If you have missing teeth, there are a few restorative dentistry techniques that can replace them and help you reclaim your appearance and your oral health. Dentures in South Windsor are a popular choice because they can be sturdy and natural-looking. If you are thinking about filling in the gaps in your smile with dentures, we’d be more than happy to help. Please contact us so we can get you started on the road to a restored smile.
What Exactly Are Dentures?
Dentures are artificial teeth that are attached to a gum-colored acrylic base, which fits over your natural gums. The teeth are often made of porcelain, which is a strong material that closely resembles the appearance of natural teeth.
There are a few different types of dentures:
Conventional full dentures. These replace an entire row of teeth. You can receive this type of denture after your mouth has healed from any extractions you may have had.
Immediate full dentures. You can get this type of denture right away after your teeth are extracted. However, it may only fit well for a few months because your jaw will change shape after your teeth are extracted.
Partial dentures. If you still have several of your natural teeth left and they’re still in good shape, you may not have to get them removed in order to enjoy the benefits of dentures. A partial denture fits in your mouth via a metal framework and can fill in multiple gaps.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Dentures are fairly sturdy, and they may last for many years. However, you will probably need to get them replaced long before they wear out. That’s because tooth loss changes the shape of your mouth. Over time, your dentures will stop fitting well. Most people need to get theirs replaced every five to eight years or so. By paying attention to the way your dentures feel and by keeping regular appointments with your dentist, you’ll know when the time comes to think about getting a new set of teeth.
To get the most out of your dentures, it’s important that you care for them well and stick to a good oral hygiene routine. You should:
Keep your dentures moist even when you’re not wearing them; you don’t want them to warp! Store them in water or a denture-soaking solution.
Brush your dentures, as well as your gums and tongue, every day. This will remove icky bacteria and plaque that could cause bad breath or stain your artificial teeth.
Handle your dentures with care. They may break if you accidentally drop them.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Are you considering replacing any missing teeth with dentures? While they provide essential benefits for both your dental health and self-esteem, it’s normal to want to know more about how much the treatment will cost in total. However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, as each restoration will be customized for your specific smile. The cost of dentures in South Windsor will vary from patient to patient, so it’s important to consider the factors that can affect it. Read along or feel free to contact our team at South Windsor Dental to learn more today!
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
Several factors can influence how much you can expect the cost of dentures to be. These can include:
The number of teeth that you’re missing.
The types of materials that will be used for your dentures, such as acrylic or porcelain.
Any preliminary treatments you might need, like gum disease therapy or tooth extractions.
The higher the quality of the restoration, the more it’ll cost. Fortunately, this also means your dentures will be more reliable when supporting your dental health in the years to come.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Implant dentures involve oral surgery, so they’ll generally be more expensive than traditional dentures. However, this may only be concerning the initial cost, as the metal posts will be able to preserve your jawbone for a lifetime. In fact, your implant dentures will be able to last 20 years or more with proper maintenance, while your traditional ones will likely need to be adjusted routinely and changed every 5-10 years. The implants will also keep your dentures secure, meaning they won’t slip when you eat or talk. For this reason, it’s a good idea to consider the benefits to your quality of life when comparing the costs of each treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Many dental insurance providers offer plans with up to 50% coverage of the cost of dentures. This is because the treatment is designed to preserve your oral health, which is essential for your overall well-being. Be sure to contact your insurance company to discuss the details of your plan, that way you know for certain how to make the most of your benefits. You can also reach out to our team to help make this process easier!
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
Even without dental insurance, you might be eligible for alternative payment options. We’re proud to work with CareCredit—a third-party financier who offers numerous plans that can break up the cost of your treatments into monthly installments. Many of these options also have little-to-no interest attached, making the cost of dentures even more convenient for those who need them. If this is something you think you can benefit from, don’t hesitate to speak with our team so we can see if you qualify!
Denture FAQs
Reading through the above information will give you insight into the types of dentures in South Windsor and how to properly care for your new-and-improved smile. With that being said, it’s natural to still have a few questions on your mind. Since many of our patients prefer to do their research online, we’ve responded to some of their most frequently asked questions below. As always, we’re just a phone call away if you’d prefer to speak directly with our team!
What Qualifies Me for Dentures?
Whether you are missing a few teeth or an entire arch, you may be a candidate for dentures. During your initial consultation, your denture dentist in South Windsor will take the time to conduct an oral exam, ask you a few questions, and learn all about your smile goals. From there, she can determine your viability. The good news is most patients who are diligent about their oral health are rock-solid candidates! Even if an untreated condition like gum disease initially stands in your way, the appropriate restorative care can be worked into your treatment plan.
Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?
As your mouth adjusts to your new dentures, you may experience a bit of a learning curve. During this time, it’s important to be patient with yourself and take it slow. Try reading a magazine aloud and repeating the more difficult words (like “sixty”) until you’re able to say them without a lisp. You should also try biting down and swallowing before you speak which will prevent slippage and excess saliva from messing up your speech. Remember: the more you practice, the faster the adjustment process will be.
What Can’t I Eat with Dentures?
Whether you’ve been struggling with tooth loss for years or a couple of months now, you know the detrimental impact it can have on your smile. Fortunately, dentures can help restore your bite force, allowing you to enjoy your meals pain-free again! Still, it is a good idea to avoid foods that can tug on them like peanut butter and gummy candies. Nuts, raw carrots, and other hard items pose a risk of damaging your restoration as well which is why you should always exercise caution.
How Can I Reduce the Cost of Dentures?
If you have dental insurance, then you’ll be happy to know many plans cover at least a portion of the cost. Since we accept most providers here at the office of Dr. Sara Curcio, let us help you maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket cost! We also happily accept flexible financing through CareCredit which can break up the cost into manageable payments that fit into your monthly budget. Don’t worry – our team will review all the various financial options with you in-depth at your consultation. That way, you can make an informed decision on which path is right for you.