Dentures Leesburg

Effects of Missing Teeth

Gum disease, accidents, genetic factors, and past lifestyle decisions can all contribute to tooth loss. Regardless of why your smile is incomplete, your condition may present a number of challenges in your daily life. For example, you might find it difficult to eat a nutritious and delicious variety of foods. You may feel self-conscious about your appearance due to the gaps in your smile or the loss of fullness in your cheeks. You might even find it difficult to speak clearly and with confidence. Fortunately, dentures have the potential to greatly enhance your daily quality of life.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Dentures may be right for you if:

• You have lost all or most of your teeth throughout a dental arch. If you have only lost one or two teeth, a different form of tooth replacement may be a better option.
• Your jawbone and gums are healthy enough to support dentures. You should be free of active gum disease and have adequate bone structure to support your prosthetic.
• You are looking for a cost-effective way to replace your lost teeth. Dentures tend to be more affordable than other forms of tooth replacement.

Alternative Tooth Replacement Options

If dentures are not quite right for you, you may qualify for one of the following tooth replacement options instead:

• A fixed bridge. This type of restoration is attached to the remaining natural teeth and uses pontics (artificial teeth) to “bridge” an empty space. Fixed bridges are very strong and can last for 10 years or longer if they receive proper care.
• Dental implants. Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots. They can bond with the jawbone and provide an incredibly strong base of support for crowns, bridges, and dentures. Due to their many benefits, they are frequently regarded as the best form of tooth replacement.

Learn More About Dental Implants

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures are comprised of two different parts – the base and the replacement teeth. Here is what each of these parts consists of:

• Base: The base of the denture is the structure that supports the replacement teeth. It can be made from a range of different materials. They include acrylic, nylon, and resin. Most of the time, acrylic is used because it can be easily tailored to match natural gum tissue. Partial dentures often use metal clips with an acrylic base.
• Teeth: The replacement teeth are secured to the denture base. They are usually made from resin or porcelain because they both have a natural appearance. However, porcelain tends to be more popular because it looks and feels just like natural tooth enamel. It is also highly durable, so it is much less likely to become damaged.

The Denture Creation Process

Here is the step-by-step process in which your dentures are made.

1. Your dentist starts by taking measurements of your jaw and impressions of your mouth. This will be used to create a model that is the exact size and shape of your mouth. The model is then used to make sure your final dentures fit as they should.
2. The model is sent to the dental laboratory. This is where your dentures will be made. They will start by creating a wax replica of your gumline.
3. The replacement teeth will be set in place using a mechanical device called an “articulator.” Adjustments are then made by a technician.
4. Your wax dentures are sent to the dental office for a fitting. If they look good, your dentist will return them to the dental lab.
5. Once back at the lab, the lab technician will place your dentures in a flask. Plaster is poured in to maintain their shape. The entire flask is placed in hot water to melt the wax. Holes are made in the teeth and acrylic is injected into the flask to replace the wax.
6. The plaster is then carefully removed from the denture with special tools. The dentures are placed in an ultrasonic bath to clean the rest of the plaster off.
7. Any excess acrylic is cut from the dentures. Then, it is polished to perfection.
8. Now that your dentures are complete, they will be sent to your dentist. Then, you will return to the office for a fitting. If everything looks and feels as it should, you can leave the practice with your new and improved smile!

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

It is common for patients to experience some soreness when they first get their new dentures but don’t worry. This is normal and temporary. With some time, your mouth will adjust to your new prosthesis, and your dentures will begin to feel just like your natural teeth. Just remember to stick to softer foods and exercise your facial muscles. If discomfort persists or you have any concerns about your replacement teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out so we can help.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Here are the major factors that will determine the cost of your new dentures:

• The preparation before you get your dentures will contribute to the overall cost. This includes preliminary treatments, like gum disease therapy and tooth extractions, when needed.
• The materials used for the base and replacement teeth. The base is typically made from acrylic while replacement teeth can be crafted with acrylic or porcelain.
• The number of teeth you are having replaced will contribute to the price. The more teeth, the more the restoration will cost.

Remember that a cheaper denture doesn’t necessarily mean a better denture. If you end up opting for a budget restoration, it will be more likely to require repairs and replacements in a shorter period of time. When you invest more in your restoration, you will see the difference in quality.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Implant dentures cost more than traditional dentures, but there is a good reason for this. Instead of being supported by the shape and suction of the gums, they are held into place by a series of dental implants that are placed in the jawbone via a surgical procedure. This allows for additional benefits, like being more lifelike, having additional stability, and lasting for several decades.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Patients can usually expect some level of coverage with most dental insurance plans. Many provide up to 50% coverage, but this varies depending on the plan that you have. At Downtown Family Dental of Leesburg, we are in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Delta Dental, and MetLife, but we also welcome out-of-network providers. If you have any questions or need help, talk to one of our friendly team members. Or to learn exactly how much you can expect your dentures to cost, schedule a consultation with us. We’re eager to help you get your smile back!