Dentures – Fort Worth, TX

Effects of Missing Teeth

Tooth loss can have a significant effect on your well-being. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are various negative consequences of missing teeth. They include facial sagging, difficulty speaking, challenges while eating, and low self-esteem. When you replace your missing teeth with dentures, you can improve all of these areas and your quality of life.

What Qualities for Dentures?

Dentures are ideal for those who are missing multiple teeth/ Depending on the number of teeth you are missing and where they are located in the mouth, we can put together a custom treatment plan to meet your needs. The main qualification that you need to meet is being in good health. This means that if you have existing oral health issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, they need to be addressed and eliminated ahead of time. After your existing teeth and gums are in good condition, we can move forward with the rest of the dentures process.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If dentures don’t interest you, there are various other solutions available that might be a better fit. Here are some of the ones that we offer.

• Dental Bridge: A dental bridge works by “bridging” the gaps in your smile with a replacement tooth. The replacement tooth is called a “pontic,” and it is supported by two dental crowns that are placed on the adjacent teeth.
• Dental Implants: A dental implant is a titanium, screwlike post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. This means that you need to strong enough jawbone to support healthy implants. Dental implants have a higher upfront cost, but they are made to last for upwards of three decades or even the rest of your life.

Psychological Benefits

People who lose many teeth are often frustrated about showing their smiles, and this can lead to a host of troubling emotions like sadness, loneliness, isolation, and depression and make it difficult to confidently engage during social activities. Restoring your smile with beautiful dentures from our Fort Worth office can help you speak clearly, chew easily, and present a favorable appearance so you can feel good and interact with others more easily.

Clearer Enunciation

Losing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly since the tongue and lips must be positioned properly against the teeth to form certain sounds. Since dentures act in the place of missing teeth, they can make it easy to enunciate clearly and make oneself understood. After you have a little time to get used to wearing dentures, you should find that speaking feels increasingly natural.

Improves Nutrition

Many nutritious foods like raw fruits and veggies, fresh meat, and crunchy nuts and seeds can be difficult to chew after losing teeth, and people who have suffered tooth loss are more likely to experience issues like indigestion and malnutrition. Dentures can restore much of your chewing power so you can enjoy the healthy and diverse diet your body needs to stay healthy and strong.

Preserves Oral Health

Tooth loss can lead to a host of oral health problems like gum injuries, jawbone atrophy, dental drift, jaw pain, and further tooth loss. Dentures can help prevent these issues by supporting the remaining teeth to help them stay in place and prevent unnecessary enamel wear.

Expands Opportunities

A person’s smile is one of the first things others notice about them, and having a grin you can be proud of can make a big difference when looking for a new job or being considered for a promotion. Replacing your lost teeth with dentures from Studio Dental of Chisholm Trail can make it easier to meet people, build rapport, win trust, make friends, and close sales so you can succeed at work and on the social scene.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

There are three major factors that can influence the cost of your new dentures. These include:

• Any preparation work that must be done before your denture can be worn, such as tooth extractions, gum disease treatment, etc.
• The type of acrylic you’ve selected for your denture base. This is the portion of your denture that is dyed to match the exact color of your gum tissue.
• The material you choose for the replacement teeth. Usually, your options are either acrylic or porcelain. While acrylic is generally less expensive, porcelain is much more durable and looks and feels more realistic.

When customizing your new dentures, it’s important to keep in mind that “cheap” prosthetics are not ideal. Those discount dentures may cost less up front, but chances are they’re made with subpar acrylic that is prone to breakage and will need to be repaired or replaced much sooner. Remember, when it comes to something that will be spending so much time in your mouth, quality matters!

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive? 

Yes, implant dentures and All-on-4 dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures, but for good reason! That’s because unlike traditional dentures, implant dentures secure to the jawbone via a series of permanent dental implants. This means that the hold of your prosthetic is completely secure, so you can use them to enjoy an even wider array of nutritious delicious foods. Furthermore, because they can only be removed by a dental professional, you won’t need to worry about your implant dentures slipping or shifting while you’re speaking or smiling.

While it’s true that implant dentures do cost more than removable prosthetics, they are truly an investment that will pay dividends with time. Unlike traditional dentures which typically need to be replaced every five to seven years, implant dentures last much longer, meaning you’ll get more for your money in the long term. Plus, because they are less likely to become dried out, lose their shape, or become accidentally damaged, implant dentures usually do not incur the added expense of repair costs that are so common with traditional dentures.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Yes, in most cases dentures are considered a major procedure by dental insurance providers and generally have around 50% of their cost covered by dental insurance. However, because each dental insurance company and plan are different, the best way to determine if your individual policy will cover your dentures is to contact your provider directly. At Studio Dental of Chisholm Trail, we’re happy to help you confirm your specific benefits before your treatment begins.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

At Studio Dental of Chisholm Trail, we are proud to welcome both in-network and out-of-network dental insurance. Additionally, we happily accept flexible financing plans through our preferred third-party lender. If you would like to know more about these plans, please contact our friendly front office for more information.

To learn more about dentures, including whether this treatment is right for you and the total cost of care at Studio Dental of Chisholm Trail, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel today to get started.

Removable Dentures

Remove After Eating

Keep your dentures clean by taking them out and rinsing them after each meal. This practice helps prevent the buildup of food particles and plaque. Be sure to use lukewarm water, as hot water can distort the denture material and affect the fit.

Clean Your Restoration

To clean your dentures well, take them out of your mouth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a little unscented hand soap, mild dish soap, or denture cleaner to gently brush them.

Avoid using regular toothpaste since it can be rough and harm your dentures. If you're not putting them back in right away, keep them in water or a denture-cleaning solution to stop them from drying out and changing shape. Before putting them back in your mouth, rinse them well to get rid of any cleaning stuff.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

To be safe while cleaning your dentures, place a towel underneath them in case they accidentally slip from your hands. This extra precaution can help lower the risk of damaging them. Also, make sure to keep your dentures out of reach of small children and pets to keep them safe and prevent any accidents.

Remove When You Sleep

Get into the habit of taking out your dentures before bedtime. Wearing them for extended periods can affect gum circulation, leading to potential irritation of the soft tissues. Sleeping with dentures has been associated with higher risks of pneumonia and increased plaque on the gums and tongue. Prioritize your oral health by allowing your gums and dentures to have a restful night's sleep.

Notice Changes

Pay attention to any shifts in your oral health, such as mouth sores, gum irritation, or signs of infection. If you spot any problems, inform us right away so we can take care of them quickly. Likewise, if you feel your dentures are moving, clicking, or not fitting well, don't hesitate to reach out. They might need adjustments or even replacement to guarantee they're as comfortable and functional as possible.

All-on-4 Dentures

If you have All-on-4 dentures, keeping them clean is incredibly important. Brush them twice a day using a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush and a gentle toothpaste without baking soda or stain-removing agents.

Don't forget to floss between your replacement teeth daily, using floss threaders to get under the denture. A water flosser can also be really helpful for keeping your restoration and implants clean. Consider using narrow sulcus brushes to effectively clean between your restoration and gums. It's also a good idea to include a daily rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to prevent tartar buildup.

Is It Hard to Speak with Dentures?

Once you first start wearing your dentures, it’ll take some time to get used to how they work in your mouth. This also means you’ll have to learn how to speak with them on, as your tongue will need to get accustomed to the presence of your new teeth. While the amount of time necessary to speak with dentures can vary from each patient, practice will be the defining factor for your adjustment process. Make sure to pronounce words and sounds repeatedly, especially those that are more difficult for you. Try reading out loud and conversing with friends or family members, and you should speak more clearly over time.

Can You Still Eat Steak with Dentures?

Have you been waiting to munch on a juicy steak? While tough meats can be difficult to chew with dentures, it isn’t impossible if you practice the right precautions. Try sticking to tenderloin or other cuts of beef that won’t have as many muscle fibers or connective tissues. These can make your steak tougher to chew. Once the meat is thoroughly tenderized, make sure to cut it into tiny pieces before enjoying them. The smaller the parts, the easier it’ll be for you to enjoy your meal with your dentures on.

Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?

If you require tooth extractions before receiving your dentures, then you’re more likely to experience some mild discomfort after your procedure. Fortunately, this can easily be managed by taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers as needed. Once you get your dentures for the first time, you might expect minor irritation as your mouth grows accustomed to them. Switching to a new set may take an even longer time to get used to, but this will vary from patient to patient. While mild discomfort is natural, you should give us a call right away if any pain persists or worsens. We’ll be able to assess your situation and make any adjustments so that your dentures fit properly on your smile.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures On?

Although it’s possible to sleep with your dentures on, we highly recommend that you take them off before going to bed. When first getting your restorations, you’ll need to wear them for 24 hours straight. Afterward, you should remove them every evening. Since wearing your dentures restricts circulation in your gums, it can result in soft tissue irritation and even speed up ridge resorption. By taking them off overnight, you’ll give your gums a chance to recover and receive the necessary nutrients. Additionally, bacteria can accumulate between your gumline and the underside of your dentures. If you sleep with your restorations on, you can end up increasing your risk of pneumonia. To avoid this, simply remove and soak them overnight to preserve good oral and overall health!