Dentures – West Caldwell, NJ

Effects of Missing Teeth

There are many reasons why adults are missing permanent teeth, including tooth decay, gum disease and even accidental injury. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are many negative consequences of not replacing missing teeth, including facial sagging, speech articulation problems, difficulty eating, and low self-esteem. When you replace lost teeth with dentures, you can benefit from the resolution of many of these issues, which can in turn boost your oral, mental, and overall health.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

If you’ve lost a significant number of teeth, have sensitive teeth, or excessive tooth decay, and sufficient healthy gum tissue and jawbone density, dentures could be a great option! To qualify, you must be willing to commit to a regular oral health routine and properly care for both your new dentures and your smile.

The number of teeth you’re missing will determine the kind of denture Dr. Magid feels is best for you, as there are several different types to choose from. Dentures are often more affordable than other tooth replacement options, making them an ideal restoration for patients on a budget.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If you’re not a good candidate for dentures, don’t despair. There are still other tooth restoration options that you may be better qualified for, including:

• Dental Bridges: These restorations are great for patients who are only missing one or a few teeth. They require you to have healthy teeth surrounding the missing tooth or teeth to anchor and support the bridge.
• Dental Implants: Because a titanium post is permanently inserted into your jawbone, you must have solid bone structure in your jaw prior to this treatment. Dental implants are more costly than other methods of restoration, however they are permanent and should not need to be replaced.

<Learn More About Dental Bridges>

<Learn More About Dental Implants>

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

The cost of your dentures will be influenced by:

• The Extent of Your Tooth Loss: Did you only lose a few teeth, or is an entire row missing? The answer to this question will determine whether you’re paying for a partial denture or a full denture.
• Any Necessary Preparations: Are some of the teeth that will be replaced still in your mouth? If so, you will need to factor in the cost of the necessary tooth extractions.
• The Materials Used: Dentures made with high-quality materials normally cost more, but they also tend to be more durable and comfortable.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Simply put, yes, implant dentures cost more than traditional dentures. That said, investing in implant dentures can pay off in various ways. For example, unlike traditional dentures, implant dentures provide stimulation for your jaw that can help stop bone loss. It should also be noted that since implant dentures can last significantly longer than traditional ones, they can ultimately be the wiser financial option in the long term.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

No two dental insurance plans are alike. As such, before you begin any kind of dental treatment, you should double-check your benefits to ensure that you understand what sort of coverage is available. You can always reach out to your insurance provider if you have any questions, and our team will be more than happy to help you maximize your benefits however we can.

With all that said, since dentures are often considered necessary in terms of restoring oral health, you can normally expect your dental insurance plan to at least partially pay for them. Coverage will often be around 50% since dentures are considered a major procedure. Note that factors such as the deductible and the annual maximum could affect the amount that you need to pay out of your own pocket.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

We’ve gone out of our way to make sure that our patients have plenty of options for making the cost of dental care more manageable. If you sign up for our in-house savings plan, you can get a discount on many of our services. We also provide the option of applying for CareCredit financing so that you can pay in installments rather than all at once. Feel free to talk to our team to find out how we can make paying for dentures easier.

Psychological Benefits

Many people struggle to accept tooth loss. Along with this come damaging effects on their self-esteem and social life, as well as a higher risk of experiencing sadness and depression. In fact, those who are insecure about their smile are less likely to engage in social activities, increasing feelings of isolation.

When you restore the appearance and function of your smile with dentures, you are likely to experience an increase in confidence and self-esteem. Dentures can even help reduce your anxiety about appearance, speech articulation, chewing ability and much more while engaging socially.

Clearer Enunciation

Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly. That’s because to perform and pronounce words, your lips and tongue need to be positioned properly. Without the ability to touch your tongue to certain teeth, some words can be very difficult to say correctly.

Dentures act as your missing teeth, thereby allowing you to enunciate more clearly while speaking. Following a short adjustment period and a bit of practice, speaking will once again come naturally.

Improves Nutrition

Many nutritious foods happen to also be tough in texture, such as certain vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins. When you’re unable to chew your food thoroughly due to missing teeth, you are more likely to experience issues like indigestion and malnutrition.

Dentures improve your ability to chew, allowing you to enjoy a more expansive diet full of nutritious, delicious foods. Ultimately, dentures can help your body receive the essential nutrients necessary for optimal overall health.

Preserves Oral Health

If you still have any remaining natural teeth, getting dentures can help you prevent them from shifting to other areas of the mouth. They can also bear some of the weight of regular chewing, thereby reducing the wear and tear on your remaining teeth.

Expands Opportunity

Your smile is one of the very first things people notice about you. When it comes to making an excellent impression for job interviews, sales, and even landing promotions, having a healthy smile is a major advantage. In fact, according to a 2019 study, the probability of being employed was negatively associated with poor oral health!

Removable Dentures

Remove After Eating

After each of your meals, take out your dentures to rinse them off. This helps to prevent the buildup of food debris, plaque, and harmful bacteria. When you rinse your dentures, be sure that the water isn’t too hot. High temperature can warp the denture material, making it no longer fit properly.

Clean Your Restoration

When it is time to clean your dentures, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of unscented hand soap, mild dish soap, or denture cleanser to gently brush them. If you aren’t going to be wearing your dentures again right away, put them in a container of water or denture-cleansing solution so they don’t dry out and lose their shape. Remember to always rinse your dentures thoroughly before returning them to your mouth.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

When you clean your dentures, it is ideal to place a towel beneath them in case they slip out of your hands. This will reduce the probability of them becoming damaged. When you aren’t wearing your dentures, be sure to keep them in a place that isn’t accessible to curious pets and young children.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

You should remove your dentures at night before you go to sleep. Wearing dentures restrict the circulation of your gum tissue, resulting in soft-tissue irritation. Sleeping with dentures has also been associated with a higher risk of pneumonia and higher levels of gum and tongue plaque. When you sleep, keep your dentures in a denture-soaking solution to keep them moist so they don’t lose their shape.

Notice Changes

You should always be on the lookout for changes so you can address them with your dentist. This includes mouth sores, gum irritation, and signs of infection. If your dentures become damaged, you shouldn’t try to fix them on your own. You could cause additional damage. Instead, call us so we can help.

All-on-4 Dental Implants

If you have All-on-4 dental implants, caring for them is a little bit different from caring for traditional dentures. You should brush your prosthetic with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Remember to floss your replacement teeth every day. You might also want to consider purchasing a water flosser. For extra freshness, use an anti-bacterial mouthwash.