Complete and Partial Dentures in Melrose MA
Dentures in Melrose are removable replacement teeth. These mouth appliances help patients to chew better and speak more clearly. They also help reshape the mouth as missing teeth can cause sunken cheeks. You can learn more about the types of dentures we can provide below, as well as other important information. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our friendly team!
Why Choose Melrose Dental Group For Dentures?
- Prize-Winning Dentist For Prosthodontics
- In-House Membership Plan Saves You Money
- Warm And Relaxing Office Atmosphere
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
No matter how many (or few) teeth you’ve lost, you probably qualify for dentures. The extent of one’s tooth loss shouldn’t affect candidacy for treatment. Even so, you’ll want to consult us before you fully commit to anything; we’ll confirm whether dentures would suit you. As for what helps you qualify for these special prosthetics, our team will gladly share the details. Just keep reading to learn about the qualities of a good dentures’ candidate.
Effects of Missing Teeth
To get a feel for your denture candidacy, consider the effects of missing teeth first. You’ll then see how restorations could (or would) benefit your smile.
Note that tooth loss can stem from a great many factors. For instance, someone could lose a few teeth due to cavities and infected tooth pulp. Another person might have a tooth fall out from gum disease, which can loosen one’s pearly whites. A few could even suffer knocked-out teeth due to injuries or accidents.
In contrast, the effects of tooth loss are fairly stable and consistent. The most obvious one is likely that missing teeth make eating, speaking, and smiling very difficult. Smile gaps can also make remaining teeth tilt, cause jaw erosion, and serve as breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Untreated tooth loss is thus a serious problem that deserves your immediate attention.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
It doesn’t take much to qualify for modern dentures; almost any adult with missing teeth can get them. Still, there are three points about candidacy you should know.
The first is that dentures depend on good oral health. These prosthetics don’t decay like natural teeth, but they do require strong gum and jaw tissues for stability. Weak gums and jawbones lack the strength necessary to keep dentures in place. (Sensitive or decayed teeth aren’t disqualifiers, though; dentures can replace them.)
Secondly, how many teeth you’ve lost impacts which dentures you need. Those who only lack a few will most benefit from a partial model, for example. Others who lack a whole arch will require a full denture instead.
Last but not least, finances play a key role in the overall treatment. Dentures cost much less than dental bridges or dental implants, but they work well regardless. They’re thus well-suited for patients with limited budgets.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
If you don’t qualify for dentures, there’s no need to worry much. Melrose Dental Group offers other tooth replacement options to choose from. In particular, these are:
- Dental Bridges – Unlike dentures, a dental bridge is a fixed restoration that consists of two crowns fused to an artificial tooth. A dentist must alter your nearby teeth to place the device, which can replace up to four adjacent teeth at once.
- Dental Implants – Dental implants are small titanium posts placed in your jaw’s empty sockets. Once correctly set, they fuse with your jawbone and act as highly secure prosthetic teeth.
Types of Dentures
There are two main types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures help patients who have lost all of their teeth, whereas partial dentures are for those that have lost a few teeth. Alternatively, we can provide you with custom implant dentures – a relatively new option favored by many patients for their additional benefits!
Partial Dentures
For a partial set of dentures, we’ll attach a clasp to your remaining natural teeth. This allows the naturals to serve as supports for the denture, and creates a seamless restoration.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are the most common type to find in media, so they’re probably the ones you’re most familiar with. We’ll create a natural looking, gum colored base, as well as equally aesthetic false teeth that will cover an entire arch (or two) of missing teeth.
Implant Dentures
Normally, dentures rest on the gums and rely on suction to stay in place. By strategically placing a few dental implants and attaching them to the denture, patients can enjoy improved stability and strength.
Benefits of Dentures
As a tried-and-true tooth replacement option, dentures offer many reliable benefits for patients with missing teeth. Dentists have used them for centuries to rebuild incomplete smiles, and although materials have changed over time, the goal remains the same: to produce a set of teeth that work well, look beautiful, and boost confidence. Here’s a look at what you can expect if you choose to move forward with custom-made dentures in Melrose:
Psychological Benefits
After years of dissatisfaction with your appearance, dentures can provide psychological benefits that help you feel happy and excited about your new smile. With full and partial dentures, you’ll no longer feel self-conscious about the way you look; instead, you will embrace every opportunity to show off your beautiful teeth.
Clear Enunciation
Slurred words and unclear speech will be a thing of the past when you choose dentures to replace your missing teeth. Once your new prosthetics are in place and your mouth has adjusted, you will be free to talk to your grandchildren, colleagues, friends, and family with confidence.
Improves Nutrition
Tooth loss makes it challenging to eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods. However, with dentures, you can enjoy your favorite meals again. Many patients use denture adhesive for added security so that when you bite down into a tasty burger or take a bite of a delicious salad, your teeth don’t slip but remain stable instead.
Preserves Oral Health
Your smile will thank you when choosing to have a partial denture fill in the gaps along the upper or lower arch of your mouth. When natural teeth remain, they can shift to fill gaps, causing misalignment. With a partial denture, this problem is nullified because of the addition of natural-looking, durable artificial teeth.
Expands Opportunity
Full and partial dentures transform your appearance, boost your mental and emotional well-being, and generate greater confidence in the way you look. They also expand your personal and professional opportunities. Whether it’s a job interview or a first date, you’ll undoubtedly make a good first impression thanks to your new and improved smile.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
When our team is helping you decide whether dentures are right for you, we’ll take the time to explain what the cost of your prosthesis will look like. We’ll make sure that you’re aware of all the factors that can influence the final price tag of your dentures, and we’ll point you toward any payment options that could help make your care more budget-friendly. Below is a brief overview of what you need to know about the financial side of getting dentures.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
In order to create a trustworthy estimate of the cost of your dentures, we’ll need to answer the following questions:
- How many teeth have you lost? Are there only a few gaps that can be filled with a partial denture, or will you need to pay for a full denture to replace an entire arch?
- Are any preparatory treatments needed? Will you need to make room in your budget for a tooth extraction or other services before you can receive dentures?
- What kind of denture will you get? Do you want a traditional denture, or are you interested in getting sturdy, long-lasting implant dentures?
Additionally, the materials used to make your dentures will have an impact on the amount you pay. Bear in mind that cheaper materials often result in a prosthesis that isn’t as durable; in the long term, it’s often worth paying the cost for higher-quality materials.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
The short answer is yes; implant dentures do tend to have a higher initial cost than traditional dentures. However, this is balanced out by the fact that implant dentures offer all kinds of unique benefits that you simply wouldn’t get from traditional dentures, such as actively preventing bone loss in your jaw. Furthermore, implant dentures can potentially last for decades with the right care; as a result, you’re less likely to need to pay to have them replaced.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, you may be worried about your ability to pay for dentures. Rest assured, however, that our team is happy to take whatever steps we can to make sure that you’re able to get the high-quality care that your smile deserves without putting too much strain on your bank account.
For example, our practice has a membership plan that offers discounts on certain services as well as $50 credit that can be used for treatment. On top of that, we can provide flexible financing through Lending Point and CareCredit; this lets you break up the cost of dentures into smaller installments. If you’re interested in learning more about these payment options, feel free to speak to our team for more information.
Dentures Aftercare
Proper denture care is essential if your new teeth are to last as long as possible. With a typical lifespan of 7-10 years, these prosthetics require daily maintenance to ensure they remain bacteria-free and undamaged. Our team at Melrose Dental Group will provide helpful aftercare instructions you can follow, making the transition from no teeth to a complete smile easier than ever.
Removable Dentures
Full and partial dentures are considered removable prosthetics that allow you to enjoy greater smile flexibility. However, removing your teeth requires you to clean them regularly and thoroughly to maintain their appearance and longevity.
Remove After Eating
Food debris, bacteria, and other particles can accumulate on your dentures while you eat. This is why you are encouraged to rinse them afterward to prevent harmful buildup from transferring from your dentures to your gums and natural teeth. Do not use hot water, as it can warp the materials. Instead, rinse with lukewarm water before putting them back in your mouth.
Clean Your Restoration
You will need a soft-bristle toothbrush or a specialized denture brush, nonabrasive toothpaste, and lukewarm water to clean your dentures. This should be done every morning and evening, and after meals (if possible). By caring for your dentures this way, they will remain healthy and pristine over the long term.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
Dentures should remain out of reach so that children and pets cannot get hold of them. It is too easy for little hands and furry friends to accidentally damage them or treat them as playthings or chew toys. Keep them in a protective case on your bathroom counter or shelf. This will ensure they remain in place and avoid damage.
Remove Dentures When You Sleep
Sleeping in your dentures is not recommended for many reasons. In addition to allowing them time to soak overnight and undergo a more thorough cleaning, this also gives your gums and bones a chance to rest. After supporting your artificial teeth throughout the day, they lose valuable nutrients over time. At night, they can receive a much-needed break. Also, nighttime removal slows the progression of bone resorption, a normal process that occurs when wearing dentures.
Notice Changes
Wearing dentures includes seeing your dentist for relines and replacements over time. The reason is that your facial shape will change as the underlying bone experiences resorption. This can cause your teeth to no longer fit properly or comfortably. If you notice this change, schedule an appointment with our Melrose Dental Group team right away.
All-On-4 Dentures
All-On-4 dentures are anchored to your jawbone, which makes them impossible to remove by anyone other than your dentist in Melrose. Fortunately, maintaining them is as easy as caring for your natural teeth. Brushing twice daily for two minutes, flossing, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash are all that is required, in addition to regular dental checkups and cleanings with our talented team.
Dentures FAQs
How Long Will You Have to Wait to Get Dentures After Your Teeth are Pulled?
It’s difficult to give a specific timeline because healing times can vary widely from patient to patient. The type of denture you decide on can also affect how long you’ll need to wait.
For traditional dentures, your gums usually need several weeks to heal before we take final impressions, which helps your new teeth fit more comfortably and securely.
If you’re going with implant dentures, the process can take a few months to allow your implant fixtures to fully integrate with your jawbone. At your consultation, we’ll outline a personalized timeline before treatment begins, so you never have to guess your denture timeline.
Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?
Not necessarily. If you still have healthy, stable teeth, it’s often better to keep them. In those cases, a partial denture can replace only the teeth you’re missing while preserving the rest.
Removing all your teeth is a big decision that will affect your bite, jawbone, appearance, and long-term oral health for many years. Before recommending full dentures, our team will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and X-rays.
From this data, we can make plans and discuss all your options, including partials and implant solutions. Together, we’ll choose the most conservative and effective way to restore your smile.
Can I Sleep with My Dentures?
Forgetting to take your dentures out a few times and sleeping in them isn’t the end of the world. However, if you make a habit of it, it can lead to long-term risks for your health.
Taking your prosthetics out at night allows your gums and jawbone to rest and improves blood circulation to the tissues. It also gives you a chance to clean your dentures well and soak them, which reduces plaque buildup, irritation, and infection risk.
In some extreme cases, repeated wear can cause respiratory conditions like pneumonia due to the buildup and inhalation of oral bacteria. So, it’s always best to remove your dentures before falling asleep.
What is the Average Age for Dentures?
Many people picture dentures as something only seniors wear, but that’s not always true. While most denture wearers are older adults, some patients in their 30s, 40s, or 50s need them due to decay, gum disease, or extensive trauma.
If you’ve been searching online for permanent dentures near you, our team can help you compare traditional and implant options and choose what fits your budget and lifestyle. Even if you don’t qualify for the solution you want right away, we’ll create a treatment plan to rejuvenate your smile until we reach your goals.