Dentures – Edmond, OK
The Tried-and-True Answer to Tooth Loss
Did you know that more than 120 million Americans are missing teeth? So, if you have gaps in your smile, you’re certainly not alone. The good news is that you can leave the adverse effects, like difficulty chewing, in the past thanks to dentures in Edmond! This tried-and-true answer to tooth loss has come a long way over the last few dentures, making them more lifelike and long-lasting than ever before. If you’re interested in exploring this popular restorative dentistry solution, get in touch with our team or read on!
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
If you’re interested in dentures but are unsure if you are a good candidate, don’t fret. Thanks to advancements in dentistry, nearly everyone is. During your initial consultation, our skilled dentist in Edmond, Dr. Crowley, will learn about your lifestyle habits, assess your oral health, and ask you questions about your smile goals. With this information, he will be able to determine if you qualify. Until then, here are some things to take into consideration.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Tooth enamel is the strongest material in the entire body. However, it isn’t completely indestructible. Teeth become damaged in a variety of different ways, like through tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma to the mouth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are numerous negative side effects of tooth loss, like facial sagging, difficulty speaking, trouble eating, and low self-confidence. By replacing your missing teeth with dentures, you can improve all of these areas, positively impacting your quality of life.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Dentures are a great solution for people who are missing several, most of, or all of their teeth. Depending on the number of teeth that you are missing and where they are located in the mouth. Our team can put together a customized treatment plan to meet your needs. It is important that you have good oral health before you can get dentures, so any existing dental issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, need to be eliminated beforehand. Once your existing teeth and gums are looking good, we can move on to planning the rest of the process.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
Don’t think dentures are the right option for you? You could benefit from a different tooth replacement option that we offer. Here are the ones that are available:
- Dental Bridge: A dental bridge works by “bridging” the gap in your smile with a replacement tooth. The replacement tooth, also called a “pontic,” is supported by two dental crowns that are placed on the adjacent teeth. This is ideal for those whoa re only missing one or a few consecutive teeth.
- Dental Implants: A dental implant is a titanium, screw-like post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. This requires that the patient has a healthy jawbone. Dental implants have a higher upfront cost, but they are made to last for many decades or even the rest of your life.
Types of Dentures
“Dentures” is often used as an all-encompassing term. However, there are actually multiple types! Here’s what you need to know about each:
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures (often referred to as just “partials”) are – as the name suggests – partial. This type is perfect for patients in Edmond who are suffering from moderate tooth loss but still have a few of their natural teeth intact too. This restoration uses a gum-colored base to anchor the necessary replacement teeth and holds them in place with a discreet metal framework.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, on the other hand, are ideal for patients who are missing all of their teeth. The gum-colored base and custom-made prosthetic teeth are held in place with natural suction, denture adhesive, or a mixture of the too. Not only are they incredibly lifelike in look and feel, but they are easy to clean and can last for years with proper care.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures in Piedmont are where traditional dentures and state-of-the-art dental implants meet. Instead of using a metal framework or natural suction for support, this type rests on top of strong titanium posts. As a result, your jawbone will be preserved, you won’t have to worry about any slippage, and you can enjoy a 20+ year lifespan.
The Benefits of Dentures
As mentioned above, dentures have advanced significantly in recent years. Not only can they provide versatile and lifelike results for replacing missing teeth, but they can even improve other factors that are important for your everyday life. Today, patients who choose this tooth-replacement solution can enjoy numerous benefits that go beyond their smile and bite.
Psychological Benefits
Those suffering from moderate to severe tooth loss know all too well the difficulties of being able to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently. Missing some teeth or an entire arch of them can often cause people to struggle with feelings of sadness and depression, and they’re less likely to be willing to participate in social events. Dentures, however, can rebuild your lost pearly whites as well as reduce any anxieties you may feel toward your appearance, speech, chewing ability, and more. You can expect to feel more confident when showing off your new grin.
Clearer Enunciation
Teeth are crucial for being able to enunciate various sounds and words, as we typically press our tongues and lips against them. Having even one of them missing can alter your speech, which can be troubling for many when it comes to communicating with others. Fortunately, dentures are a cost-effective way to reliably renew your smile while also helping you regain the structures needed for proper speech articulation.
Improves Nutrition
Some food options can be tougher in texture, including fruits, veggies, lean meats, and other healthy choices. Not having a strong or adequate bite can make it difficult to chew on your meals, which can potentially lead to issues like malnutrition and indigestion. With dentures, you can restore the majority of your biting power so that you can expand your diet. You may even be able to introduce meals that are vitamin-dense, allowing you to improve the health of your gums and bone tissue.
Preserves Oral Health
Patients can sometimes retain some of their natural healthy teeth after tooth loss, but they can be at risk of dental shifting if left unchecked. Without sufficient tooth roots to stimulate the bone tissue, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate and weaken, which can eventually allow other teeth to move out of place to fill in the gaps. Dentures can act as placeholders, preventing any other existing teeth from shifting. Your prosthetics can also help distribute the pressure of chewing more evenly, which can help you avoid wear and tear.
Expands Opportunities
Your smile is essential for chewing and speaking, but what about first impressions? Since it’s one of the first things people notice about you, it’s clear that replacing missing teeth with dentures can give you an advantage in expanding your opportunities, both professional and social. Whether you’re preparing for a job promotion or a date, you can often expect to improve your chances of success by regaining your bite and boosting your confidence with these lifelike dental prosthetics.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Your financial situation should never stand in the way of replacing your missing teeth. Several things affect the cost of dentures because there's no one-size-fits-all prosthetic. However, we offer flexible financial options to keep a complete smile within everyone's budget. You won't have to compromise quality or aesthetics. We will create the durable, natural-looking denture you desire.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
Every mouth is as unique as fingerprints, and every situation differs. Therefore, many things can influence your estimate. During your consultation, your dentist may find certain issues that must be addressed before getting dentures. It's not unusual to require gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, or other treatments.
In addition, the quality of the materials you choose can also influence the cost. Discounted materials may save money upfront, but you may pay more in terms of comfort, aesthetics, and durability. It's best to choose high-quality materials.
The type of denture and number of arches you're treating will also affect your estimate. We will create a personalized treatment plan and review your estimate, so you'll know exactly what you'll have to pay before committing to anything.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Believe it or not, implant dentures are the most cost-effective solution to replace missing teeth. They can last for decades, so you won't need to budget for replacements every few years, like with traditional dentures. Not to mention, implant dentures offer jawbone preservation, which isn't possible using traditional prosthetics. This keeps your jaw strong and healthy to improve your oral health, so you're less likely to need costly procedures later. As the next best thing to your natural teeth, implant dentures offer priceless benefits.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Dental insurance may cover the cost of your consultation and diagnostic services for a copay. Your policy may include some of the costs for any preparatory procedures after meeting your annual deductible. Your dental insurance may pay some of the fees for your denture until reaching your annual limit. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage. A member of our dental team will explain how your benefits are being used and your payment options for any remaining balance.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
We will discuss all your payment options during your consultation, which includes:
- Traditional Payments: Our office accepts cash, personal checks, and most credit cards.
- Financing: Based on your credit approval, you may be a candidate for little or no interest in financing. You can make monthly installments on any out-of-pocket expenses using a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
- In-House Membership Plan: If you don't have dental insurance, you can benefit from discounted rates for common services by joining our in-house membership plan.
- Specials: Our office has regular promotions for select services, which we will discuss during your appointment.