Dentures – Belmont, NH

Effects of Missing Teeth

Missing teeth may be the result of various factors, such as genetics, physical trauma, gum disease, decay, and certain lifestyle choices. Regardless of why you have an incomplete smile, your condition may cause numerous complications if you do not pursue tooth replacement.

For example, your remaining natural teeth may start to drift out of place, leading to a misaligned bite. You may also feel self-conscious about your appearance and shy away from social situations as a result. Additionally, it could be difficult for you to enjoy a balanced, nutritious diet.

The good news is that dentures can help to address such issues, restoring your smile’s appearance and improving its function.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

You may benefit from a new denture if:

• You are missing multiple teeth and are looking for a cost-effective way to replace them.
• Your natural teeth have suffered significant damage due to trauma, gum disease, or decay.
• Your remaining natural teeth feel loose or you suffer from constant toothaches.
• You have an old denture that can no longer be relined (adjusted) to fit well.
• Your gums and jaw are healthy enough to support a denture.

When you visit us for your denture consultation, we will thoroughly examine your mouth and learn about your goals for your oral health. Then, we will recommend the type of tooth replacement that is the best fit for your circumstances.

Alternative Tooth Replacement Options

If dentures are not quite right for you, we may recommend an alternative form of tooth replacement, such as:

• A fixed bridge. Also known as a traditional bridge, this is a semi-permanent form of tooth replacement that relies on the remaining natural teeth for support. Bridges tend to be both sturdy and natural-looking.
• Dental implants. Dental implants are small posts that get implanted in the jawbone, where they act as prosthetic tooth roots. They can support crowns, bridges, and dentures. They are remarkably strong, have amazing benefits for jawbone health, and are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement.

Learn More About Dental Implants

Psychological Benefits

Edentulous people (those who are missing all their teeth) may find it difficult to accept their condition. If that is true of you, you may be all too familiar with the mental health consequences of an incomplete smile. You might tend to isolate yourself socially and miss out on the benefits of meaningful interactions. You could also have much less self-confidence than you used to, and you might hesitate to speak due to how tooth loss affects your enunciation.

Fortunately, dentures can address such problems! They can restore your smile, boost your confidence, improve your eating ability, and more. Indeed, they may help you to adopt a more positive outlook on life.

Clearer Enunciation

Clear speech is the product of interactions between several structures in your body, including your teeth. Without a full smile, you may not be able to articulate your words like you wish.

When you first get dentures, you might develop a slight lisp or have to speak a bit more slowly than usual. Once you adapt to them, though, you should be able to communicate clearly and confidently. Your enunciation should be much better than it was before you got your prosthetic.

Improves Nutrition

Many nutritious foods require some effort to chew, such as certain vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins. When tooth loss makes it difficult to consume such items, it can lead to issues like indigestion and malnutrition. Dentures can improve your chewing ability, enabling you to enjoy a wider variety of nutritious foods. This will help your body to receive the vitamins, minerals, and calories that it needs for optimal health.

Preserves Oral Health

If you still have some of your natural teeth, dentures can benefit them in at least two ways:

• Dentures can serve as placeholders that prevent them from moving to other areas of the mouth. This can allow your bite to stay well-aligned and comfortable. It may even reduce the risk of additional tooth loss.
• Dentures can bear some of the load of regular chewing, which reduces wear and tear on your remaining teeth.

Expands Opportunity

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. In job interviews, sales, and other professional situations, making a strong first impression is essential. Dentures can give you a complete, attractive, and healthy-looking smile that helps you put all your best qualities on display. In contrast, obvious poor oral health may convey the notion that you are older than you really are or that you do not take good care of yourself.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Some factors that have a bearing on the cost of dentures include:

• Preparatory procedures. Some patients require tooth extractions, gum disease treatment, or other services before they are eligible to receive dentures.
• The base of dentures is typically made of acrylic, while the teeth may be either acrylic or porcelain. The specific materials used can have an impact on overall price.
• The type of denture. Partial dentures, full dentures, and implant dentures come at different price points.

Keep in mind that if you come across any deals for “cheap” dentures, it is important to be cautious. Often, people who take advantage of such “bargains” are dissatisfied with the results of their treatment.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures in Belmont cost more than their traditional counterparts. They require more time, more materials, and a higher level of expertise to design and place. Despite their higher cost, they are a worthwhile purchase. They last much longer than traditional dentures, so you are getting an excellent long-term value. You can also enjoy a number of daily benefits, such as strong chewing power, a natural-feeling smile, and freedom from slippage. Plus, dental implants preserve the jawbone, which helps your face to retain its natural shape and allows you to enjoy the most youthful appearance possible.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Most dental insurance plans consider dentures to be a major restorative service, which means that around 50% of the treatment cost may be covered, up to the amount of a plan’s annual maximum. For many people, their insurance can take hundreds of dollars or more off the cost of their prosthetic. Our team is used to dealing with the ins and outs of insurance, so we will be happy to help you understand your policy and file all the necessary paperwork.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

As your denture dentist in Belmont, we are ready to go above and beyond to help you afford treatment. To that end, we offer a few provisions:

• Essential Dental Plan. This discount plan provides reduced fees on many of the services we offer.
• Most patients are qualified for low-interest financing through CareCredit, a third-party service that specializes in helping people pay for medical and dental care over time.
• If you are interested in implant dentures, you can schedule a FREE consultation.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about dentures and their price. We look forward to serving you!

How Long Will You Have to Wait to Get Dentures After Your Teeth Are Pulled?

Most patients wait 6 – 8 weeks between extractions and denture placement. This allows the gums to heal and ensures that your prosthetic provides a snug and comfortable fit. However, some patients opt for immediate dentures, which are prepared before extractions and placed immediately after. Although they will need to be adjusted or replaced relatively soon, many patients view them as a worthwhile investment because they can allow you to avoid being toothless.

Implant dentures have a different treatment timeline. Depending on the specifics of your procedure, you may get dentures on the same day as your extractions or several months afterward.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

When you first get your prosthetic, your denture dentist in Belmont might recommend that you wear it continuously for the first 24 hours. After that, however, you should remove it every night. This allows the gums a chance to rest and can prevent sores. It also facilitates thorough oral hygiene; your dentures should be removed each night so you can clean them and perhaps place them in a cleansing solution. You will also have to clean your gums and the rest of your mouth to prevent bad breath and infections.

What Is the Average Age for Dentures?

Tooth loss becomes more common with age. In fact, data from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that almost 66% of adults aged 40 – 64 are missing at least one tooth, whereas just 33% of adults aged 20 – 39 have the same problem. Roughly 57% of people in the 65 – 74 age range wear some type of denture, according to data from the American Dental Association.

Of course, if you are younger, there is no shame in getting dentures. Tooth loss can occur at an early age due to many factors, such as genetics, accidents, and certain illnesses.

Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?

Ultimately, dentures should enhance your speech and help you enunciate your words as clearly as possible. When you first get dentures, however, you can expect there to be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to speaking. Some patients notice a lisp or other changes to their speech. You can adapt to talking with your prosthetic via practice. Reading out loud and chatting with family members can do much to help you refine the way you speak. If your dentures tend to slip while you are talking, you might need to use adhesive or visit us to get them adjusted.