Dentures – Broken Arrow, OK

Enjoy a Full Smile Once Again

As you might know, tooth loss affects not only your looks but also your quality of life. It starts with an unsightly smile, sure, but it’ll lead to real health problems if left untreated. Luckily, you can always fix the problem with some dentures in Broken Arrow. Offered by Berkshire Dental Group , these prosthetics restore even the most empty of smiles! If you’d like to learn more about them, just keep reading or book a visit with our office soon.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?

A hand holding dentures in Broken Arrow

Overall, the best candidates for dentures are those enduring the effects of missing teeth. Such people struggle to eat, speak, or smile without their pearly whites.

That said, the best way to confirm candidacy is by consulting Dr. Sprague at our practice. Doing so lets him perform an oral exam to see if dentures are right for you. In the event they are, he and our team will draft a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Of course, not everyone with tooth loss would benefit from dentures. For example, another treatment might be better if someone doesn’t lack all the teeth along an arch.

Types of Dentures

The types of dentures in Broken Arrow

Among other things, the consultation will help you know what to expect from treatment. In particular, it’ll confirm the type of denture that best meets your needs. The visit will thus end with us suggesting one of three kinds:

Partial Dentures

Per their name, partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth. They’re thus secured with metal claps that loop around other pearly whites.

In general, partial dentures consist of tooth replacements attached to a gum-colored plastic base. Since they fill tooth gaps, the prosthetics also prevent other teeth from tilting.

Full Dentures

Unlike partial ones, full dentures replace an entire arch’s worth of teeth. Therefore, they stay in place with natural suction instead of clasps.

Still, the bases of full dentures don’t differ much from partials. The former ones also rely on acrylic, gum-colored resins. The only major difference is that this type of denture sits snugly on the gums.

Implant Dentures

For something more stable than the previous options, you may want to consider implant-retained dentures.

As their name implies, implant dentures attach to dental implants — restorations surgically placed into the jawbone. Since these implants root themselves in your jaw, they stimulate it to prevent deterioration. Plus, their fusion ensures your new teeth don’t slip or fall from your mouth.

The Benefits of Dentures

A man enjoying the benefits of dentures in Broken Arrow

Ultimately, you’d reap many benefits from dentures in Broken Arrow. These include the following:

  • Better Eating – Dentures restore some of your ability to chew and bite food. As a result, they enable you to eat a more nutritious, wider-ranging diet.
  • Natural-looking Results – Dentures often look lifelike and natural thanks to today’s dental technology. No matter the type, you can count on them to give you a nice smile.
  • More Confidence – By filling your smile gaps, dentures help you feel more confident in your appearance.
  • Strong Lifespan – So long as you give them proper care, dentures can last well over a decade!

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Woman smiling over the cost of dentures in Broken Arrow

Determining the overall cost of dentures requires that you meet with Dr. Sprague for an initial consultation. Your smile and facial structure are different than others, so how much you can expect to pay will be based on various factors that he will determine during this visit. It’s important to remember, though, that no matter how much your out-of-pocket expenses might be, replacing your missing teeth is worth the investment. Our team will happily walk you through the financial side of treatment so that you can get the treatment you need without overextending your budget.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

 Man asking dentist about dentures

Receiving affordable dentures in Broken Arrow doesn’t have to be impossible. When meeting with Dr. Sprague, you can expect that he will examine your mouth and make notes about the extent of your tooth loss. This will help him determine what kind of tooth replacement you need (partial, full, or implant denture) as well as how much everything will cost.

Some of the factors that will play a role in the overall price of your care will include:

  • The number of teeth that are missing
  • Which type of denture you will need – full, partial, or implant
  • If your mouth requires additional treatment before dentures can be put into place (i.e., gum disease treatment, bone grafting, tooth extraction, etc.)
  • The materials that are used to create your new set of teeth

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Digital image of implant denture

Generally, yes, implant dentures are more expensive than traditional ones. This is because of the surgical placement that is required as well as the type of materials that are used. Titanium implant posts must be created to fit properly within your jawbone so that the two successfully fuse through osseointegration. Additional metal abutments and a custom restoration must be secured as well to ensure the long-term stability of your new teeth.

Although the cost is higher with implant dentures, many patients find they are worth the investment because they require minimal maintenance and have the potential to last a lifetime.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Male patient talking to dental receptionist

Not all dental insurance plans are the same, so before you agree to begin treatment, you should plan to review your policy or have a member of our dental team do it on your behalf. This will tell you whether your insurance company will pay a portion of the overall cost. In most cases, dentures are considered a covered service, which means your insurer may be willing to pay up to 50% of the total price.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Person holding a set of dentures

At Berkshire Dental Group, we know not everyone has dental insurance, so to keep expenses as low as possible, we also offer a Dental Membership Plan. For one person to obtain preventive care as well as discounts on available services offered in our office, the price is $99 to enroll.

Another option is flexible financing through CareCredit. Similar to a credit card, you pay the full balance upfront with this service; however, based on the plan you choose (each vary in length and monthly payment amounts), you will pay off your treatment over time. With low- and no-interest options available, you can stay within budget.

Dentures FAQs

Do Dentures Break Easily?

Dentures are incredibly durable, but they don’t last forever. They can last anywhere from five to seven years with a good denture-care routine. However, despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. A common reason for broken dentures is dropping them while cleaning, inserting, or removing them. Dentures can also break or fracture if they fit poorly or have tiny defects in their base, like scratches and notches. Even if you take excellent care of your dentures, they can get worn down from repetitive use and stress. By taking excellent care of your dentures and seeing your dentist regularly, you can keep your prosthetic in good condition for as long as possible.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

Dentists usually recommend taking your dentures out at night when you go to sleep. When you first get your dentures, you will typically be told to keep them in your mouth for 24 hours, including when you sleep. After this, you should be taking it out each evening. Wearing dentures restricts the circulation in your gums, leading to soft tissue irritation and potentially speeding up ridge resorption. Taking dentures out gives the gums a chance to recover and get the nutrients they need during the night. The dark, moist space beneath the dentures is also an ideal place for bacteria to thrive. Ultimately, it is best to give your smile a break from your dentures at bedtime.

Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?

If you need to have any teeth extracted before you can get dentures, you are likely to experience some discomfort after the oral surgery. Take your prescribed pain relievers as directly. This should improve three to five days after your procedure. When you first get your dentures, you may notice some minor irritation as your mouth adjusts. This can also occur if you are switching to a new set of dentures. If pain persists, give us a call so we can help.

Will Dentures Change the Shape of My Face?

When you lose your teeth, your facial muscles will begin to sag, and that can make your face appear sunken-in. Getting dentures will mean providing support to the facial muscles that have collapsed, therefore improving your appearance. If your dentures don’t fit correctly, they may not be giving your facial muscles proper support, so it’s important to have this addressed as soon as possible.