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Dentures – Worthington, PA

Recapture Your Smile

Man smiling with dentures in Worthington

Dentures in Worthington are one of the most popular and reliable methods of tooth replacement available. Designed to give patients suffering from tooth loss the chance to eat, speak, chew, and smile with greater ease, these trusted prosthetics make it possible to recapture one’s smile and embrace a better quality of life. Dr. LJ Adam understands the challenges that can come when faced with multiple or even an entire row of missing teeth, which is why our team is here to provide exceptional service and top-tier dental prosthetics to help patients embrace greater confidence. Contact us today if you think you might be eligible to receive partial, full, or implant dentures.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Older woman wearing dentures in Worthington

Do you have healthy gums? Are you in good overall health? Do you have enough jawbone to adequately support your new teeth? If so, there is a good chance you’ll be eligible to receive dentures. Whether it is a partial that is designed to replace two or more teeth or a full or implant denture that is used to replace an entire arch, these unique solutions can give you back your aesthetics while also helping to boost your confidence and allow for greater functionality.

Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Adam is the best way to determine if you are eligible for treatment. During this visit, we will examine your oral cavity and take the necessary images to create a treatment plan that works for you.

What Are the Different Types of Dentures?

Dentures and dental instruments in Worthington

During your appointment, your dentist in Worthington will go over the three different types of dentures that are available:

Partial Dentures

Even if you’re only missing two or three teeth, the gap it creates can make it much harder for you to properly eat and speak. By crafting a partial denture out of a gum-colored, acrylic base and artificial teeth (made of porcelain or acrylic), we can easily attach this prosthetic into place using metal clasps that connect to your healthy, natural teeth. Once in place, it will fit like a puzzle piece, blending in to create a seamless smile.

Full Dentures

If it is an entire arch of teeth that is missing, we can use the same materials to create full dentures. If designed for the upper arch, your denture will cover the roof of your mouth. If made to replace teeth on the lower arch, your prosthetic will look similar to a horseshoe to allow room for your tongue. The only real difference between a full and partial denture is that a full prosthetic is held into place using your natural suction, not metal clasps.

Implant Dentures

While traditional partial and full dentures are popular among most adults, implant dentures are enjoyed by more than 3 million people in the United States. With that number increasing by 500,000 each year, the permanency and longevity these prosthetics offer cannot be matched by any other tooth replacement solution. Using titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone, they fuse with the bone tissues and create a firm foundation to support a customized denture that is secured to the top.

Benefits of Dentures

Older woman pleased with dentures in Worthington

Dentures offer an array of benefits that will leave you feeling happier, healthier, and more confident than ever before. Some of the advantages you can expect include:

  • Clearer speech
  • The ability to eat more nutrient-rich foods to help you maintain greater oral and overall health
  • A prosthetic that can last 5-10 years (full and partial dentures) or a lifetime with proper care (implant dentures)
  • A more youthful appearance because of how your dentures fill out your cheeks and create a fuller look
  • Greater stimulation to your jawbone to prevent changes to your facial shape (implant dentures)

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Dental instruments on stack of cash

Your financial situation should never stand in the way of replacing missing teeth. Many factors affect the cost of dentures, but Dr. LJ Adam offers the solutions you need to rebuild your smile without it costing you an arm or a leg. You won't have to compromise quality or aesthetics to treat your tooth loss. We will help you invest in the durable, natural-looking dentures you need.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Different types of dentures

There isn't a flat fee for dentures because every mouth is as unique as fingerprints. A one-size-fits-all denture would be uncomfortable and wouldn't last long. As a result, the amount you'll pay depends on your treatment plan. Although every situation differs, you can expect your estimate to include:

  • Consultation: A consultation with your dentist is the first step to rebuilding your smile. Besides a visual examination, we may review X-rays or take impressions.
  • Preliminary Procedures: It’s common to need a little prep work before getting dentures, like gum disease therapy or tooth extractions. Often, you can use your dental insurance for medically necessary treatments.
  • Type of Denture: You have many types and styles of dentures to choose from, like traditional options or implant-retained solutions.
  • Materials: It's better to focus on quality instead of price when choosing materials. Discount options can be of low quality, so you'll have to budget for replacements sooner.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Model of implant-supported denture

Implant dentures cost more upfront than traditional methods, but they are the most affordable long-term because they never need to be replaced. Traditional dentures last for 5 to 7 years. Dental implants are proven to last for 30 years or longer, so you'll save money down the road. Not to mention, they are the only solution to stop bone loss in your jaw, which will improve your oral health. You'll be less likely to need costly procedures later. As the next best thing to real teeth, you can't put a price on the benefits you'll gain by investing in implant dentures.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dental insurance form on clipboard

Dental insurance can cover some of the cost of replacing missing teeth. Your coverage can include your consultation, imaging, impressions, and any preparatory procedures. Dentures are considered a major service, so they are typically covered by 50% after meeting your annual deductible. You can use your yearly allowance to lower the amount you will pay out-of-pocket. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any coverage. They'll explain how your insurance is being used and if you owe a remaining balance.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Older woman hugging young girl

Besides using your dental insurance, we offer many solutions to keep dentures affordable, like:

  • Traditional Payments: Our office accepts all traditional payment methods, including cash, personal checks, and credit cards.
  • Financing: Based on your credit approval, you can benefit from little or no interest in financing. You can make monthly payments on your dentures through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
  • Dental Savings Plan: If you don't have dental insurance, don't worry. You can enjoy discounted rates by joining our Dental Savings Plan.

Denture FAQs

Why Do My Dentures Smell?

A persistent odor on your breath could be from a lot of things, including your diet and your oral hygiene regimen. If, however, you determine that your dentures are the culprit, then it’s a good idea to take a look at your habits. Do you only brush them once a day? Do you keep them in your mouth while you sleep? Do you skip your biannual visits to our office? If you answered “yes,” then breaking bad habits may be the solution!

Do Dentures Break Easily?

No, dentures don’t break easily. However, they also aren’t indestructible, which is why we encourage patients to clean them over a soft towel or a sink filled with water. We also recommend storing them in a glass of water or denture cleaner when you aren’t wearing them so they stay in pristine condition.

Note: If you notice that your dentures have a small crack or they don’t fit as well as they once did, get in touch with our Worthington dental team! We’ll begin the process of repairing or replacing them from there.

Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?

You shouldn’t have healthy teeth removed for the sake of your dentures. Of course, if one or more of your teeth are badly decayed or damaged, then we will have them extracted. In that case, we will thoroughly numb your mouth, remove the teeth in question, tend to the extraction sites, and give you detailed instructions on what to do (and what not to do) during the recovery period. Once you’ve healed, the process of creating your custom denture will begin!

Am I Too Young to Get Dentures?

There is a common misconception that dentures are only for seniors. That’s not the case! This tooth-replacement solution is great for young adults struggling with tooth loss as well. In fact, patients of all ages choose dentures because they are custom-made, they can address moderate to severe tooth loss, and they are cost-effective. Ultimately, if you’re unsure if dentures are right for you, the best thing to do is schedule a consultation. Once we know a little more about your case and your smile goals, we can help you decide.

What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?

Dentures do restore some of the strength of your bite, but you won’t be able to eat just anything. For example, we recommend avoiding lollipops, peanut brittle, hard pretzels, and other crunchy foods entirely. Instead, we encourage our patients to fill their plates with foods that are filled with nutrients and softer in consistency, like yogurt, egg whites, and oatmeal.

Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?

In the beginning, you’ll likely experience a bit of a learning curve. After that, you’ll have no problem conversing as you usually do!

Tip: Be patient with yourself when you’re first learning to speak with dentures! It will take some time, but you will get there.