What Are Dentures? Benefits, Costs, and Procedures

Whether you’ve lost one tooth, several teeth, or an entire row of teeth, dentures from Walnut Creek Dental may be just what you need to restore your smile, your self-confidence, and your daily lifestyle. Led by Dr. Michael Pappas, our team of dentists specializes in restorative care.

We use the latest 3D imaging tools, treatment planning technology, and cutting-edge materials to create custom-fitted dentures that are comfortable, functional, and help you love how you look once again. And in this guide to dentures from Walnut Creek Dental, we’ll help you learn everything you need to know about this common tooth replacement procedure.

What Are Dentures? Understanding The Basics

Dentures are one of the oldest forms of tooth replacement. They consist of one or more false teeth that fit into the gaps where you’ve lost your natural teeth. Partial dentures are used to fill gaps and clip onto healthy teeth using a metal framework, while full dentures have an acrylic base and are used to replace the upper, lower, or both rows of teeth.

Traditional dentures are removable, and are usually taken out at night so that you can clean them and let your gums rest. However, recent advances in technology have allowed for permanent dentures that attach directly to dental implants, such as All-On-4.

With a set of dentures, you can fill up gaps in your smile, prevent complications like teeth shifting, and eat all of your favorite foods once again. Whether you need to replace just a couple of teeth or a full mouth of teeth, dentures are a cost-effective, fast, and convenient way to get your smile back.

The Importance Of Replacing Missing Teeth With Dentures

Living with a gap in your smile or multiple missing teeth can be difficult. When you’ve lost one or more teeth, you may feel self-conscious about how you look and how you appear to others. You may also have issues speaking clearly or even with eating your favorite foods.

But with a set of dentures, you can replace your missing teeth, get your smile back, and take your oral health back. Here are just a few of the best benefits of dentures:

• Restore your natural smile and appearance
• Speak more clearly and confidently
• Eat all of your favorite foods again
• Avoid further complications like teeth shifting toward gaps in your smile
• Boost your self-esteem after tooth loss
  Of course, there are some other options for replacing missing teeth, such as dental implants and dental bridges. But because they're simple, affordable, and more natural-looking than ever, dentures are still a great choice if you want to replace your missing teeth, particularly if you’re on a tight budget.

Different Types Of Dentures And Their Benefits – Explained

Depending on your oral health and how many teeth you’ve lost, there are a few different types of dentures that may be recommended to you by Dr. Pappas and the dentists at Walnut Creek Dental. Wondering which treatment might be right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of dentures, when they're used, and their benefits:

Full dentures

Full dentures consist of a full set of upper, lower, or both sets of teeth that are fitted into a gum-colored acrylic base. They are designed to fit tightly over the gums and are held in place by friction, although denture adhesive can be used for an even tighter hold.

Full dentures are only recommended for patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth. This is because they require the removal of any remaining teeth before placement to ensure a perfect fit. Full dentures are:

• The most cost-effective way to restore your entire smile after extensive tooth loss
• Typically covered by dental insurance
• More realistic and comfortable than ever before, thanks to modern dental technology 

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are meant to replace one or more missing teeth throughout the mouth. They consist of one or more false teeth that attach to a metal and plastic framework. This framework snaps onto the remaining healthy teeth, locking the partial dentures in place.

Partial dentures are a great alternative to other treatments like dental implants and dental bridges. This is because they are more affordable for most patients, and do not involve complex surgery unless additional extractions are needed before they can be fitted. The benefits of partial dentures include:

• Can replace multiple teeth in different parts of the mouth
• Very cost-effective and covered by insurance
• Strong and stable, since they connect to healthy natural teeth

Temporary dentures

Temporary dentures are a short-term solution that may be offered in some cases before you get your permanent dentures. They are not as comfortable as customized permanent dentures, but allow you to maintain your appearance and eat some of your favorite foods before your final set is complete.

When used for just a few teeth, temporary dentures are often referred to as “flippers,” and consist of an acrylic base that supports just a couple of teeth. They are very lightweight and comfortable, but tend to be quite fragile, so they are usually only used temporarily until you get a set of partial dentures, a dental bridge, or a dental implant. Temporary dentures can:

• Prevent teeth shifting and other complications related to tooth loss
• Enhance and restore your appearance until you get permanent tooth restoration
• Help you feel more confident by filling gaps in your smile

Implant-supported dentures

Thanks to advances in dental implant technology, implant-supported dentures are more common than ever. In this treatment, a series of 4-6 dental implants is surgically placed into the gums and jawbone, and then is used to support a full set of dentures.

Depending on the type of dentures you choose, they may be removable (snap-in dentures) or fixed in place and non-removable (All-On-4). Compared to traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are more expensive, but have some significant benefits such as:

• Prevent bone loss and preserve your facial structure and appearance
• Much more stable and strong than traditional dentures since they attach to implants
• Last longer and typically require less care and maintenance

How Much Do Dentures Cost? Pricing And Payment Options

Generally speaking, dentures are one of the most affordable ways to replace missing teeth. However, the cost of dentures can vary significantly based on a wide variety of different factors, including:

• Denture type – Since they're replacing all of your teeth, full dentures are more expensive than partial dentures, in most cases. However, because of the surgical procedures involved, implant-supported dentures are typically the most expensive.
• Preparatory treatments – Depending on your oral health and the type of dentures you’re getting, you may need additional treatments like tooth extractions, bone reshaping (alveoloplasty), or even gum disease treatment before you can restore your smile.
  
  
• Materials – Some dentures are made of stronger, more durable, or more lifelike materials, which also increases the overall cost of treatment.
  
  
• Customization and fitting – If your case is more complex and you require multiple fittings and try-ins, treatment costs will typically rise accordingly.
• Geographic location – Denture treatment costs will tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living, such as big cities and urban areas.

Since no two patients are completely alike, it’s not possible to provide an accurate estimate for how much your dentures will cost until you visit Walnut Creek Dental. If you’d like to learn more about your tooth replacement options, get an accurate estimate, and take the first steps toward restoring your smile, give our team a call right away at (614) 864-2466!

How We Make Dentures Affordable At Walnut Creek Dental 

Affordable dentures are closer than you might think! If you're worried about the cost of replacing your missing teeth, Dr. Pappas and the team at Walnut Creek Dental are here to help. We work with most major dental insurers, and dentures are typically a covered treatment for dental plans. We will do our best to help you maximize your benefits and get the most out of your insurance plan.

Along with insurance, we also offer financing plans through CareCredit. This means that you can get a new set of dentures now and make monthly payments that fit into your budget and your lifestyle. Just ask our team about your financing options to learn more during your dentures consultation at Walnut Creek Dental.

Your Step-By-Step Guide To The Denture Procedure

Initial consultation

First, you’ll meet with one of the dentists at Walnut Creek Dental. Your dentist will perform a comprehensive oral exam, take 3D images and X-rays of your mouth, and determine if dentures are the right choice for replacing your teeth. We’ll also review your insurance coverage and treatment costs.

Once you’re approved, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and create a mold of your bite. They will take plenty of notes and take any other necessary measurements to ensure that your test dentures will fit perfectly into your mouth.

Crafting your test dentures

A dental lab will make your initial set of test dentures based on your dentist’s guidance. Then, you’ll come back to Walnut Creek Dental to try them out. While you wear them, you’ll tell your dentist about how you feel, and they’ll make notes about the fit, appearance, and other aspects of your new smile.

Refining your dentures

After your first fitting appointment, your dentist will send back the test dentures and notes about them to the lab. If everything goes well, they may be able to create your permanent dentures right away. But it’s pretty common for patients to require a few fitting appointments to get an absolutely perfect fit.

Final denture adjustments and placement

Once your test dentures fit perfectly, your dentist at Walnut Creek Dental will order your permanent set. When they arrive, you’ll come back in for one last visit. Your dentist will make sure they fit and will make any minor refinements or adjustments that may be necessary for ideal fit and function. Then, you’ll be sent home to enjoy your new smile. Your dentist will also give you instructions on how to wear and care for your new set of dentures to keep them in tip-top shape. 

Denture Care – Tips For Maintaining Your Brand-New Smile

Once you’ve received your new dentures from Walnut Creek Dental, it’s important to take a few steps to keep them clean, ensure your mouth stays healthy, and to reduce the risk of damaging or breaking your new teeth. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your new dentures in great shape:

• Rinse after meals – When possible, it’s a good idea to remove your dentures after meals and rinse both your mouth and your dentures. This helps remove food particles that contribute to the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
• Clean your dentures twice per day – You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented dish soap or a specialized denture cleaning product to clean your dentures thoroughly twice each day.
  
  
• Soak your dentures overnight in a cleaning solution – Dentures should be taken out and soaked in a denture cleaning solution overnight. This gives your gums time to rest after wearing dentures all day, and helps keep your teeth bright, shiny, and sanitized.
  
  
• Keep dentures moist when not in use –  If your dentures dry out completely, they may warp and require repair or even replacement. Because of this, dentures must be kept in water or denture cleaning solution whenever you’re not wearing them.
  
  
• Don’t skip checkups – Even if you no longer have any natural teeth, it’s still important to come in for a checkup and cleaning with your dentist at Walnut Creek Dental every six months. Your dentist will clean your gums and any remaining teeth to make sure that they're healthy, and check on your dentures to make sure that they still fit and function perfectly.

Answering Your Top FAQs About Dentures

Still have questions about dentures in Groveport, OH? Our team can provide all of the information you need, but here are a few quick answers to some of the top FAQs about restoring your smile with dentures:

• How long do dentures last? Full dentures typically last between 5-7 years. Partial dentures have a longer average lifespan, usually lasting between 7-10 years. Implant-supported dentures typically last 10-15 years.

• Can dentures be replaced? Yes. If your dentures are worn out, damaged, or broken, they can be replaced. It’s also often possible to reline and refit dentures without replacing them completely, which simplifies the process and saves you both time and money.

• What should I expect when getting dentures? The process usually takes a few weeks, but can take longer than a month in some cases. You may need to try in multiple sets of test dentures before your permanent set is finalized. 

• Do insurance plans cover dentures? Yes. Dental insurance plans typically cover the cost of dentures up to all applicable plan limits. During your visit to Walnut Creek Dental, we’ll make sure you understand all of your benefits and exactly how much you’ll have to pay for treatment.

• How do I choose the right dentist for dentures? We recommend taking a look at the dentist’s qualifications and online reviews. Viewing “before and after” photos can be very helpful, too, since they let you get a sneak peek of the dentist’s artistry and abilities.

Explore Denture Options For A New Smile In Groveport, OH

At Walnut Creek Dental, Dr. Pappas and our team provide caring, welcoming, and judgment-free dentistry. Whether you’re looking to replace an old set of dentures or you’re thinking about replacing your missing teeth for the first time, we’re here to help. We take great pride in providing informative, patient-first care.

During your visit, there’s never any pressure. Instead, our dentists will help you explore all of your options for tooth restoration, discuss the dentures process in-depth, and help you find a solution that fits your schedule, preferences, and budget. Give us a call at (614) 864-2466 or contact us online to book your consultation and take the first steps toward a more beautiful, confident, and functional smile after tooth loss.