Hi, I'm Dr. Priya Matthew at MVP Family Dental and today I'd like to talk to you a little bit about dentures because we get some questions about them. Hopefully, you'll have a better understanding after this.
What are dentures?
Dentures are made of acrylic, and they have artificial teeth on them. They're used to replace your teeth when you are missing teeth.
When would a dentist recommend getting dentures?
If somebody was missing a good amount of teeth, at least three or more, then they would want to look at a denture to replace those teeth.
Are there complete and partial dentures?
Yes, there are different types of dentures. One is a complete denture, which means you're fully edentulous, no teeth on one arch. We call this one arch, your upper and your lower arch. Say somebody had no teeth on their upper arch. We would make a complete denture for their upper. The same goes for the lower; you can do a complete denture on the lower if somebody's missing all of their teeth. There's also a partial denture, which means somebody has some of their teeth but is missing some in between. We can make a denture to go around the teeth, hold on to the teeth they still have, and fill in the spaces that are missing.
Are there permanent or fixed dentures?
There are different types of dentures. There are removable dentures, like the full mouth, the complete dentures, and the partial dentures that are removable. There are also fixed partial dentures, which are cemented in, basically what you would call a bridge. A bridge is when you prepare two teeth like crowns, and you make a bridge that would cement the two with a tooth in between. Say you had two teeth and one was missing. You make a bridge or a fixed partial denture to replace that missing tooth.
How are they made and what materials do they use?
There are many different materials that dentures are made of. Complete dentures are usually made of acrylic. The teeth are acrylic and the base is acrylic. The same goes for the partial dentures. But partial dentures have metal sometimes if they are made out of cast metal, which is the part that's going to hold on to your teeth. But there are also flexible dentures, which are made out of a different material that doesn't have metal, and look nicer. It's just a different material. The fixed partial dentures, which are bridges, are made out of zirconia or porcelain fused to metal, similar to the crowns.
What is the denture procedure?
If a patient comes in and needs new dentures, for instance, I had a patient recently who had a very worn-down upper denture. The teeth were super worn down because they were 20-plus years old. She also didn't have a lower partial. She had a few teeth remaining in the front. We wanted to make her a lower partial and an upper full denture so they fit well together. Her upper would look more natural and less worn down. She came in, we discussed what she was looking for. We took impressions of her mouth, basically molds, and then sent them to the lab. The lab comes back with something to help us determine where her bite should be. They're called wax rims. We have these little wax rims in the mouth on the top and the bottom to figure out where the bite should be. You don't want them to be too open or too closed. We also take into account the teeth she still has in her mouth. The next step is to send it back to the lab, and then it comes back with the teeth in it. We have selected the color of the teeth. The lab helps us select the shape and the size depending on the patient. We do the tooth try-in. The patient has what will be the final dentures but in wax. If we need to change something with the bite or the occlusion, or change the type of teeth or the color, we can still do that. If there's a need for another try-in, we do that. Once we are satisfied with that first or second try-in, we go on to finish. We send it back to the lab, and the lab finishes it. They take out the wax, put acrylic exactly where the wax was, and the teeth are exactly where they were in the try-in. We deliver them. The patient goes home with them, tries them in, makes sure that she can take them out, and if she has any issues or needs any adjustments, she gives us a call and we follow up with her.
Is it difficult to speak with dentures?
It can be difficult at first to speak with dentures, especially if you have never had them before. But if you're used to dentures and you're getting a new set, it usually isn't too hard to get used to it. It just takes a little bit of time, maybe a week or two, so your brain can rewire and know that there are new things in your mouth. Once you get over that, you're good.
Will the dentures affect the ability to eat and drink regularly?
The dentures will affect your ability to eat and drink regularly in the sense that if you had your natural teeth and now you're transitioning to a denture, let's say because of gum disease or a lot of cavities everywhere that are not restorable, it will be a transition to go to dentures. But if you have been edentulous without teeth for a long time, it's an adjustment. You have to learn how to chew with them. It's not the same as your natural teeth. We try to keep patients' natural teeth as long as possible by doing hygiene appointments and whatever is needed to keep those teeth in the mouth. If that's not an option, it takes time to get used to the dentures, but once you get used to them, they are definitely better than no teeth.
Is there special care to take for the mouth and gums after getting the dentures?
Yes, there is special care for the mouth and gums after getting dentures. You still want to come back to the dentist at least once a year. If you have no teeth and full dentures, you still want to be checked once a year for oral cancer or any adjustments that might be needed on the denture. If there's anything rubbing anywhere, just to check the tissues and the gums. If you have teeth and you're wearing partial dentures, you want to come back for your regular hygiene appointments to keep those teeth where they are.
How long will dentures last?
Dentures can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. I've seen patients with 20-year-old dentures, but usually they've been worn down by then. I would say at least 5 to 10 years if properly taken care of.
How long will it take for my mouth to heal and get used to dentures?
It will take some time. It depends on the case. If you are having extractions, like removing teeth and then getting the dentures placed immediately, it will take a few weeks to let the gums heal underneath. There are immediate dentures where you put them right in after the extraction, so the patient doesn't have to go without teeth. Otherwise, if you're just getting the dentures placed and you've already had your extractions done a while back and they're healed from that, you might get a little sore spot here and there, which you would call and we would adjust. A few days later you should be good.
What is the cost of dentures and will insurance help pay for them?
The cost of dentures can vary depending on what type of denture you're getting. There are many types. You would come in for a consult and then we could go over how much the dentures would cost for you. Insurance does usually cover some portion of the dentures and we would be happy to check that when you come in with your insurance information.
When should I schedule an appointment for dentures?
You should schedule an appointment for dentures as soon as you think you need them. Just schedule an appointment for a consult or a cleaning if that's applicable and we can tell you if dentures are a good option for you.
At MVP Family Dental in Jenkintown, we understand that losing teeth can be a challenging and emotional experience for individuals of all ages. While dentures and partial dentures are often associated with seniors, many young adults and families also find themselves needing effective tooth loss solutions to restore their smiles, confidence, and functionality in everyday life. We pride ourselves on providing affordable dentures and personalized dental services tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient who walks through our doors.
Why Consider Dentures?
Opting for dentures can be an ideal solution for those facing tooth loss. Many patients choose this route because they want an affordable tooth replacement option that doesn’t compromise quality. Unlike dental implants, which require surgical procedures and can be costly, traditional full and partial dentures provide an accessible and less invasive way to regain a functional bite and aesthetic appearance. With the right care, you can enjoy comfortable dentures that feel like your natural teeth.
Additionally, the denture process is typically faster than other tooth replacement solutions such as implants. While dental implants can take the better part of a year to complete, the process of receiving dentures at MVP Family Dental often takes fewer visits. This means you can quickly achieve a beautiful and functional smile without the long wait time.
Our experienced dental team is dedicated to guiding you through your options. We know how important it is to maintain a sense of comfort throughout the entire process, which is why we emphasize creating a welcoming and comfortable dental office environment at our Jenkintown location.
The Denture Process at MVP Family Dental
Understanding the denture process is essential for our patients. When you decide to explore dentures in Jenkintown, you’ll start with an initial consultation, where we will take detailed dental impressions of your mouth. This is a crucial first step, as it allows our team to customize your dentures for a perfect fit.
After obtaining the impressions, we’ll create a model using dental stone, which acts as a cast for your new dentures. Our staff will assist you in trying on various sets of sterilized dentures to ensure that you find the ideal fit, color, and size. We believe that your dentures should not only function well but also enhance your appearance. Upon selecting the ideal set, we will further adjust the cast before sending it to our trusted dental laboratory.
At the lab, our technicians will craft a wax version of your gum line, creating the replacement teeth from high-quality resin materials. Once we receive this prototype, you will have the opportunity to approve the design before we finalize your dentures with more realistic acrylic that mimics the look of natural gums. This process usually involves about four to five visits, ensuring you are satisfied with every detail of your new smile.
Types of Dentures: Tailored Solutions for Every Patient
When considering dentures, there are two primary options: full and partial dentures. Full dentures are designed for those who have lost all their teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures serve those who still have some natural teeth remaining. Families searching for protective and aesthetically pleasing tooth loss solutions will find that we create comfortable, durable, and affordable dentures that fit seamlessly into their lifestyles.
At MVP Family Dental, we understand that comfort is key when it comes to wearing dentures. Our team specializes in creating comfortable dentures that adapt well to your mouth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
The Importance of Maintenance and Care
Once you’ve chosen your ideal dentures, understanding how to maintain them is just as crucial as the initial fitting process. We offer personalized dental care that includes denture maintenance tips to ensure your dentures remain in excellent condition for years to come. We encourage you to establish a routine that involves regular cleaning, storing your dentures properly when not in use, and scheduling routine check-ups with our dental team.
Additionally, we can help answer questions about insurance for dentures and discuss flexible payment options that work for your family's budget. Our goal is to ensure that the denture solution you choose is not only effective but also financially accessible.
Why Choose MVP Family Dental in Jenkintown?
With over 30 years of experience in family dental care, Dr. Priya Mathew and Dr. Vineetha Thomas lead a dedicated team committed to your dental health and well-being. At our Jenkintown dental practice, we foster an environment that supports open communication and caters to individual patient needs. Our satisfied clients often refer friends and family, a testament to the high-quality care we provide.
To explore how dentures—both full and partial—can restore your smile and quality of life, contact MVP Family Dental today. Experience our personalized dental services that prioritize your comfort, confidence, and satisfaction. Let us help you navigate your tooth loss solutions and look forward to smiling again!