Dentures Are a Convenient and Affordable Solution for Missing Teeth
If you’re suffering from tooth loss due to decay, injury, or other reasons, don’t worry! Dentures are a great option to help you eat, speak, and smile with confidence. At Pinnacle Dental, our Farmington, CT, dentist offers various types and styles of dentures, ensuring we can help you choose the option that best fits your needs.
Contact our top-rated Farmington dental practice today by calling (860) 470-3660. We’ll help you regain your smile and confidence.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a type of dental prosthetic device used to replace missing teeth. They’re removable and custom-made to fit the unique shape and structure of the patient’s mouth.
Most dentures are made of acrylic, with the teeth composed of plastic, porcelain, or a combination of both. Dentures can also be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth, and for added stability, complete dentures can be attached to dental implants.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures available today. Depending on your dentist, they may recommend any of the following dentures:
- Complete Dentures: Also known as full dentures, these are used when all natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing. They’re custom-made to fit your mouth’s shape and structure.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when some remaining natural teeth are still present. Removable partial dentures attach to the existing teeth to fill in gaps.
- Immediate Dentures: Fabricated and inserted immediately after tooth extraction, these provide a temporary solution while gums and tissues heal before permanent dentures are made.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Also called overdentures, these are attached to surgically placed dental implants in the jawbone for a more secure and stable fit for the denture.
- Snap-in Dentures: Similar to implant-supported dentures, they attach to mini-implants that are less invasive and more affordable than full dental implants.
How Do You Know Which Dentures Are Right for You?
Choosing the right dentures can be a daunting task, but with some guidance and consideration, you can make the best decision for your oral health needs.
Some factors to consider when selecting your new dentures include:
- Your budget: The cost of dentures can vary depending on the type of denture and materials used. Make sure to determine your budget before choosing a denture type.
- The material: Denture teeth can be made from different materials, such as acrylic, porcelain, and metal. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks, so consider which material is best suited for your budget, comfort, and aesthetic preferences.
- Oral health: Your overall oral health is a key factor in determining the type of denture that’s right for you. For example, implant-supported dentures may be ideal for patients with significant bone loss.
- Number of missing teeth: Complete dentures are recommended for those missing most teeth, while partial dentures work for those missing only a few.
- Lifestyle factors: Consider your lifestyle and how your dentures will fit into it. For example, if you’re active, you may need more durable or secure dentures.
Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals and preferences, and determine your candidacy for dentures.
Benefits of Dentures
While there are various tooth replacement options available, dentures offer multiple benefits, including:
- Restored speaking and chewing ability
- Enhanced appearance
- Affordability
- Non-invasive nature
- Easy maintenance
- Versatility for partial or full teeth replacement
- Preservation of jawbone structure
- A quick way to regain function and aesthetics
- A reversible option if desired in the future
The Denture Process
The denture process involves an initial consultation and assessment by a dentist, followed by the development of a personalized treatment plan. Impressions of your mouth are taken, and for complete dentures, a wax try-in is performed to ensure a proper fit and alignment. Partial dentures involve selecting artificial teeth that will be placed on a custom-made framework. Dentures are then fabricated to provide a comfortable and natural look.
Depending on the denture type you receive, the process may be a bit different. For example, implant-supported dentures involve a slightly different process, where implants are placed before the dentures. Our Farmington dentist will go over the procedure with you after deciding on the best type of denture for your oral health.
Cleaning Dentures
Cleaning your dentures is essential to maintain your oral health and keep your dentures looking and feeling fresh. Proper care can extend the life of your dentures and prevent complications. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Rinse dentures after eating
- Handle with care
- Brush daily with a soft-bristled brush
- Soak overnight with a denture cleaner
- Rinse dentures thoroughly
- Clean any remaining teeth
- Visit our dentist for regular exams and cleanings
Cost of Dentures
Basic dentures typically cost between $600 and $1,500 per arch, while premium dentures range from $2,000 to $4,000 per arch. Prices vary based on materials and location. Additional costs may include consultations, adjustments, and maintenance. Dental insurance may cover some of the expenses.
To learn more about the costs of dentures, contact our dentist today.
Frequently Asked Questions
An upper denture typically includes flesh-colored acrylic that covers the palate (roof of the mouth), while a lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue. Both options are designed to be comfortable and functional, restoring your ability to eat and speak properly.
Yes, you can eat with dentures, but you may need to make some adjustments to your diet. Initially, it’s best to stick to soft foods and cut them into small pieces to make them easier to chew. Over time, you can gradually introduce more challenging foods, but you should avoid very hard or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge your dentures.
While it’s possible to sleep with your dentures in, it’s generally not recommended. Removing your dentures at night allows your gums and mouth tissues to rest and recover from the pressure of the appliance during the day. It also allows you to clean and care for your dentures properly.
It may take some time to get used to wearing dentures, especially if you’re new to them. You may experience some discomfort or soreness in the first few weeks you wear dentures, but this should improve as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and wear your dentures as directed to help your mouth adapt to the change.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Kuzmin
At Pinnacle Dental in Farmington, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile with our personalized denture solutions. Using the latest materials and technology, we ensure your dentures are comfortable, natural-looking, and long-lasting.
Contact us today at (860) 470-3660 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help restore your smile and confidence with dentures. We proudly serve Farmington, Plainville, New Britain, Hartford, Newington, and surrounding areas in Connecticut.