Dentures, in various forms, have been used for hundreds of years to replace missing teeth. These prosthetics replace the visible surfaces of teeth to increase oral function and restore one’s appearance. While dentures have been used for a very long time, the materials, technology and craftsmanship to make them has improved leaps and bounds. Today, people wear and enjoy very lifelike dentures that complement their facial structure, fill in the gaps of an incomplete smile and make eating food easier.

Types of Dentures

There are two major types of dentures. The first type of denture is a full denture. This denture replaces all the teeth missing in an arch. When a person is totally edentulous, two dentures will be necessary to replace all the teeth missing in both jaws. A full denture rests on top of the gums and is supported by the curved shape of the jawbone. The other type of denture is a partial, and its job is to only replace the teeth missing in an arch. To accomplish this, a partial denture will snap into place by clasps that attach to the backs of biological teeth. The partial will then fill in the gaps of a smile only where it is needed.

The Customized Nature of Prosthetics

Making permanent prosthetics is an incredibly detailed process. First, dental healthcare providers will take pictures, diagnostic images and molds of the mouth. This is done to determine the proper specifications of prosthetics so that they fit comfortably inside the mouth.

Once the specifications are established, trained technicians in laboratories will begin the process of creating dentures. Making dentures involves close attention to detail. Another important aspect involves craftsmanship. Today’s dentures are made from high quality porcelain and perfectly-tinted acrylic bases to mimic the gradient of color naturally found on the gingiva.

Why Replace Missing Teeth

Your teeth serve a purpose. They are used for eating, speaking and smiling. Even one missing tooth can affect the way words are pronounced. Tooth loss also affects your ability to properly chew and digest many foods.

Sometimes after tooth loss, patients become depressed and self-esteem can suffer. Our team takes a compassionate and customized approach to treating tooth loss. We strongly encourage you to seek the treatment you need in a timely manner as it can boost your mood and confidence and restore oral function.

If you have missing teeth, we invite you to schedule a tooth replacement consultation at our practice. Your appointment will involve filling out questionnaires and forms, having an oral examination and discussing the results with our caring staff. Our mission is to help you enjoy optimal oral function no matter your circumstances.

Denture FAQs

How much do dentures cost?

The cost of any treatment or service can fluctuate depending on a person’s unique needs. The same is true for dentures. Some patients’ costs might be higher if they require treatment such as tooth extractions prior to receiving their new teeth. Since costs can vary along with insurance coverage, we recommend speaking to our team about your out-of-pocket costs after your first consultation so we can give you a more accurate estimate. We also recommend calling your insurance provider and discussing your coverage and benefits for replacement teeth.

What is a partial denture?

A partial denture is a prosthetic that only addresses partial tooth loss. For instance, a full denture will cover either the bottom or lower jaw and gums while a partial denture only fills in the gaps of a smile where teeth are missing. Partials feature clasps that snap on to the backs of biological teeth so that they stay in place.

What are permanent dentures?

Permanent dentures are attached to dental implants by way of abutments. Dental implants are prosthetics that replace tooth structure beneath the surface of the gums. They are embedded into the jawbone so that the bone will fuse around their structure to hold them in place. These types of prosthetics aren’t removed daily like conventional dentures are. Instead, permanent dentures are cleaned inside the mouth like natural teeth. Since these types of dentures are anchored by dental implants, they will not move during oral function. They will also help patients retain their jawbone density by keeping the bone stimulated and active.

Are dentures covered on insurance?

Some insurance providers and their plans do offer coverage for replacement teeth. The best way to determine what your coverage offers is to contact your insurance company for questions and read through your explanation of benefits package. Our team at Plantation Palms Dental works with most dental insurance plans to help maximize your savings.