Dentures — Manchester, VT
Making Your Smile Whole Again
A denture is a set of prosthetic
teeth affixed into a plastic base that looks just like your gum tissue. Dentures are customizable to blend well with
any surrounding natural teeth and your facial structure.
A full or complete denture replaces an entire arch of missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. An upper denture is molded to fit into the roof of your mouth. A lower denture is shaped like a U to accommodate the movement of your tongue.
A partial denture fills gaps in the smile when there are still healthy natural teeth remaining in the gum. It fits in with your surrounding teeth like a missing puzzle piece, and is secured in the smile with metal clasps.
Dental implants can also be used to retain a full or partial denture. Because dental implants offer increased stability and better oral health, Dr. Mason will urge eligible candidates to choose an implant-retained option if health and finances allow.
Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Compared to other forms of tooth replacement, dentures in Manchester are much more accessible to those who have suffered tooth loss. In other words, most people who need them are able to get these prosthetic teeth. This versatility and accessibility are some of the reasons why dentures remain a popular option.
Effects of Missing Teeth
In some cases, particularly if only one tooth is missing toward the back of the mouth, it can seem as though replacement may not be necessary. However, without a full arch of teeth, your biting and chewing capabilities become limited. Nutritious foods are often tough and require strong teeth, which means tooth loss can leave you with more processed, less nutrient-rich foods. As a result, your overall health can suffer!
In addition, gaps in your smile, especially two or more teeth, allow your remaining teeth to drift out of position. When this happens, your bite will change, and larger spaces will develop between your teeth, hurting your aesthetic.
Dentures not only allow you to have a full, cosmetically pleasing smile but also restore essential functions. In other words, they help you overcome the effects of missing teeth and give your smile a second chance.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
The good news about dentures is that the prerequisites are few. In fact, the only one is that you have a healthy mouth. As long as you don’t have gum disease, cavities, or any other oral issue, you should be good to get these restorations.
If you don’t initially meet this requirement, because of gum disease for example, our team can administer needed treatment and get your mouth in a better position for dentures. Once it is healthy again, we can work on providing your prosthetic teeth.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
Depending on your needs and goals, we may want to explore all your options before jumping right to dentures. For instance, if you have just one tooth missing and a healthy tooth on either side of the gap, perhaps a bridge would be more appropriate than a partial denture. Or, if you would like more permanent tooth replacement, you might want to consider anchoring your dentures to dental implants, which are
Getting a Denture
The process for a traditional denture usually takes about a month. To begin, Dr. Mason will evaluate your smile and determine the best method for replacement. We will take impressions, or molds, of your jaw and any remaining natural teeth. This information is sent along with the specifics outlined in your treatment plan to a trusted laboratory. Here, your denture is crafted from the best materials specifically for your smile.
After your denture has been created, you return to our office to try it on and we make any adjustments as necessary. When everything is just as it should be, we send you on your way with detailed instructions for adjusting to and maintaining your denture. Follow them closely and visit our office for routine follow-up appointments and you’ll be smiling confidently for years to come!
Denture Maintenance
Take good care of your denture to make sure it lasts for as long as possible. Due to gradual changes in your mouth and normal wear and tear, you’ll need to have your denture replaced approximately every 5 to 7 years. You should clean it with a mild hand soap or denture cleanser at least once daily, and brush it or rinse it with water after each meal. Soak your denture at night while you sleep. Hot temperatures could cause the prosthetic to warp or lose its fit, so be careful while cleaning and soaking it. If your denture becomes uncomfortable or rubs sores in your mouth, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist in Manchester for an adjustment or replacement.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Your smile is unique, which means that your denture must be unique as well! At Mason Dental, we do everything we can to ensure your denture fits as comfortably as possible, looks natural, remains functional for years to come, and of course, is affordable. Keep reading to learn about the most influential factors that determine the final cost of your prosthesis.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
There are three main considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a denture. First of all, certain preparatory treatments may be needed before a denture can be fitted. This means extractions of existing teeth may need to be performed. Additionally, the type of acrylic used for the base of the denture can also influence the final price tag. This portion is gum-colored so that it blends in with your existing gum tissue. Finally, the replacement teeth are usually made from either an acrylic or porcelain material. It’s very important that the teeth are not only natural-looking, but sturdy.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
The reality is implant dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures because more materials and advanced treatments are necessary to complete them. For starters, implant dentures attach to a series of dental implants that are placed directly into the jaw. This ensures the denture remains more secure, making it less likely to slip or shift out of place when chewing and speaking. Despite the higher price, they are designed to last much longer than traditional dentures, which only last about 5 to 7 years before needing to be replaced. In contrast, dental implants can last 30 years and longer.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Since they are a major procedure, dentures are likely to be covered by dental insurance up to 50%. With that said, every dental plan is different and tends to have different levels of coverage based on which one you use and the provider you receive it from. Our dental team is more than prepared to help patients confirm their specific insurance benefits upfront ahead of treatment, so you know exactly what you’ll be paying in advance.
Dentures FAQs
If you want to quickly regain your complete smile, dentures in Manchester can help! It’s natural to have questions when considering the best way to replace your missing teeth. For your convenience, we’ve gathered a few of the most common questions we get about dentures below so you can learn more about them. As always, if you have more questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!
Do Dentures Have to Be Kept in Water?
Your dentures are carefully crafted to ensure they fit comfortably and securely. However, if they dry out, they may warp and lose their precise fit. Whenever your dentures aren’t in your mouth, it’s a good idea to keep them in water to help them maintain their shape. While there are plenty of denture soaking solutions on the market, your safest option is to store them in plain water.
Make sure you don’t use any harsh cleaning chemicals like bleach to disinfect them, since these can weaken them and make you sick. Additionally, you should never expose your dentures to boiling water, which will definitely warp them.
How Many Hours a Day Should I Wear My Dentures?
You probably don’t want to be caught without your teeth, but it’s important that you give your gums time to rest. If your dentures are removable, we recommend taking them out before going to bed and soaking them overnight. This will prevent gum irritation and ensure your dentures are regularly cleaned.
When you first begin wearing dentures, we may encourage you to wear them at night to help your mouth adjust to them. Typically, after about a week, you can start taking them out and soaking them before going to sleep.
Will Wearing Dentures Irritate My Gums?
While dentures of the past were notoriously uncomfortable, modern dental technology and materials have vastly improved dentures over the years. Our custom-made dentures are crafted from high-quality materials that fit securely but comfortably over your gum ridge. However, since jawbone deterioration is a natural part of tooth loss, your mouth will gradually change shape over time. Since your dentures won’t change with the rest of your mouth, they may start to feel loose or uncomfortable.
Wearing poorly-fitting dentures can lead to gum irritation and sores, so if you notice that your new smile isn’t as comfortable as it should be, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll either readjust or replace them to alleviate the issue.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
The materials our custom dentures are made of are durable and reliable, but they will inevitably begin to degrade after years of daily wear and tear. Typically, a set of dentures will last between five and seven years before needing to be replaced. However, they may last even longer if you take care of them correctly. To extend the lifespan of your new smile, make sure to:
- Clean your dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Soak your dentures every night.
- Protect your dentures from heat and harsh chemicals.
- Visit us twice a year for regular checkups.
Questions? Contact Us Today!
If you have questions about your tooth replacement, like whether or not traditional dentures or an implant-retained prosthetic is better for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your restorative dentist in Manchester. We invite you to request an appointment with Dr. Mason today!