Dentures – Bloomfield, CT
Reliable, Cost-Effective Tooth Replacement
For many people who have suffered tooth loss, dentures in Bloomfield present an effective and affordable way to regain a complete, functional smile. But what exactly are dentures, what benefits do they offer, and what is the process like for getting dentures in our Bloomfield, CT dental office?
Why Choose Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield for Dentures?
- Natural-Looking Prosthetics
- Multiple Types of Dentures Available
- Highly Trained Team
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
If you have lost multiple teeth, dentures may be right for you. When you come in for a consultation, our team will verify that your gums and jawbone are healthy enough to support prosthetic teeth, and then we can get started on designing your new smile. Even if you are not a candidate for dentures right away, you might become one after a few preparatory restorative procedures. Alternatively, we might suggest that you pursue a different form of tooth replacement.
Effects of Missing Teeth
Tooth loss can occur due to numerous reasons. Perhaps you had advanced gum disease that caused your teeth to lose their base of support, or maybe you were in an accident that severely damaged your smile. Genetics or lifestyle factors can also contribute to tooth loss.
Regardless of why you have an incomplete smile, your condition may have a great impact on your daily life. For example, you may feel self-conscious about your appearance due to sagging cheeks and noticeable gaps in your smile. You may also hesitate to talk because tooth loss can adversely affect speech. You could also find it difficult to consume your favorite foods.
The good news is that traditional dentures can help to address most of the effects of missing teeth.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
You may be a candidate for dentures if:
- You have lost all or most of your natural teeth throughout a dental arch. If you have lost just one or a few teeth, a different tooth replacement method might be right for you.
- Your gums and jawbone are healthy enough to support dentures. You should be free of active gum disease and other conditions that could adversely affect your dentures.
- You are looking for a simple and cost-effective tooth replacement option. Dentures are one of the most affordable ways to address extensive tooth loss.
Alternative Tooth Replacement Options
If we determine that dentures are not quite right for you, we may recommend that you move forward with another type of tooth replacement, such as:
- A dental bridge. A fixed bridge relies on the remaining natural teeth for support. It is a sturdy and reliable way to address the loss of one or a few teeth.
- Dental implants. Dental implants replace the roots of lost teeth. They can support crowns, bridges, and dentures, making them suitable for all levels of tooth loss. They are generally viewed as the ideal form of tooth replacement because of their great stability, longevity, and bone health benefits.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures consist of two main parts: pontics (artificial teeth), which are usually made of acrylic or porcelain, and a gum-colored base that helps to secure the teeth in the mouth. There are two types of dentures:
- Full dentures in Bloomfield. These replace an entire arch of teeth (either all of the top teeth or all of the bottom teeth).
- Partial dentures. As their name implies, partial dentures replace just a few teeth. The missing teeth do not have to all be adjacent to one another; a single prosthesis can replace multiple teeth throughout the mouth.
Dentures usually stay secure in the mouth via natural suction or with the help of a mild dental adhesive. In many cases, partial dentures have metal clips that help them remain in place so their wearers can enjoy a comfortable fit and strong bite.
Benefits of Dentures
Missing teeth can lead to consequences that greatly affect your daily life and overall wellness. The good news is that dentures can help to restore your oral function, enhance your confidence, and help you get the most out of every day. They offer a number of truly priceless benefits that have the potential to elevate your quality of life. Here are some specific examples of how they might be able to do that:
Psychological Benefits
In many individuals, the loss of multiple teeth can have profound effects on their mental health. They may tend to isolate themselves, avoiding social situations due to feelings of self-consciousness about the way they look or their dietary limitations. They may also not be able to clearly enunciate words, which can further worsen feelings of loneliness.
If that sad situation seems all too familiar, you will be happy to know that dentures can help with such issues. They may allow you to start feeling like yourself again! Whether you are enjoying family time or meeting new people, a complete set of teeth may do wonders for your self-image.
Clearer Enunciation
Clear speech is the product of complex interactions between various oral structures, including the teeth. Without your teeth, you may find it difficult to enunciate certain sounds. In turn, that might make you reluctant to engage in conversations or give presentations. Dentures may be able to help.
When you first get your prosthetic, you may develop a slight lisp. After some practice, however, you might find that your speech is clearer than it was before you got dentures!
Improves Nutrition
Missing teeth can limit the foods you are able to eat. As a result, you might not get all the nutrients that your body needs to function at its best. Dentures can restore a degree of chewing power and allow you to enjoy a wide variety of nutritious, tasty foods. In fact, after you adapt to using your prosthetic, there may be very few foods that you cannot consume.
Preserves Oral Health
If you still have some natural teeth, dentures might protect them in a couple of different ways:
- Dentures can act as placeholders that prevent your natural teeth from drifting out of their proper places. In turn, this may reduce your risk of future tooth loss.
- Dentures can allow you to distribute food evenly throughout your mouth. Therefore, they can bear some of the stress of chewing, which may prevent premature wear and tear on your natural enamel.
Expands Opportunity
Edentulism (the state of being toothless) may adversely affect your career. In fact, poor oral health may give others the wrong impression about you! A full set of healthy-looking teeth can do just the opposite. An attractive smile can convey the idea that you are successful, youthful, and approachable. As a result, you may find that it is easier to meet your career goals, whether you are pursuing a promotion, trying to attract clients, or even searching for a new job.
What Is the Process for Getting Dentures?
Most people who have lost multiple teeth are candidates for dentures, but your dentist will still have to examine your mouth to make sure it can support a prosthesis. They may also discuss alternative tooth replacement options with you, such as implant-supported dentures.
If you decide to get traditional dentures, your dentist will take some impressions and measurements of your mouth and design your new teeth. A laboratory will create your denture, and you will later return to the dentist for a final fitting. The entire process for getting dentures may take place over several weeks or months and require multiple appointments with your dentist.
After you get used to your dentures, always stay mindful of how they fit; changes to the shape of your jaw may mean that you will need to get them adjusted periodically. After five to eight years or so, it is likely that you will need to get new dentures altogether.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
The cost of dentures in Bloomfield can vary from patient to patient. In many cases, they are a very cost-effective solution for replacing lost teeth. When you come in for your consultation, we will be able to provide a personalized price estimate. We will also assist you as you consider your payment options, such as insurance and financing.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
The price of dentures in Bloomfield can be affected by the following factors:
- Preliminary treatments. Some patients require extractions, gum disease therapy, or other procedures before they get dentures. Naturally, these services can increase the overall cost of care.
- The acrylic and porcelain used to make dentures can be of varying qualities, come from different manufacturers, and have a range of price points.
- The type of denture. Full dentures, partial dentures, and implant denture all have different prices.
Be wary of any “bargain” dentures. Remember, you tend to get what you pay for, and quality is extremely important for what goes in your mouth.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures cost more than traditional forms of tooth replacement. The difference in price is due to the fact that implant dentures require more time, a higher level of skill, and more materials than their conventional counterparts.
Despite their higher cost, they are a wise purchase. They can last for many years, while traditional dentures typically need to be replaced every 5- 7 years or so. They also provide some truly priceless benefits. For example, they can prevent bone loss in the jaw, enable you to eat virtually any food, and feel extremely natural in the mouth.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
In most cases, yes, insurance covers dentures. They are usually considered to be a major procedure, meaning that around 50% of their total price is covered, up to the amount of an insurance plan’s annual maximum. Many patients are able to save hundreds of dollars or more by using their insurance. Our team accepts payment from more than 200 dental policies, so you can rely on us to help you maximize your benefits.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
As your denture dentist in Bloomfield, we want to help you afford your prosthetic. To that end, we offer a few provisions:
- Most patients qualify for a monthly payment plan through CareCredit, a third-party lender. The application process is fast, and many installment plans come with little or no interest.
- Essential Dental plan. This discount plan, designed for patients without insurance, provides reduced fees on most of the services we provide.
Are you ready to replace your lost teeth? Our team is eager to serve you. Contact us to schedule a consultation so you can learn more about dentures and their cost.
Denture FAQs
As your denture dentist in Bloomfield, we are ready to help you rebuild your smile. Before you schedule your restorative consultation with us, however, you may want to know more about the road ahead. To help you out, we have put together the following list of FAQs about this treatment. If you do not see your specific questions addressed, reach out to us directly so we can personally assist you.
How Long Will You Have to Wait to Get Dentures After Your Teeth are Pulled?
The traditional wait time between extractions and denture placement is 6 – 8 weeks. This allows the gums to heal following tooth removal. Some patients, though, have a much shorter wait time. They might opt for immediate dentures, which are placed right after extractions. Immediate dentures tend to require more frequent adjustments than their conventional counterparts, but many patients still believe they are worth it.
If you choose to get implant dentures, you may have to wait several months between your extractions and the placement of your new teeth. That is because after your implants are placed in your jawbone, you will have to wait for them to integrate with the surrounding tissue before they can support a denture.
Can I Sleep with My Dentures?
When you first get your dentures in Bloomfield, we may advise you to wear them continuously for the first 24 hours. Thereafter, however, you should remove them every night. Doing so allows your gums a chance to rest. It also gives you the opportunity to thoroughly clean both your prosthetic and your mouth, so you can maintain a fresh smile and reduce your risk of harmful infections, bad breath, and other problems.
What Is the Average Age for Dentures?
Most patients who receive dentures are somewhat up in years. In fact, a census by the American Dental Association found that almost 57% of people between the ages of 65 and 74 wear some sort of denture. A separate survey found that approximately two-thirds of people between the ages of 40 and 64 are missing at least one tooth.
Of course, the above statistics do not mean that younger people cannot get dentures. Due to genetics, trauma, or other circumstances, some people below the age of 40 must get their teeth replaced.
Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?
If you need to get some teeth extracted before you receive dentures, you can expect to experience some soreness as you heal from the procedure. Most patients are feeling better within a few days to a week or so.
When you first get your new teeth, they may cause some mild gum irritation and general discomfort. Some patients adapt within a few weeks, but for others, it takes months before they truly get used to their prosthetic. If you experience any severe or persistent pain, you should contact us for assistance.