Dentures – Midwest City, OK

Effects of Missing Teeth

When several or all of your teeth are missing, not only can basic tasks that are crucial to your survival like eating and speaking be impacted, but also the future of your oral and overall health. It’s predicted that gaps in the smile can put you at a higher risk of developing gum disease, decay, and the breakdown of the supportive hard and soft tissues of the mouth, leading to additional tooth loss. Over time, this will have dire impacts on your psychological, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Dentures have existed as a tried-and-true treatment for replacing several or all missing teeth for centuries. However, over the last several decades, they’ve become more realistic looking and functional due to the incorporation of dental implants and use of high-quality dental materials.

Our team at Midwest City Dental Center performs thorough consultations and examinations before outlining each of your treatment options. This includes X-rays and a thorough physical examination of your mouth, including talking about your goals and needs. We typically recommend full or partial dentures for those who:

• Are looking for a more affordable prosthetic
• Are missing several or all of their teeth across one or both arches
• Have sustained jawbone erosion and may not be a good candidate for implant dentures
• Would like to replace their missing teeth soon after another treatment, like an extraction

Alternative Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

If you’re looking for a more permanent and natural-feeling alternative to traditional dentures, we may recommend implant dentures. These are secured to anywhere from four to eight small titanium implants that are surgically placed below the gumline and into the jawbone to restore the missing root structure of your teeth. The enhanced stability and permanence of this treatment allows patients to enjoy a longer lifespan and eliminate any possibility of the prosthetics slipping or shifting within the mouth.

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures are made up of two different parts: the base and the teeth. Here is what each component consists of:

• Denture Base: This is the part of your denture that holds the replacement teeth in their places. It can be made from several different materials, including acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. Full dentures are generally made with acrylic because they can be crafted to closely match your natural gum tissue and give you the appearance you’re looking for. Partial dentures often use metal clips with an acrylic base to stay firmly in place.
• Artificial Teeth: Replacement teeth are usually comprised of resin or porcelain. Both of these materials have an appearance similar to natural teeth. Porcelain is more popular because it looks and feels natural and durable.

The Denture Creation Process

Every denture is customized for the individual patient. The process takes several steps. Here is what you can typically expect:

1. Your dentist will begin by making impressions of your upper and lower gums using a thick paste/ Measurements of your jaw may also be taken. This information is used to make a plaster model that is essentially a replica of your mouth. This is used to make sure your final prosthesis is the perfect size and shape for you.
2. The cast is sent to the dental laboratory. This is where your dentures will be crafted. The lab will create a wax version of your gumline using the impressions taken by your dentist.
3. Artificial teeth are set into place using a mechanical device known as an “articulator.” The lab technician will make minor adjustments by shaping and carving the wax to ensure that is looks like your gums.
4. Your wax dentures are sent back to your dentist for a fitting. If everything looks good, your dentures will be returned to the dental lab to complete the process.
5. When the wax dentures are back at the laboratory, the technician will boil them to melt away the wax portions. To do this, the dentures are placed in a holding device called a “flask.” Plaster is poured in to maintain the shape of your dentures. The entire flask is placed in hot water.
6. Holes are made in the replacement teeth so the material can attach to them. A liquid separator is added to the plaster layer to stop the acrylic from sticking to it. Acrylic is then injected into the flask to replace the wax.
7. The lab technician will carefully replace the plaster using special lab tools. Your dentures will then be placed in an ultrasonic bath to replace any remaining plaster.
8. If there is any extra acrylic, this is cut from the dentures. Then, the denture is polished.
9. Once it is complete, you can return to the dental office for a fitting. If necessary, adjustments can be made to ensure that everything is working and looking as it should.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Some discomfort is normal when you first start wearing your new dentures. Over time, your mouth will adjust to your new restoration, and they will end up feeling similar to your natural teeth. By sticking to softer foods and exercising your facial muscles, you can speed up the process. If discomfort persists, let us know so we can help.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Some factors that can influence the price of dentures include:

• Some patients require extractions, gum disease treatment, or other procedures before they can get dentures. Logically, these services can raise the overall cost of treatment.
• The base of dentures is usually made of acrylic, while the teeth can be constructed out of acrylic or porcelain. The quality, type, and manufacturer of these materials has a bearing on price.
• The type of denture. Partial dentures, full dentures, and implant dentures all have varying price points.

Remember that cheaper dentures are not always better. It is smart to invest in quality treatment!

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures in Midwest City cost more than traditional prosthetics. The reason for the higher price stems from the fact that implant dentures require a more complex treatment process.

The vast majority of patients who purchase implant dentures are happy with their decision. Not only are implant dentures sturdier than traditional ones, but they offer a multitude of other benefits. For example, dental implants can preserve the jawbone. Plus, whereas traditional dentures may last for just 5 – 7 years, implant dentures can endure for decades. They are an excellent value!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Most dental policies do cover dentures. Typically, they are classed as a major procedure, which means that about 50% of their price may be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. Our insurance-savvy team will be happy to help you navigate your benefits and use them to the fullest. We are even in-network with some major plans, so you can expect to enjoy the lowest out-of-pocket cost possible.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

As your denture dentist in Midwest City, we want to help you afford your treatment. To that end, we are partnered with CareCredit, a third-party financier. The application process is fast, and most patients are approved for a low-interest or no-interest payment plan. You may even be able to choose between a number of monthly payment amounts, according to what works best for your budget.

Would you like to learn more about dentures and their cost? Contact our friendly team today. We are ready to answer your questions and get you on the road to a restored smile.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

We recommend that you not sleep with your dentures on. Having them off during bedtime will allow your gums to rest from wearing your restorations all day. This can help prevent soft tissue irritation as well as avoid increasing your levels of gum and tongue plaque. You’ll also have the chance to soak your dentures in a glass of dentist-approved cleaner or clean water overnight. This will keep them fresh and bacteria-free by the time you wear them again.

Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?

While many patients initially find it challenging to talk with their dentures, you can expect to grow accustomed to them over time. You may experience a mild lisp in the beginning, but your speech should become clearer the more you practice. Your dentures will be customized for your specific bite, that way they feel as natural as possible. However, if you feel your restorations are slipping out of place, be sure to use denture adhesives to make it easier to talk. Visit Dr. Kendrick if this doesn’t help, as he might be able to make adjustments to them.

What Can’t I Eat with Dentures?

Although dentures can restore your smile and improve your bite, there are several foods you may need to avoid while wearing them. Hard foods like nuts and certain breads tend to require excessive chewing and can increase the risk of damaging your restorations. Sticky treats, such as gummy candies and peanut butter can pull at your dentures, moving them out of place in the process. Other tougher meals like steak and pork chop should also be eaten in moderation. If you do munch on these, be sure to cut them into smaller pieces to reduce excessive stress placed on you and your dentures.

Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?

Our top priority is to preserve as much of your natural teeth as we can. But there are some instances where this isn’t possible, like when a tooth is severely decayed or damaged beyond repair. If this is the case, then a tooth extraction might be the best choice available. Before proceeding with this, Dr. Kendrick will evaluate and discuss every treatment option during your initial consultation. The both of you can then decide together on the best choice for your smile. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, feel free to speak with our team today!