Dentures – Phoenix, AZ
Restoring All of Your Missing Teeth
The gaps in your smile are not your biggest concern when your teeth are missing (although they can be embarrassing); your diet will be more limited, and people may have a harder time understanding you when you talk. Dr. Jafari and Dr. Ferreira are here to make sure that you don’t have to live with missing teeth any longer than necessary. The dentures are very lifelike and can improve the function of your smile. Call us to learn more about this time-tested way to replace lost teeth!
Why Choose Bell Road Dental Care of Phoenix for Dentures?
- Prosthetic Teeth Made from Lifelike, Long-Lasting Materials
- Entire Dental Implant Procedure Performed In-House
- Comfortable, Privately-Owned Office
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
You don’t necessarily need to be missing all your teeth to be considered a candidate for dentures; they can still be a good option if you ever find yourself with multiple gaps in your grin. Though not everyone is a good fit for dentures, almost anyone can be! Because of their versatility and their ease of access, millions of Americans choose them to treat tooth loss every year. But what makes a good candidate for dentures at Bell Road Dental Care of Phoenix? Continue reading below to find out.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Missing teeth affect more than just your appearance. The longer you wait to replace them, the greater the risk for irreversible damage to your other teeth and jawbone. Tooth roots are the main source of stimulation for the jawbone, keeping it strong and dense. The more teeth you have missing, the weaker the bone becomes, shrinking over time.
Tooth loss from accidents and severe decay can cause teeth to shift, changing the way your pearly whites fit together. This can cause damaged enamel, bruxism (teeth grinding), and contribute to temporomandibular joint pain. So, there are many reasons not to wait, even if you’re young. Dentures aren’t only for seniors!
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Anyone with healthy gums and sufficient density in their jawbone can get dentures. They are an adaptable treatment, so it doesn’t matter how many teeth you’re missing or where. Whether you have a few in different places or have lost a whole dental arch, there's a prosthetic that can help restore your smile.
To truly determine what’s best for you, the process begins with a consultation. Our team will assess your oral health, talk about your goals and expectations, and walk through your finances to get a better picture of your situation. With this information in hand, we can find the best solution for your needs.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
If, after your consultation, you decide that dentures aren’t a great fit for your goals, your dentist will recommend other options. Dental bridges and implants are two great examples of alternative tooth replacements.
- Dental Bridge: For patients only missing a couple of consecutive teeth, bridges offer an economical option. Your dentist will first shape healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Next, crowns supporting a false tooth (pontic) are placed over the shaped teeth and bonded in place. This creates a single prosthetic that blends seamlessly into your smile.
- Dental Implants: These are titanium posts surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as anchor points for prosthetics. You’ll need a healthy jawbone to support implants, but they are the strongest tooth replacement available and even keep your jawbone from degrading over time!
If you’re ready to give dentures a chance, contact us at Bell Road Dental Care of Phoenix to schedule your consultation.
Types of Dentures
If we decide dentures are a good fit for you, one of the first things we’ll need to determine is the kind you should get. Major factors usually include the number of teeth missing and your candidacy for dental implant surgery. Based on our findings, we will suggest one of the following options.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when only some of the teeth are missing, and as such they can come in different shapes and sizes. They fit neatly in the gaps that need to be filled, and they use clasps to stay in place.
Full Dentures
Full dentures will be recommended if you have already lost all of your teeth or if you only have a few teeth left (which will need to be extracted before you receive your prosthesis). Full dentures don’t have clasps; instead, natural suction keeps them seated on the gums.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are in no danger of slipping since they’re attached to implant posts anchored to your jaw. And unlike traditional dentures, they can help prevent bone loss. The number of implants needed for dentures depends on the situation; for example, full dentures might require four to eight implant posts.
The Benefits of Dentures
- Trying to chew certain foods while your teeth are missing can be painful. With dentures, you can enjoy a more varied diet without discomfort.
- Each denture is made to look natural in the patient’s specific mouth. The result is a smile that you can be proud to show off.
- For many patients, dentures are a worthwhile investment because they can last a long time – often around 10 years or longer with good maintenance.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
You’ll want to learn dentures’ price before you commit to them. (You can’t buy a treatment if it’s outside your price range.) However, note that the cost of dentures varies by patient. You can only get a precise estimate by consulting our dentists. From there, our dental team will strive to make your dentures affordable. We’ll thus explain your treatment’s cost factors and payment options. To learn more, just keep reading or call us soon.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
Before you get dentures, our office will perform an oral exam. Doing so lets us review factors that affect your dentures’ cost. These elements are:
- Preparatory Work – In some cases, a patient needs preliminary services before getting dentures. (Such procedures can span tooth removal, gum disease therapy, etc.) Your expenses will rise if you require such things.
- Acrylic Base Type – Denture bases use varying kinds of acrylic. Depending on the type, your prosthetics may be inexpensive or costly.
- Replacement Teeth Material – Artificial denture teeth use acrylic or porcelain. The cost is low with acrylic ones, but the results are short-lived. Meanwhile, porcelain teeth get pricey but last longer.
Along with the points above, remember: low-cost dentures aren’t good. These kinds tend to use inferior acrylic and poor tooth materials. That being said, ensure your chosen dentures are high quality.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
In terms of upfront price, implant dentures do cost more. Even so, the restorations have upsides that justify their price.
Firstly, implant dentures rely on dental implants. The latter objects are set in your jaw and slowly fuse with it once placed. Over time, they’ll make the denture permanent and keep it from slipping or falling. You’ll then attain a grin that blends seamlessly with adjacent teeth.
Plus, an implant denture is a good investment. Its implants can last for over 30 years with good care. In other words, its lifespan often goes past those of other options. (A regular denture only lasts for 5-7 years.) Thus, an implant denture doesn’t need as many repair or replacement visits. It’ll save you money otherwise spent on follow-up care.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
As a matter of fact, yes – dental insurance does cover dentures. Most plans see the restorations as necessary for tooth loss. Therefore, they usually cover up to 50% of a denture’s cost.
All that said, there are exceptions. A given dental plan may have limited coverage or none at all. To compensate, confirm your benefits before treatment. Our dental team will gladly help you do so.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
Besides insurance, there are other ways to make dentures affordable. Notable ones are a practice’s payment options. With the right kind, your final dentures won’t break the bank.
For instance, just look at Bell Road Dental Care. We offer:
- In-House Savings Plans – For an annual fee, our practice will give you (among other things) 20% off of denture treatment.
- Flexible Financing – Our office works with CareCredit, a reputable third-party financier. Through them, you could pay for dentures in monthly installments.
In the end, our office wants to give you effective and budget-friendly dentures. Find out how to finance them by visiting our practice in the coming days.
Dentures FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Get Dentures?
Unlike dental crowns and bridges, which usually only take a few weeks to fabricate, getting dentures involves a more intricate process with at least one or two fittings. Also, if you are getting implant dentures, the overall process requires a longer preliminary stage. As a result, the timeline varies greatly from patient to patient. It could take anywhere between a month and a year to complete treatment. During your consultation, we can give you a clearer timeline based on your individual needs.
Does Getting Dentures Hurt?
No, the process of restoring your smile doesn’t hurt. You may experience some slight discomfort at certain stages, such as if you need a tooth extraction or when implants are placed. Also, there is a temporary adjustment period when you first wear your new dentures where you need some time to get used to your new teeth. However, there shouldn’t be any pain. If you do experience it or any other unpleasant symptoms at any point, let us know.
Are There Diet Restrictions for Dentures?
With traditional or implant dentures, you may eat basically whatever your bite can handle. For many patients with normal dentures, tough or hard foods (such as steak or corn on the cob) must be cut up into small pieces to make chewing easier and digestion more comfortable. Over time, you may find it more challenging to eat, which is a sign that your dentures need to be adjusted or replaced. With implant dentures, however, you should be able to eat anything you like.
How Long Do Dentures Last?
The length of time your dentures last depends in part on how well you take care of them and which type of denture you get. With the right maintenance, traditional dentures usually last between 5 and 7 years before needing replacement. Keep in mind that periodic adjustments may be necessary in the meantime. Implant dentures, on the other hand, can last for decades. We’ll do everything we can to extend your dentures’ lifespan and keep your smile healthy and confident.