Dentures – Lockport, IL

Effects of Missing Teeth

No matter how many teeth are missing, individuals can begin to experience difficulty with some of the most common daily tasks. Eating dense foods can become challenging, and speaking without slurring words can make it hard to converse with others.

Without a full set of teeth, one’s oral and overall health can also deteriorate. As the jawbone shrinks because of a lack of stimulation, it can cause additional healthy teeth to loosen and fall out over time. The risk of gum disease increases, and complications of malnutrition can begin to take a toll on the body.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

To be eligible for dentures, a patient must be in good overall health. If signs of existing tooth decay or gum disease are found, necessary treatment must first be provided. This ensures that the mouth is in the best possible state to receive and support all types of dentures.

A patient will meet with our in-house periodontist to discuss their options and how best to move forward in pursuit of a complete smile.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Apart from the option of wearing dentures, patients can also inquire about alternative solutions such as dental bridges or dental implants. Depending on the state of a person’s oral and overall health as well as their jawbone density, it may be possible to pursue one of the following:

• Dental Bridges – If a patient is missing between 1 and 4 teeth, a dental bridge may be a reliable solution. Typically used when no more than 3 or 4 teeth are missing, this restoration helps to bridge the gap by anchoring to healthy abutment teeth. Consisting of two dental crowns and freestanding pontics (artificial teeth), it fits into place to replicate the look of a complete smile.  
• Dental Implants – Capable of replacing any number of missing teeth, dental implants are a more permanent solution to tooth loss. Their titanium base fuses with bone tissues once inserted into the jawbone, creating a durable foundation that supports dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. Their lifespan can exceed 30 years, and they deliver optimal stability when eating and speaking.

What Are Dentures Made Of?

There is a base and artificial teeth that make up dentures. These consist of the following:

• The Base – Most often, the base of a denture is made using acrylic that is pigmented to match your existing gum color. Some dentists may use other materials such as nylon.
• Artificial Teeth – When it comes to the artificial teeth that sit on top of the base, they are likely to be made of acrylic or porcelain. Dentists will rarely use the latter, but it is possible. You will find that your artificial teeth will mimic the look of natural tooth enamel so that it is not obvious to others that you are wearing dentures.

The Denture Creation Process

The denture creation process involves several steps. First, our team will create a model using impressions of your mouth. Next, it is placed in an articulator, which resembles the jaw, so that artificial teeth can be put into place.

A wax model is then used by lab technicians who shape the wax so it resembles the gums. After placing the dentures into the flask, the plaster is poured in to create the shape of the dentures. They are then put into hot water so that the wax will melt.

The acrylic material is then placed into the plaster mold to replace the wax before the plaster is removed, and the dentures are placed into an ultrasonic bath. After trimming away any excess acrylic, the prosthetics are polished and ready for delivery to our dental office.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Adjusting to your new dentures can take time. It’s not uncommon for you to develop a slight lisp initially, as your mouth will need to adjust to the new objects inside. Practicing more challenging words and phrases in front of a mirror or reading aloud can help speed up the adjustment phase so that you begin to sound like your normal self again.

Should you notice any changes in your denture fit, though, you’ll want to make sure that you reach out to our office right away so that we can take a look.

Partial Dentures

The gum-colored, acrylic base that creates a partial denture includes artificial teeth that rest on top of the prosthetic and fill in the gaps left behind by missing teeth. Whether teeth are consecutively or non-consecutively missing, a partial can easily improve a person’s aesthetics and oral health by using metal clips and attaching them to abutment teeth that help to hold it in place.

Full Dentures

Crafted using the same materials as a partial, full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. Made to fill the roof of the mouth or to look like a horseshoe to ensure plenty of space for a person’s tongue, these prosthetics are held in place with a person’s natural suction. Additional denture adhesives can be used to help hold them in place.

Implant Dentures

Implant dentures are a superior tooth replacement option because of their surgical placement within the jawbone. Creating a solid foundation of support for the customized restoration, these titanium posts are versatile and can replace one, multiple, or even an entire arch of teeth. Not to mention, they are known to last 30 years or longer, and they make it easier to eat, smile, and speak while among peers.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

When it comes to determining how much a person will pay for dentures, several factors must be considered, such as:

• How many teeth the individual is missing
• Whether the patient requires any preliminary treatments, which can include bone grafting, periodontal therapy, or tooth extraction
• Which materials will be used to create the dentures

Although there are companies that offer cheaper materials and solutions, patients are better off using higher-quality options simply because they last longer. Dentures in Lockport are an investment in a person’s time and money, so choosing a less expensive form of treatment will only result in higher costs in the future.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures; however, their longevity and stability are just a few of the reasons why. Made of titanium, these screw-like posts are designed to mimic a person’s natural tooth roots. Placed within the jawbone to create a strong and stable foundation for the customized denture, individuals typically require between four and six implant posts that will fuse with the bone and surrounding tissues over 3-6 months. Once the individual is fully healed, the implant denture is secured into place on top of the posts, creating a full, complete, and functional smile.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Yes, most dental insurance companies will agree to cover dentures. It is not uncommon that up to 50% of the total price is paid for by a person’s insurer. However, this is dependent upon whether the individual has met their deductible and if funds exist within the allotted annual maximum provided by the insurance company at the beginning of the year.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

For uninsured individuals who need an affordable way to pay for their dentures, a denture dentist in Lockport offers two alternative options – CareCredit and an in-house membership plan. With CareCredit, patients can enroll in a low-to-no-interest payment plan that promises no surprise fees. The cost is broken up into monthly payments instead of requiring the individual to pay the full amount upfront.

With our in-house membership program, patients can pay one low price and receive access to preventive care while also taking advantage of additional discounts on other available treatments.

Can I sleep with my dentures?

It is strongly advised that you do not sleep with your dentures. The reason is that your gums, bone, and face need a break, and nighttime is great for allowing nutrients back into your soft tissues and oral structures. Also, your prosthetics need time for a thorough cleaning, which means you can soak them in denture cleaner throughout the night. Not only will this help to remove any bacterial accumulations that can affect your gum tissues, but it will also give your gums time to recover.

Can dentures reduce life expectancy?

Many researchers have discovered that wearing dentures can indeed reduce your life expectancy by up to a decade. The reason is that you may lose valuable nutrients as part of your diet because of the lack of bite force and chewing power. Although dentures allow you to eat somewhat normally again, they do not work the same as regular teeth or even dental implants. With dentures, you may begin to suffer from malnutrition and weight loss as you might find it difficult to eat harder foods like apples, nuts, carrots, and pears. With dental implants, though, you can restore your bite force and chewing power, allowing you to enjoy a more nutrient-rich diet.

Why do my dentures smell?

This unfortunate occurrence can happen if bacteria are allowed to build in the crevices of your dentures. If you notice that your new teeth no longer fit properly, it will be easier for food to become trapped. Not only will it cause your prosthetics to develop an odor, but the reality that your dentures do not fit correctly can lead to irritation of your gum tissue, which can cause sores and infections. Bad breath can ultimately be the result.

While wearing dentures, you may also notice that you have a dry mouth more often because of the lack of saliva you produce. This is why you’ll need to be mindful of drinking plenty of water and keeping your teeth and mouth clean. Whether it is brushing all areas of your mouth, soaking your dentures, or giving them a thorough rinse before reinserting them, these steps will help you to maintain fresher breath and healthier teeth.

Do upper dentures always cover the palate?

Not always. There are times when a denture covers the palate of the mouth, which can then result in the inability to taste food. However, to give you the opportunity to enjoy what you eat, our team can create an upper denture that is palateless. Crafted to look like the shape of a horseshoe, it can be attached to implant dentures that allow for permanent placement and greater bite force and chewing power. You will need to talk to your dentist, however, about your options to see how you can move forward with dental implants if that is what you prefer.