Dentures – New Bedford, MA

Effects of Missing Teeth

Tooth loss is a common health problem frequently caused by poor oral hygiene, infections, and injuries, and it can lead to significant health issues like the remaining teeth shifting out of alignment, gum damage, and even indigestion or malnutrition due to reduced chewing ability. Missing teeth can also cause speech difficulties, unflattering facial sagging, and diminished confidence and self-esteem, which can make it much harder for many people to engage socially or even show their smiles to friends and family.

 

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Dentures can be a fantastic solution to issues like tooth loss, severe dental sensitivity, and extensive decay as long as the patient’s gums and jawbones are sufficiently strong and healthy. It’s also crucial for denture patients to commit to practicing excellent oral hygiene and ensuring that their prosthetic appliances receive proper maintenance. The type of denture most suitable for you depends on how many teeth you are missing, as partial dentures can replace one or a few lost teeth while full dentures can restore a complete arch. If you’re looking for replacement teeth that offer the most secure hold and the greatest chewing power available, implant dentures may be the right treatment for you. Dentures are also generally more affordable than many other tooth replacement solutions, making them excellent for patients on a budget.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If dentures aren’t a good option for you, you may still be a good candidate for other restorations like dental bridges or dental implants. Here’s a quick overview of these treatments:

• Dental bridges are one or several artificial teeth strung together and held securely in the mouth by dental crowns placed on healthy natural teeth or titanium implants surgically placed in the jawbone.
• Dental implants are titanium posts surgically inserted into the jaw and fused with their surrounding bone tissue through the natural process of osseointegration. While this method is more expensive than traditional dentures, it offers superior chewing power and can last much longer.

<Learn More About Dental Bridges>

<Learn More About Dental Implants>

 

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Your new dentures are comprised of two parts: the base, and the teeth (crowns). Here’s a closer look at each component:

• Denture Base: The base is the foundational structure of your new dentures that holds the teeth in place. It can be made from a variety of different materials, including acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. Full dentures are typically made of acrylic because it can be easily customized to match your natural gum tissue, while partial dentures often use metal clips with an acrylic base. This may also be made of nylon in place of acrylic.
• Artificial Teeth (Crowns): Crowns are frequently made of resin or porcelain because these materials look like natural teeth; however, porcelain is more popular because it both looks and feels natural and is very durable, too. Because it can be abrasive to tooth enamel, porcelain is only recommended for full dentures.

The Denture Creation Process

Because each denture is custom made for your mouth, creating them requires a multi-step process. Here’s what you can expect from each:

• Step 1: First, your dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower gums using a thick paste to create a plaster model of your mouth. This model will be used to ensure the final denture is correct.
• Step 2: The plaster model will then be sent to the laboratory where your new dentures will be created. Next, they will make a wax version of your gum line.
• Step 3: Artificial teeth (made of acrylic resin) are set in place with a mechanical device known as an articulator. The lab technician will then make minor adjustments in the wax by shaping and carving it to ensure it looks like your gums. The wax base will be used again later for your finished dentures.
• Step 4: Next, your wax dentures will be sent to Clear Coast Dental, and you will return for a fitting. If you approve your model, we will then send it back to the lab to complete your new dentures. In the meantime, you will be fitted with immediate dentures to wear until yours are complete.
• Step 5: Once they return to the lab, your dentures will be boiled to remove the wax. They will then be placed in a flask where the lab technician will pour plaster to help them maintain their shape. Then, the flask is placed in hot water to melt them.
• Step 6: Next, holes are made in the crowns so the material can attach to it. A liquid separator will be added to plaster to stop the acrylic from sticking to it. The acrylic will then be injected into the flask to replace the wax.
• Step 7: The plaster is then carefully removed using special lab tools to remove the denture, and the denture is transferred to an ultrasonic bath to help remove the remaining plaster.
• Step 8: The lab technician will remove any excess acrylic on the denture. Following this trim, the denture will be polished so it looks and feels smooth and realistic.
• Step 9: Once your denture is complete, it will head back to Clear Coast Dental, and you will return for a fitting. If any adjustments are required, they will be made at this time.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Once you begin wearing your new dentures, it is normal to experience some level of discomfort at first. Initially, you may feel mild soreness and have difficulty eating and speaking. This is temporary, and your mouth will adjust to your new prosthetics with time.

To accelerate the adjustment process, you can try things like:

• Eating soft foods
• Exercising your facial muscles
• Experiment with using dental adhesives

Should this discomfort persist, reach out to your dentist at Clear Coast Dental as your new dentures may require further adjustment.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Several factors can influence the cost of dentures in New Bedford, including:

• Any preliminary work needed beforehand (i.e., tooth extractions, periodontal therapy, etc.)
• The number of teeth you’re missing
• Type of acrylic used for the base (the part that’s dyed to match the color of the gum tissue)
• The materials your denture will be made of (usually porcelain or acrylic)

Are you on a budget? If so, you may be tempted to opt for cheaper dentures. Even though the upfront cost is certainly lower, they tend to break easily and require replacement much sooner than you’d expect. That’s why quality should always be of utmost importance, regardless of the cost. 

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Short answer: yes, implant dentures are generally more expensive than traditional ones. However, there’s a good reason for that. They require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants, making them more reliable for everyday use since they do not shift out of place. Many patients find that this method of tooth replacement is well worth the investment because you can reap several incredible benefits. Not only do implants stimulate the jawbone, but they can last decades (sometimes even a lifetime) with proper care and maintenance. That means you won’t have to worry about replacing your dentures nearly as often!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dentures are considered a major procedure, which is why most dental insurance plans will cover about 50% of their cost. Of course, every policy is unique, meaning the amount of coverage given will vary from patient to patient. If you have any questions about your plan, you contact your insurance provider or ask our dental team for assistance. We will gladly review the details of your policy and do everything possible to maximize your benefits and significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

We understand not everyone may have dental insurance, which is why we offer additional financing options to make your dental bills much easier to manage. Here's what's available to you:

• Dental Membership Plan – You can begin using your benefits on that same day that you join. For an affordable price, you’ll get access to preventive services and discounts on other services like dentures.
• CareCredit Financing – With this option, you can split up the total cost of your treatment into smaller, budget-friendly monthly installments. Some options even come with little to no interest!

Are you ready to get started on your journey towards a beautiful, complete smile? Contact us today to schedule a consultation – it’s completely FREE for new patients!

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

When you first get your dentures, you’ll be instructed to keep them in your mouth for an entire 24 hours, including sleep. However, it’s recommended that you take them out every evening after that initial period. Wearing dentures restricts the circulation in your gums, leading to soft tissue irritation and even speeding up ridge resorption. By taking them out every night before bed, you give your gums a chance to recover and get the nutrients they need while you sleep. Additionally, sleeping with dentures is associated with a higher risk of pneumonia and poor oral hygiene.

Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?

Do you need to have teeth extracted before getting dentures in New Bedford? If so, you’ll likely experience discomfort following your oral surgery. Luckily, you manage it by taking your prescribed pain medication as directed. When you first get your dentures, you might have mild irritation while your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. The discomfort will eventually fade with time. For some people, it could take several months before the feeling disappears.

Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?

Initially, you may find it challenging to talk with dentures because your mouth isn’t used to speaking with them. That means for the first few weeks, you may develop a slight lisp or speech impediment. Fortunately, you can speed up the adjustment period with lots of practice. Reading out loud, having more conversations with loved ones, and repeating difficult-to-pronounce words are good exercises to follow. You can also use a small amount of adhesive to stabilize your dentures and make your speech a bit clearer while you’re still adjusting.

Can Dentures Reduce Life Expectancy?

It may surprise you to learn that wearing dentures can reduce your life expectancy by up to 10 years. Since the bite force in traditional dentures is much weaker than that of real teeth, patients may avoid certain healthy foods like apples, pears, carrots, and nuts. As a result, they often suffer from malnutrition and weight loss. Luckily, dental implants are an excellent solution to consider. They have almost the same chewing power as that of natural teeth, allowing you to maintain a varied diet.