Dentures – Burlington, MA

Effects of Missing Teeth

First and foremost, it’s important to understand what causes missing teeth and what can happen if you fail to replace them. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, the most common ones include tooth decay, gum disease, injury, and poor oral hygiene habits. However, there are certain systemic conditions that can also lead to multiple missing teeth.

It’s incredibly important to replace the gaps in your smile. Otherwise, you could experience several negative consequences. For example, your natural teeth can move positions to fill an empty space, your jawbone may begin to deteriorate, and your gums may start receding as well. Some other effects are facial sagging, difficulty speaking, trouble eating, and lower self-esteem.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Truthfully, almost anyone suffering from tooth loss can get dentures in Burlington. This method of tooth replacement is a great option for patients experiencing significant tooth loss, have sensitive teeth, or decay. Of course, you must also have sufficient healthy gum tissue and jawbone to ensure successful treatment.

Keep in mind that the number of teeth you’re missing can also determine which type of denture you get. There are many different ones to choose from, including full dentures, partial dentures, implant dentures, and immediate dentures. Since dentures are typically more cost-effective than other solutions, they’re a great choice for patients on a budget.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Not a good candidate for dentures? Don’t worry – you have other options to explore! Some of those include:

• Dental Bridges: Are you only missing one or a few teeth? If so, dental bridges may be the right option for you! All you need to have is healthy teeth surrounding the gap in your smile to support the bridge.
• Dental Implants: If you want a more stable solution, you can opt for dental implants! Each titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone, replacing the entire structure of missing teeth from the root up to the chewing surface. You must have adequate jawbone density to be eligible for this option. While it’s more costly than traditional dentures, it’s permanent and life-changing!

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures are made up of two different parts – the base and the replacement teeth. Here’s a closer look at each of the components:

• Denture Base: This is the foundation of the denture. It supports the replacement teeth. It can be made from a variety of materials, including acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal. Full dentures are generally made from acrylic because it can be tailored to match your natural gum tissue. Partial dentures may use metal clips with an acrylic base.
• Replacement Teeth: The artificial teeth are usually made from resin or porcelain because they both have a natural appearance. However, porcelain is most popular because it looks and feels like natural teeth. It’s also very durable. Because porcelain can be abrasive on the adjacent teeth, it’s usually only recommended for full dentures.

The Denture Creation Process

Dentures are customized for the patient’s mouth, so they require a multi-step process. Here is a step-by-step process of what this looks like:

• Step 1: Your dentist will begin by taking impressions of your upper and lower gums. This is used to create a plaster model that will act as a replica of your mouth. The model is used to make sure that the final denture is the right shape and size. Measurements of the jaw are also taken at this time.
• Step 2: The cast is then sent to the dental laboratory where the dentures will be crafted. The wax version of the gumline is created.
• Step 3: Artificial teeth are set into place. A mechanical device called an “articulator” is used to attach the teeth with wax. The technician will make minor adjustments by shaping and carving the wax to ensure that it looks like your gums. This wax base will be used for your finished dentures.
• Step 4: The wax dentures are sent to the dentist for a fitting. If approved, they are sent back to the dental lab to complete the process.
• Step 5: Once back at the lab, the technician will boil the dentures to get rid of the wax portions. To do this, the dentures are placed in a flask into which plaster is poured to maintain their shape. Then, the entire flask is placed into hot water to melt away the wax.
• Step 6: Holes are made in the teeth so the material can attach to them. A liquid separator is added to the plaster layer to stop the acrylic from sticking to it. Acrylic is then injected into the flask to replace the wax.
• Step 7: The plaster is carefully removed using special lab tools to reveal the denture. Then, the dentures are placed in an ultrasonic bath to remove any remaining plaster.
• Step 8: Excess acrylic will be cut from the denture. After trimming, the denture will be polished to perfection.
• Step 9: Now that it’s ready, the patient will return to the office for a fitting. Adjustments will be made as needed to ensure that everything works properly and smoothly.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

It is normal for patients to feel some level of discomfort when they first get their dentures. Initially, you may experience mild soreness and have some difficulty speaking and eating. With time, the mouth will adjust to the dentures, and they should feel similar to natural teeth. You can speed up this adjustment process by sticking to soft foods, exercising your facial muscles, and experimenting with adhesive.

Psychological Benefits

Missing some or all of your teeth can be incredibly difficult, both for your oral health and quality of life. Many people struggling with tooth loss can end up feeling less confident about their appearance, which can make them less willing to engage in social activities and more likely to experience sorrow and depression. With dentures, you can conveniently restore your bite with new pearly whites, allowing you to feel comfortable again showing off your beautiful grin. You’ll also be less worried about issues like chewing, speech, appearance, and more!

Clearer Enunciation

Talking becomes generally more difficult the fewer teeth you have. This is due to people usually using their tongue and lips to press against their teeth to pronounce certain sounds and words. Without all of your smile, enunciating properly can be more challenging. That’s why dentures offer an incredible natural-feeling solution for replacing your missing teeth, allowing you to speak more clearly again. You should expect a temporary adjustment period that can be quickened with practice and repetition.

Improves Nutrition

Some foods can be of tougher texture, making them harder to bite into, including healthier meals. To expand your diet, you can restore the majority of your bite with dentures. These prosthetics are lifelike and can help you regain your chewing ability, allowing you to eat fruits, vegetables, and lean meats that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to enjoy before receiving your new teeth.

Preserves Oral Health

Some patients might still have some of their existing natural teeth intact. By wearing dentures, you can effectively reduce the chance of your remaining pearly whites shifting out of place. Additionally, your prosthetics can share the pressures of chewing, meaning you can prevent the wear and tear of your healthy teeth in the long run.

Expands Opportunities

Most people look at a person’s smile when first meeting them, making a complete bite one of the crucial ways to create an impression. For this reason, those who are missing teeth can benefit greatly from dentures. Not only will they get to enjoy improved oral health and easier daily habits, but they can also expand their social and professional opportunities with a full smile!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Multiple considerations can influence the price of dentures in Burlington including:

• The type of acrylic used for the base (part that is dyed to match color of gum tissue)
• The materials your denture will be made of (usually porcelain or acrylic)
• Any work needed beforehand like tooth extractions or periodontal therapy
• The number of teeth you’re missing

If cost is the top priority, you may be tempted to opt for cheaper dentures. Even though the upfront expense is certainly lower, they tend to break easily and require replacement much sooner than you’d expect. That’s why quality should always be of utmost importance, regardless of the cost. 

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures are generally more expensive than traditional ones. However, there’s a good explanation for that. They require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants, making them more reliable for everyday use since they do not shift out of place. Many patients discover this method of tooth replacement is well worth the investment because of several tremendous benefits. Not only do implants stimulate the jawbone, but they can last decades or even a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. That means you won’t have to worry about replacing your dentures nearly as often!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dentures are considered a major procedure which is why most dental insurance plans will cover approximately 50 percent of their cost. Certainly, every policy is unique, meaning the amount of coverage provided will vary from patient to patient. If you have any questions about your plan, contact your insurance provider or ask our dental team for assistance. We will gladly review the details of your policy and do everything possible to maximize your benefits and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

We understand not everyone has dental insurance which is why we offer additional financing options to make your dental bills much easier to manage. Here’s what is available to you:

• CareCredit Financing – With this option, you can split up the total cost of your treatment into smaller, budget-friendly monthly installments. Some options even come with little-to-no interest.
• In-House Savings Plan – With this annual option, you’ll get 15 percent off all dental procedures. Also included in the price are 3-4 cleanings, exams, digital X-rays, and fluoride treatments.

Ready to begin down the path to a beautiful, complete smile? Contact us today to schedule a consultation so your denture dentist in Burlington can answer any questions you might have.

How long will my dentures last?

With routine maintenance, your dentures can last for anywhere between five and seven years before needing to be replaced. This is because your mouth will continue to change shape over the years, which can alter the way they fit. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your restorations:

• Place a towel on the counter to set them on after you clean them to keep them from slipping and landing on the floor.
• Remove and rinse your dentures after each time you eat.
• Clean your gums and existing teeth after removing your dentures.
• Brush your dentures with a soft denture brush and denture cleaner every day.
• Soak your dentures overnight.
• Schedule semi-annual checkups and cleanings with Dr. Kostas.

Will dentures affect my diet?

Going from an incomplete set of teeth to a complete one will expand your nutrition options and allow you to eat more foods. However, there are certain foods that you’ll want to avoid eating with your restoration in, including:

• Large pieces of tough meat.
• Sticky foods.
• Hard foods.
• Foods that your teeth can’t easily grind, such as nuts.

If you’re in a position where you can’t really avoid eating these foods, you can still eat them, just be mindful and try to only eat them sparingly.

Can I sleep with my dentures in?

We don’t recommend sleeping with your dentures in your mouth, because it’s important to soak them every night while you sleep to allow them to maintain their shape (this doesn’t apply to partial dentures). The moisture keeps them from shrinking and incorrectly fitting in your mouth, which allows them to function properly and be more comfortable.

How do I use a denture adhesive?

If you’re using a denture adhesive cream, it’s important to clean and thoroughly dry your restorations before starting the process of applying them to your mouth. Place small dots or strips of adhesive on your dentures, making sure not to place them too close to the edge. Position your dentures firmly in place over your gums. If the adhesive oozes out, this is a sign that you’ve used too much. One application should be enough to last you through the entire day.