Dentures – Carrollton, TX

What are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures can be broken down into two main parts: the base and the replacement teeth. The base of your denture is the part that looks like the gums. It will be custom-designed to sit atop your gumline and utilize natural suction and adhesive to stay securely in place. This part is usually crafted from a pigmented acrylic material, called polymethyl methacrylate. Within the base are seated natural-looking replacement teeth, usually crafted out of acrylic, ceramic, porcelain, or other materials. They’re designed to look virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

The Denture Creation Process

The process of creating dentures is somewhat complex and can be broken down into six major steps:

1. Your dentist will capture an impression. Using putty, Chandy will capture an impression of your mouth that we will use to create a wax or plastic model.
2. Using an Articulator to Create the Wax Model: Once the lab technician receives this mock-up, they’ll place it in a device that mimics the jaw, called an articulator. This will allow them to create the teeth for your dentures. Following this, they’ll carve the base of your dentures from wax.
3. Melting the Wax & Creating the Plaster Mold: Your wax dentures will be placed in a holding device that allows them to pour plaster around it. Once the plaster has hardened, they’ll pour hot water into it to melt the wax. This will then allow them to inject acrylic into the model to replace the wax and create the final base for your prosthetic.
4. Removing the Plaster: Once the exterior plaster mold is removed, your dentures will go into a special bath to remove any plaster that may be stuck to them.
5. Polishing & Finalizing the Details of Your Dentures: Your dentures will be shaped, polished, and texturized to look virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
6. Trying Them On: Once our team receives the final version of your prosthetic, we’ll have you try them on to make sure they fit perfectly and are to your liking.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Once you receive your new dentures in Carrollton, you’ll undergo a short adjustment period that typically lasts about a month. While you’ll likely experience some slight discomfort as you get used to the way they feel and function, by eating softer foods, practicing speaking and eating with your new prosthetics, and being patient, you’ll reach a point where they look and feel more natural.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Your consultation with Dr. Chandy will allow her to examine your smile in its entirety and determine if you are eligible to receive full or partial dentures in Carrollton. There are various factors that must be considered, some of which include:

• The potential need for preliminary treatments. If you show signs of gum disease or require tooth extraction, it may be necessary to undergo additional procedures to ensure a more stable and secure foundation for your dentures when placed.
• The material used to create your dentures. The most common is acrylic.
• The type of material that will be used to create your artificial teeth (most likely acrylic or porcelain)

Are there cheaper options out there on the market? Sure! But if you want a prosthetic that lasts, it’s worth it additional expense to have your dentures created using only the highest quality materials.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures are more expensive. However, the benefits you’ll receive by choosing a more permanent solution will be well worth the investment. Traditional full dentures only sit on top of the gums. Partial dentures use metal clasps or clips that attach to your natural teeth to remain in place. With implant dentures, you can feel more confident in your ability to eat, speak, and smile because their posts are surgically placed into your jawbone. Through osseointegration, the implant fuses with the bone and surrounding tissues, creating a permanent fixture within your mouth. Not only does it mimic the natural tooth structure from the root to the crown, but it also continues to stimulate your jawbone, preventing facial collapse over time.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Most dental insurance companies do offer up to 50% coverage for dentures, which can be a welcomed relief, especially if Dr. Chandy is in-network with your particular insurance plan. Naturally, your deductible and annual maximum will determine if the full 50% is covered or if you will be expected to pay more out of pocket. No matter what your dental insurance company agrees to pay, your denture dentist in Carrollton and our team will work closely with your insurer to help lower your expenses and maximize your benefits.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

If you are uninsured or need assistance to help make your dentures more affordable, Dr. Chandy is pleased to work closely with CareCredit, which is a third-party financier that offers low and no interest payment plans. If you are eligible, you can break up the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments, allowing you to better budget for your new smile.

Removeable Dentures

Remove After Eating

After every meal, you should remove and rinse off your dentures. Doing this helps to prevent buildups of food debris and plaque. When rinsing your restoration, don’t use hot water. Excessive heat can warp the denture material and cause it to not fit properly.

Clean Your Restoration

When it’s time, remove your dentures to clean them. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of unscented hand soap, mild dish soap, or denture cleanser to gently brush your dentures. Don’t use regular toothpaste, as dentures aren’t made to stand up to abrasive products. If you won’t be wearing the dentures again right away, place them in a container of water or denture-cleansing solution so they don’t dry out and lose their shape. You should always rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. These cleaning materials are not intended to be in the mouth.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

When you clean your dentures, it’s a good idea to place a towel underneath just in case you accidentally drop them. This will reduce the probability of your dentures becoming damaged. Keep your restoration out of reach of small children and pets.

Remove When You Sleep

When it’s time to go to sleep, take your dentures out first. Wearing dentures restricts the circulation in your gums, leading to soft-tissue irritation. Sleeping with dentures has been associated with a higher risk of pneumonia as well as higher levels of gum and tongue plaque. Keep your dentures in a denture-soaking solution overnight. If you allow your dentures to dry out, they can permanently lose their shape.

Notice Changes

Keep an eye out for changes so you can address them with your dentist. This includes mouth sores, gum irritation, or signs of infection.  If your dentures are shifting, clicking, or showing other signs of not fitting properly, let your dentist know. Your restoration may need to be relined or replaced. If your dentures become damaged, don’t attempt to repair them on your own. You could accidentally damage them further. Instead, give your dentist a call.

All-on-4 Dentures

If you have all-on-4 dentures, the process looks a little bit different. Brush your all-on-4 dentures twice a day using a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Stay away from toothpaste containing baking soda or stain-removing agents. Sulcus brushes are 1/3 the width of normal toothbrushes, and they are great for cleaning between the restoration and the gums.

Floss your replacement teeth once a day as well. Floss threaders are available to help you floss beneath your denture. You may want to consider investing in a water flosser to keep your restoration and implants clean. Lastly, rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash daily to prevent the growth of tartar.