Dentures and Partials - Dallas, TX

Effects of Missing Teeth

Teeth are very strong, but they aren’t completely indestructible. The most common causes behind missing teeth include tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are a variety of negative health effects that you can experience from tooth loss, including facial sagging, difficulty speaking, trouble eating, and lower self-esteem. By replacing your missing teeth with dentures, you can improve all of these areas, therefore positively influencing your quality of life.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Dentures are ideal for patients who have experienced significant tooth loss. People who get dentures must also be committed to their dental health routine and willing to properly care for their dentures and smile. The number of teeth you are missing will determine which type of dentures is ideal for you. One of the great things about dentures is the fact that they are more affordable than other tooth replacement options, like dental implants. This makes them a good option for patients who are on a budget.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If you don’t make a good candidate for dentures or they don’t seem to be up your alley, you may want to consider other tooth replacement options, like dental bridges or implants. Here is what each one consists of:

• Dental Bridges: Dental bridges “bridge” the gap with a replacement tooth using dental crowns on the adjacent tooth. This is ideal for patients who are only missing one or a few teeth. This method requires healthy teeth surrounding the missing tooth/teeth to support the bridge.
• Dental Implants: A dental implant is a screw-like post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. This requires that the patient has a solid bone structure. This option is more costly than traditional dentures, but it’s permanent. 

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

When calculating the cost of dentures in Dallas, there are several factors you must take into consideration. Some of those include:

• Any preliminary dental work needed before getting dentures (i.e., extractions, gum disease therapy, etc.)
• Number of teeth you’re missing
• Type of acrylic used for the base (the part that’s dyed to match your gum tissue)
• Materials your replacement teeth will be made of (usually acrylic or porcelain)

Patients on a budget may be tempted to choose more affordable dentures. However, that’s not considered ideal. Just because they’re cheaper doesn’t mean they’re worth having! They may break easily or require replacement much sooner than anticipated, which is why it’s always best to invest in a higher-quality solution. For something that’ll get used every day, you want it to be worth every penny!

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, but for a very good reason. Implant dentures require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants. Since the titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone, they’re more reliable for day-to-day use because you don’t have to worry about your artificial teeth moving out of place. Plus, dental implants help stimulate the jawbone, providing you with increased biting strength and longevity. Unlike traditional dentures, you can also enjoy your newly rebuilt smile for decades with proper care and maintenance!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Most dental insurance plans offer coverage for dentures because they’re considered a major procedure. In many cases, you can expect your policy to cover around 50% of the total cost. Of course, the exact percentage will vary based on your unique plan. That’s why it’s incredibly important to confirm the details of your coverage with your insurance provider before committing to anything. Our team is more than happy to help with that step if needed! We’ll do what we can to maximize your benefits and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Don’t have dental insurance? No problem! You can sign up for in-house savings plan to save money on your treatment. For one low annual fee, you can get all the preventive dental care you need and enjoy sizeable discounts on other services like dentures. Additionally, we offer third-party financing through CareCredit and Sunbit to help you save even more money. These programs allow you to split up the total cost of your treatment into smaller monthly installments. Best of all, most plans come with little-to-no interest attached! Should you have any questions about these financing options, don’t hesitate to contact our office and ask for more information. We’re always happy to help!

Can I Have My Teeth Extracted and Get Dentures the Same Day?

Before we fit you with dentures, it’s important that your mouth is healthy. Sometimes, this may involve extracting damaged, weakened, or decayed teeth. While you’ll likely be anxious to have your teeth replaced right away, it’s essential that we give your mouth enough time to heal before starting the denture process. Not only will this make wearing dentures more comfortable for you, but it will ensure that your dentures fit properly and securely. Typically, you’ll need to wait a few weeks after having teeth extracted to get dentures.

Is It Painful to Get Dentures?

Once you have your new dentures, it’s normal to experience some minor discomfort. After all, your mouth, jaws, and gums need to adjust to the presence of this new restoration in your mouth. While you may feel some soreness at first, it should naturally go away on its own over time. In the meantime, you can keep your smile comfortable by eating soft foods, taking smaller bites, chewing evenly on both sides of your mouth, and enjoying cold foods and drinks. If needed, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed on the label, but remember, this should not be a long-term solution. If your dentures continue to bother you, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We may be able to adjust them to make sure you’re comfortable.

Can you Eat Anything with Dentures?

Dentures allow you to eat a full, nutritious diet once again. However, it is important to note that it will take some time to get used to eating with dentures. At first, you should stick to a diet of soft foods. As you begin to feel more confident in your chewing abilities, you can gradually add in harder, crunchier, and stickier foods. While the time this process takes is different for everyone, it typically takes about a month. Then, you should be able to eat almost anything!

Are Dentures Expensive?

Dentures are extremely customized, so there is no set price for them. Many factors go into their final cost, including the size of your denture, materials used, the need for preliminary treatments, and if it’s being anchored in place with dental implants. If you have dental insurance, you can likely expect your policy to cover your dentures as a “major procedure/restoration” which typically earns it 50% coverage. We are an insurance-friendly practice and will always work to ensure your benefits are being maximized. For uninsured patients, we also offer our own in-house dental membership plan as well as several affordable financing options.