Regain a Functional Mouth and Attractive Smile
Have you suffered significant tooth loss due to gum disease, trauma, or other factors? You may be thinking about getting dentures in Plano to replace your lost teeth. This type of restoration can provide reliable chewing power and an attractive smile. On this page, you’ll learn more about how dentures work, what you can expect from them, and how much they may cost you.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures consist of artificial teeth that are connected to a gum-colored base. There are essentially three types of dentures:
- A traditional full denture replaces an entire arch of missing teeth. Natural suction or a mild adhesive helps it to stay in place.
- A partial denture replaces multiple teeth at various places throughout an arch. It fits in around the remaining natural dentition. Small metal attachments help it to remain secure in the mouth.
- An implant-supported denture is anchored in the jawbone via small titanium posts (dental implants). This type of denture is the sturdiest and longest-lasting treatment for total tooth loss.
Indications for Dentures
After Dr. Bhalla examines your mouth and talks to you about your goals and expectations, she will recommend the treatment solution that best fits your circumstances. If you have some natural teeth remaining, and they are in fair health, partial dentures are likely the best option for you. However, if you have lost all of your teeth (or your remaining natural teeth are decayed or otherwise suffering), a full denture may be best for you.
Generally, to receive dentures, you must have healthy gums and adequate bone structure to support your restoration. If you wish to receive implant-supported dentures, you must be healthy enough to undergo multiple minor oral surgeries.
What to Expect with Dentures
After you receive your denture, it may take you a while to get used to it. For non-implant dentures, you will need to adjust your eating habits so you do not destabilize your new teeth when you are enjoying meals. For example, you will have to cut your food into small pieces and practice distributing food evenly throughout your mouth. Regardless of which type of denture you receive, you will have to pay extra attention to oral hygiene so your restoration remains fresh and your mouth remains healthy.
Dentures have the potential to provide you with years of function. Non-implant dentures typically last for 5 – 8 years, whereas implant-supported dentures may last for decades.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
The cost of your restoration will depend on several factors, including whether you choose a traditional or implant-supported denture. Implant-supported dentures cost more upfront, but their superior longevity and other benefits make them a wise investment. The materials used to make the denture, your insurance coverage, and you overall oral health also affect the cost of treatment. When you visit our team for your consultation, we will help you crunch the numbers so you can make decisions that benefit your smile without overstressing your budget.
Would you like to learn more about how dentures may be able to bring back your smile? Request a consultation with Dr. Bhalla, your dentist in Plano, today.