Dentures – Wilton Manors, FL
Specially Designed to Renew Your Smile
Tooth loss is a common problem that millions of Americans face throughout the country. Approximately 178 million people are missing at least one tooth while 40 million are missing all of their teeth! The good news is that this doesn’t mean that you need to go the rest of your life with gaps in your smile. At Island City Dental, we offer high-quality, personalized dentures in Wilton Manors. By working with a local dental laboratory, restorations are specially designed to renew your smile. To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact our office!
Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Dentures are an excellent choice for people who are missing anywhere from a few to all of their teeth. This way, daily tasks, like eating, speaking, and smiling, are no longer made difficult. Depending on the number of teeth that you’re missing and where they’re located in the mouth, a customized plan can be created just for you. If you have any existing oral health issues, like gum disease or tooth decay, these need to be treated and completely eliminated ahead of time. Our number one priority is your oral health!
How Dentures Are Made
If you’re considering replacing your missing teeth with an effective solution, then dentures may be the cost-effective treatment you’re looking for. While you can benefit from these prosthetics, you’ll want to know what to expect from the procedure before jumping on board. Understanding how they’re created may provide you with even more reasons to appreciate them. Whether you need a partial, full, or immediate one, our team can help renew your smile. Here’s how dentures are made and what you can expect.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Your dentures will be made up of two main components:
- Denture base – This gum-colored foundation provides the support your new teeth will need. The base can be constructed out of different materials like acrylic, resin, nylon, porcelain, or even metal. That said, most full dentures are made from acrylic due to their ability to match your natural gum tissue.
- Prosthetic teeth – Most artificial teeth are made of resin or porcelain due to their appearance matching natural enamel. Porcelain, however, is the more popular choice because it’s durable and longer-lasting.
The Denture Creation Process
Most denture processes take several weeks to a few months to complete. One of the first steps your dentist will make is to take impressions of your smile, which will allow us to make a mold of your mouth so that your prosthetics will be the proper shape and size.
We’ll then have this mold sent to a trusted dental lab for fabrication. Your prosthetic teeth will usually be made of acrylic resin or porcelain and placed in the wax replica of your gums. The technician will shape the wax to match your exact gum line with a special device. Once finished, this replica will be sent to us for a fitting. If this mock-up is approved, we’ll send it back for finalization.
The technician will then boil the dentures by placing them in a flask, using plaster to maintain the custom shape of the prosthetics. They’ll make holes in the artificial teeth to attach them to the material. Any extra wax will be trimmed and cut before the dentures are molded to perfection. The dental lab will send the final product to our office once they’ve completed your new teeth.
You’ll come back to our practice for a final fitting. We’ll make any necessary changes to your prosthetics to ensure they’re well-fitted, functional, and comfortable. Once we’ve confirmed that you’re satisfied with your results, you’ll be free to enjoy your renewed smile.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
The first time you wear your dentures, you might expect to experience some mild discomfort for several days while your mouth gets used to them. This may involve soreness in the gums as well as difficulty in eating and speaking. Fortunately, with some time and practice, this should only be temporary and your replacement teeth should begin to feel more natural. Here are several ways that you can make this adjustment process smoother:
- Use a small amount of denture adhesive
- Stick to eating softer foods at the beginning
- Exercise your facial muscles every day
Types of Dentures
There are a few different types of dentures out there to cater to a variety of different needs. During your consultation with us, we’ll determine which of the following is ideal for you:
Partial Dentures
This option is great for those patients who have some healthy teeth remaining. A partial denture fits with surrounding teeth like a piece of a puzzle and is secured with inconspicuous clasps or brackets. This way, missing teeth in different locations of the mouth can be replaced with a single restoration.
Full Dentures
This traditional option replaces the entire row of teeth on the upper or lower arch. Instead of being held in by clasps, traditional dentures are held in by the shape and natural suction of your mouth. Designed according to your unique measurements, needs, and preferences, traditional dentures look similar to natural teeth.
Implant Dentures
Held in place by strategically placed dental implants, this option eliminates slipping, clicking, and the need for adhesives or clasps. Implant dentures also stimulate the jawbone, reducing the amount of deterioration that a patient experiences over time. The additional stability provided by the implants allows patients to regain up to 70% or more of their natural chewing power. Implant dentures are also designed to last for many decades, so you won’t need to worry about having them relined, repaired, or replaced.
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures can be lifechanging for people who have suffered from tooth loss. Here are just some of the benefits you can expect to experience.
- Improves speaking ability
- Prevents movement of surrounding teeth.
- Increases confidence
- Covered by most dental insurance plans
- Easily removed for cleaning
- Natural appearance
- Supports facial muscles
- Allows for easy chewing
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
The price of dentures will vary based on a variety of factors, including the type of denture that you choose, the number of teeth you’re missing, and the condition of your oral health. We want to give you peace of mind and confidence throughout the entire process, which is why we’ve included important information on the cost of dentures in Wilton Manors below!
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
There are three main variables to consider when discussing the price of dentures:
- Preparation: Do you need teeth extracted or gum disease therapy? Your preparatory treatments will add to your cost, however they are important for your oral health, and they will positively impact the longevity of your new smile.
- Base material: The gum-colored base of dentures can be made of various types of acrylics, which will impact your total price. It’s important that this material matches the natural color of your gums.
- Replacement teeth: The teeth attached to your dentures will also influence their cost. Your replacement teeth can be made of porcelain or acrylic. Our dentures are designed to be beautiful and lifelike.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
While implant dentures come with a higher cost compared to traditional ones, their unique advantages are well worth it. Dental implants secure the denture to the jaw, creating a smile that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural grin. This means you can enjoy all your favorite foods while also speaking and smiling with total confidence. Implants also stimulate the jawbone to prevent it from shrinking, which allows you to enjoy a more youthful facial appearance. Additionally, because dental implants can last for decades with proper care, they actually pay for themselves by helping you avoid replacements and the cost that comes with them.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Yes! The good news is that most insurance plans consider dentures in Wilton Manors as a major procedure so you can expect around 50% of the cost covered. However, no two plans are the same, which is why you should speak with your provider to see what your specific benefits are. Our friendly front desk team is always happy to communicate directly with your insurance provider to make sure we can maximize your savings. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us and learn more.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
If you don’t have insurance coverage, there is no need to worry! At Island City Dental, we are committed to affordable, quality dentistry. That’s why we proudly offer our own in-house dental membership plan. With this option, you can choose to pay in small monthly fees or a simple annual payment to enjoy serious savings! Our membership plan includes 15% off procedures completed at our practice, which is a deal that insurance would never offer.
Dentures Aftercare
Some people assume they don’t have to visit the dentist anymore once all of their natural teeth have been replaced by dentures. But dentists do more than treat cavities; they also keep an eye out for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues. If you want to ensure that any problems in your mouth are caught as early as possible, you should continue to make regular trips to the dentist.
Naturally, you don’t have to worry about dentures getting cavities or becoming infected. However, there are a few steps you do need to take if you want to keep your new prosthesis in great shape.
Removable Dentures
Remove After Eating
Once you’ve enjoyed a delicious meal with your dentures, you need to get rid of any food particles that were left behind so that they don’t cause problems. Find a sink so that you can rinse off your dentures. Be sure to handle them with care; you don’t want to damage them by accident. Also, heat can warp dentures, so make sure that the water you use is cool or lukewarm.
Clean Your Restoration
You should set up a routine for cleaning your dentures. First, take them out of your mouth. Then, brush the entire prosthesis using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Toothpaste is too abrasive for this particular job, so use something gentler like unscented hand soap. The last step should be to rinse the dentures off; do not put them back in your mouth until you’re sure that all the cleaning materials are gone.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
Even a denture made out of the highest quality material available can break if you drop it or handle it too roughly. You therefore need to be very careful when removing your dentures. It’s recommended that you keep a towel under your head so that your dentures will have a safe place to land should you end up fumbling them.
Younger children and pets could easily end up damaging your dentures by accident. As such, you should always make sure that your dentures are stored somewhere safe whenever you’re not wearing them.
Remove Dentures When You Sleep
Dentures are not meant to be worn 24 hours a day. Keeping them in your mouth for too long could accelerate bone loss in your jaw and irritate your gums. Also, bacteria can breed in the space underneath your dentures, which can lead to all kinds of health issues – including an increased risk for pneumonia. There’s no need to take any unnecessary risks; give your mouth a break by taking your dentures out every night.
Notice Changes
Trying to wear a broken or ill-fitting denture could lead to further problems. As such, if you notice signs of damage, or if your denture has started shifting around, let us know immediately so that we can make the necessary repairs (or start the process of replacing the denture if necessary).
Denture FAQs
Dentures in Wilton Manors are a trusted solution for treating significant tooth loss. Although they are supported by decades of success, it’s normal to have some concerns before making the investment. Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to ease any apprehensions.
Can I sleep with my dentures?
Your denture dentist in Wilton Manors will instruct you to wear your new set of teeth for a full 24 hours after receiving them. After the first day, get in the habit of taking them out before calling it a night. No one wants to be caught without their teeth, but your oral and general health relies on their nightly removal. Your mouth is dark and moist, which is the perfect environment for bad oral bacteria that can lead to infections, including those affecting the lungs. Removing your dentures before bed allows you to clean your mouth and prosthetics to control bacteria. It also prevents unpleasant odors and extends the lifespan of your denture. You will also give your gums time to rest because your dentures will restrict blood circulation. Your tissues will get the necessary nutrients to avoid sores, irritation, and infections. Besides brushing your dentures before heading to bed, don’t forget to soak them in a nightly solution to kill any bacteria left behind by your toothbrush.
What qualifies you for dentures?
If you have severely damaged or missing teeth, you may be a candidate for dentures. Several types of dentures are available, depending on your needs, like a partial. Patients who have a few healthy teeth can benefit from a partial to fill the spaces of those they’ve lost for a complete smile. A full denture is used to treat an entire arch of missing teeth. It rests on top of the gum tissue and is held in place using suction or an adhesive. As an alternative to traditional prosthetics, patients with sufficient bone density can benefit from implant dentures. Dental implant posts are placed into the jawbone to anchor your denture in place.
Do upper dentures always cover the palate?
Dentures come in many styles, including palate-less options. Upper dentures that cover the roof of the mouth can diminish the way food tastes. Not to mention, some patients are concerned about potential discomfort. If you are concerned about either issue, you can benefit from a horseshoe-shaped solution. It looks like a denture used with dental implants or for the lower arch. Your dentist will explain all your options during your denture consultation.
Do I use toothpaste to clean my denture?
Your dentist recommends using mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your new teeth. You can also purchase OTC cleaning kits designed for denture wearers. Abrasive dental products can cause tiny scratches on your denture, which can affect their appearance and life expectancy. Bacteria and plaque can get trapped in the small crevasses, leading to odors. Besides daily brushing, use a nightly soaking solution.