Should I get dentures?
Whether it’s due to the natural aging process or dental decay, most people will likely need to consider tooth replacement options eventually. There are many options when it comes to restoring your teeth and the right choice for you will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. However, if you are missing most of your natural teeth and are looking for a budget-friendly restorative treatment, dentures might be a great way to restore your smile. Most dentures are made of a metal and acrylic framework and are custom fit to sit comfortably over your gums. Patients at A Great Smile Arizona can receive either partial or full dentures, depending on how many teeth they are looking to replace.
The Benefits of Dentures
1. AFFORDABLE
Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion, if not all, of the treatment cost.
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2. REMOVABLE
You can take your dentures out at any time to eat, drink, and sleep comfortably.
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3. EASY TO MAINTAIN
You’ll simply brush them like you would with natural teeth and soak them overnight in a special solution.
The Denture Treatment Process
1. IMPRESSIONS
After you’ve been approved for treatment, your dentist will create a custom treatment plan with you. Next, our team will take impressions of your mouth. Those impressions will be sent out to the dental lab where they will begin crafting your prosthetic. Temporary dentures may also be provided to protect your gums while you wait for your final dentures to be made.
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2. TOOTH EXTRACTIONS (IF NEEDED)
In some cases, extractions may be needed to make room for your new dentures. To begin, your dentist will numb your mouth and/or use sedation to ensure you stay comfortable throughout the procedure. After your extraction, it’s important that you get plenty of rest for at least 24 hours. Your dentist will provide detailed instructions that will help you remain comfortable and pain free while you heal.
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3. FITTING AND ADJUSTMENTS
When your dentures are complete, you will return to the office to begin the fitting process. Adjustments can be made to ensure your dentures are as comfortable and functional as possible. Plan on returning to the office for yearly checkups on your dentures, but know that a set of dentures can last you up to 10 years if you take good care of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Insurance Cover Dentures?
Dentures are a very popular restorative procedure and are relatively affordable too. Because of this, most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost of dentures. However, this all depends on your specific insurance coverage. To better understand your dental insurance benefits, we recommend contacting your provider or a member of our team today.
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Are Dentures Comfortable?
Adjusting to dentures is different for everyone. Some patients may notice some discomfort when getting used to their new set, which is perfectly normal. Before you leave our office, we will ensure that your new dentures are well-fitted to your gums to avoid any potential slipping or rubbing. In addition, caring for your dentures properly at home will help prevent damage like bending or cracking which can also contribute to discomfort.
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How Do Dentures Look?
With today’s technology and high-resolution scans and images, your dentist will create a set of custom dentures that are designed to look as close to your natural smile as possible. All dentures are molded to fit almost seamlessly to your jaw and gum line to ensure a comfortable, confident fit.
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How Long Do Dentures Last?
On average, dentures usually last about five to seven years. Your mouth is constantly changing, so your dentures will need adjustments from time to time to ensure they fit properly. We recommend annual checkups for your dentures to ensure they are in optimal condition. This will extend the longevity of your dentures so you can save money, and enjoy your smile!
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How Are Dentures Made?
Dentures are made of a metal and acrylic framework. This durable prosthetic will be created at a trusted partner lab. To begin, your doctor will create an impression or model of your teeth and gums, then send it to the lab to construct an acrylic model of your teeth according to the impressions or digital models. Once your dentures are done and we have received them, we will place them in your mouth and make adjustments so they fit just right.
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Am I A Good Candidate For Dentures?
If you are looking into dentures as an option to replace your missing teeth, the first step is to come in for a one on one consultation with your dentist. They’ll examine your mouth and determine the state of your oral health, the health of your jaw and gums, and whether dentures are right for you. They can also help guide you on alternative treatments if there’s another restorative treatment that might work better for your smile goals.