Dentures – Shelton, CT

Effects of Missing Teeth

Several common conditions can result in missing permanent teeth, though the number one leading cause is gum disease. If bacteria and plaque penetrate your gumline, the ensuing infection can progress to the point that the connective tissues start pulling away from your teeth. This recession exposes the vulnerable roots and leaves them without a firm foundation, so they can become loose or fall out. You might also lose an adult tooth to severe tooth decay or physical trauma.

Whatever the reason, gaps in your grin make once-simple tasks like smiling, speaking, and eating much more challenging. This can impact your oral and general well-being, as well as your confidence and sense of self-worth.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Although dentures can be adapted to meet many peoples’ unique needs, that doesn’t make them the best restoration for every circumstance. These prosthetics are best suited to those who have:

• Significant or total tooth loss.
• Dental sensitivity.
• Severely damaged or decayed teeth.
• Sufficient jawbone density.
• A commitment to their dental hygiene routine.

Once our team examines your condition, we’ll recommend an appropriate solution. Whether you need full, partial, or implant dentures, we can provide lifelike artificial teeth to restore your smile’s functionality and appearance.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If we find that you’re not a good candidate for dentures, don’t worry! Sometimes, another procedure might be required before you can proceed, like a bone graft to bulk up your jaw.

Otherwise, we might recommend a different type of replacement, such as:

• Dental bridges. These are ideal for people who have lost one or several teeth consecutively. It contains the correct number of artificial teeth with a dental crown on each end. These anchor to healthy teeth or implants on either side of the gap in your grin.
• Dental implants. These are the only prosthetics surgically placed into your jawbone for added strength and longevity. They usually are more expensive initially but usually require fewer repairs over time.

Psychological Benefits

Losing any number of teeth can have a major impact on your self-confidence and quality of life. Many people who’ve suffered tooth loss end up experiencing an increased risk of social anxiety, sadness, and even depression. By renewing your complete smile with dentures, you can avoid worrying about the way you look when you talk or laugh. Since you’ll be able to eat and speak more confidently again, you’ll also enjoy a boost in self-esteem when engaging in social activities.

Clearer Enunciation

It can be challenging to pronounce and enunciate certain words whenever you’re missing teeth. This is because your lips and tongue interact with them to perform the proper speech. Without most of your pearly whites, it can be difficult to communicate effectively. Since dentures restore your entire smile, they can make it easier for you to converse with others again. While this may take some practice to get accustomed to using them, you’ll be able to speak more fluently and confidently in no time!

Improves Nutrition

Tooth loss can impact the appearance of your smile as well as the kinds of foods you can eat. If you aren’t able to chew your meals like before, you might experience problems like indigestion and malnutrition. By returning your teeth with dentures, you’ll regain your ability to munch on your food, expanding your diet for more nutritious options. You’ll even be free to consume meals that contain essential nutrients to promote optimal oral and overall health.

Preserves Oral Health

Whenever you’re missing teeth, any nearby pearly whites can begin to shift out of place to fill in the gap. If left unchecked, it can lead to further tooth loss and jawbone resorption. These potential complications can be avoided by getting dentures, which can help support their positions. Your restorations can also withstand more of the pressure of chewing, allowing you to avoid further wear and tear of your remaining natural teeth.

Expands Opportunities

Your smile is one of the most crucial parts of a first impression, as this is one of the main things people will notice about you. This is especially the case during job interviews, social gatherings, and even first dates. In fact, according to a 2019 study, poor oral health was closely associated with a lower probability of being employed. For this reason, regaining your complete smile with dentures will improve both your oral health and boost your career and personal opportunities in the long run!

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Overall, there are many factors that influence the final price tag of your denture. These factors include but are not limited to:

• Any preparatory work you’ll need (tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, etc.)
• The number of teeth you’re missing
• The materials your denture will be made of (which can include porcelain or acrylic)

It’s important to keep in mind that just because your denture is cheaper does not necessarily make it worth having. Very cheap dentures tend to break easily or require replacement much sooner than you’d expect. For something that’s not only going in your mouth but getting used every day, it’s always better to consider it a worthwhile investment.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Implant dentures require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants, making them a more expensive treatment overall. However, this isn’t for no reason. The fact is implant dentures are far more reliable day-to-day because they do not shift out of place while in use. They also help to stimulate the jawbone, providing you with increased biting strength and longevity. You also won’t need to replace your denture nearly as often (i.e. implant dentures can last for decades, while traditional dentures typically need replacement every 5 to 7 years.)

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

In most dental plans, you can expect some level of coverage when it comes to dentures. Many of them provide up to 50% coverage, but this will vary from plan to plan. Our practice is currently in-network with a wide variety of dental insurance providers, making it easier for you to save money on care. A member of our team will gladly look over your policy and maximize your benefits to lessen your out-of-pocket expenses.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

If you do not have dental insurance coverage at this time or your plan does not cover costs as much as you thought it would, there are other options available to you. For example, we can also help you break up your cost into reasonable monthly installments through a CareCredit plan. This financing option can make even the most expensive dental treatments fit into just about any budget.

The best way to learn how your costs will add up for dentures is to set up a consultation with our practice. Our team is always happy to answer questions and help you feel confident about your future tooth replacement.