Dentures – San Antonio, TX
One of the Most Effective Answers to Tooth Loss
For people who need to renew their smiles following advanced tooth loss, replacing lost pearly whites with dentures may be the best option. If you’ve lost numerous teeth or a full row of teeth, feel free to contact Joseph H. Noble and his dedicated dental team. We’ll schedule an appointment to assess your oral health and review your options. No matter how extensive the tooth loss, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile with dentures in San Antonio!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Nearly everyone who is struggling with entire rows of missing teeth is a good candidate for dentures. The best way to be certain is to schedule a consultation with our team so we can assess your situation. We’ll discuss your dental habits, evaluate your oral health, and determine if you can benefit from this restoration option. If we detect any developing issues during your examination, then you may need to receive preliminary treatments like gum disease therapy or tooth extractions before we can continue with getting your dentures.
Types of Dentures
Partial Dentures
Both partials and full dentures are made using a gum-colored base material to support replacement teeth. The partial denture base is molded to fit between teeth completing the smile. Metal clasps are attached to surrounding healthy teeth to anchor the partial. With proper care, the partial will function comfortably for years.
Full Dentures
A full denture is crafted using the same base material to support a full row of teeth. The base material is shaped to fit against the gums. The snug fit creates suction that anchors the prosthetic in position. Some patients use a small amount of denture adhesive to improve the stability of their restoration. In most cases, patients need to wear their new denture for a few weeks to adjust to the feel and function. However, if you experience severe discomfort or don’t adjust to the feel of your denture, you’ll need to call our office. We may need to refit or adjust the prosthetic.
Implant Dentures
For many patients, dental implant -supported dentures offer improved stability and longevity. Unlike traditional dentures, this restoration will be directly supported by the jawbone. The tooth replacement prosthetic is attached to dental implant posts that mimic the natural root structure. With proper care, an implant denture can last 15+ years and provide natural looking, feeling, and functioning results. In addition, it can restore 80% or more of your biting power, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods!
How Dentures Are Made
Once you decide to get dentures, you have much to look forward to. When your treatment is complete, you may have increased confidence and renewed chewing ability. But are you curious about the road ahead of you? How are dentures made, and what can you expect during the treatment process? Read on below to get a preview of how your beautiful new smile will come into being. What you learn might just enhance your appreciation for your prosthetic!
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Dentures have two main parts:
- The base: Dentures have a sturdy base that is meant to rest against your gums. Usually, the base is made of gum-colored acrylic, though in some cases, nylon is used instead. In partial dentures, the base may include small metal or acrylic clips that fit around the remaining natural teeth.
- The teeth. Denture teeth are usually made of acrylic or porcelain. Often, acrylic is used for patients who still have some of their natural teeth because it is a bit softer than porcelain.
The Denture Creation Process
The denture creation process may vary slightly from case to case. Here is an overview of how it usually works:
- After any necessary preparatory treatments (such as extractions or gum disease therapy), our team will take detailed impressions of your mouth.
- The impressions will be sent to a dental lab, which will then create a wax version of your gumline. Using a device called an articulator, artificial teeth will be set into the wax.
- A wax model of your dentures will be sent to us, and you will come in for a fitting. We will evaluate the way they look and feel before sending them back to the lab so they can fabricate your final restoration.
- Once the laboratory creates your permanent dentures, they will be sent back to us. During a final fitting, we will make any necessary adjustments. We want them to fit as naturally and comfortably as possible!
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
You may feel a moderate level of discomfort when you first get dentures. Your gums may feel sore, and it may be challenging to speak and eat. With time, though, you will adjust to your prosthetic; eventually, it should feel like a natural extension of your body! In the meantime, you should practice using it as much as possible. Start with soft foods, and read out loud to get used to enunciating your words. Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns during the adjustment process.
The Benefits of Dentures
Due to the numerous advances in modern dentistry, most patients with dentures can expect to enjoy the following benefits:
- Improved bite and eating comfortability.
- Easier dental care/cleaning.
- Natural-looking restoration.
- Personalized treatment for your specific smile.
- A tooth-replacement solution that can last 10 years or more.
Caring for Your Denture
If you have a removable denture, you’ll need to brush these prosthetics using a specialized denture base and minimally abrasive toothpaste. Additionally, dentures should be stored in lukewarm water or denture cleaner whenever you’re not wearing them. This prevents the base from becoming overly dry and brittle or losing shape. If you’re concerned about dexterity, you may want to lay a towel on the counter while you clean your denture to prevent breaking the prosthetic.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Your dentures will be as unique as you are. While that means that they’ll fit well in your mouth, it also means that pricing out your prosthetic without knowing more about you can be a little bit difficult. We’ll give you a complete estimate when we meet you, but before that, the specificity of what we can tell you will be pretty limited.
However, we still endeavor to be as transparent as possible about the price of our procedures, so if you’re trying to learn more about how to budget for dentures, here’s some info that you may find useful.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
When designing your prosthetic, there are a few variables that are likely to factor into the final price of the treatment. For one, you should budget for any preliminary procedures, like tooth extractions, that you may need before getting your prosthetic.
The type of denture that you get also matters—namely the style of acrylic used for the base, and the final material that’s incorporated into the replacement teeth. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and that the cheapest isn’t always the best.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Implant dentures are like regular dentures, with the exception that they attach to dental implants inserted into the jaw. This affords them greater stability than they would have otherwise.
Implant dentures involve both crafting a prosthetic and inserting the implants, which means that it’ll naturally cost a bit more. However, implant dentures are replaced much less often than regular ones, so you may save money in the long run.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Dentures are typically only done for patients who absolutely need them, which means that dental insurance will usually pay for them. While every plan is a little bit different, you can typically expect your insurance to cover around 50% of your prosthetic.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
If you don’t have insurance, that doesn’t mean that you have to live without a full smile. We have other options available to make your dental care a little more affordable.
We often work with CareCredit, a health and wellness credit card that can be used to pay off your dental fees. You can then pay your bill in monthly installments, or all at once when you get the money. So long as you pay according to schedule, you may even be able to avoid paying interest entirely.
If finances have you concerned about the prospect of replacing your teeth, give us a call. We’ll work to find an option that suits you.
Denture FAQs
Dentures in San Antonio are a tried and proven method to treat significant tooth loss, but it’s normal to have a few apprehensions about the road ahead. Don’t worry, Dr. Noble will explain everything at your denture consultation. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions while you wait for your appointment.
Can I sleep with my dentures in my mouth?
Dr. Noble will instruct you to wear your dentures for 24 hours after receiving them. After the first day, you’ll need to get in the habit of taking them out before going to bed. Although no one wants to be caught without their teeth, your oral and general health relies on removing them. Your mouth is dark and moist, which is the perfect environment for oral bacteria to multiply quickly. Not only can this lead to unpleasant odors, but it can also increase your risk of infections. The bacteria can weaken your denture, causing you to need a replacement sooner. Your dentures also restrict blood circulation to your gums. The soft tissues need time to recuperate or sores, inflammation, and irritation can occur. It’s best to give your gums a break by placing your dentures in an overnight soaking solution to keep them clean and moist while you get some sleep.
Does an upper denture always cover the palate?
It’s not unusual to have concerns about an upper denture diminishing the taste of food or being uncomfortable, but there are palateless options. Your denture dentist in San Antonio, Dr. Noble, will learn more about your preferences to recommend the best denture for you, like one with a horseshoe shape.
Do I use regular toothpaste to clean my dentures?
Your dentures may look and function like your real teeth, but they can’t be cleaned the same way. Toothpaste is abrasive, which can cause small scratches on your dentures that can trap plaque and bacteria. Your denture can appear dull and discolored. They can even begin to smell. Instead, it’s better to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid to clean your dentures at least once daily. You can also purchase OTC cleaning kits designed for denture wearers. Don’t forget to clean your gums and tongue after you’ve removed your dentures. Place your dentures in a nightly soaking solution to kill any bacteria left behind by brushing.
Is a broken denture a dental emergency?
A broken denture is a dental emergency because you rely on them for eating, speaking, and smiling confidently. Contact your dentist and wear an old denture, if possible. Don’t continue to wear a broken denture because it can lead to additional damage and oral injuries. Never use glue or other adhesives to repair it because they can contain toxic chemicals or cause allergic reactions. Instead, leave the mending for the professionals. We’ll get you into the office quickly to provide the necessary repair or replacement, so you can get back to your day.