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Dentures – Lady Lake, FL

Reversing Advanced Tooth Loss

The burdens of a life without teeth – not being able to eat what you want, being too embarrassed to smile, not being able to speak clearly – will start to take their toll very quickly. Full and partial dentures give you a quick, effective solution for extensive tooth loss so that you can enjoy the benefits of a complete smile once again. Get in touch with our team at RP Dental & Implants to learn more about dentures; whether you’re just missing a few teeth or have lost a whole arch, we have the personalized solutions you need.

Why Choose RP Dental & Implants for Dentures?

What are Dentures?

Senior bearded man with glasses smiling with dentures in Lady Lake, FL

A denture is a type of restoration used to restore multiple missing teeth at once. About 90 percent of all people who have no teeth wear dentures in order to speak and eat normally. The base is made out of gum-colored material that blends in with the actual soft tissues of the mouth, and the teeth are made to be as lifelike as possible. While this type of prosthetic is often associated with older patients, the truth is that anyone with missing teeth, no matter their age, can potentially benefit from dentures.

Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Senior man in white shirt smiling in the sun

There are a few signs we might check for to make sure that you’re a candidate for dentures, but the most important qualifying factor is whether or not you have missing teeth that are in need of replacement. No matter how many teeth you have lost, dentures could potentially be the answer. Of course, we’ll never just assume that a given treatment is right for you; we’ll always perform a thorough examination of your mouth and jaw first before discussing the best way to restore your grin.

Effects of Missing Teeth

Senior woman sitting outside and smiling

There are several reasons why you might end up with multiple missing teeth. Common causes include gum disease breaking down the tissues around the tooth roots, extensive tooth decay, and physical trauma such as a blow to the mouth. Regardless of the cause, you need to quickly put together a plan for dealing with your incomplete smile.

You could always choose not to have your teeth replaced, but this decision can have serious consequences. You may find it difficult, if not impossible, to eat certain foods, and other people may have trouble understanding you when you talk. Tooth loss can also increase your chances of experiencing depression or anxiety; at the very least, the gap in your grin will likely leave you feeling less than completely confident.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Gloved hand holding dentures in Lady Lake, FL

Dentures have come a long way, and they remain highly popular among people who have lost multiple teeth. You may be able to get dentures if:

  • Many of your teeth were knocked out of your jaw in an accident.
  • Tooth decay, gum disease, or another oral health issue has forced you to have most or all of your teeth extracted.
  • You have an overall healthy mouth with gums and a jawbone that can support new teeth.

Contact our office if you’re interested in pursuing dentures. In addition to confirming that you qualify for them, we can also determine the type of denture (full, partial, or implant) that you should get based on the specifics of your situation.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Senior woman with light pink shirt smiling

What happens if you find out that you’re not a viable candidate for dentures? Our team can review your other tooth-replacement options with you to see if one of them might be a better fit for your smile.

  • Dental Bridges: Sometimes a single gap in your smile can be filled with a dental bridge made up of a pair of crowns and at least one pontic (prosthetic tooth). A bridge is only an option if the teeth next to the gap are still strong enough to support it.
  • Dental Implants: You won’t have to worry about your replacement teeth slipping if they’re attached to dental implants. To make the process of replacing your teeth with implants easier, we can complete the entire procedure in-office.

Types of Dentures

Man in white shirt holding dentures

You can get different types of dentures depending on your situation:

The Benefits of Dentures

Daily tasks such as eating comfortably, speaking clearly, and smiling confidently can become quite difficult if you’re missing pearly whites. That’s why dentures provide one of the best solutions for tooth loss, as they can help make everyday life better in the long run. By giving your smile a second chance with these prosthetics, you can be sure to enjoy numerous advantages for many years. Here are some of the benefits of dentures to appreciate.

Psychological Benefits

If you have one or multiple gaps in your smile, you’re less likely to want to show off your teeth when talking or laughing. Some people end up trying to hide their mouths during social interactions, which can be extremely problematic for their self-esteem. However, by renewing your smile with custom and lifelike dentures, you can get the boost in confidence you deserve while also not having to worry about things like your chewing ability and speech!

Clearer Enunciation

To pronounce certain words, you typically have to properly place your tongue and lips against your teeth. If you’re missing some or all of yours, it can make it incredibly challenging to speak clearly or even make particular sounds. Replacing your missing teeth with dentures can allow you to enunciate more effectively when talking. This may involve an adjustment period, but practice and repetition can make your prosthetics feel more natural in no time.

Improves Nutrition

If you want to eat a much healthier diet, you need to have all of your teeth to chew efficiently. Many foods are tough to eat, including some fruits, veggies, and lean meats. Not being able to chew properly can lead to complications later on, such as indigestion and malnutrition. With dentures, you can regain a significant amount of your biting power, allowing you to digest your meals effectively and enjoy a wider range of food choices. This can also directly promote better oral and overall health!

Preserves Oral Health

Even if you lose just one tooth, the other existing natural teeth can start to shift out of place to fill the gap. Additionally, without stimulation from a tooth root, your jawbone can start to deteriorate, weakening your bone density and altering your facial shape. By getting dentures, you can help prevent any remaining teeth from moving and wearing them down from everyday chewing.

Expands Opportunities

Did you know that most people will notice your smile during any first impression? That’s why if you’re preparing for a job interview, a promotion, or even a date, having a brilliant set of pearly whites can greatly improve your chances. Dentures can restore your missing teeth as well as boost your confidence, allowing you to feel much more comfortable showing off your smile. Others may even perceive you as outgoing and engaging, which can expand your opportunities in both your personal and professional life!

How Dentures Are Made

Dental technician polishing a denture

Dentures are designed just for you, but what does the process look like? Understanding how they are made and which materials are used will help you to appreciate your smile even more than you already do! Read on to learn more about how we achieve the final results of your restoration.

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dental technician painting artificial teeth

Dentures are made of two parts: the base of the denture and the teeth. Here is what they are comprised of:

  • Denture Base: This is the foundational structure that gives the artificial teeth support. It can be made from a variety of different materials, including acrylic, nylon, and resin. Full dentures are most often made using acrylic because it can be tailored to closely match your natural gum tissue. Partial dentures may use metal clips with an acrylic base, and, in some cases, nylon is used in place of acrylic.
  • Artificial Teeth: The placement teeth are attached to the denture base. They are often made from resin or porcelain because they both have a natural appearance. However, porcelain is a more popular option because it looks and feels just like natural teeth. It is also a very durable material.

The Denture Creation Process

Dental technician carving denture mold

Each denture is custom-made for the patient’s mouth, so this requires a multi-step process. Here’s a step-by-step of what the denture process typically looks like:

  • Step 1: First, your dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower gums using a thick paste. It’s used to create a plaster model that’s essentially a replica of the patient’s mouth. The model is used to ensure the final denture is of the appropriate size and shape. Measurements of the jaw may also be taken at this time.
  • Step 2: Next, the cast is sent to a dental laboratory where the dentures will be crafted. They’ll create the wax replica of your gum line.
  • Step 3: The artificial teeth, made of acrylic resin, are set in place, and a mechanical device known as an articulator will be used to attach the teeth with wax. The technician will make minor adjustments by shaping and carving the wax to ensure it looks like your gums. This wax base will be used for your finished denture.
  • Step 4: The wax dentures are sent to your dentist for a fitting. If everything looks good, the dentures will be sent back to the dental lab to complete the process. In the meantime, you will be given temporary dentures to wear until your final ones are ready.
  • Step 5: Once back at the lab, the technician will boil your dentures to get rid of the wax portions. The dentures are placed in a flask, which is a holding device into which plaster is poured to maintain the shape of the dentures. The entire flask is placed in hot water to melt the wax away.
  • Step 6: Once the wax is melted away, holes are made in the teeth so the material can attach to it. 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. The acrylic dentures are placed in an ultrasonic bath to remove any remaining plaster. 
  • Step 8: Any excess acrylic will be cut from the denture. After trimming, the denture will be polished to perfection.
  • Step 9: Now that it’s ready, it’s time for you to return to the office for a fitting. Adjustments will be made if necessary to ensure everything is working properly and smoothly.

Learn More About All-on-4 Dental Implants

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Man smiling in office with dentures

You may feel some slight discomfort when you first get your new dentures. The good news is that this is completely temporary. With a little bit of time, your mouth will adjust to dentures, and they’ll feel very similar to natural teeth. During your adjustment period, remember to stick to softer foods and exercise your facial muscles. If the discomfort persists, give us a call so we can help!

Life with Dentures

Senior woman checking her new dentures in handheld mirror

It’s normal to experience a little tenderness at the beginning. To adjust faster, wear your dentures as much as possible and only remove them when you go to bed. Eat soft foods in order to get used to chewing. To take care of your dentures, make sure you’re cleaning them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and safe cleaning products that won’t scratch the surface. Don’t forget to soak them in denture solution every night.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Dentures holding money representing the cost of dentures in Lady lake

Wondering about the cost of dentures in Lady Lake? These classic and reliable restorations are cost-effective, but their specific price will vary from patient to patient. This is because each denture is custom-made to fit the unique needs and preferences of a patient. After all, no two smiles are exactly alike! When you come see us for a consultation, we’ll evaluate you and be able to provide a personalized estimate. We will be happy to go over all the associated costs, check your dental insurance coverage, and review all your financial options for making dentures affordable. Read on to learn more important information about calculating the price of dentures in Lady Lake!

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Dentist calculating the price of dentures in Lady Lake

In order to put together your personalized estimate, we’ll take several important factors into account, such as:

  • Whether or not you need any preliminary treatments such as gum disease therapy or a tooth extraction before being fitted for dentures.
  • The materials your dentures will be made of. We use the highest-quality materials to ensure your new smile is reliable, natural-looking and long lasting.
  • What type of denture you’re interested in, since partial dentures, full dentures, and implant dentures will all naturally come at their own price points.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Diagram of implant dentures in Lady Lake

If you’re looking for the next best option to natural teeth when rebuilding your smile, there’s no better option than implant dentures. Their foundation within your jawbone gives them unmatched strength and comfort, and they will never slip or slide around in your mouth. However, it is important to keep in mind that implant dentures cost more time and money than their traditional counterparts. Many patients find the end results well-worth the investment, and studies show that implant dentures may save you money in the long run. We’ll help you decide which option is best for you during your consultation.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dental insurance paperwork for the cost of dentures in Lady Lake

In most cases, dental insurance companies classify dentures as a “major procedure,” which typically earns them 50% coverage. However, policies may vary slightly depending on the details of your unique plan. To learn more about your coverage, you can call your insurance provider or one of our knowledgeable team members. We can help you confirm your benefits before treatment starts, so there are no unpleasant surprises when the time comes to pay for your dentures.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Patient and receptionist discuss financing for dentures in Lady Lake

Don’t have dental insurance? Dissatisfied with your coverage? Not to worry! You can still make your dentures affordable with the help of Wells Fargo Financing. Qualifying patients can choose from several low- to no-interest payment plans that don’t have any surprise fees or unexpected charges. Instead, you can simply get started on your new smile right away, and then pay for your dentures in smaller chunks that easily fit into your monthly budget. To apply for Wells Fargo Financing, feel free to visit our website or give us a call.

Denture Aftercare

A close-up of a denture against a blue background

Once you’ve gotten dentures, it’s easy to think your oral issues are solved. After all, the prosthetics restore your smile’s function and looks! The truth, though, is that you’ll still need regular dental care. In particular, you should attend checkups and maintain your new restorations. Your mouth will suffer various problems otherwise. Luckily enough, RP Dental & Implants is here to help: listed below are some tips and guidelines on caring for dentures. Check them out so your new smile has a long lifespan. For more details, call our office or book a visit.

Removeable Dentures

A close-up of a hand holding a denture

Remove After Eating

To keep your dentures clean, remove and rinse them after every meal. Not doing so will lead to food debris and plaque buildup in your mouth. Should that happen, you’d have an increased risk of gum disease and other infections.

For the rinse, avoid using hot water. Its heat can warp denture material, causing the prosthetics not to fit.

Clean Your Restoration

Like natural teeth, your dentures need to be cleaned daily. Every morning and night, then, you should take them out for a special brushing.

When brushing the appliance, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of hand soap. Regular toothpaste won’t work, as its abrasiveness will wear away the dentures. From there, place the restoration(s) in a water or denture solution container. The solution shouldn’t be in your mouth, so always rinse the prosthetics before putting them back in your mouth.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

If you don’t already know, dentures can easily get damaged once out of your mouth. It’s thus a good idea to keep them safe in such cases.

There are a few ways you could go about that task. For example, you could place a towel underneath the dentures if you drop them. Another approach is to store the prosthetics outside the reach of kids and pets.

Remove When You Sleep

Remember to take your dentures out when you go to bed at night. Wearing them to sleep causes oral problems.

For one thing, doing so restricts your gums’ circulation. That restriction can result in soft-tissue irritation if it persists too long. On the other hand, sleeping without dentures gives your mouth time to recover.

Sleeping with dentures also raises your risk of gum and tongue plaque. Therefore, you’re better off keeping the restorations in a soaking solution overnight. They could dry out if you don’t, losing their shape in the process.

Notice Changes

Finally, keep an eye out for changes in your mouth or dentures. That way, you can address them with your dentist.

Problem signs regarding your mouth are straightforward. Namely, they could be anything that points to declining oral health – mouth sores, gum irritation, infection symptoms, etc.

Call your dentist if your dentures suffer damage or fit properly. They can make repairs better than you could on your own. Similarly, a dentist could reline or replace the prosthetics for a better fit.

Denture FAQs

Have you never received a denture before? Planning on helping your older family member rebuild their smile and resume their daily activities? We understand that you may have many questions, and RP Dental & Implants is happy to help however it can! Below, you can find a handful of the most common questions our office receives for your convenience. Of course, you’re welcome to give us a call directly if you need additional guidance.

Does it hurt to receive dentures?

It’s normal to notice a small amount of irritation when you first get fitted for a denture. However, this should slowly fade away with time as you adjust to wearing them. Your period of mild discomfort may vary from someone else’s. Those who have worn a denture before may need to wait longer to adjust to a new set. You may also notice some discomfort on areas where teeth were removed for the next few weeks. We recommend visiting our office regularly to have the dentures adjusted as you complete the healing process.

When should I get my dentures relined?

Once a denture no longer feels comfortable or fits as well as it did before, you’ll need to have a reline performed to ensure the base of the denture fits inside of your mouth more effectively. When you give us a call, we can get you scheduled for an exam and determine from there if a reline is necessary. We do not recommend using an over-the-counter reline kit as our team will be far more effective at recreating a tighter and better fit.

Am I too late to receive dentures?

We can’t know for sure how much bone tissue will remain after decades of having no teeth. In most cases, bone that previously held teeth in place will slowly break down and shrink in size. While it’s not guaranteed to happen to everyone, it is normal once a tooth is removed. With that said, our dentures are created so they do not put too much stress on the bone. Our dentists will closely examine your mouth to confirm the condition of your oral health and bone level, ensuring you can receive the best-fitting denture possible. In most cases, you should be able to receive a denture.

What foods can I eat with dentures?

After using your denture for a while, you should be able to eat foods fairly normally. However, harder or stickier foods may require more time to get used to. By using small amounts of denture adhesive, you should be able to stabilize the denture and keep it in place as you get comfortable chewing and speaking with them. With that said, we do not recommend chewing gum with dentures as it often sticks to the acrylic used in the prosthesis, causing it to break the seal between the teeth and base.

What can happen if I sleep while wearing dentures?

Sleeping while wearing dentures can lead to:

  • Higher risk for pneumonia
  • Gum and tongue plaque
  • Gum inflammation and irritation
  • Problems with oral hygiene
  • Oral sores
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