In the Victorian era, dentures were a popular wedding gift. The assumption is that, eventually, one or both of the married couple would need them. Today, advances in oral hygiene products and increased awareness of the need for preventive dentistry mean fewer patients need dentures in Jacksonville. However, some patients do suffer advanced tooth loss caused by injury, chronic gum disease, and other oral and overall health issues. When widespread tooth loss occurs, the Jacksonville Complete Dentistry team is here to help. Unlike those “one size fits all” dentures given out as Victorian wedding gifts, today’s dentures are custom crafted from quality materials. They don’t look fake, shouldn’t slip around in the mouth, and can last for years with proper care and regular maintenance. Contact our Jacksonville dentist and team to find out more or schedule a tooth replacement consultation.
Ultimately, almost anyone with missing teeth can be a dentures candidate. Qualifying for these prosthetics isn’t that tricky a thing. Still, you’ll need to consult our team about treatment first. Doing so lets us confirm whether dentures are right for you. In case they aren’t, our office can provide prep work or other restorative options. Of course, we’d be happy to explain this vetting process further. All you have to do is keep reading or call our office for details.
For starters, those who want dentures are trying to avoid tooth loss effects. Going without pearly whites, after all, leads to serious oral health issues.
Various factors can cause the loss in question. One is tooth decay, which can make teeth so unhealthy that they fall out or need extraction. Gum disease, meanwhile, erodes the bone and tissue keeping your chompers in place. You also shouldn’t rule out physical injuries, as these can result in knocked-out teeth.
Whatever the trigger, though, missing teeth always produce harsh effects. The most obvious is increased difficulty with eating, speaking, and smiling tasks. A more gradual result is jawbone erosion that causes facial collapse. Smile gaps can also tilt surrounding teeth if given time, even to the point of making them fall out.
As said before, tooth loss alone can usually qualify you for dentures. That said, there are other elements to consider too.
One is the state of your oral health. Aside from missing teeth, dentures are great for patients with tooth sensitivity, decay, and sufficiently healthy gum and jaw tissue. Similarly, you’d make a good candidate if you’re committed to regular dental care and maintenance of prosthetic teeth.
How many teeth you’ve lost also affects the denture best for you. Partial types, for instance, would work well if you only lack a few chompers. On the other hand, you may need full ones if you lack an entire arch.
Your financial budget can play a role as well. Dentures, you see, are more affordable than other tooth replacement methods. Therefore, they’re a good choice for those looking to spend less on effective restorations.
Luckily, there’s no need to fear if you aren’t a good dentures candidate. We at Jacksonville Complete Dentistry offer other tooth-replacement options. These include the following:
There are currently three types of dentures you and your dentist will discuss during your initial consultation. Depending on the number of teeth you are missing as well as your preference regarding affordability, functionality, and stability, you will choose from:
Partial dentures, sometimes simply referred to as partials, are used to replace any number of consecutive or nonconsecutive teeth when enough healthy teeth are remaining to support this tooth replacement prosthetic. Partial dentures use a gum-colored base material to anchor replacement teeth. This base is attached to an existing, healthy tooth structure using metal clasps that provide adequate support for the replacement teeth. The most important job of a partial denture is to protect existing teeth. Partials do this by offering support and protection of the existing teeth. They also replace the missing teeth to allow the patient to regain function and smile again!
Similarly crafted using a gum-colored base material to support replacement teeth, full dentures do not have remaining healthy teeth to provide support. Instead, the denture base is molded against the gum line creating friction and suction that holds the denture in place. Full dentures truly are a total tooth replacement. Our doctors are thoroughly trained to craft complete dentures so that a loss of teeth does not disable the patient. In the past, it was obvious when someone was wearing dentures. With our techniques and materials, most people will never know you’re wearing them. Customized acrylic or porcelain teeth appear life-like, and our doctors custom-make your dentures based on the shape of the face, lips, and speech. The results can truly be transformative!
Patients who want to further improve the stability and longevity of their partial or full dentures might want to consider implant dentures. Dental implants are small titanium posts inserted into the gum line where they mimic the root systems of lost teeth. Some patients do not have the optimal number of teeth to retain a partial denture. Implants can replace metal clasps and create a partial denture that can be stable, supportive, and retentive. Implants can help retain a full denture significantly, leading to prosthetics that are much closer to a complete replacement of teeth.
Hybrid dentures and overdentures combine a custom, removable tooth replacement prosthetic with the increased comfort and stability of an implant denture. With an overdenture, two to four implant posts are placed below the gum line, and your current denture or a new prosthetic is fitted with attachment pieces. It’s then snapped into place over the top of the implant posts, creating a natural look and feeling of support. At night, you can remove the prosthetic for easy cleaning and complete comfort. For many patients, this is the ideal tooth replacement solution.
When choosing a hybrid denture, five to six implants will be placed within the jaw. Unlike an overdenture, the hybrid prosthetic is screwed securely onto the implants and should be considered permanent. The only time the denture will be removed is by our dental team for periodic cleaning. Many patients prefer this tooth replacement option, as their new “teeth” are connected directly to the implants and allow for much more effective chewing.
When wearing dentures, you will discover there is a multitude of unique benefits you will enjoy, such as:
The cost of dentures in Jacksonville differs among patients. No two cases are alike, which is why our team at Jacksonville Complete Dentistry advises that you contact our office to schedule a consultation to allow us to examine your oral cavity and determine the best course of action. Most dental insurance companies will assist in paying a portion of the total cost; however, if you require additional financial assistance or are uninsured, we will work to identify an affordable way for you to receive the dental care you need. When it comes to choosing dentures to restore your smile, you can trust us to help you stay well within your budget.
When meeting with your denture dentist in Jacksonville, you can expect us to consider three factors when determining how much you will spend on your new smile:
You should be mindful of who you choose to craft and place your dentures. Cheaper solutions might sound like a good idea to your wallet; however, you will be left with brittle prosthetics that break easily and do not withstand the daily pressures of eating and speaking. Instead, it is worth the additional money to see a professional who works closely with brands that offer higher-quality materials that last.
Yes, implant dentures are more expensive but when you compare the benefits you receive with permanent prosthetics, you will discover they are worth the upfront investment. With implant dentures, you can freely eat the foods you love and enjoy greater oral health and jawbone stimulation because of the titanium posts used to anchor your denture. Surgically placed into your bone, the titanium fuses with the bone to create a solid foundation for your new smile. This allows for greater functionality, longevity, and a natural-looking appearance.
When it comes to affording dentures in Jacksonville, most dental insurance companies will agree to pay a portion of the total cost. This is a welcomed relief for most patients; however, whether you’ve met your deductible as well as how much of your annual maximum remains will ultimately determine how much your insurer will agree to pay. No matter your situation, you can count on our team to help you navigate the details of your plan and maximize your benefits. You’re likely to receive 50% coverage by your dental insurance carrier, but we will work to ensure you get the most out of your plan.
Are you uninsured? Do you need help to pay the remaining balance left over after filing your dental insurance claim? If so, our team at Jacksonville Complete Dentistry is pleased to work closely with third-party financier CareCredit. Offering eligible clients the opportunity to enroll in low or zero interest payment plans, you can break up the cost of your treatment into monthly installments that meet your budget!
Would you like to rebuild your smile with full or partial dentures in Jacksonville? Before you contact us to request your appointment, you might have questions about what you can expect during your tooth replacement journey. That’s why we have compiled this brief list of FAQs. If you don’t see the information you were hoping for, you are more than welcome to contact us directly.
Non-implant full and partial dentures typically last for 5 – 10 years if they receive proper care. Full partial must be periodically relined (adjusted) by your dentist in Jacksonville in order to maintain their fit as the jawbone that supports them gradually changes shape. Implant-retained dentures may last for decades because the dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from changing shape.
Proper hygiene practices are crucial in maintaining your dentures. You should brush them with a soft-bristled brush at least once a day. Soaking them in a denture-cleaning solution overnight can help to prevent bacterial accumulation and keep your smile as fresh as possible. It is also important that you are careful when handling your dentures. We recommend that you take them out of your mouth only when you are standing above a soft surface, such as a sink full of water or a folded towel. If you accidentally drop them on a hard surface, they may break.
The cost of your denture will depend on the construction of your prosthetic. Traditional, non-implant full and partial dentures are among the most affordable types of tooth replacement. Implant-retained dentures cost more, but their superior longevity and stability make them a sound investment for the majority of patients. In most cases, dental insurance is willing to cover at least part of the cost of dentures.
Implant-retained dentures allow you to eat virtually any food without taking special precautions. With non-implant dentures, you may find it best to avoid extremely hard or crunchy foods. Also, foods with small bits, such as popcorn, may be challenging to consume.
Some patients must wait a few months after extractions before they begin using dentures. Other patients may be candidates for an immediate, temporary denture that they can wear right away after their teeth are removed. The option that is best for you will depend on your oral health, your budget, and your personal preferences.