A Practical and Cost-Effective Solution for Tooth Loss
If you’re experiencing tooth loss due to decay, injury, or other reasons, fear not! Dentures offer an excellent way to help you eat, speak, and smile with assurance. At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, our skilled dentists in Wilmington and Seaford, DE, provide a variety of denture types and styles, ensuring we can assist you in selecting the option that best suits your needs.
We take pride in revitalizing our patients’ smiles in Wilmington and Seaford. Contact our highly-rated dentists today by calling our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589. Let us help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a type of dental prosthetic device used to replace missing teeth. These prosthetic devices are removable and are custom-crafted to fit the distinct shape and structure of a patient’s mouth. Dentures are often recommended for those who have lost many teeth due to decay, injury, or age-related factors.
Types of Dentures
There’s a wide range of denture types available today. Depending on your dental professional’s advice, they might suggest any of the following options:
- Complete Dentures: Also known as full dentures, these are utilized when all-natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw are absent. They’re tailored to fit the specific contours and structure of the patient’s mouth.
- Partial Dentures: Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth are still present. Removable partial dentures attach to the remaining natural teeth and fill in the gaps where teeth are missing.
- Immediate Dentures: These are crafted before natural teeth are removed and designed to be placed right after tooth extraction. Immediate dentures serve as a temporary solution while the gums and bones undergo the healing process before a permanent denture is crafted.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Also known as overdentures, these dentures are secured to dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone, offering a more stable and secure fit for the wearer.
- Snap-in Dentures: These dentures are similar to implant-supported dentures but attach to mini-implants, which are less invasive and more cost-effective than full dental implants.
How to Determine the Best Dentures for You
Selecting the perfect dentures might seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance and careful consideration, you can make the most informed choice for your oral health.
Here are some key factors to think about when choosing your new dentures:
- Budget Considerations: Denture costs can vary based on the type and materials used. Establishing your budget beforehand will help you decide which denture type suits your needs
- Material Options: Denture teeth can be crafted from acrylic, porcelain, and metal. Each material has unique advantages and disadvantages, so consider which aligns best with your budget, comfort, and aesthetic preferences.
- Oral Health Evaluation: Your overall oral health plays a significant role in determining the appropriate denture type. For instance, if you have considerable bone loss, implant-supported dentures might be more suitable than traditional ones.
- Extent of Tooth Loss: If you’re missing only a few teeth, partial dentures might be ideal, whereas complete dentures may be recommended if most teeth are absent.
- Lifestyle Considerations: Reflect on your lifestyle and how your dentures will fit. For example, if you’re active in sports or physical activities, you might prefer dentures designed for enhanced stability and durability.
- Consult Your Dentist: Your dentist is your best resource for selecting the right dentures. They can assess your oral health, discuss your goals and preferences, and suggest the most suitable dentures for your needs.
Benefits of Dentures
While there are various tooth replacement options available, dentures offer multiple benefits, including:
- Restored ability to speak and chew effectively: Dentures help you regain the functionality for clear speech and proper chewing.
- Enhanced appearance: They improve your smile and facial structure, giving you a more youthful look.
- Cost-effectiveness: Dentures are a budget-friendly solution compared to other dental procedures.
- Easy to maintain: With simple daily care, dentures remain clean and functional.
- Improved functionality: They offer a practical way to replace missing teeth and restore oral capabilities.
The Denture Process at Brown and Baran Family Dentistry
The journey to getting dentures begins with an initial consultation and evaluation by our dentists to determine your denture candidacy, who will then create a customized treatment plan for you. Impressions of your mouth are taken, and for full dentures, a wax try-in is performed to ensure proper fit and alignment. For partial dentures, artificial teeth are chosen and placed on a framework. The final denture is crafted to provide a comfortable fit and a natural look, with any necessary adjustments made during a fitting appointment.
The denture process can vary slightly depending on the denture you receive. For instance, if you’re opting for overdentures, dental implants must be placed before the dentures can be fitted. Our dentists in Seaford and Wilmington will walk you through the procedure after determining the most suitable denture type for your oral health.
Same Day Teeth® Method
For eligible patients, we offer the Same Day Teeth® technique, which allows for the placement of dental implants and permanent restorations all in one day. This method eliminates the traditional three- to six-month waiting period typically associated with implant-supported dentures.
Cleaning Dentures
Ensuring your dentures are clean is crucial for maintaining oral health and keeping them in optimal condition. Proper maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your dentures and help prevent complications. Consider these denture care tips:
- Rinse your dentures after meals
- Handle them gently
- Brush daily using a soft-bristled brush
- Soak them overnight with a denture cleaner
- Thoroughly rinse your dentures
- Clean any remaining natural teeth
- Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with our dentists
Cost of Dentures
Typically, basic dentures can cost anywhere from $600 to $1500 per arch. For premium dentures, the price may range between $2000 to $4000 per arch. These costs can vary depending on your location and the specific dental practice you choose. It’s important to also factor in additional expenses such as consultations, adjustments, and ongoing maintenance. Dental insurance might cover some of these overall denture costs.
For more detailed information about denture pricing, contact our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can eat with dentures, although you might need to adjust your eating habits initially. It’s advisable to start with soft foods, cutting them into small, manageable pieces to facilitate easier chewing.
As you become accustomed to your dentures, you can slowly reintroduce more challenging foods. However, it’s wise to avoid extremely hard or sticky items that could harm or dislodge your dentures.
While it’s possible to sleep with your dentures in place, it’s generally not advisable. Taking your dentures out at night allows your gums and mouth tissues to rest and recover from the pressure exerted by the appliance throughout the day. It also provides an opportunity to clean and maintain your dentures properly.
It may take some time to get used to wearing dentures, especially if you’re new to them. You may experience discomfort or soreness in the first few weeks you wear dentures, but this should improve as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. Follow your dentist’s instructions and wear your dentures as directed to help your mouth adapt to the change.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Brown and Baran
At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry in Wilmington and Seaford, we recognize the value of a healthy, confident smile. Our dentists are committed to delivering personalized and comprehensive care for patients in need of dentures. Our modern facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and materials to ensure your dentures are comfortable, natural-looking, and durable.
Reach out to our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589, or complete our online form to arrange a consultation. Discover how we can help rejuvenate your smile and boost your confidence with dentures. We proudly serve Wilmington, Seaford, and the surrounding communities in Delaware.
