Dentures & Partials – Plano, TX

Effects of Missing Teeth

Sometimes teeth are knocked out of your mouth during an accident. In other cases, they might be lost as a result of gum disease or decay. No matter the underlying cause, though, missing teeth are always a serious dental issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

When you don’t have a full set of teeth, you’re likely to be limited in what you can eat, which can lead to poor nutrition. Also, your confidence might suffer due to your incomplete grin. Depending on what or how many teeth were lost, you may have trouble speaking clearly.

Furthermore, without the support of your teeth, your facial structures may start to collapse, causing you to look older. And in many cases, missing teeth can increase your risk of gum disease, which in turn can contribute to a number of health issues like gum disease.

In short, the sooner you have your missing teeth replaced, the better it will be for your health and your daily life.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

We recommend dentures for patients who have lost multiple teeth. They may also be a good choice if you’re suffering from extensive tooth decay that is going to require extractions in the future. Note that we’ll need to make sure that your gums and jawbone are healthy before moving forward with the denture process.

There are different types of dentures that you might qualify for, and the kind you need depends on the number of teeth missing as well as other factors. Also, it’s worth remembering that dentures tend to be more affordable than other tooth-replacement options, so if you’re on a budget they can often be your most cost-effective choice.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Patients who are unable to get dentures may still be able to replace their missing teeth with bridges or dental implants.

• Dental Bridges: A dental bridge can fill in the space left by a single missing tooth or several consecutive missing teeth. We can only place a bridge if there are healthy teeth next to the gap.
• Dental Implants: A dental implant is a post that’s inserted into your jawbone, acting as a root for new teeth. A certain level of jawbone density is required to have dental implants placed. The initial cost is higher compared to other kinds of tooth replacements, but the tradeoff is that implants can last for decades or even your lifetime.

Psychological Benefits

Losing any teeth can have a major impact on your self-confidence and quality of life. Many people who’ve suffered tooth loss end up experiencing an increased risk of social anxiety, sadness, and even depression. By restoring your smile with help from your denture dentist in Plano, you can avoid worrying about how you look when you talk or laugh. Since you’ll be able to eat and speak more confidently again, you’ll also enjoy a boost in self-esteem when engaging in social activities.

Clearer Enunciation

It can be challenging to pronounce certain words whenever you’re missing teeth. This is because your lips and tongue interact with them to execute proper speech. Without clear enunciation, it can be difficult to communicate effectively. Since dentures restore your entire smile, they can make it easier for you to converse with others again. While this may take some practice to get accustomed to using them, you’ll be able to speak more fluently and confidently in no time!

Improves Nutrition

Tooth loss can impact the appearance of your smile as well as the kinds of foods you can eat. If you can’t chew your meals thoroughly, you might experience problems like indigestion and malnutrition. By restoring your teeth with dentures in Plano, you’ll regain the capability to break down your food, expanding the scope of your diet. Plus, you’ll be free to consume meals containing essential nutrients to boost your health.

Preserves Oral Health

Whenever you’re missing teeth, adjacent teeth can begin to shift out of place to fill in the gap. If left unchecked, there is potential for further tooth loss and jawbone resorption. These possible complications can be avoided by getting dentures to help stabilize your smile. Your restorations are able to withstand more chewing pressure and prevent further wear and tear of your remaining natural teeth.

Expands Opportunities

Your grin is one of the most crucial aspects of a first impression since it’s one of the main things people will notice about you. This is especially the case during job interviews, social gatherings, and even first dates. In fact, according to a 2019 study, poor oral health was closely associated with a lower probability of being employed. For this reason, regaining your complete smile with dentures will improve your health as well as boost your career and personal opportunities in the years to come!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

There are three major factors that influence how much dentures cost:

• The preparation that must be done before the denture can be worn (tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, etc.)
• The type of acrylic that is used to create the base (the part of denture that is dyed to look like gum tissue)
• The material of the replacement teeth (usually acrylic or porcelain)

Keep in mind that when it comes to dental work, the least expensive option is not always the best! Very cheap dentures might be poorly made and fall apart too easily. When it comes to your smile, quality is important!

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures cost more than traditional dentures, but for good reason. Implant dentures are attached to titanium posts that have been placed in your jawbone, so they are much more secure and lifelike. Because they replace the roots of your lost teeth as well as the crowns, implant dentures are look, feel, and function more like your natural teeth than any other option. You’ll be able to smile with confidence and chew all of your favorite foods with ease!

Implant dentures are also an investment that should pay for itself in the long run. Traditional dentures typically must be replaced every five to seven years, compounding their initial cost. By contrast, once your dentist in Plano installs your implant dentures, they should be able to last for decades or even a lifetime.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

The vast majority of dental insurance companies consider dentures a major restorative procedure. For that reason, insurance should generally pay around 50% of the cost. However, every policy differs, so we’ll have to review the specifics of yours to determine how much coverage you qualify for.

At Legacy Trails Dental of Plano, we’re in-network with virtually all PPO dental insurance providers. We can even file your claims and handle the necessary paperwork on your behalf to help make the process as easy as possible for you.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

If you’re uninsured or you need assistance funding your dentures, don’t worry. We have helped countless patients fit their dental care into their budgets through our partnership with CareCredit. This financing company lets you break up the cost of your dentures into monthly payments, often with low-to-no interest.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

When you first receive your dentures, you’ll probably be advised to keep them in your mouth for the first 24 hours, including sleep, to help your mouth get used to them. After that, your denture dentist in Plano will generally suggest taking your dentures out before you go to bed.

Wearing dentures for too long can restrict circulation in your gums, which may lead to irritation and sores. Removing your dentures at night gives your gums a chance to recover. Just make sure that when you take your dentures out, you do NOT let them dry out. This could warp their shape and make them not fit as comfortably anymore. Let them soak in a glass of denture cleaning solution or room-temperature water (hot water could also change their shape).

Can I Use Regular Toothpaste to Clean My Dentures?

You should brush and rinse your dentures every day, but do NOT use the same type of toothpaste you would use for natural teeth. Toothpaste is abrasive to the materials dentures are made from. It can create microscopic scratches on the dentures’ surface that may lead to serious damage over time. In the same vein, you should always use a soft-bristled brush to clean your dentures, not a hard-bristled one.

Be sure to clean your dentures after every meal, as well as when you first wake up. Always buy products that are specially made to clean dentures. You could also use mild dishwashing liquid or hand soap.

Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?

It can take some time to get used to speaking when you first get dentures in Plano. The length of this adjustment process varies from one person to the next, but generally, you can speed this process up by practicing. Read your favorite book out loud to yourself, call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, or even just sing in the shower! Denture adhesive can also give your new teeth some stability, which can help greatly when you’re still adjusting.

Can You Still Eat Steak with Dentures?

Chewy meats like steak can be difficult to eat with dentures, but it can be done with the right precautions. Opt for tenderloin and other beef cuts that don’t have as many muscle fibers or connective tissues, which make steak hard to chew. Ensure the meat is tenderized beforehand. Cut the meat into small, more manageable chunks. Also, be sure your dentures fit properly. Wearing denture adhesive can help.