Dentures—Temple, TX

Effects of Missing Teeth

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, there are several reasons why you may have missing teeth. Some common causes include tooth decay, gum disease, and oral trauma. In addition, certain systemic conditions (usually inherited disorders) can result in tooth loss.

If you fail to replace the gaps in your smile, it could lead to many negative consequences. For instance, some complications include facial sagging, difficulty speaking, trouble eating, and lower self-esteem. Your natural teeth can also shift to fill an empty space, or your jawbone could start to deteriorate.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

The truth is, almost any patient with missing teeth is a good candidate for dentures in Temple. For decades now, this solution has helped countless people enjoy a complete and fully functioning smile once again. It’s a great option for patients with several missing teeth, sensitive teeth, or a lot of decay.

It’s worth noting that you must have adequate bone density to ensure successful results. Not only that, but the number of teeth you’re missing can also determine which type of denture is right for you. Depending on your needs, you may benefit from full dentures, partial dentures, or implant dentures.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Not a good candidate for dentures? Don’t worry – there are other options you can explore! Some of those include:

• Dental Bridges: If you’re only missing one to three consecutive teeth, you may want to consider getting a dental bridge. It only requires healthy teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile. With proper care, you can expect your restoration to last around 10 to 15 years!
• Dental Implants: Considered the gold standard of tooth replacement, this option allows us to replace the root hidden beneath the gumline in addition to the crown that’s normally visible. Unlike other solutions, implants can easily last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.

Learn More About Dental Bridges Learn More About Dental Implants

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

During the consultation, our team will assess if dentures might work for you. That process also reviews the factors relevant to your treatment’s price. In particular, these elements are:

• Your Need for Prep Work – If you need other procedures before denture placement, your overall treatment expense will rise. For example, getting a tooth pulled before receiving your restoration will add to the costs.
• Denture Base Material – A denture’s base is usually acrylic, but this material can come in different types. Treatment prices can increase or decrease depending on which is used for the denture.
• Quality of Replacement Teeth – Dentures’ artificial teeth are made of acrylic or porcelain. The former type is cheaper but wears quickly, while the latter variety costs more but is longer-lasting.

As our dentists explain these factors, remember: don’t just opt for the cheapest dentures. The lowest-cost models rely on subpar acrylic for their bases and teeth. Instead, ensure your new teeth work well by prioritizing quality in your selection.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

It’s true – implant dentures are more expensive compared to traditional ones. Even so, you should note that the higher price is justified. Implant dentures, you see, have many unique perks.

For starters, these dentures use dental implants – restorations that fuse with your jaw. As such, they’re highly stable and permanent. The prosthetics also look and act like natural teeth.

Furthermore, implant dentures save you money in the long run. Their implants can last 15-30 years, so they don’t need any repair or replacement visits. As a result, you don’t need to pay for many pricy follow-up treatments.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

In many cases, dental insurance will cover dentures. Most policies view these prosthetics as a major procedure, so they’ll match 50% of the treatment’s cost.

However, this rule doesn’t always apply. Insurance plans sometimes limit their coverage of dentures. Therefore, confirm your plan’s benefits before seeking treatment. If you’d like, our office can even assist you.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Of course, dental insurance isn’t the only way to make dentures affordable; other options also exist. You just need to find the right dental practice with choices that suit your needs.

Look at our own Temple Choice Dental, for instance. We provide flexible financing via CareCredit. Through them, patients can pay for dental care with monthly low-interest installments. You’d then be able to cover denture costs gradually instead of all at once.

To learn more about our budget-friendly denture services, book a visit to our office. Our team will happily explain things during the consultation process!

Can I sleep with my dentures?

Your denture dentist in Temple will instruct you to wear your new dentures for 24 hours, but then you’ll need to remove them nightly. No one wants to be caught without their teeth, but your oral health and the lifespan of your prosthetic rely on taking them out. Dentures will restrict blood circulation to your gums. If you don’t give the tissue time to get the nutrients they need, sores, infections, and irritation can occur. Not to mention, your mouth is dark and moist, which is ideal for bacterial growth. Harmful pathogens can accumulate on your denture that can affect your general health and your new teeth. Removing your denture before heading to bed will keep your mouth and body healthy and ensure you get the most from your investment. After brushing, soak your denture in a nightly solution to kill any bacteria. It will also keep your denture moist while you sleep to prevent warping.

Does an upper denture always cover the palate?

It’s not unusual to have concerns about an upper denture affecting the way food tastes, especially if it covers the upper palate. Thankfully, dentures come in many styles, including palateless options for the upper arch. It will have a horseshoe shape or look like one used for the bottom teeth, so it won’t cover your palate. Your dentist will explain all your options to find the perfect denture for your needs and preferences.

Can I eat steak with dentures?

It is entirely possible to eat steak with dentures, but your dentist will advise against it. Chewy meats put more wear and tear on your dentures, shortening their lifespan. Not to mention, prolonged chewing can lead to sores and inflammation of the gums, and jaw pain. If you can’t resist a juicy steak, cut it into small pieces to make it easier to chew. Take your time and chew slowly to prevent dislodging your denture. Consider a denture adhesive if you’re concerned about any slipping or irritation. It will provide added stability, so your teeth won't fall out at the dinner table.

Do dentures feel natural?

Dentures will never quite feel like your real teeth because they only replicate their surfaces; however, the difference will be minimal. It will take a few days to get used to wearing them, but they will closely feel natural in no time at all. Your dentist will design your denture to fit your mouth like a glove using advanced technology. Whether you’re smiling for a picture, chatting with a friend, or eating a meal, your denture will fit comfortably.