Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Regardless of how many teeth you have remaining, anyone who has suffered from tooth loss could potentially benefit from dentures. Whether you need a full or partial set, these artificial teeth are a versatile solution that can rebuild your grin. Before you can proceed, however, you must first have a consultation with one of our dentists to ensure that it’s the best solution for your unique circumstances. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible for this restoration, continue reading below to learn more about it. If you have additional questions or are ready to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to assist you.
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Effects of Missing Teeth
Teeth can be lost for a variety of reasons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gum disease is the leading cause. If you’ve developed a periodontal problem, your gums will start to recede. As they do, the tissues that hold your teeth in place start to break down which causes your pearly whites to loosen and eventually fall out. Other common causes of tooth loss include severe tooth decay and physical trauma.
When a tooth goes missing, your body starts to reabsorb bone mass from your jaw that’s no longer needed to provide a firm foundation. It weakens over time which can cause additional tooth loss in addition to changes to your facial structure. Without roots to stimulate your jawbone, you’ll start to develop complications like sunken cheekbones and facial sagging which can impact your self-esteem.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Most people who have lost several or all their teeth are qualified to receive dentures. They’re also an ideal solution for those with:
- Tooth sensitivity. The materials act as a buffer between your pearly whites and any foods or drinks you consume.
- Severe decay. If your remaining teeth are unhealthy, they may not support an alternative restoration like a dental bridge.
- Healthy gum tissue. Traditional dentures rely on a firm suction against your gums to remain in place. If you have gum disease, our team will work with you to clear it up, first.
- Consistent oral hygiene habits. You’ll be responsible for thoroughly cleaning your artificial teeth daily.
- A tighter budget. This restoration tends to cost less than other options so is a great choice for those who want to spend less.
During your consultation, one of our dentists can let you know whether they recommend full, partial, or implant dentures based on your current dental condition.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
If our experts determine that you’re not a viable candidate for dentures, then you might explore other options like dental bridges or implants. A more detailed description of each is included below:
- Dental bridges: These prosthetics are best for patients missing one or several pearly whites in a row. They have a dental crown at either end that anchors to healthy teeth on either side of the gap in your grin.
- Dental implants: This restoration involves surgically placing a titanium rod into your jawbone and then attaching a dental crown to rebuild your smile.
Learn More About Dental Bridges
Learn More About Dental Implants
Types of Dentures
There are a few different types of dentures out there that can cater to a
variety of different people dealing with tooth loss. Depending on how your
smile looks now, we will recommend that you opt for one of the following
during your initial consultation:
Partial Dentures
If a dental bridge isn’t enough to replace your missing teeth, we may
recommend a partial denture. It can restore teeth on the opposite side of
your mouth and keep surrounding teeth in place. Partials are designed to fit
perfectly in your mouth so you don’t need to worry about it looking
unnatural or moving around.
Full Dentures
Partial dentures rely on the surrounding teeth to stay in place, but full
dentures work a little bit differently. Full dentures replace an entire arch
of missing teeth using the power of suction to stay in place. They are
designed with a gum-colored base and enamel-colored replacement teeth for a
more natural appearance.
Implant Dentures
For a long lasting-stable smile, dental implant dentures are an option.
Instead of being held in place by surrounding teeth or suction, these
dentures are attached to titanium dental implants that are surgically placed
throughout the jawbone. This type of denture allows for additional chewing
function, and they don’t need to be replace because implants are
designed to last for decades.
How Dentures are Made
Dentures are a popular form of tooth replacement, but many people aren’t aware of the details of how they’re made. What materials will be used to create your new teeth? What steps will be followed to ensure that you receive a properly fitted, high-quality prosthesis? If you’re curious to learn more about how your dentures will be created, our team is more than happy to help you; here’s a brief look at the basics.
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What are Dentures Made Of?
The base of the denture is the part that supports the artificial teeth. It can sometimes be made of nylon or resin. However, most of the time, you can expect the base to be composed of acrylic. This material has a number of advantages that make it an attractive choice for dentures; not only can it be tailored to resemble your gums, but it’s also relatively easy to repair if it’s ever damaged.
When it comes to the artificial teeth, porcelain is often favored. It can last for a very long time in your mouth, and it can be personalized to closely mimic your natural enamel. Artificial teeth can also be made out of resin in some circumstances.
The Denture Creation Process
There are several steps that need to be taken before you can receive your personalized dentures:
- You’ll visit our office so that we can begin the process. We’ll need to take impressions of your upper and lower jaw. With these impressions, a model of your mouth can be created.
- A dental laboratory will receive the aforementioned model. Trained technicians will create a wax version of your gums. Then artificial teeth will be placed into the wax.
- To confirm that the size and shape of the prosthesis are correct, the wax dentures will be sent to our office. We’ll confirm that the prosthesis fits as it should, then return it to the lab.
- The technicians at the lab will put the dentures in a flask, which will then be filled with plaster. Then the flask will be completely immersed in hot water. The heat will melt the wax, but the plaster will ensure that the dentures keep their shape.
- To create the new base of the dentures, acrylic will be injected into the flask. After the plaster has been removed, the final prosthesis will be more or less complete; all that remains is to trim the acrylic as needed and to perform a thorough polishing.
Once the completed version of your dentures has been returned to our office, we can schedule an appointment for you to receive your beautiful new teeth!
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
Modern dentures are more comfortable than ever, but you will still need time to get used to them. Some soreness might occur at first, although it will go away with time. Our team can give you tips for speeding up the adjustment process. For example, while you’re still getting used to chewing with your new prosthesis, it can be helpful to stick to eating soft foods.
The Benefits of Dentures
When you choose dentures in Falls Church, you can expect to experience the
following benefits:
- Easy to maintain
- Long life
- Supports your facial muscles
- Improves speech
- Easier to eat
- Covered by most dental insurance plans
- Natural appearance
- Increases confidence
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Dentures are one of the most affordable tooth replacement options by far. That said, it’s essentially impossible for us to provide you with an estimate for the cost of dentures in Falls Church unless you come in for a consultation. There are so many variables at play, and each one must be reviewed to determine the final price of your treatment. Rest assured that our team will work with you to find ways of comfortably fitting your new smile into your budget!
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Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
Multiple factors influence the price of dentures, the most important of which are:
- Preparatory work – It’s not uncommon for patients to require additional treatments, such as gum disease therapy or tooth extractions, before getting dentures. These procedures add to your overall treatment costs.
- Denture base – The pink base of your denture can be made from various types of acrylic that all come at different price points.
- Replacement teeth – Your artificial teeth will most likely be made from either acrylic or porcelain. Each of these materials has its own benefits and cost.
You might be tempted to save money by opting for a cheap denture, but your denture dentist in Falls Church strongly urges you to choose quality over cost. After all, cheaply made dentures tend to fall apart easily, necessitating more frequent repairs. Not to mention, they might be uncomfortable or unnatural-looking. For something you’re going to use to eat, speak, and smile every day, it’s worth investing in a quality solution!
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures have a higher price tag than conventional ones. But did you know that implant dentures can actually save you money in the long run? That’s because they can last for 30+ years with minimal maintenance, while traditional dentures must be replaced every five to seven years at most. Over time, you end up spending more on these replacements than you would on getting dental implants. Additionally, implant dentures offer benefits that aren’t possible with regular dentures, such as increased stability and greater chewing power.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Each dental insurance plan is different, but the vast majority of them offer some coverage for dentures. It’s common for insurance to cover up to 50% of the cost of dentures after you have met your deductible and before you have reached your annual maximum. Our practice works with most major PPOs and can even make the process easier by handling claims on your behalf.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
Besides dental insurance, we have other ways of providing affordable dentures in Falls Church, including:
- CareCredit – This third-party company offers several flexible payment plans based on credit approval, many of which have little or no interest.
- In-house membership plan – Our in-office discount plan is similar to insurance, but without all of the red tape. After paying a one-time activation fee and a monthly fee after that, you’ll receive FREE preventive care, one needed emergency exam per year, and a 15% discount on all other treatments, including dentures.
Don’t let worries about denture costs deter you from achieving the complete, healthy smile you deserve. Request a consultation today to explore your options. You may find that your new teeth are more affordable than you think!
Dentures FAQs
We understand that there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to getting dentures, especially if this is your first time wearing replacement teeth. Our team at Purple Plum Dentistry is here to help you at every step in the process, but we realize that many patients prefer to do some research on their own before scheduling a consultation. To make that process easier for you, we’ve answered some frequently asked denture questions below. Of course, feel free to call us if you have any further questions!
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How Long Will I Have to Wait to Get Dentures After My Teeth Are Pulled?
The exact timeframe between getting teeth extracted and receiving dentures varies from patient to patient, but on average, you can expect to wait six to eight weeks. It may seem like an interminable amount of time to be without teeth, but this period is necessary for your gums and jaw to heal and for us to ensure that your dentures in Falls Church fit correctly.
If you’re getting implant dentures, you’ll have to wait longer – usually four to six months – for the implants to fuse with your jawbone. However, their longevity and stability make them worth the wait.
Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?
Rest assured that getting dentures should not be a painful process. That said, it’s perfectly normal to experience some soreness or irritation when you first begin wearing your dentures. This discomfort should subside within a few weeks or months as your mouth grows used to the prosthetic. If you find your discomfort worsening, please contact us, as your denture might need to be adjusted.
What Is the Average Age for Dentures?
While adults of all ages can potentially be candidates for dentures, studies show that as a person gets older, their likelihood of needing replacement teeth increases. In fact, the National Center for Health Statistics found that about 66% of adults between the ages of 40 and 64 have lost one or more teeth, while the percentage of adults aged 20 to 39 with missing teeth is only half of that.
No matter your age, though, you should still ask a denture dentist in Falls Church about your options for rebuilding your smile after tooth loss. There’s no shame in wanting a full set of pearly whites!
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
The requirements for getting each of the three types of dentures vary:
- Partial dentures are ideal for patients who still have most of their real teeth, but maybe lost a few due to malnutrition, oral disease, or an unfortunate accident.
- Full dentures are preferred if you have no teeth left or if none of your remaining teeth are healthy enough to be salvaged. This type of extensive tooth loss often occurs because of gum disease or some other advanced oral health condition.
- Implant dentures can be placed only if you have an adequate amount of health jawbone tissue. If not, then bone grafting may be required to strengthen the bone and give dental implants the support they need.
