Dentures – Goodlettsville, TN
Rebuild Your Smile with Realistic Prosthetics
When you have significant gaps in your smile due to missing teeth, everyday tasks like eating and speaking can become difficult. At Goodlettsville Smiles, we believe that no matter how many natural teeth you’ve lost, you deserve to have a complete set of pearly whites you can be proud of. That’s why we offer full, partial, and implant-retained dentures to help rebuild your smile after any degree of tooth loss. To learn more about dentures in Goodlettsville and how they can benefit you, keep reading below, or pick up the phone and call us!
Why Choose Goodlettsville Smiles for Dentures?
- Restorations Custom-Made for Every Patient
- Enjoy Your Favorite Foods Again
- Implant-Retained Dentures Placed In-House
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
If you’ve been struggling with mild to severe tooth loss, then you might be a good candidate for dentures in Goodlettsville. Nearly everyone who’s missing some or all of their pearly whites can benefit from this life-changing restorative treatment, as the prosthetics are specifically designed to address a person’s unique bite. That said, the best way to know for certain if you’re eligible for this solution is by visiting our team for an initial consultation. Read on to learn more about what qualifies you for dentures and other tooth-replacement options to consider.
Effects of Missing Teeth
People can lose their teeth in various ways. While the most common reasons are gum disease and tooth decay, other causes include accidental physical injury and even poor oral hygiene. Those who are considering getting dentures usually want to renew their smile as well as avoid the negative effects of missing teeth. After all, neglecting to address tooth loss can end up leading to serious oral health issues.
Having missing teeth can result in complications in daily tasks, such as eating comfortably and speaking clearly. Due to a lack of tooth roots and stimulation in the bone tissue, your jawbone can also begin to deteriorate. If left untreated, this can result in facial sagging as well as dental shifting, as any nearby remaining teeth will start to move to fill in the gap.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Those who are struggling with moderate to complete tooth loss are generally eligible for dentures. Of course, you’ll also have to factor in certain things like any decay or sensitivity. Additionally, you’ll need to have strong and healthy gums and jawbone tissue to move forward with your treatment. Dentures also require you to be committed to keeping good oral hygiene habits every day to maintain them for the long term.
When determining the kind of denture you’ll get, our team will need to consider the number of teeth that you’re missing. If you’ve lost several of them, then you might simply need a partial denture. A full denture is ideal if an entire arch is missing teeth. If you want more stability in your new smile, then an implant denture may be the solution for you.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
Even if you aren’t eligible for dentures, it doesn’t mean you’ll be out of options for renewing your pearly whites. Our team has two alternative tooth-replacement treatments to consider, including:
- Dental bridges – One or several teeth in a row can be addressed with a dental bridge. This restoration usually consists of two crowns that are fitted atop the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. They will be connected via artificial teeth (pontics) to create the bridge necessary for a functional bite.
- Dental implants – By embedding titanium posts into your jawbone, we can attach your restorations directly to your facial structure, providing the ultimate tooth-replacement treatment. Not only will your new teeth feel like natural ones, but the results can easily last decades or a lifetime with proper care.
How Dentures are Made
If you do get dentures, you may wonder what was done to make them. This curiosity is natural – you want to know how your new teeth came to be. Still, it’s often hard to tell where you should start learning. (Denture manufacturing is a niche topic.) Fortunately, Goodlettsville Smiles can help: below, you’ll find a primer on how dentures get made. Should you read it, you’ll grasp more about your new pearly whites. For other details, you can always call our office.
What are Dentures Made Of?
No matter the type, every denture has two crucial parts: a base and a set of artificial teeth. Taken together, these things ensure your prosthetic works well. As evidence, consider these facts:
- Denture Base – The base is the denture’s foundational part. Colored pink to blend with your gums, it supports the artificial teeth. Therefore, dental labs will make a base from acrylic, nylon, porcelain, or metal materials. (The denture type will influence which material is used.)
- Artificial Teeth – Per their name, artificial teeth are a denture’s tooth-replacing portions. They’re usually made from resin or porcelain – materials that can look like enamel. Even so, porcelain is the more popular material; it often looks and feels more natural.
The Denture Creation Process
Rather than one-size-fits-all, every denture is custom-made for its patient’s mouth. That means making one involves a multi-step process. Said steps are:
- Step 1: Your dentist will take a dental impression. By doing so, they can make a plaster model that matches the final denture’s size and shape.
- Step 2: The plaster model is sent to a lab that makes dentures. The latter will make a wax gum line by relying on the former.
- Step 3: A lab will set artificial teeth in the wax base. The resulting prototype will be used for your finished dentures.
- Step 4: The wax dentures will go to the dentist for a fitting. They’ll later return to the dental lab to complete the final restorations.
- Step 5: A worker will boil the dentures to remove their wax. From there, the prosthetics will be placed in a flask. Said flask will receive plaster and sit in hot water.
- Step 6: A separator will go into the plaster layer, preventing the acrylic from sticking. This acrylic will be injected into the flask to replace the wax.
- Step 7: The plaster will be removed to reveal the dentures. The restorations will then be placed in a bath to remove their residue.
- Step 8: Excess acrylic will be cut from the denture. Said denture will then be polished.
- Step 9: The patient will have the dentures fitted. At that time, the dentist will adjust things so the denture works smoothly.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
When they first get dentures, a patient may feel some discomfort. Some experience soreness and difficulties with eating and speaking. Rest assured, though, that these symptoms are normal. Your mouth will adjust to dentures over time. Eventually, the prosthetics will start to feel like natural teeth.
Of course, you can help this adjustment go faster. One way is to eat soft foods for a week; these items won’t irritate your gums. Alternatively, work out your facial muscles or apply adhesives. These actions will make the dentures feel more familiar and reduce pain.
Whatever you decide, be careful. You may need dental care if your pain persists. In that case, the denture may require repair or replacement.
Types of Dentures
Dentures come in three main varieties. Depending on your individual needs, Dr. McClain may suggest one of the following:
Full Dentures
Designed to replace the entire top or bottom arch of teeth, a full denture consists of a set of artificial teeth anchored to an acrylic base the same color as your gum tissue. This base sits on top of the gums with natural suction or a bit of denture adhesive for additional security.
Partial Dentures
Partials are made to fit within your existing smile like a missing puzzle piece. Made of a metal framework that sits behind your natural teeth, the artificial teeth attached to it are designed to resemble your remaining pearly whites.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Four to eight dental implants per jaw can hold a full or partial denture in place, creating a more stable and long-lasting fit than a traditional denture alone. The added security restores much more biting power, allowing you to enjoy your favorite chewy and crunchy foods with greater ease.
The Process of Getting Dentures
After Dr. McClain has determined that you’re a good candidate for dentures, the process starts with any needed preparatory treatments, like gum disease therapy or tooth extractions. Then, impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth are taken to design a mold of your denture. You’ll try on the mold and we’ll adjust it as needed until it’s a perfect fit. We’ll send it to a dental lab, where your new teeth are cast. In a few weeks, you’ll return to our office to have your denture fit. You might need to make a few follow-up visits during the next couple of months as your mouth gets used to the new appliance inside of it.
For implant-retained dentures, you’ll have to undergo an oral surgery, during which Dr. McClain places the titanium posts into your jawbone. Luckily, she has enough training that she can perform this part of the treatment herself, without having to refer you to a specialist. You’ll spend the next few months healing as the implants integrate with your jawbone. In some cases, we may be able to place temporary dentures during this process so that you never have to go a day without your teeth until your permanent restoration is ready.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures are an excellent option for patients who are missing several, most of, or all of their teeth. By replacing missing teeth with dentures, daily tasks are much easier to complete. There are all sorts of benefits that patients can experience. Continue reading to learn some of the ways that dentures can improve the quality of your life!
Psychological Benefits
People who are missing all of their teeth often have difficulty accepting their tooth loss. This can impact social life and increase their risk of experiencing sadness and depression. By replacing one’s teeth with dentures, they can experience a boost in their confidence and self-esteem thanks to their ability to improve appearance, speech articulation, chewing ability, and more!
Clearer Enunciation
It can be more difficult to speak when you don’t have all of your teeth. This is because the lips and tongue must be positioned properly. Without being able to touch your tongue to your teeth, some words become much more difficult to say. Since dentures act as your missing teeth, they allow you to enunciate more clearly when you talk. After a short adjustment period, speaking will come naturally like it did before you lost your teeth.
Improves Nutrition
Eating a varied, healthy diet is important for your entire body. However, this is difficult to do if you are missing teeth. Many nutritious vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins are tough in texture, making them challenging to eat if you are missing teeth. If you aren’t eating a healthy diet, you could experience indigestion and malnutrition. Dentures help you chew your food, ultimately allowing you to receive those essential nutrients that you need for optimal health.
Preserves Oral Health
If you still have some teeth in your mouth, getting dentures to replace your missing teeth can help to keep your remaining natural teeth in good health. This is because dentures can keep them from shifting around, and they bear some of the weight of your chewing, therefore reducing the wear and tear of your natural teeth.
Expands Opportunity
First impressions are very important when it comes to job interviews, getting promotions, and forming new relationships in your life. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so investing in dentures does nothing but improve your first interactions!
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Unsure about the cost of dentures in Goodlettsville? Trying to identify how much you’ll be expected to pay for your new smile cannot be determined based on others who also have dentures. Instead, you must schedule a consultation with Dr. McClain. Using various factors to determine the overall expense, she will direct you to our helpful team members who will assist in navigating your dental insurance policy and maximizing your benefits. We will also provide alternative solutions to help lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
Your dentures in Goodlettsville will likely cost more or less than your friend or family member’s new teeth. Why? Because no two cases are the same, and various factors must be considered to determine the price tag for your individual treatment. These include:
- Whether you require preliminary care in the form of periodontal therapy or bone grafting (if your jawbone lacks proper density).
- If you require a full or partial denture. If you’re only missing a few teeth, you may prefer a partial denture as opposed to extracting your remaining teeth and having a full denture put into place.
- The materials used to create the base of your denture and your artificial teeth. The most common materials are acrylic and porcelain.
Can you find cheaper dentures elsewhere? Of course, you can, but if you’re looking for a solution that will last many years and offer beautiful, natural results, it’s better that you pay more for higher-quality materials.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures are more expensive than regular prosthetics. But when you consider the advantages they offer, it should come as no surprise why millions of Americans are already enjoying their many benefits. Because of their surgical placement within the jawbone, they offer optimal stability and functionality, allowing you to eat and speak with ease. You can also experience greater oral health because of the continuous jawbone stimulation provided by dental implants. One of the most beneficial factors behind implant dentures is their longevity and the potential to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Depending on your dental insurance plan, there is a chance your insurer will cover anywhere from 50-80% of the total cost. Each plan is different, so you’ll need to review your policy to determine how much you can expect your insurance carrier to cover. If you are unsure how to retrieve this information, a member of our team can help. Meeting your deductible is essential, and you can expect your annual maximum to be taken into consideration when verifying how much your insurer will agree to pay.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
To make your denture treatment more affordable, your denture dentist in Goodlettsville is pleased to partner with CareCredit. This flexible financing option allows you to enroll in low or zero interest funding. Those who are approved can choose a monthly plan that is easy to follow and ensures they stay within their budget.
Dentures Aftercare
Receiving dentures to replace your missing teeth will give you the confidence you need to feel good about your appearance again. However, just because your artificial teeth make up your new smile doesn’t mean you can neglect to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. It’s important that you keep these visits for many reasons. Apart from the fact that we will continue to monitor any remaining natural teeth and gum tissue, we will also check for abnormalities that might indicate oral cancer. With dentures, it can be hard to notice these changes on your own, so early detection from a trusted professional is paramount to ensuring a full recovery.
Removable Dentures
Remove After Eating
After every meal, you’ll need to remove your dentures and give them a thorough rinse. This will help to eliminate buildup that consists of food debris and plaque. Also, you’ll want to make sure that you avoid hot water, as this can warp the materials and cause them to no longer fit properly.
Clean Your Restoration
To properly clean your restoration, you’ll need to first remove them. While cleaning, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented soap to brush your artificial teeth. You can also use a denture cleanser. Instead of relying on regular toothpaste that is highly abrasive, switch to one that is gentler on restorations. If you are preparing to go to bed, make sure to place your teeth in a container of water or a denture-cleansing solution so they do not dry out and lose their shape. Also, before reinserting them the next day, rinse them thoroughly to avoid any of the cleansing materials entering your mouth.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
While cleaning your dentures, place a towel in the basin of your sink to avoid accidentally breaking your dentures should they slip out of your hands. Also, do not keep your dentures lying around so that young children and/or pets can easily access them. You run the risk of accidental damage should a toddler, child, or dog choose to throw or chew on them.
Remove Dentures When You Sleep
Although many patients do not, it is best if you remove your dentures before going to sleep. Not only does wearing them restrict gum circulation, which can irritate, but it is also known to increase your risk of pneumonia as well as gum and tongue plaque. Also, you’ll want to make sure that your dentures remain in a container soaking overnight. This will ensure that they do not dry out or lose their shape, which can become a costly endeavor to fix.
Notice Changes
If you begin to notice any changes to your dentures, make sure to call our office right away. These changes can include mouth sores, gum irritation, and possible infection. Should they become damaged for any reason, avoid trying to repair them on your own and instead, call your dentist. We’ll be able to help you as well as schedule an appointment for you to come in. If your dentures are shifting, clicking, or ill-fitting for any reason, let us know, as the restoration may need to be relined or replaced.
Denture FAQs
If you’ve never had dentures before, it’s common to have a lot of questions about their use. You may be wondering what you can eat with dentures and when you should have them replaced. No matter what your questions may be, Dr. McClain will gladly answer them to the fullest extent so you can feel confident about your future smile. Below, you’ll find the most common questions our practice has heard over the years for your convenience. If you have other concerns you’d like addressed, feel free to let us know!
Can I Sleep with My Dentures?
It’s generally recommended that you take your dentures out before bed. While you’ll be told by our office to wear it for at least 24 hours to ensure your mouth properly adjusts, you should start removing it in the evening when its not in use. When you wear a denture for too long, circulation in your gum tissue can become restricted. This leads to soft tissue irritation and can even speed up ridge resorption. By taking your dentures out after a day of use, you give your gums time to relax.
What is the Average Age for Dentures?
While tooth loss is not guaranteed as you get older, it is a far more common issue for older individuals. In fact, roughly 66% of adults between the ages of 40 and 64 are missing at least one tooth. This means those over 40 are generally more likely to need at least partial dentures compared to younger age groups. The American Dental Association also notes that nearly 57% of people ages 65 to 74 wear some form of denture, whether it’s a partial or full variety.
Can I Have My Dentures Relined if They Don’t Fit Properly?
It’s common for dentures to need to be relined after many years of use due to wear and tear. Additionally, they will need to be repaired if teeth are missing or broken. If your gum line or underlying bone structure changes, you may need a reline for your denture as well.
Keep in mind that there are different types of relines available should you need one. For example, a soft reline is recommended when your gums appear sensitive to the weight of the denture. Here, we provide additional cushion to the prosthetic to prevent irritation. Hard relines are needed for more extensive changes as well as a dedicated lab to perform them. However, the results from a hard reline are generally longer-lasting (about a few years).
If you start to notice sores in your mouth, we can also perform a temporary reline to give your tissues time to heal. If you intend to use dental insurance, remember that most plans will not cover the cost of a reline.
Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?
When you first receive your denture, it’s normal to need some time to adjust to wearing them. How much time you’ll need to adjust depends on how much time you spend speaking while wearing your denture. The more you practice, the faster the adjustment process should be. It’s normal to have a minor lisp with dentures at first due to how it changes your palate. This should go away with time. A great way to practice with dentures is to read out loud to yourself or repeat words you find difficult to say. You can also use denture adhesive to give yourself added stability while adjusting.