Dentures and Partial Dentures – Harrisburg, PA

Effects of Missing Teeth

There are various reasons why someone can lose their teeth. The most common ones involve tooth decay, periodontal disease, and accidental physical trauma. Regardless of how you’ve come to struggle with missing teeth, it’s extremely important to consider the consequences of it. Tooth loss typically comes with a wide range of challenges to your normal oral habits, including eating properly, difficulty speaking, jawbone deterioration, facial sagging, and reduced self-esteem. That’s why it’s crucial to visit our team about tooth-replacement solutions for replacing your lost pearly whites, such as dentures.

• Direct bonding is a fast and relatively low-priced service that uses a tooth-colored resin to disguise aesthetic flaws in teeth. Its biggest downside is that it usually lasts just a few years.
• Teeth whitening uses a powerful bleaching formula to break up unwanted pigment molecules in teeth, leading to a brighter overall smile. It usually costs just a few hundred dollars, and the results can last for anywhere from a few months to a few years.
• Veneers are sometimes regarded as an “all-in-one” cosmetic treatment because they can hide discoloration, chips, cracks, minor misalignment, and more. They can cost thousands of dollars, but their longevity makes them a great value. They may endure for 10 – 15 years or even longer!
• Orthodontia uses clear aligners or brackets and wires to straighten teeth. Such treatments usually cost a few thousand dollars, and they can take a year or longer to complete. Orthodontic care is a suitable option for patients whose dental misalignment is affecting both their appearance and their oral health.
• A smile makeover is a customized service that combines numerous cosmetic treatments. It is the most expensive option, but it is also the most efficient way to achieve a desired end result.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

First and foremost, if you’re an adult who’s lost some, most, or all of your teeth, then you’re likely a good candidate for dentures in Harrisburg. Of course, our team will need to ensure that you also have healthy gums and that your jawbone density is adequate for supporting your prosthetics. Finally, you must be committed to maintaining great oral health by cleaning your mouth and smile every day as well as visiting your dentist for checkups every six months.

Keep in mind that the number of teeth that need to be replaced will also determine the kind of denture you’ll receive. Partials can renew several teeth at once whereas full dentures can replace an entire arch of missing pearly whites. This treatment is also more convenient and cost-effective compared to other restorations, so you can easily fit it into your budget.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If dentures aren’t on the table for you, we have other forms of tooth replacements that you’ll want to consider. Our team at Klein Family Dentistry can also renew your full smile with the following options:

• Dental Bridges – These prosthetics are designed to “bridge” the gap in your smile if you’re missing one to three teeth in a row. The restoration consists of pontics connected by two dental crowns, which are supported by the adjacent healthy teeth on either side of the space. These abutment teeth will need to be prepared by removing a tiny amount of enamel so that your bridge will look natural.
• Dental Implants – These titanium posts will be embedded directly into your jawbone so that your new crown, bridge, or denture will be supported by your facial structure. This will provide a more natural and incredibly stable foundation for your smile, and the results can typically last decades to a lifetime with normal care.

Psychological Benefits

Among other things, tooth loss tends to ruin your mood. Knowing their smiles lack teeth makes most people feel insecure and anxious. These emotions can then lead to shame and withdrawal from social life. If left unchecked, you may even fall into sadness or clinical depression.

Dentures let you avoid this sour mood by restoring your grin. With your so-called “smile gaps” filled, the prosthetics will help you feel more confident. You won’t need to worry about your looks, how you eat, or how you speak. Rather, you’ll enjoy mingling with friends and family while feeling relaxed.

Clearer Enunciation

Having teeth is crucial to clear speech. When all (or at least most) of them are present, they support the tongue enough to let you enunciate words. That means major tooth loss usually leads to speech impediments, including lisps, slurred words, etc.

Of course, dentures are designed to treat tooth loss. They’ll fill the gaps in your smile about as well as natural teeth. So, these devices can give your tongue some much-needed support. They’d then let you enunciate clearly after some practice.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

There are a few main factors that will determine the cost of your new prosthesis:

• Preparation: If you need any preliminary procedures, like a tooth extraction or gum disease treatment, before your procedure, these will have their own cost.
• Materials: Dentures can be made from many different materials, and they each are priced differently.
• Type of Dentures: If you are receiving a partial denture, this will likely cost less than if you need a full denture. Implant dentures are priced higher as they require a surgical procedure.

Remember that cheaper isn’t better when it comes to dentures. The quality of your new smile will be heavily influenced by the amount you invest. You don’t want to end up with subpar materials or the need for additional repairs and replacements. Your dentures are going in your mouth, so quality is of utmost importance.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implants dentures cost more than traditional dentures do. There is good reason for this. Implant dentures are supported by titanium dental implants that are surgically inserted into your jawbone. This allows for additional stability and comfort. While they are more experience, there are numerous additional benefits that you get from implant dentures. This includes being more lifelike, allowing for a more expansive diet, and no slipping. Implant dentures are also a permanent solution, so you don’t need

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dental insurance usually covers around 50% of dentures because they are considered to be a major procedure. However, it’s a good idea to confirm this with your insurance provider ahead of time so there aren’t any surprises. If you need help understanding how your insurance works or have any questions, our team would be happy to assist you.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, this isn’t a reason to be discouraged. There are other financial options available to those who are uninsured. With our In-House Membership Plan, patients can save 10% on procedures completed at our practice. We can also help you get flexible, low to no interest financing through CareCredit or Proceed Finance. This can help your treatment fit into your budget. To learn more about your financial options, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team members.

To find out exactly how much you can expect your dentures to cost, schedule a consultation with us. We are eager to help you get your smile back!

Should I have all my teeth pulled to get dentures?

We always try to avoid extracting teeth, but there are times when removing a tooth is best, such as from serious damage from decay, infection, or trauma. If you have several teeth affected by disease or decay, we may recommend having them removed to create a healthy foundation for your dentures. If we suggest extracting your teeth, it can be done in a single visit; however, some cases are more complex and may require multiple appointments. We will explain all your options before recommending any extractions for dentures.

How long will I have to wait to get dentures after my teeth are pulled?

Most patients will need to wait at least 6 to 8 weeks before getting their dentures. The length of time will depend on the type of denture you choose because your gums will need adequate time to heal to ensure your replacement teeth fit snuggly. Some patients can benefit from immediate dentures, which can be placed the same day as your extractions. As a result, you’ll get your new teeth sooner to chew, speak, and smile confidently, but they may not have the best fit. Therefore, you’ll need adjustments after your mouth has healed. If you’re choosing an implant denture, you may need to wait 4 to 6 months for your jawbone to fuse to the posts before getting your denture.

Should I sleep with my dentures?

No one likes to be caught without their teeth, but your denture dentist in Harrisburg suggests removing your dentures at night after you’ve had them for at least 24 hours. Although you’ll need to wear them while you sleep at first, it is best to remove them nightly to give your gums a rest. It will help prevent any irritation to the soft tissues while also slowing the rate of ridge resorption. Wearing your dentures at night can also increase your risk of pneumonia because they can harbor bad bacteria. Removing your dentures while you’re sleeping gives you the opportunity to clean your dentures and soak them in a solution to kill harmful bacteria that can lead to infections and odors. Whenever your dentures aren’t in your mouth, remember to keep them moist to prevent them from warping.

Should I clean my dentures with toothpaste?

Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch your dentures. It’s better to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild hand or dishwashing soap to keep your dentures clean. We suggest brushing them after every meal.