Dentures – Grand Island, NE
An Effective & Affordable Way to Restore Your Smile
Many people who battle with moderate to severe tooth loss often turn to dentures. Although this treatment has been popular for decades, the latest advancements in dentistry have made these restorations more durable, comfortable, and natural-looking than ever before. If you’re missing pearly whites, our team at Stec & Stines Cosmetic and Family Dentistry can effectively replace your teeth with dentures in Grand Island. Keep reading or get in touch with our team members if you’d like to learn more about this treatment today!
Why Choose Stec & Stines Cosmetic & Family Dentistry For Dentures?
- Effective, Custom-Made Restorations
- Friendly Team & Experienced Dentist
- Durable & Natural-Looking Dentures
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Those who are struggling with moderate to advanced tooth loss are most likely good candidates for dentures. This restoration option is designed to fully restore your smile, speech, and chewing ability, enhancing your overall quality of life. Our team will monitor your oral health during your initial consultation to see if your gums and other remaining teeth are in good condition. If we detect any developing issues, we’ll be sure to address them with preliminary treatments before proceeding with your restoration.
Types of Dentures
While dentures generally restore your ability to chew effectively, talk clearly, and smile confidently, several kinds can address specific dental conditions. Here are three common types you might consider:
Partial Dentures
These restorations are meant for patients who are missing multiple teeth but not all in a row. If you still have a few pearly whites intact, then we can provide you with partial dentures which will clasp to your natural teeth via a series of metal frameworks. Since this appliance has a gum-colored base, it can seamlessly fill the spaces in your smile to form a healthy-looking grin.
Full Dentures
Are you missing an entire row of teeth? Full dentures can provide the solution you need. These restorations are fitted on your gum line through natural suction, denture adhesives, or both! With enough practice, your prosthetic teeth will allow you to chew, smile, and speak confidently again.
Implant Dentures
Instead of relying on the suction with your gums, we can first surgically embed dental implants into your jaw. Once these metal posts successfully bond with your bone, we’ll be able to attach your dentures directly to them. This will provide a more natural and stable tooth-replacement solution that can last you a lifetime!
How Dentures Are Made
Modern dentures aren’t like the ones that your grandparents used to have back in the day. They are customized for each patient. To achieve dentures that look natural and fit perfectly in the mouth, there is an elaborate creation process. Continue reading to learn about what makes up dentures and how they are designed just for you.
What Are Dentures Made From?
Dentures are made of two different parts: the base and the replacement teeth. Here’s a closer look at each one:
- Base: The base is the foundational structure of the replacement teeth. It can be made from a variety of materials, but acrylic tends to be the most popular because it can be tailored to look very similar to natural gum tissue.
- Teeth: Most of the time, the replacement teeth attached to the base of the denture are crafted from resin or porcelain. This is because both of these materials look very similar to real tooth enamel. They even reflect light in a similar way.
The Denture Creation Process
No two dentures are the same. Everyone’s treatment looks a little bit different, but here is what you can typically expect:
- First, measurements are taken of your jaw and impressions of your upper and lower gums. These impressions are used to create a plaster model of your mouth.
- The model is sent to the dental lab where the dentures are made. First, your replacement teeth are set in place using an “articulator.” Adjustments are then made by the lab technician.
- The wax dentures are sent to your dentist for a fitting. If everything looks and feels good, they are returned to the dental lab to complete the rest of the process.
- After your dentures are returned to the lab, the wax needs to be replaced with acrylic. To do this, the lab technician places the dentures into a flask. Plaster is then poured into it to maintain the shape of the dentures. The entire flask is placed in hot water to melt away the wax.
- The placer is cut from the dentures with dental tools. Then, the dentures are placed into an ultrasonic bath to wash away any remaining plaster.
- Excess acrylic is cut from the dentures. Then, they are polished.
- Now that the dentures are ready, they are sent back to the dental office.
- If both you and your dentist are happy with the final procedure, you can leave showing off your complete smile!
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
After you get your prosthetic, you will likely experience some minor soreness and discomfort, but this is perfectly normal as your mouth adjusts to your new prosthesis. Your dentures will begin to feel more and more natural over time. When you first get your dentures, it’s ideal to stick to softer foods and exercise your facial muscles. If discomfort persists or you have other concerns about your replacement teeth, give us a call so we can help.
The Benefits of Dentures
Though there are numerous methods for restoring your smile, you can expect to enjoy the following benefits with dentures:
- Personalized for your specific smile.
- Effective and affordable treatment.
- Can last you 10 years or more.
- Requires minimal maintenance.
- Preserves a more youthful facial structure.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Dentures are considered the most affordable way to replace missing permanent teeth, however many things will affect their total cost, such as their material and what if any preparatory procedures will be necessary. While your dental insurance may cover a portion of your investment, our dental team can discuss your financial options during your consultation.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
When it comes to your new dentures, cheaper doesn’t mean better. Quality materials cost more but are well worth the investment. There are three main factors that can influence their cost. The first is whether you will require any preparatory procedures before you can wear them, such as tooth extraction.
Next, the type of acrylic used for their base also plays an important role in the cost of your prosthetic. The base must be dyed to match the color of your gum tissue, but the quality of the acrylic itself matters, too, as this will be in direct contact with your gums and soft tissue.
Finally, the replacement teeth or “crowns” can also affect their price. You want yours to be made of a high-quality acrylic or porcelain, so they are durable enough to chew a variety of healthy foods without breaking or falling out.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures, however there’s a very good reason for this discrepancy. Implant dentures combine the natural look and comfort of a traditional denture with the secure fit of a dental implant. Your implant denture stays in place until your dentist removes it, so you can chew a wider variety of healthy foods without the fear of your prosthetic shifting or coming loose. This translates to better nutrition that will not only improve your health, but it will also help prevent jawbone deterioration that could eventually require a bone graft procedure.
While implant dentures do cost a bit more up front, the investment pays for itself over time because you won’t need to replace them every five to seven years like you would with traditional dentures. The implants themselves can last a lifetime, and the prosthetic can last much longer removable dentures.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Yes, most dental insurance plans will cover your new dentures at approximately 50 percent, however individual plans and coverages vary. Your team at Stec & Stines can help you confirm your specific dental insurance benefits at your initial denture consultation and offer a variety of options to help you make the choice that best suits your budget and lifestyle.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
For patients who need to finance a portion of their dentures, Stec & Stines Family & Cosmetic Dentistry accepts a variety of payment options including Care Credit. You can apply for this financing right from our website or speak to our dental team for more information.
If you are interested in learning more about your denture options, schedule a consultation today with one of our skilled dentists, and we’ll get started on your new smile!
