Dentures – Toledo, OH
An Attractive, Comfortable Option for Tooth Replacement
Tooth loss is not an uncommon oral health problem. In fact, more than half of all Americans will lose at least one tooth in their lifetimes, and many will lose more than one. No matter what your situation is, we want to make sure that you rebuild your smile as soon as possible. When you avoid treatment because of embarrassment or fear, you leave yourself open to complications. One option available for tooth replacement at our Toledo, Ohio dental office is a denture. We can create a full or partial denture specifically for you, making sure that your prosthetic feels natural and allows you to smile with confidence. Dentures are often an attractive, comfortable option for tooth replacement.
Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Patients who are struggling with more moderate tooth loss are often candidates for dentures. So, if you are missing several teeth throughout your mouth or you don’t have any of your natural ones left, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to help both new patients and long-time patients get their healthy, happy smiles back! If you want to learn a little more about who is a good candidate and why filling the open spaces in your smile is so important, read on!
Effects of Missing Teeth
If you are missing several teeth, but you can’t tell when you smile or talk, then you might be wondering if you really need dentures. The answer is “yes!” After all, tooth loss can negatively impact both your oral and overall health. More specifically, it can lead to dental drift, indigestion, bone loss, and even further tooth loss. So, even if it doesn’t seem urgent, it’s important that you schedule a consultation with us to explore your tooth-replacement options sooner rather than later.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Although dentures aren’t ideal for patients who are only missing one tooth, they are suitable for patients who are missing several teeth consecutively, multiple teeth in a single arch, or all of their teeth. The easiest way to find out if dentures are the best tooth-replacement solution for you is by scheduling a consultation at our Toledo dental office so we can learn about your dental history, lifestyle, and smile goals. From there, we can determine if dentures are right for you and, if they are, if any preliminary care is needed before making yours.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
At your appointment, we will review all of your tooth-replacement options, not just dentures. That way, you can confidently decide how you want to restore the look, health, and function of your smile. For example, if you are missing several teeth in a row and are looking for a tooth-replacement option that will last for 15+ years, then an implant bridge may be more in line with your dental needs and smile goals. Rest assured, we will answer any questions you have and share our recommendations so making a decision is as easy as possible.
If you have any questions for our team about dentures – whether it’s regarding if you’re a candidate or if dental bridges or dental implants are more ideal for you – don’t hesitate to reach out to us to schedule an appointment!
Types of Dentures
Drs. Thomas, Poole, and Weisenburger can offer one of three different types of dentures to restore your smile back to its former glory. Depending on the state of your oral health and the number of teeth you’re missing, we may recommend one of the following:
Full Dentures
For those who are missing all of the teeth along an arch, we can create a full denture. A full denture consists of a gum-like base that supports replacement teeth and is held in place with a combination of natural suction and denture adhesives.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is designed to fit into a smile when there are still some natural teeth left. Partials include a metal framework that can grasp onto remaining teeth to hold the removable prosthetic in place.
Implant-Retained Dentures
We can also design implant-supported dentures, combining the qualities everyone loves about dental implants with removable prosthetic teeth. The denture can still be removable, but it will snap into place onto titanium posts that have been surgically placed in the jawbone. Because of this, the jaw won’t change shape as it normally does after tooth loss. Your denture can then last for years, if not decades, longer than a traditional partial or full denture.
Benefits of Dentures
Some of the amazing benefits of dentures include:
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
No two smiles are exactly alike. That’s why at West Group Dental, we offer high-quality dentures that are 100% custom-made for each patient. That means that the cost of our dentures in Toledo depends on a variety of factors that are different for each patient. During your initial consultation, we’ll review your oral health and discuss your goals for your smile to come up with a personalized estimate of costs for your treatment. In the meantime, here are some key points to keep in mind when considering the price of replacing missing teeth with dentures.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
There are three major factors that will contribute to the final cost of your dentures:
- Preparatory procedures: Your mouth needs to be healthy before you can get dentures. Preparatory procedures like a tooth extraction or gum disease will add to the overall cost of your dentures.
- Materials used: While dentures are typically made from high-quality gum-colored acrylic and tooth-colored porcelain, they can be made from different materials that would influence the final cost.
- Type of denture: Typically, the more teeth you’re replacing, the more expensive your denture will be. Full dentures usually cost more than partial dentures, and pairing either with dental implants would add to the cost as well.
As you consider your different options for tooth replacement, it’s important to keep in mind that the cheapest option is not always the best! Cheaper dentures are likely to be made from low-quality materials and poor craftsmanship. Quality is of the upmost importance when it comes to your smile!
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Implant dentures typically cost more than traditional dentures because they require dental implants and a more extensive process. However, while they tend to have a higher initial price, many patients find that their longer lifespan and improved stability make them a worthwhile investment. Thanks to their unique design, they can help you lower your overall oral healthcare costs and won’t need to be replaced every five to seven years. In the end, implant dentures may be the more cost-effective choice!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Every dental insurance plan is slightly different, so you’ll need to review the details of your specific policy to see if dentures are covered. In general, dentures are considered a major restorative procedure, which typically grants them 50% or more coverage. Our experienced dental team can help you confirm your specific benefits before your treatment begins so you’ll know exactly what to expect. We’ll even be happy to file your insurance claims on your behalf!
Dentures FAQs
Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?
Initially, it’s often hard to talk with dentures. Using them to speak well takes time and practice. While you adjust, you might lisp or mispronounce words.
Of course, such effects are temporary. Lisps and other speech impediments will fade with time. Still, how long the adjustment takes will vary by patient. The time you need will depend on your situation.
All that said, you can speed up the adjustment process. Just practice with your dentures often. For instance, you might read aloud to yourself or speak more slowly. You could also bite and swallow before speaking, ensuring your new teeth are in the right position.
Can I Sleep with My Dentures?
While today’s dentures are lifelike, you typically shouldn’t sleep with them. The right approach is to remove them before bed. Better yet, you might soak them in a denture solution overnight.
You see, sleeping with dentures is bad for your health. The habit restricts gum circulation, resulting in soft tissue irritation. Plus, it gives harmful bacteria an ideal place to thrive. The resulting plaque growth can then cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Even so, there are exceptions. When you first get dentures, most dentists will tell you to wear them for 24 hours. This measure ensures your mouth can get used to the new teeth.
Why Do My Dentures Smell?
Over time, unpleasant smells can cling to dentures. The causes for such odors include the following:
- Ill-fitting Dentures – Dentures that don’t fit well may irritate your gum tissue. This irritation can cause sores that lead to bad breath.
- Trapped Bacteria – As you eat with them, dentures can trap bacteria in their nooks and crannies. These microbes often produce pungent odors.
- Dry Mouth – In reality, denture wearers tend to produce less saliva. The resulting dry mouth can then help bacteria thrive and cause bad breath.
To avoid lousy denture smells, you could take various approaches. One is to clean your prosthetics daily with a toothbrush and cleaner. You could also soak the dentures in a disinfecting solution every night.
Can I Use Regular Toothpaste to Clean My Dentures?
True enough, you should brush and rinse your dentures daily. However, it’s not a good idea to use toothpaste to do so.
If you didn’t know, normal toothpaste is abrasive. It can leave very tiny scratches on the surface of your dentures. By brushing with it, you could greatly damage your new teeth. You should thus use hand soap or dishwashing liquid instead.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Cleaning dentures with a hard-bristled one will harm the prosthetics.