Dentures – Carrollton, TX
Boosting Confidence by Restoring Smiles
Why Choose Aegis Dental for Dentures?
- Dr. Chandy’s Extensive Training & Years of Experience
- High-Quality Materials Used to Create Prosthetics
- Dental Insurance Accepted and Financing Available
Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Tooth loss can have a debilitating impact on your ability to eat, speak, and perform simple day-to-day tasks. Also, the embarrassment you likely feel because of your missing teeth can prevent you from engaging in social activities or embracing new job opportunities.
If you are missing only a few teeth from an arch, you may find that another tooth replacement solution is best. However, if all your teeth from the top or bottom arch are missing, there is a good chance you may be eligible to receive dentures. You will need to have healthy gums to support your new prosthetics though, so if your dentist in Carrollton discovers signs of gum disease during your initial consultation, it will be necessary to undergo appropriate treatment first.
What Are the Different Types of Dentures?
When learning if you need dentures to replace your missing teeth, it is important to schedule a consultation with a trusted dentist like Dr. Chandy. It is during this visit that she will examine your oral cavity and determine what your treatment will look like. It is possible she will recommend one of the following options:
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can eliminate the gaps left behind by missing teeth along an arch. Because these gaps can create problems when attempting to eat or chew, additional pressure is placed on your natural, remaining teeth, which can cause them to break down over time. With the help of a partial, the gum-colored base will blend in with your existing smile and ceramic or acrylic teeth attached to the base will effectively fill in the gaps to create a complete and fully functional smile. They are held in place using small metal clasps, or biocompatible thermoplastics, that attach to the neighboring teeth.
Full Dentures
When you are missing an entire row of teeth, a full denture can be used to complete your smile. Similar materials are used to create a full denture, consisting of ceramic, or acrylic, teeth and a gum-colored base, but they are placed directly onto the gums. They are secured using either natural suction or a bit of denture adhesive. Your full denture will be custom-fitted to ensure comfortability when placed on top of your gums.
Implant Dentures
Should you prefer more permanent prosthetics that are not removable, implant dentures are a great alternative. This can be a great solution as well for individuals who are unhappy with their traditional dentures. While they may look like regular dentures above the gum line, it’s what lies below that makes them truly special. The prosthetic snaps directly onto multiple dental implants placed within the mouth. This makes them much more stable than your typical removable denture, plus they can be trusted to last for much longer as well.
Benefits of Dentures
The benefits of dentures are why so many individuals continue to choose them as their desired method of tooth replacement. Not only are they capable of restoring your full aesthetic, but they also:
- Allow you to feel confident in the natural appearance of your artificial teeth
- Make it easier to eat nutritious foods and maintain better overall health
- Prevent a sunken facial appearance by helping to fill in your cheeks
- Are far more affordable than other tooth replacement options and are a trusted solution
- Offer an easy-to-clean solution that makes maintenance a breeze
You will also undergo a customized process to receive your dentures. After determining that dentures are indeed the best solution for your tooth loss, Dr. Chandy may choose to remove any damaged/decayed teeth before starting to design your prosthetic.
Once you have healed from any necessary extractions, she will make a series of mock-up dentures that you’ll try on over the course of a few appointments. These will help you find the look and fit that is right for you. When this is determined, the model will be sent to a dental lab to manufacture your final dentures. During this process, you’ll be fitted for an immediate, or temporary denture to make sure you’re never without your teeth.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
At Aegis Dental, Dr. Chandy understands your budget is an impactful part of your decision-making process. When choosing which solution to replace your missing teeth, you may feel overwhelmed by the various factors that must be considered when formulating the cost of dentures in Carrollton. Fortunately, our team is here to help address your concerns and remind you that your investment in your smile will pay off well into the future. Although you simply cannot put a price tag on the confidence you’ll feel with a complete smile once again, we understand you need to be able to plan for the costs associated with your new dentures. Feel free to review the following information. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
Your consultation with Dr. Chandy will allow her to examine your smile in its entirety and determine if you are eligible to receive full or partial dentures in Carrollton. There are various factors that must be considered, some of which include:
- The potential need for preliminary treatments. If you show signs of gum disease or require tooth extraction, it may be necessary to undergo additional procedures to ensure a more stable and secure foundation for your dentures when placed.
- The material used to create your dentures. The most common is acrylic.
- The type of material that will be used to create your artificial teeth (most likely acrylic or porcelain)
Are there cheaper options out there on the market? Sure! But if you want a prosthetic that lasts, it’s worth it additional expense to have your dentures created using only the highest quality materials.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures are more expensive. However, the benefits you’ll receive by choosing a more permanent solution will be well worth the investment. Traditional full dentures only sit on top of the gums. Partial dentures use metal clasps or clips that attach to your natural teeth to remain in place. With implant dentures, you can feel more confident in your ability to eat, speak, and smile because their posts are surgically placed into your jawbone. Through osseointegration, the implant fuses with the bone and surrounding tissues, creating a permanent fixture within your mouth. Not only does it mimic the natural tooth structure from the root to the crown, but it also continues to stimulate your jawbone, preventing facial collapse over time.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Most dental insurance companies do offer up to 50% coverage for dentures, which can be a welcomed relief, especially if Dr. Chandy is in-network with your particular insurance plan. Naturally, your deductible and annual maximum will determine if the full 50% is covered or if you will be expected to pay more out of pocket. No matter what your dental insurance company agrees to pay, your denture dentist in Carrollton and our team will work closely with your insurer to help lower your expenses and maximize your benefits.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
If you are uninsured or need assistance to help make your dentures more affordable, Dr. Chandy is pleased to work closely with CareCredit, which is a third-party financier that offers low and no interest payment plans. If you are eligible, you can break up the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments, allowing you to better budget for your new smile.
Dentures Aftercare
Your dentures can help to transform the appearance and function of your smile. However, even if you have few or no remaining natural teeth, this doesn’t mean that you should stop going to the dentist entirely. It’s important to continue seeking routine dental treatment for a variety of reasons. Your dentist will continue to monitor any existing teeth and gum tissue. They will also keep an eye out for any abnormalities that could indicate oral cancer. When you have dentures, it is very difficult to notice these changes in your mouth on your own. Continue reading to learn more about how you should maintain your restoration and oral health going forward.
Removeable Dentures
Remove After Eating
After every meal, you should remove and rinse off your dentures. Doing this helps to prevent buildups of food debris and plaque. When rinsing your restoration, don’t use hot water. Excessive heat can warp the denture material and cause it to not fit properly.
Clean Your Restoration
When it’s time, remove your dentures to clean them. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of unscented hand soap, mild dish soap, or denture cleanser to gently brush your dentures. Don’t use regular toothpaste, as dentures aren’t made to stand up to abrasive products. If you won’t be wearing the dentures again right away, place them in a container of water or denture-cleansing solution so they don’t dry out and lose their shape. You should always rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. These cleaning materials are not intended to be in the mouth.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
When you clean your dentures, it’s a good idea to place a towel underneath just in case you accidentally drop them. This will reduce the probability of your dentures becoming damaged. Keep your restoration out of reach of small children and pets.
Remove When You Sleep
When it’s time to go to sleep, take your dentures out first. Wearing dentures restricts the circulation in your gums, leading to soft-tissue irritation. Sleeping with dentures has been associated with a higher risk of pneumonia as well as higher levels of gum and tongue plaque. Keep your dentures in a denture-soaking solution overnight. If you allow your dentures to dry out, they can permanently lose their shape.
Notice Changes
Keep an eye out for changes so you can address them with your dentist. This includes mouth sores, gum irritation, or signs of infection. If your dentures are shifting, clicking, or showing other signs of not fitting properly, let your dentist know. Your restoration may need to be relined or replaced. If your dentures become damaged, don’t attempt to repair them on your own. You could accidentally damage them further. Instead, give your dentist a call.
All-on-4 Dentures
If you have all-on-4 dentures, the process looks a little bit different. Brush your all-on-4 dentures twice a day using a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Stay away from toothpaste containing baking soda or stain-removing agents. Sulcus brushes are 1/3 the width of normal toothbrushes, and they are great for cleaning between the restoration and the gums.
Floss your replacement teeth once a day as well. Floss threaders are available to help you floss beneath your denture. You may want to consider investing in a water flosser to keep your restoration and implants clean. Lastly, rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash daily to prevent the growth of tartar.
DENTURES FAQS
Are you considering dentures in Carrollton to replace your missing teeth? These long-time restorative prosthetics offer patients a multitude of benefits from affordability to reliability, but they also pose a lot of questions, especially if you’ve never worn them before. Whether you’re a first-time denture-wearer or something doesn’t feel right and you are looking for an answer to your problem, Dr. Chandy has provided some frequently asked questions about dentures for you to review.
How often will I need to replace my dentures?
Unfortunately, the dentures you receive the first time you are in our office will not last forever. On average, dentures should be replaced every 5-8 years. The reason is that your face and jaw will change shape over the years and cause your prosthetic to no longer fit as it should. As a result, you can have it adjusted and relined but only so many times. Once your dentures can no longer be altered to fit your smile, it will be necessary to have them fully replaced. This will ensure a proper and comfortable fit.
How often will I need to see the dentist?
It is a common misconception that once you have dentures, there is no need to see your dentist anymore. This is not true and should not be considered “worthwhile” advice. Dr. Chandy will need to continue seeing you regularly (every six months) for dental checkups and cleanings for partial dentures and at least an annual checkup and oral cancer screening for those with complete dentures. This will ensure that your dentures are still in good shape and causing no irritation to your gums, cheeks, or oral cavity.
Can I sleep in my dentures?
While you can sleep in your dentures, it is unadvised that you do so. The reason is that dentures should be soaked each night, allowing them to stay moist and clean while giving your gums and bone a rest from daily wear. You shouldn’t wear your dentures a full 24 hours without cleaning them, so nighttime is a great opportunity to maintain your smile and ensure a healthy, refreshing start to the next day.
When should I reline my dentures?
If you maintain regular checkups with Dr. Chandy, it is likely that she will be able to tell if your dentures are in need of relining. When a change or shift in your jaw occurs, you will notice that your dentures no longer feel right in your mouth. As a result, you will need to bring them in and have us refit the base. This will create a tighter fit, so your dentures sit comfortably within your mouth and reduces the chances of experiencing accidental slippage or having your dentures fall out.
What should I expect to spend on dentures?
This is dependent on your individual case. Not all patients are the same, so you may only need a top or bottom denture instead of both. No matter if you need to replace an entire row or both in your mouth, there are various factors that can determine the overall cost of your restorative dental work. Some of these factors include:
- How many dentures you will need
- Materials used
- The complexity of your treatment
- If you require any pre-denture placement dental work (i.e., tooth extraction)
- Timeline of treatment
It will be necessary for you to review your dental insurance policy with our staff to determine how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for your treatment.