Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Dentures in Falls Church are a great option for people who are missing
several, most of, or all of their teeth. Depending on the location and
number of teeth that are missing, we will create a custom place to give the
patient a restoration that is comfortable and effective. If you have any
existing oral health issues, like periodontal disease or tooth decay, keep
in mind that they will need to be treated before you can consider dentures
as a tooth replacement option. This way, when you get your smile back, it
will be healthy!
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.
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.
