Dentures – South Portland, ME
A Traditional Fix for Tooth Loss
As you might know, things get tricky when you’re missing teeth. Many everyday tasks are hard without a full smile. Lacking pearly whites can also lead to various oral health issues. Luckily, you can always trust the traditional fix for tooth loss: dentures! At Mind Your Mouth, these dental prosthetics will make your smile whole and pretty. They’d thus improve your quality of life! To learn more, just keep reading or book a consultation today!
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Truthfully, almost anyone can qualify for dentures. Good treatment candidates simply need to suffer from tooth loss or similar ailments. That said, you should still consult Dr. Parét about care. She and her team will assess whether dentures suit you. Even if they don’t, you can always qualify later with preliminary procedures. You’re also free to try our other tooth replacement options. For more details, just keep reading or call our office directly!
Effects of Missing Teeth
As you consider dentures, review tooth loss’s causes and effects. By doing so, you’ll better grasp how treatment can help.
People can lose teeth for a wide variety of reasons. One example is gum disease, which erodes the tissue supporting your pearly whites. Tooth decay is another, as it can rot teeth until they fall out or need pulling. Some patients could even get their teeth knocked out due to injuries or accidents.
Meanwhile, tooth loss effects are narrower but more severe. An especially big one is how missing teeth make eating, speaking, and smiling hard. A lack of pearly whites also causes smile gaps, leading to the erosion of your jawbone. (Said erosion causes facial collapse when left untreated.) Adding insult to injury, the same gaps may force your other teeth to tilt and fall out.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
As stated before, tooth loss typically qualifies someone for dentures. Still, there are other factors worth your consideration.
For instance, just look at your oral health. Dentures won’t work well if your mouth is in poor shape. When your gums and jaw tissues are too weak, they can’t support the prosthetics. On the other hand, sensitive or decayed teeth won’t disqualify you – dentures can replace such things!
The number of lost teeth is also relevant. Depending on how many are gone, a dentist will suggest one of two possible dentures. The first is the partial kind, which only replaces a few teeth. In contrast, the second is the full denture that replaces all teeth along an arch.
One’s budget is also something to weigh. You see, dentures tend to be the cheapest restorations available. Therefore, they’re ideal for patients who operate on limited funds.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
Even if you’re not a good denture candidate, you have other options. We at Midn Your Mouth offer several other restoration choices. The most notable of these are:
- Dental Bridges – A dental bridge is a fixed restoration, replacing only a few chompers and using nearby teeth for support. It typically comprises crowns fused to a pontic (i.e., an artificial tooth).
- Dental Implants – Dental implants are set in your jaw, unlike dentures or bridges. They thus fuse with your jaw to act as replacement tooth roots. From there, they become secure and permanent parts of your mouth. (Note, though, that these traits make implants a tad pricey.)
<Learn More About Dental Bridges>
Types of Dentures
During the consultation, Dr. Parét will outline the types of dentures we offer. She’ll then suggest one of three possible kinds for you. These options include the following:
Partial Dentures
Per its name, a partial denture only replaces a few chompers. It thus secures itself with metal clasps that attach to nearby teeth.
Aside from artificial teeth, a partial denture includes an acrylic base. This latter part is gum-colored to ensure seamless results. It typically fits snugly, though poorly-made dentures can feel loose.
Full Dentures
Unlike a partial model, a full denture replaces a whole arch of teeth. That means it relies on suction to stay in place. As a result, the appliance doesn’t alter your remaining teeth much (if at all).
Like a partial denture, a full one has an acrylic, gum-colored base. Said base does have one major difference, though. Namely, a lab further customizes it to fit across an entire arch.
Implant Dentures
An implant denture is best for patients who want a stable restoration. In particular, it suits those who don’t want a less traditional solution.
To be specific, implant dentures use dental implants — replacement tooth roots. As these roots fuse with your jaw, they keep your face from sagging or collapsing. More crucially, they ensure your new teeth won’t slip or fall from your mouth.
The Benefits of Dentures
Avoiding tooth replacement will only cause more problems to develop over time. There is evidence that links tooth loss to systemic issues such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the greater your risk for bone loss and additional tooth loss. By choosing to move forward with a dental bridge, you can expect there to be many great benefits, such as:
- A Lifelike Smile – With modern dental technology, current dentures look and act like natural teeth. They’ll blend seamlessly with their surroundings to produce beautiful results.
- Easier Eating – Whether they’re implant-based or not, dentures help you chew food. They’ll thus expand your dietary choices and improve your nutritional health.
- More Confidence – Quality dentures tend to boost your confidence by filling in your smile gaps. You’ll then feel more comfortable among friends and family.
- Long-Lasting Results – Given the proper care, dentures can last 10-15 years or more!
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
The cost of dentures depends on a few factors. During your consultation, Dr. Parét and our team will be able to share some specific numbers with you and talk to you about your payment options. Dentures are one of the most cost-effective forms of tooth replacement, and most patients are able to manage the financial side of their treatment without too much stress.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
Some factors that can have a bearing on the cost of dentures include:
- Preparatory treatment. Some patients require tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, or other procedures before they can move ahead with tooth replacement.
- Dentures usually consist of an acrylic base along with porcelain or acrylic teeth. The prices for these materials can vary depending on their quality, their manufacturer, and more.
- The type of denture. Full dentures, partial dentures, and implant dentures all have different price points.
Keep in mind that quality is important for what goes in your mouth! You should be wary of any deals that you come across for “cheap dentures.”
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures cost more than their traditional counterparts. That is because the treatment process requires more time, effort, materials, and skill than what is involved with regular prosthetics. Are implant dentures worth their higher price? Most patients would say yes. Not only are they extremely sturdy and lifelike, but they also last a long time. In fact, dental implants can last for decades, whereas a traditional denture may need to be replaced every 5 – 7 years. Therefore, implant dentures may actually present a better long-term monetary value.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
In most cases, yes, dental insurance does cover dentures. Most insurance companies classify this treatment as a major procedure, so around 50% of its cost might be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. Our practice welcomes insurance; we are even in-network with Delta Dental! We will be happy to help you figure out how you can use your benefits in your office and file all necessary forms on your behalf.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
Aside from insurance, there are a few provisions that may make it easier for you to afford dentures:
- We welcome third-party financing through CareCredit. Most patients are quickly approved for a payment plan that works with their budget.
- In-house membership plan. Our Mindful Dental Membership plan is designed for patients without insurance. It can allow you to enjoy a discount on virtually all the services available in our practice.
Would you like to learn more about dentures and their cost? Our team is eager to answer your questions. Get in touch with us today to book a consultation.