Recreate Your Confident Smile with Personalized Dentures
Tooth loss affects tens of millions of people every day, but you don’t have to settle with the setbacks of missing teeth as a result. Framingham Family Dental Care is proud to offer lifelike dental prosthetics to give you back your smile, expand your diet, and boost your quality of life. The denture you choose will largely depend on a few different factors, including the severity of your tooth loss, the condition of your mouth, and other preferences. If you would like to explore your options for tooth replacement, contact our Framingham, MA dental office and we will help you choose a treatment that works best with your current state of oral health.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Having missing teeth can cause dramatic changes to your daily life. For one, you won’t be able to eat foods as easily or certain foods whatsoever. It can become more difficult to speak clearly and you may feel embarrassed to smile period. If you are missing several teeth on opposite sides of your mouth or all the teeth in either your top, bottom, or both arches, dentures may be right for you. You’ll also need to have healthy gum tissue so they can support the restoration.
Types of Dentures
There are three different types of dentures: full dentures, partial dentures, and implant dentures. A full denture is used when you’ve lost all of your top or bottom teeth, a partial denture is used when some teeth still remain, and implant dentures are intended for those who want a more stable and long-lasting tooth replacement. All come with their own unique differences, which are explored in more detail below:
Partial Dentures
Having large gaps in between teeth can lead to existing teeth shifting out of place and making your bite uneven. With a partial denture, you can rebuild your smile and prevent this side effect from occurring. Partial dentures consist of a metal base and a gum-colored component equipped with replacement teeth. The prosthetic effectively fits inside your mouth like a puzzle piece.
Full Dentures
A full denture is made up of a gum-colored based containing ceramic teeth, fully customized to the shape of your mouth, and replaces either the top arch, bottom arch, or both. It stays in place through natural suction to the gums rather than metal hooks wrapped around natural teeth (partial dentures) or dental implants (implant dentures).
Implant Dentures
The name truly speaks for itself: implant dentures attach to a series of dental implants that are surgically placed into the jaw ahead of time. This means your existing oral structures do not carry the weight of your prosthetic. While treatment can be more expensive, you won’t need a dedicated implant for each tooth you intend to replace.
The Benefits of Dentures
Why replace your teeth with a full denture or partial denture? If you’ve lost some or all of your teeth, it can seriously affect your ability to speak and eat properly and change the shape of your face, making you appear older. Dentures are fully customized to fill out the shape of your face and allow you to live without the pain and embarrassment of impaired speech and problems eating. We will make sure that your dentures are custom fit for the greatest comfort and esthetics possible.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Moderate to severe tooth loss can take a major toll on your oral health and quality of life over time. One of the most popular and reliable ways to address this issue is dentures. While this tooth replacement option comes with various benefits, it’s important to know what to expect from the overall price of your treatment. Our team will be glad to assess your situation and provide you with an estimate of the cost of dentures in Framingham. We’ll also walk you through your other restoration options, dental insurance benefits, and alternative financing to help make your treatment more manageable. Read on to learn what you should expect from the cost of dentures.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
Several components can influence the overall price of dentures significantly, including:
- The number of teeth you’re missing
- Any required preliminary procedures, such as gum disease therapy and tooth extractions
- The kind of acrylic used for the gum-colored base
- The materials that your prosthetic teeth will be constructed from, like acrylic or porcelain
Although it may be tempting to opt for cheaper dentures for their lower upfront cost, you should remember that the quality of your restoration will be reflected in the price paid. The lower the price of your prosthetic teeth, the cheaper the material and the quicker you’ll have to replace them, which can increase the overall cost of your treatment. Make sure to consider the long-term quality, as this can save you time, money, and headaches later on.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Implant dentures are typically more expensive than traditional ones, but there’s a very good reason for this. Unlike regular ones that rely on natural suction to the gums, implant-supported ones will be directly anchored to your jawbone. This means they’ll provide a much more lifelike and stable restoration, and you’ll be able to regain about 80% or more of your chewing force. Implant dentures are also much simpler to maintain and can last several decades to a lifetime with proper care. Though their initial price is much higher, the long-term costs can save you more money in the long run.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Most dental insurance companies will offer some coverage for preventive and restorative dental treatments, including dentures. However, every policy is different from patient to patient, so you’ll need to consult your provider to understand the specifics of your plan before committing to anything. You can also speak with our knowledgeable team so that we can help you navigate and make the most of your benefits.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
Don’t have insurance? That’s okay! Our team understands the importance of being able to afford necessary dental care. We offer flexible financing through CareCredit which can help break up the cost of your treatment into monthly installments. On top of that, many of these plans come with little to no interest! This means you’ll be able to pay for your dentures without having to worry about emptying your wallet!
Dentures & Partials FAQs
If you’re struggling with missing several or all of your teeth, then dentures may be the best way to replace them. Although you may be aware of the benefits you can expect to enjoy from this restoration option, you probably want to know as much as you can before committing to the treatment. To help with your online research, our team has compiled and answered several of our most frequently asked questions about dentures in Framingham. Read along or feel free to give us a call today to learn more!
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Are you missing a few pearly whites or an entire arch? If so, then you may be a likely candidate for dentures. The best way to be sure is by scheduling an initial consultation with our team. During your appointment, we’ll evaluate your dental situation to check if any remaining teeth and your gums are healthy enough to get the restorations. If not, then you may require preliminary treatments to get you back on track with good health, such as gum disease therapy or tooth extractions. Once any issues have been resolved, our team can discuss which kinds of dentures will best address your situation for restoring your smile.
Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?
There may be a bit of a learning curve when first wearing your dentures as your mouth will have to adjust to how they feel. Your restorations should fit you precisely so that they feel work as natural as possible. However, you can always ask our team for denture adhesive for additional help. With constant practice, repetition, and spending time reading aloud to yourself, you should be able to get the hang of speaking with your restorations in no time!
Can I Sleep with My Dentures?
You can technically sleep with your dentures on, but we highly suggest that you don’t. Since you’ll be wearing them throughout your day for eating, talking, and smiling, your gums will likely need the rest when possible. For this reason, you’ll want to consider removing your restorations before bedtime to avoid soreness in your gum line. More importantly, this will be a good opportunity to soak your dentures overnight in lukewarm water or a cleaning solution to keep them fresh and bacteria-free. Once morning arrives, you’ll simply have to brush and rinse them and your mouth before putting them back on to enjoy your day!
What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?
Whether you’re struggling with moderate to severe tooth loss, you can significantly improve your chewing power with dentures. Once you have them, you’ll be able to comfortably enjoy all your favorite meals again. However, your restorations can still become damaged or shift out of place when munching on certain kinds of foods. You’ll want to be careful when eating hard or sticky treats, such as gummy candies or peanut brittle. Other meals that require excessive biting power like apples, carrots, corn on the cob, and popcorn can cause issues with your dentures. For the most part, try to avoid these meals to ensure your restorations are comfortable and kept firmly in place throughout the day.
What are dentures and partials?
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Partial dentures fill in the spaces left by missing natural teeth, while full dentures replace an entire tooth arch. Partials typically consist of replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base with metal or plastic clasps that hold them in place. Both options help restore your smile, improve chewing ability, and support facial structure.
Who is a good candidate for dentures or partials?
Patients who have lost several or all of their teeth due to decay, injury, or gum disease are good candidates for dentures or partials. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, bone structure, and gum condition to recommend the best type of denture to restore your smile and improve your chewing and speaking abilities. Patients with healthy gums and jawbones typically experience the best results.
What is the difference between full dentures and partial dentures?
Full dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw and rest directly on the gums. Partial dentures are designed to replace a few missing teeth, and clasps are used to attach to your remaining natural teeth for support. Partials help maintain the position of surrounding teeth and prevent shifting. Full dentures require more adjustment as they replace an entire arch, while partials are less invasive and easier to adapt.
How long does it take to get dentures or partials?
Getting dentures or partials usually takes several appointments over a few weeks. The process includes initial impressions, fitting, adjustments, and sometimes multiple try-ins to ensure proper fit and comfort. Your dentist will guide you through each step and provide a temporary denture if needed. Healing time after tooth extractions may affect the timeline for your final dentures.
How do I care for my dentures and partials?
Proper care for dentures and partials includes daily cleaning with a soft-bristle brush and denture cleaner to remove food particles and plaque. Do not use regular toothpaste, since it may be too abrasive. Soak dentures overnight in a denture solution to keep them moist and maintain their shape. Regular dental checkups are important to check the fit and oral health, and your dentist may recommend periodic adjustments to ensure comfort.
Can dentures and partials improve my speech and chewing?
Well-fitted dentures and partials can significantly improve your ability to chew food and speak clearly. They restore the natural structure of your mouth and support facial muscles, helping prevent sagging and maintaining a more youthful appearance. Initial adjustment may take time, but practice helps improve comfort and function. Eating softer foods initially can make the transition easier.
Are there alternatives to traditional dentures and partials?
Yes, alternatives include implant-supported dentures and partials, which offer greater stability by anchoring to dental implants placed in the jawbone. These options reduce slipping and improve chewing efficiency. Your dentist can discuss whether implant-supported prosthetics are suitable based on your oral health and budget. Though more costly, implant-supported solutions provide a more natural feel and longer-lasting results.
Restore Comfort and Confidence with Dentures
Living with missing teeth can affect how you eat, speak, and smile, but modern dentures and partials from Framingham Family Dental Care offer an affordable, effective solution. Our custom-fitted dentures are designed to look natural and feel comfortable, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and share your smile without worry. Whether you need a full denture or a partial to replace several teeth, our team will create a restoration that suits your unique needs. Don't let tooth loss hold you back from living life to the fullest. Take the first step toward regaining your confidence and improving your quality of life. Call Framingham Family Dental Care at (508) 665-2016 to schedule your denture consultation and rediscover the joy of a complete smile.
