Dentures – Casper, WY

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?

No matter the number of missing teeth, almost anyone can get dentures. Suffering tooth loss is the only major requirement these prosthetics have. That said, you should still consult Dr. Prach to confirm matters. She’ll determine whether dentures truly suit your needs. If they don’t, you can become a candidate later through preliminary dental work. You could also try one of our office’s other tooth replacement options. To learn more, continue reading or call us today!

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Effects of Missing Teeth

Before considering qualifying factors, it’s a good idea to review tooth loss’ causes and effects. Doing so will help you see how dentures can help you.

In general, tooth loss can occur for several reasons. One potential cause is gum disease, which can erode the tissues securing your teeth. Another is tooth decay – your pearly white could rot so much that it falls out or needs extraction. Accidents and injuries are also infamous for knocking teeth out.

Unlike the causes, tooth loss’ effects are pretty consistent. First, it makes tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling hard. Being without teeth also leads to unseemly smile gaps, degrading your jawbone over time. (Such erosion can cause facial collapse if left untreated.) Worse yet, these spaces might make your remaining teeth tilt and fall out.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

To be clear, most can get dentures if they’re lacking teeth. However, there are other elements worth considering.

For example, just look at oral health. Dentures aren’t just good substitutes for missing teeth; they can also replace decaying or sensitive ones. At the same time, though, they won’t work well if your mouth is too unhealthy. A patient’s gum and jaw tissues must be sturdy enough to support dentures. In that way, an ideal candidate must be committed to dental care.

How many teeth you’ve lost is another big matter. Depending on the number, you’ll get one of two possible dentures. The first is a partial type that only replaces a few teeth. Meanwhile, the full dentures are best used when all pearly whites on an arch are gone.

Your budget is also a relevant issue. You see, dentures are among the cheapest available restorations. Consequently, they’re quite good for patients who have limited funds.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If we decide you aren’t a good dentures candidate, other options exist. Our office can provide you with alternative tooth replacement treatments. These include:

• Dental Bridges – A dental bridge is made of crowns fused to either side of a pontic. As such, patients typically get them to replace one to four teeth. The appliance depends on nearby healthy teeth for support and is normally cemented in place.
• Dental Implants – Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are set directly in your jawbone. This placement allows them to fuse with your jaw gradually. From there, they become secure and permanent parts of your mouth. (Notably, these advanced benefits make implants a tad expensive.)

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Types of Dentures

There are a few different types of dentures available to meet a variety of different needs. During your initial consultation, we will determine which of the following will best restore your smile:

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Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are designed to replace multiple teeth along an arch, and they come with clasps that securely attach to your natural teeth. Like full dentures, partial dentures are removable. If you’re looking for more security in your reconstructive solution, implant-retained full and partial dentures are also available, so please ask our team about this option if you’re curious.

Full Dentures

Full dentures, as their name implies, are designed to replace the entire bottom or top arch of teeth. They stay in place within the mouth through natural suction. If a more sturdy fit is desired, denture adhesive can be used as well. The appliance is removable, allowing patients to clean and store it at night.

Implant Dentures

If you want a sturdier, longer-lasting tooth replacement option, implant dentures are a great way to go. This type of denture is held into place with a titanium, screw-like implant that is surgically placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. They allow for additional bite force and prevent bone loss from occurring over time as a result of tooth loss.

How Dentures Are Made

Modern dentures aren’t like the ones that your grandparents used to wear. They are customized for each patient to restore the appearance and function of one’s smile. To achieve this, you can expect a multistep process. Continue reading to learn more about what makes up dentures, the process, and the adjustment period.

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What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures are made up of two different parts: the base and the replacement teeth. Here is what each of them consists of:

• Base: The base is the foundational structure of the replacement teeth. It can be made from a variety of different materials, like acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. Acrylic is the most commonly used material because it can be easily tailored to match your gum tissue, leaving you with a natural appearance.
• Teeth: The replacement teeth are usually made from resin or porcelain because both of them appear similar to tooth enamel – even in the way that they reflect light. However, porcelain is a more popular option for full dentures because it’s more durable.

The Dentures Creation Process

Dentures are customized for each patient. This requires multiple steps to achieve accurate results. Here is a general overview of what you can expect:

1. Your dentist will begin by taking measurements of your jaw and impressions of your upper and lower gums. This is used to make a plaster model of the mouth. It will be used to ensure that the final denture fits as it should.
2. The model is sent to the dental laboratory. This is where your dentures will be made. First, your replacement teeth are set in place using a device called an “articulator.” Adjustments are then made by a lab technician.
3. The wax dentures are sent back to your dentist for a fitting. If everything is in order, they are returned to the laboratory for the final steps.
4. After the dentures are back at the lab, the wax needs to be replaced with acrylic. To do this, the lab technician places the dentures into a flask. Plaster is poured into the flask to maintain the shape of the dentures. Then, the entire flask is placed in hot water to melt the wax.
5. The plaster is carefully removed from the dentures using dental tools. The dentures are placed into an ultrasonic bath to wash away the rest of the plaster.
6. Excess acrylic is cut from the dentures. Then they are polished to perfection!
7. Now that your dentures are finished, they are sent back to your dentist. At this time, you will return to the dental office to try them on. If you and your dentist are pleased with the results, you can leave the practice showing off your new, completed smile!

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

After receiving your dentures, you might experience some soreness, but this is completely normal and isn’t something to worry about. Temporary discomfort is common as one adjusts to their new prosthetic. After some time, your dentures will start to feel more and more natural. When you first get your dentist, it is a good idea to stick to softer foods and exercise your facial muscles. If discomfort persists or worsens, give us a call so we can help!

Benefits of Dentures

Whether it’s due to a lack of experience or a social stigma that has been placed upon them, many patients are unsure about dentures. Severe tooth loss can be difficult to deal with, so it’s important to open your mind to every option. Dentures offer many great benefits that can not only restore the look and function of your smile, but also your quality of life. If you’re curious about what dentures from Erin M. Prach, DDS can do for you, continue reading below!

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Psychological Benefits

Teeth are a part of you, so when you start to lose them, it can be emotionally difficult to process. Internally, this can lead to feelings of inadequacy, decreased self-esteem, and more prevalent anxiety. Externally, patients who lose their teeth become more withdrawn from social situations and can sometimes appear more standoffish. By preserving your smile with dentures, you can restore your confidence and feel more relaxed, alleviating stress and giving yourself peace of mind.

Clearer Enunciation

Your teeth play a significant role in helping you form words and speak properly. The more of your pearly whites you lose, the harder this process becomes due to decreased control. It’s not uncommon for patients with multiple missing teeth to develop a lisp, slurred speech, a whistle, or a mumbling habit. Dentures can fill in for your missing teeth, restoring your ability to communicate effectively by preventing speech impediments.

Improves Nutrition

Many patients will give up on eating certain foods when they become too difficult to chew. Not only does it decrease the enjoyment of eating, but it can also lead to digestive issues like acid reflux or indigestion. A lack of a balanced diet can cause nutritional deficiencies over time, leading to feelings of weakness, more brittle bones, and even more rapid tooth loss. This is one of the most important benefits of dentures: the ability to eat delicious and nutritious foods without apprehension.

Preserves Oral Health

It may not seem obvious at first, but tooth loss has a profound effect on your oral health. The gaps left behind become traps for bacteria and food particles, increasing your risk for cavities and gum disease. In addition, your teeth will slowly shift over time, causing more rapid wear and tear on your smile as well as bite misalignments. Dentures prevent all of this by filling the gaps and preserving the alignment of your healthy teeth.

Expands Opportunity

Your smile is one of the first things people around you will notice. This goes for clients, employers, and coworkers as well! Whether you have a front-facing career in sales, give presentations regularly, or are gunning for a promotion, a beautiful smile will give you an advantage. Recent studies have shown multiple times that a great smile can make you look smarter, more attractive, and more approachable. These are key traits for success in any career, and dentures can help you achieve them!

Dentures Aftercare

Whether you’ve lost some or all of your adult teeth, dentures are a versatile solution that can restore your smile’s functionality and appearance. However, regardless of how many natural teeth you have left, it’s still important to maintain regular dental appointments. Every 6 months, you should schedule a checkup and cleaning with our team to ensure your gums and remaining teeth stay healthy and strong.

You’ll also need to care for your restoration properly to capitalize on its many benefits. Continue reading below to learn more about how to keep your dentures in good shape, and feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.

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Removable Dentures

Remove After Eating

Once you’ve been fitted with artificial teeth, you’ll be able to chew food more normally, which allows you to enjoy all your favorite meals. After you’ve eaten, it’s a good idea to take your dentures out and gently rinse them under running water to get rid of any leftover bits of food and bacteria. This can prevent residue or plaque from forming, which keeps gum disease at bay. Remember to use cool water because high temperatures can warp the acrylic, so your they no longer fit.

Clean Your Restoration

You should also take your prosthetics out twice daily to thoroughly scrub them. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of mild dish soap to avoid abrading the materials. Then, gently brush all the surfaces, making sure to reach into any grooves to remove germs, particles, and any adhesive if you use it.

If you’re going to bed, leave your dentures in a glass of water or a soaking solution overnight so they retain their shape. Otherwise, rinse them, reinsert them, and continue with your day!

Keep Your Dentures Safe

Your restoration can become quite slippery during cleanings, which can lead to unforeseen accidents. If it’s dropped or falls to the floor, it can become chipped, cracked, or fractured. To protect your prosthetics from accidents, try placing a towel underneath you when you wash them. Also, they should be stored out of the reach of small children or animals who might not know how to handle them correctly.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

It takes about a month to adjust to wearing dentures, but once you do, it’s not uncommon to forget that you’re wearing them. You might accidentally fall asleep with them in your mouth if you do. Unfortunately, this can cause sores because your gums don’t get a break from the constant pressure of supporting your artificial teeth.

You should place them in a container with water to ensure that they don’t dry out while you’re asleep. You can also use a special cleaning solution that kills up to 99% of germs overnight.

Notice Change

Paying attention to your dental condition ensures that you’ll notice changes that might indicate an underlying issue. For example, if you develop swollen or red gums, you might be seeing early signs of gum disease that need to be addressed.

Also, pay attention to what your dentures look and feel like. That way, you’re more likely to notice small cracks or fractures that need to be fixed. Don’t attempt to repair them at home; many household products can damage your teeth or are toxic if ingested. If your restoration is loose or clicking, please let us know so we can address any imperfections.

All-on-4 Dentures

Some patients have dentures that are anchored by dental implants that can’t be removed without professional intervention. To keep these artificial teeth in good condition, you should brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Steer clear of options with baking soda or stain-removing agents that are ineffective and could harm them.

If you want something to clear the space between your gums and your restoration, you can try using a sulcus brush. These are 1/3 the width of standard options and are angled to be able to reach into spaces that are harder to access. You can also invest in a water flosser for a more thorough cleaning.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Dentures offer one of the most cost-effective ways to address extensive tooth loss. Of course, their price can vary. During your consultation, our team will be able to provide you with some specific numbers; we do not want you to run into any unpleasant surprises when you are paying for your treatment. We will also be happy to talk to you about your payment options, such as insurance and financing.

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Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

A few factors that can have a bearing on the cost of dentures include:

• Preparatory treatments. Some patients require tooth extractions, gum disease therapy or other services before they can move forward with dentures.
• The materials used. The acrylic and/or porcelain used to construct your prosthetic can have a significant impact on its total price.
• The type of denture. Partial, full, and implant dentures all come at different price points.

If you ever come across a deal for “bargain” denture, be wary — remember, you get what you pay for! People who get low-quality dentures are rarely satisfied with their prosthetic.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures cost more than their conventional counterparts. Their higher price is due to the extra time, effort, materials, and skill level required during the treatment process. Despite their cost, many patients view them as an excellent value due to the many benefits they offer. Not only do they have the potential to last much longer than traditional dentures, but they also offer remarkable stability and aesthetics. Their longevity might even make them more affordable in the long run than a traditional prosthetic that would have to be replaced every 5 – 7 years.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Yes, it is very common for dental insurance to cover dentures. They are usually classified as a major procedure, so around 50% of their cost may be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. Many patients are able to save hundreds of dollars or more out-of-pocket by using their insurance. Our team can help you navigate your benefits and use them in the most advantageous way possible.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

In addition to insurance, there is another useful provision that might help you to afford your new teeth: financing. We are partnered with CareCredit, a third-party lender that provides zero-interest and low-interest payment plans for dental services. The application process is fast, and most patients are approved for an installment amount that works with their budget.

Would you like to learn more about dentures and their cost? Our team is ready and eager to answer your questions! Get in touch with us today to book your personalized consultation.

Denture Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have more questions about full or partial dentures in Casper? We have answers! Our expert staff has pulled together some of the most common questions we hear from patients about dentures and partials in this handy FAQ section. If you still have questions or concerns after reading the information below – or are ready to get started on restoring your smile – do not hesitate to call our dental office and schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Erin Prach.