Dentures – Carrollton, TX

Reclaim Your Lost Smile

Tooth loss not only affects the aesthetics of your smile, but it can also cause a number of issues related to your oral as well as your overall health. At Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton, we can provide a number of trusted solutions for the replacement of missing teeth. One of them comes in the form of dentures.

Dentures are just one of the methods we have to restore missing teeth; some others include dental implants and bridgework. Each treatment has its own particular advantages and disadvantages, and only an experienced dentist can help you determine which one is best for you. Fortunately, Dr. Shekhadiya have the advanced training required to help you figure out the ideal way for you to reclaim your lost smile.

Why Choose Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton for Dentures?

  • Fully Customized, Highly Durable Restorations
  • High Standard of Care and Customer Service
  • State-of-the-Art Dental Technology

What Are Dentures?

Model smile with partial denture

In addition to being either fixed or removable, dentures can come in one of three main types:

Partial Dentures

Set of upper and lower partial dentures

Partial dentures fill the gaps created by a few missing teeth. Conventional partial dentures use metal clasps to grip the backs of your remaining natural teeth, seamlessly fitting into your smile like a lost puzzle piece.

Full Dentures

Upper and lower full dentures

Also known as complete dentures, full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth. The part of a full denture that replaces the upper teeth has a flesh-colored acrylic base, which covers the gums and the roof of the mouth for a firm fit. The base for full dentures that fit over the lower jaw is shaped like a horseshoe in order to avoid covering the tongue.

Dental Implant-Supported Dentures

Model dental implant supported denture

Implant dentures are attached to dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone. The titanium posts are placed over the course of a few visits to our practice. Implants provide a stable fit for your dentures to prevent them from slipping out of place. People with healthy gums and enough jawbone density are good candidates for implant dentures. Bone grafting may be needed for those who do not have enough bone density to safely support implants.

Implant dentures can be ball-retained or bar-retained. With bar-retained dentures, two to five implants in the jawbone are attached to a thin metal bar, and clips or other attachments are used to affix the dentures to the bar. Ball-retained dentures contain sockets which fit into ball-shaped connectors on the implants.

How Dentures are Made

Gloved hands holding dentures in Carrollton, TX

Every denture we provide is fully personalized for the patient in question. If you’re planning on getting a denture of your own in the near future, you’re probably curious to learn how your new prosthesis will be made. Our team will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about the process, but in the meantime, you can read the information below to get a basic overview of all the steps involved in creating dentures.

What are Dentures Made Of?

Close-up of a senior man smiling

What kind of materials will be used to create your denture? To answer this question, it’s important to realize that the prosthesis will include a base and a number of artificial teeth. Here’s a look at what each component will be made out of:

  • Denture Base: There are actually a variety of materials that can potentially be used to create a denture base, but acrylic is the most common option. Acrylic is known for its ability to closely mimic the way your natural gum tissue looks. A partial denture will often have an acrylic base that also includes metal clips for keeping the prosthesis attached to your remaining teeth.
  • Artificial Teeth: The goal is to make the teeth of the denture look as natural as possible. To that end, porcelain is often used due to how it can mimic the color and light-reflecting properties of natural enamel. Porcelain is also an excellent choice because it is strong enough to withstand the forces of biting and chewing.

The Denture Creation Process

Close-up of dentures in Carrollton, TX being made

The first step of creating your denture takes place at our office. We’ll take detailed impressions of your gums before creating a model of your mouth. Said model will be sent to a laboratory where the denture will be made.

Using the model for reference, the technicians at the lap will create a wax version of your gums. The next step is to place artificial teeth in precisely the right spots with the help of an articulator. Once any necessary adjustments have been made, the wax denture will be sent to us.

We’ll have you come in for another appointment so that we can confirm that the wax denture fits properly. Assuming there are no problems, we will then return them to the lab. The next step is to get rid of the wax; this is done by putting the denture in a special flask that will be exposed to hot water. Plaster will be used to help the denture keep its shape even after the wax is gone.

Acrylic will be injected into the flask, taking the place of the wax in order to act as the new base for your denture. The plaster will be removed, and the completed denture will be carefully polished. The final prosthesis will be sent to our office, and we’ll schedule one last appointment so that you can receive your denture.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Woman with glasses smiling with her arms folded

New dentures may feel slightly uncomfortable to wear in the beginning, but rest assured that it will only be a matter of time before your mouth gets used to them. Be sure to follow any tips we give you for a smoother adjustment, such as only eating soft foods.

The Benefits of Dentures

Grandparents smiling at grandchild enjoying the benefits of dentures

The dentures your grandparents wore may have looked or felt awkward, but dentistry has come a long way since then. Nowadays, each denture is designed to match your unique facial shape and oral structures. Unless you go around telling people you have dentures, no one should be able to tell that they’re not your “real” teeth. In many ways, dentures can make your life better, so don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation.

Psychological Benefits

Self-confidence and self-esteem can be fragile, especially if you don’t have a full set of teeth. You may not show your smile as often, which can negatively affect your mood and mental health. Studies show that the act of smiling signals the production of “happy hormones” in the brain, meaning that hiding your teeth or lack of teeth may deprive you of positive feelings. Dentures can give you the confidence to smile freely without hesitation, in turn helping you have more joy in life.

Clearer Enunciation

Regardless of what language(s) you speak, your teeth are needed to make pronounce certain sounds and words clearly. When they’re properly fitted, dentures should be quite comfortable in your mouth. They should be secure enough to not slip around when you’re talking; as a result, you can speak and laugh without the fear of your teeth moving. At first, it’ll take some adjustment, but given a little time and practice, you can be understood and talk comfortably.

Improves Nutrition

In addition to shifting while you talk, ill-fitting dentures can also make it difficult to bite or chew food. Those who don’t have properly fitting dentures often have to eat softer, more processed foods, which can impact their overall health, energy, and quality of life. On the other hand, when you have new, custom dentures, your chewing power will be restored, allowing you to enjoy a varied diet of healthy, crunchy foods like fresh produce.

Preserves Oral Health

Like other parts of your body, your face and jaw consist of muscles that require use to stay strong. Without functioning teeth, you won’t be able to eat tougher foods, which means the muscles in this area can start to wither and atrophy. As a result, your bite weakens even more. Well-fitted dentures can help you continue using these muscles and strengthen them as much as possible.

If you have a partial denture, this restoration also keeps your remaining teeth where they belong. Without a denture present, these teeth can shift out of alignment to compensate for the holes in your smile, which can lead to further tooth loss, inefficient eating, and an unappealing appearance.

Expands Opportunities

Whether you’re reentering the dating scene, are looking to make some new friends, or want to impress your boss for a chance to get your dream job, a confident, friendly smile can open doors that might otherwise be closed to you because of tooth loss. Giving yourself a full set of teeth may seem like a small change, but it can have a truly life-changing effect in many ways.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

piggy bank and cost of dentures in Carrollton

The more you learn about dentures, the more you are probably ready to get started with plans for rebuilding your smile. Before you fully commit, however, it makes perfect sense you would be curious about the cost of dentures in Carrollton. During your consultation, our team at Celebration Family Dental will conduct an oral examination and explain which factors will affect the final price. Following the appointment, you’ll have a better understanding of what you can expect to pay for your treatment.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

lab tech and cost of dentures in Carrollton

Multiple considerations can influence the price of dentures in Carrollton including:

  • The type of dentures: full, partial, or implant
  • The materials your denture will be made of (usually porcelain or acrylic)
  • Any work needed beforehand like tooth extractions or periodontal therapy
  • Whether you’re receiving dental implants

If cost is the top priority, you may be tempted to opt for cheaper dentures. Even though the upfront expense is certainly lower, they tend to break easily and require replacement much sooner than you’d expect. That’s why quality should always be of utmost importance, regardless of the cost.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

implant dentures illustration for cost of dentures in Carrollton

Yes, implant dentures are generally more expensive than traditional ones. However, there’s a good explanation for that. They require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants, making them more reliable for everyday use since they do not shift out of place.

Many patients discover this method of tooth replacement is well worth the investment because of several tremendous benefits. Not only do implants stimulate the jawbone, but they can last decades or even a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. That means you won’t have to worry about replacing your dentures nearly as often!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

dental insurance for cost of dentures in Carrollton

Dentures are considered a major procedure which is why most dental insurance plans will cover approximately 50 percent of their cost. Certainly, every policy is unique, meaning the amount of coverage provided will vary from patient to patient. If you have any questions about your plan, contact your insurance provider or ask our dental team for assistance. We will gladly review the details of your policy and do everything possible to maximize your benefits and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Another Option for Making Dentures Affordable

Tooth and calculator for cost of dentures in Carrollton

We understand not everyone has dental insurance which is why we offer a financing option to make your dental bills much easier to manage:

  • CareCredit Financing – With CareCredit, you can split up the total cost of your treatment into smaller, budget-friendly monthly installments. Some options even come with little-to-no interest.

Ready to begin down the path to a beautiful, complete smile? Contact us today to schedule a consultation so your denture dentist in Carrollton can answer any questions you might have.

Dentures Aftercare

a smiling couple in bath robes brushing their teeth together

Dentures in Carrollton are a life-changing dental treatment that can drastically improve your quality of life. Once you adjust to them and are able to enjoy all of their benefits, you’ll understand why diligent aftercare is so important! With good dental hygiene and maintenance, your dentures can last you for seven years or longer, depending on what type you receive. Below, our team at Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton has provided you with some key ways to extend the lifespan of your new replacement teeth.  

Removable Dentures

Remove After Eating

After each meal or snack, you should take out and rinse your dentures thoroughly. This will help remove any food debris and help protect you from common oral health concerns, like gum disease. It’s important to use room temperature or cool water because hot water can warp your dentures, causing them to fit improperly.

Clean Daily

At least once a day, in addition to rinsing after each meal and snack, you should clean your dentures more thoroughly. This will remove plaque build-up, minimize the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria, and keep your dentures looking new. You can opt for special denture-cleaning products or a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear hand soap. Be sure to avoid abrasive products though, like regular toothpaste and hard-bristled toothbrushes, because these can scratch your prosthetic. Remember to avoid using hot water to clean them, being careful not to let them slip off of the countertop after you’re finished.

Store Safely

Whenever your dentures aren’t in your mouth, it’s important to store them in a safe place where children and pets can’t get to them. You can do this by placing your partials in their hard storage case, or if you have dentures, keeping them on a tall shelf or dresser where they’re inaccessible. This will drastically reduce the chances that they get damaged.

Remove When Sleeping

Each night before you sleep, you’ll need to remove your dentures to give your gums a rest. You can place them in a room temperature glass of water to help them hold their shape, or a special denture-soaking solution. You should never wear your dentures overnight, because this can lead to an increased risk of infection as well as foul-smelling prosthetics.

Notice Changes

As you wear your dentures, you may notice that with time they begin to feel different in your mouth. This is because your jawbone and facial structure will be changing. Take note of these changes, like if they begin to fit poorly, and make sure to bring them into your dentist to receive routine professional cleanings and ensure they’re functioning properly.

All-on-4 Dentures

All-on-4 dentures are anchored within the mouth using small titanium posts, called dental implants. These will allow your new replacement teeth to look and feel completely natural. Here are the unique care tips we recommend following if you have All-on-4 dentures:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, just like you would your natural teeth.
  • Floss at least once a day using a water flosser, thread, or flossing picks to remove any food debris.
  • Use a sulcus brush to clean the area between your restoration and gums.
  • Rinse your mouth with non-alcoholic mouthwash once a day.

Dentures FAQs

Woman considering the answers to frequently asked questions about dentures

Are you ready to regain a full set of beautiful pearly whites with dentures? It’s natural to have a few questions! That’s why we’ve gathered some of the most common questions we get about this classic tooth replacement option. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for below, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!

I Need Dentures. Where Do I Start?

The first step on your journey towards a complete, confident smile is to schedule a consultation with us. During this initial appointment, we’ll go over your goals and concerns for tooth replacement. Then, we’ll inspect your mouth, review your medical history, and discuss with you which options we recommend for your unique smile. We want you to feel 100% confident in any treatment you choose, so we’ll gladly take the time to answer all of your questions during your consultation as well.

Do I Brush Dentures Like Natural Teeth?

Just like natural teeth, it’s important to clean your dentures every day to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup. Even if you have no natural teeth left, these dangerous particles can cause gum disease or oral infections. Thankfully, it’s easy to keep your dentures clean! You should brush them every morning and night, as well as after every meal if possible. Remember to only clean them with special denture brushes and plain water—regular toothbrushes and toothpastes are too abrasive and can scratch away at your dentures!

How Long Will My Dentures Last?

Since your traditional dentures or partials rely on your gums and natural teeth for support, they’ll begin to lose their fit as your mouth naturally changes shape over time. Typically, you’ll need to replace them after five to seven years of use to keep your mouth healthy and comfortable. Their lifespan will also depend on how well you take care of them! Handling them carelessly or cleaning them with the wrong products could quickly cause them to break. However, if you choose to restore your smile with implant dentures, then you can expect them to last much longer. Thanks to their unique design, implant dentures can easily last for the rest of your life with the proper care.

Can I Eat Normally with Dentures?

Even though dentures can replace your missing teeth right away, it takes some time to get used to wearing them. It’s important to remember to be patient with yourself as you learn how to eat with your new dentures. Start with small bites of soft foods, then move on to slightly more solid foods when you’re comfortable. This process takes a different amount of time for everyone. Practicing and using a small amount of denture adhesive can help make learning a bit easier as well.

Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Dentures?

Every dental insurance policy is different. To find out if yours covers the cost of dentures, you can either call your insurance provider or bring your insurance paperwork with you to your consultation. Our talented team has years of experience maximizing benefits to help our patients lower their out-of-pocket expenses. If your dental insurance policy doesn’t cover dentures, or if you don’t have dental insurance, we’re also happy to offer low to no interest financing through CareCredit. A CareCredit plan will help break down the cost of your treatment into payments that can fit into your budget.

Dentures are a quick, easy, and affordable way to get back to enjoying your confident smile. Call and schedule your consultation today to see if this tooth replacement option is right for you!