Dentures help patients regain healthy smiles and improve their chewing and speaking abilities. Many patients choose traditional dentures if they are missing most or all of their teeth. Patients can also select implant-supported or implant-retained dentures.
In Sun City Center, FL, dentures typically cost about $2,200 per arch. The price varies depending on the process and materials used. Your dentist will create a custom treatment plan with your precise costs.
About Dentures
Dentures are restorative dental appliances that replace most or all of a patient's teeth. Patients with a high proportion of missing or damaged teeth may find that dentures are their most practical option to regain their smiles.
Many patients hesitate to ask their providers about the possibility of getting dentures. They may feel worried about the process or believe that dentures are not beneficial. However, dentures can significantly impact your oral and overall health.
Benefits of Dentures
Improved Appearance
With dentures, you will once more have a natural smile. You will no longer feel that you must hide your teeth in social situations or when eating with your friends and family.
Improved Speech
Missing teeth can lead to trouble pronouncing certain words and sounds. Replacing your teeth with dentures allows for natural speech.
Improved Chewing Ability
Since you will be able to eat a more balanced diet, you will experience better nutrition and may become healthier.
Preserve Facial Structures
Missing teeth cause the cheeks to appear hollow and the jaw to appear to recede. Dentures can compensate for this problem.
More Self-Confidence
You will feel better about your appearance when you share a complete smile. You will be more likely to feel outgoing and more likely to enjoy your life.
The Process of Getting Dentures
Consultation
Before extracting teeth or doing any prep work, your dentist will examine your oral structures and create a treatment plan. You will have the chance to view and approve your treatment plan before moving forward.
Impressions
Your dentist will take multiple impressions of your teeth so they can create a precise match for your natural smile. They may take digital or physical impressions depending on the situation.
Extraction
If teeth need to be extracted, your dentist may remove the front and back teeth in separate appointments. The mouth must heal for several weeks after the extraction, allowing swelling to subside.
Occlusive Registration
The dentist checks your bite, determining how your upper and lower jaws fit together. This step is essential in producing dentures that fit.
Wax Trial
Your dentist creates wax trial dentures and checks them for proper fit. At this stage, they can make alterations. Multiple trials may be necessary to correct the wax model.
Fitting the Final Dentures
Your dentist will fit your final dentures, ensuring they are as comfortable as possible. Becoming accustomed to wearing dentures may take time, but shortly, you will enjoy a complete smile.
Types of Dentures
Traditional Dentures
Traditional dentures have a gum-colored acrylic base that fits snugly to the gums. The upper denture has a plate that covers the roof of the mouth (the palate), and the lower denture is U-shaped to allow tongue motion.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture can replace multiple adjacent teeth. It has metal attachments that fit over natural teeth.
Implant-Retained Dentures
An implant-retained denture snaps onto anchors placed in the patient's jawbone. They are removable for cleaning.
Implant-Supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture sits on four to six anchors in the jawbone. These dentures stay in place and can only be removed by a dentist for maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Traditional dentures may have some food restrictions because food can become trapped underneath. However, with implant-supported dentures, you can eat whatever you like.
How long does it take to get used to wearing dentures?
Typically, it takes about 30 days for your facial muscles, gums, and tongue to adjust to dentures.
Call Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry
If you have many missing or damaged teeth, dentures may be your best solution. Please call our Sun City Center, FL, office at 813-634-1932 to schedule your consultation today. We would be happy to explain your options and help you choose a treatment plan.