

Whether you require a full or partial set, you can expect your dentures to be made of two main components: the base and the artificial teeth (or pontics). Below is more detailed information about each section:

• Denture base. This is the foundation that shapes your restoration and supports the artificial teeth. It can be made from various materials like acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. Typically, acrylic is used for full dentures because it can be colored to be the same shade as your gums and carved to look more lifelike. Partial dentures may use acrylic or nylon and usually contain metal clips that are used to secure them to neighboring pearly whites.
• Artificial teeth included with dentures often are made from durable porcelain or resin because they can be color-matched to your smile and resist chipping and staining. Porcelain is considered the standard material, but because it can be abrasive on nearby teeth, sometimes resin is used for partial sets.

The Denture Creation Process

There are a lot of steps that go into creating your dentures which is why it can take some time. Generally speaking, the step-by-step breakdown of the process looks like this:

• Step 1: Dr. Henry will take impressions of your upper and lower gums by having you bite into trays filled with a thick paste. This will harden and create a replica of your mouth that’s used to build your dentures.
• Step 2: This cast is sent to a dental laboratory for a technician to begin creating them. They start by applying a wax version of your gum line.
• Step 3: Artificial teeth are set into the wax using a mechanical device called an articulator. Then, they’ll shape and carve the wax so that it looks more realistic.
• Step 4: This wax version will be returned to us so that we can schedule you for a fitting. Dr. Henry will note whether it fits correctly and if adjustments are needed, then send them back to the lab to be finalized.
• Step 5: Next, the lab must replace the wax with the permanent acrylic. To do so, they place the dentures in a flask and pour plaster over them to maintain their shape. This container is then placed in hot water to melt the wax.
• Step 6: Holes are made in the teeth for the acrylic to attach to and a liquid separator is added to the plaster layer to keep it from sticking. Then, the new material is injected into the flask to replace the wax.
• Step 7: A technician uses specialized tools to gently remove the plaster to reveal the dentures, which are then placed in an ultrasonic bath to ensure they’re cleaned thoroughly.
• Step 8: Any excess acrylic is trimmed away and your artificial teeth are polished to a shining gleam.
• Step 9: The finished product is sent back to us so we can have a last fitting with you to ensure everything’s working as intended before you leave with your refurbished smile.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Once you have your newly perfected grin, it’s important to give yourself some time to adjust to wearing it. It can take about a month for your gums to become accustomed to the day-long pressure of having them in your mouth. Plus, your tongue and facial muscles will need to learn to eat and speak around them which requires practice over time.

If you develop any raw spots, you can try a denture adhesive with creates a stronger hold as well as a layer of cushion between your gums and your new restoration. You can also avoid discomfort by sticking to softer foods for a little to protect the tender tissues in your mouth. Soon, you’ll be so used to your dentures that you might even forget they’re there!

Psychological Benefits

Patients who are completely toothless often struggle to accept their tooth loss, which can make them less likely to participate in social events and increase their chances of feeling sadness and depression. However, by using dentures to restore both the aesthetic and functional aspects of their smile, they are likely to experience a significant boost in confidence.

Clearer Enunciation

Losing teeth can affect proper enunciation, as the positioning of your lips and tongue is crucial for pronouncing words and producing certain sounds. When you're unable to touch your tongue to your teeth, it can make certain words difficult to articulate. Since dentures serve as replacements for your missing teeth, they allow you to speak more clearly. With some practice, you'll soon regain your ability to speak just as fluently as before!

Improves Nutrition

Most nutritious foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins, often come with a firm texture. However, tooth loss can hinder proper chewing, leading to problems like indigestion and malnutrition. Replacing your missing teeth with dentures can enhance chewing ability, allowing you to enjoy a broader dietary intake rich in essential nutrients. This ensures that your body receives the sustenance it requires for optimal health and well-being.

Preserves Oral Health

Opting for dentures when you have some remaining natural teeth can prevent them from shifting around. Plus, dentures distribute some of the pressure of chewing, reducing the strain on your existing teeth and minimizing wear and tear.

Expands Opportunity

Did you know that your smile is one of the first things others notice about you? This physical feature holds significant weight in situations like job interviews, sales, and career advancements. Making a good first impression is incredibly important in these settings, and having a complete smile can be a distinct advantage in achieving this goal!

Removable Dentures

Remove After Eating

Unhealthy bacteria are attracted to the food you eat and contribute to dental problems. Fortunately, your dentures can be easily removed so you can gently rinse them after every meal. This gets rid of any leftover particles to prevent potential plaque buildup that causes decay and disease. Be sure not to use hot water because it can warp the materials so that they don’t fit properly.

Clean Your Restoration

Even if you have lost all your teeth, you should have a daily oral hygiene routine in place to keep your mouth and restoration clean. At least once every day, you should remove your dentures to cleanse away unwanted germs, bits of food, or adhesives you may have used. To do so, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of unscented dish soap and gently brush all surfaces. You shouldn’t use regular toothpaste because it’s abrasive on the materials and can gouge them which gives bacteria places to thrive.

If you’re cleaning them in the evening before bed, be sure to place them in a container of water or a special denture-cleaning solution so they don’t dry out and lose their shape. Be sure that you rinse them thoroughly before putting them back into your mouth because these cleaning products are not intended for oral use.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

Your dentures can become slippery once water and soap are applied, so place a towel underneath in case you drop them. They’re durable but not impervious to harm and a fall could cause chips and cracks. Also, try your best to keep them out of the reach of small children or pets who may not handle them carefully or are prone to knocking them off surfaces.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

After you’ve adjusted to wearing dentures you may forget that they’re in and accidentally go to bed without taking them out. Doing so can arm both your restoration and your mouth. They’re customized to fit snuggly against your gums throughout the day which restricts circulation and can cause some soft-tissue irritation. Leaving them out while you sleep can prevent sore spots from developing.

Not only that but sleeping with them in has been associated with a higher risk of oral issues because our mouths tend to be drier at night, which is an ideal environment for unhealthy germs. They can thrive and cause bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Notice Changes

It’s important to pay attention to what’s happening with your dentures so that you can get help when you need it. For example, you should call your dentist if you notice mouth sores, gum irritation or inflammation, or signs of infection.

Also, if your dentures are damaged then contact your provider rather than try to fix them at home. You might injure them further or attempt to repair them with household items or glues that are toxic. If they’re bent, cracked, or damaged in some way then the best course of action is to contact your dentist. This is also true if they begin shifting, clicking, or showing other signs of not fitting properly. They require a professional assessment to determine whether they need to be relined or replaced.  

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

The overall cost of your dentures will be determined by three major factors, those being:

• How much preparation is necessary: If you need to have teeth extracted or gum disease resolved before receiving dentures, these treatments will contribute to the overall cost.
• The composition of the base: The type of acrylic used to create the base and the addition of any extra support structures will be reflected on your bill.
• The materials used for the replacement teeth: The artificial teeth in dentures must be strong, lifelike, and durable, and the material selected to make them will add to the price.

You get what you pay for when it comes to dentures, so the cheaper option is not always the right way to go. Unusually inexpensive dentures are usually made with unusually deficient materials, and wearing a high-quality appliance will look great while preventing injuries.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

While implant dentures are more expensive than the traditional variety, they deliver benefits that cannot be enjoyed otherwise. Implant dentures are anchored to the jaw using titanium posts surgically inserted into the bone structure, preventing them from sliding about in the mouth during speaking or chewing. This allows them to handle social situations and tougher foods like steak and raw veggies without any problems. While implant dentures are more expensive, they can also last for much longer than a traditional set, which can make them a sound investment.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dental insurance plans typically consider dentures to be a major restorative procedure and cover them at around 50%. However, it’s important to remember that every dental plan is different and to understand exactly what your insurance provider offers before committing to treatment. We accept many insurance providers, and our team will be more than happy to sit down and go over your insurance plan with you so you can know exactly what it will pay for and how to get the most out of it.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Our office offers several financing options outside of insurance. We work with Medicaid and CHIP, and we offer payment plans through third-party financiers like CareCredit and Sunbit. These plans break your bill into easily managed monthly installments with little or no interest. We’ll happily go over your payment options with you during your consultation.