Dentures – Chevy Chase, MD

Effects of Missing Teeth

According to the American Dental Association, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss in adults. This can occur when bacteria in your mouth penetrate your connective tissues, resulting in an infection that, if left untreated, can eventually cause them to recede. Without a firm enough anchor, your teeth can become destabilized or dislodged. However, they can also be lost due to severe decay, damage, or physical trauma that knocks one out.

Whatever the cause, tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways. For instance, you might feel self-conscious about the changes to your appearance, or struggle to eat and speak normally.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

After your initial conversation and examination, Dr. Yu can make an appropriate treatment recommendation based on her findings. She might suggest dentures for patients who have:

• Suffered more significant tooth loss.
• Sensitive teeth or gums.
• Sufficiently healthy connective tissues.
• A strong enough jawbone to support this restoration.

Keep in mind that there are different types of dentures, and the right solution for you depends on your unique circumstances, like how many teeth you have lost, your oral hygiene habits, and your financial situation.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If our team in Chevy Chase determines that you’re not a good candidate for dentures right away, don’t lose hope! You might still benefit from one of the following alternative solutions:

• Dental bridge. This is an oral appliance that contains the correct number of artificial teeth (pontics) positioned between a dental crown on each end that anchors to healthy abutment teeth or dental implants on both sides of the space in your smile. This can be used to replace a single tooth or several consecutively missing teeth.
• Dental implant. This is the only restoration that is surgically placed in your jaw and eventually fuses with the bone material to become a more permanent part of your mouth. This may cost more initially, but the results tend to be more resilient and longer lasting, which can save money in the long run.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

What are Dentures Made Of?

These prosthetics consist of two main parts, which are outlined with additional details below:

• The base. The foundational structure that gives your new teeth their shape, strength, and structure. It can be made from different materials, such as nylon, resin, or porcelain, but acrylic is the standard choice because it can be color-matched and carved to resemble your connective tissues. Partial dentures often include metal clasps that clip to your teeth to stay in place.
• The artificial teeth (pontics). The artificial teeth themselves are often made from tooth-colored resin or porcelain, but the latter is more popular. It can be customized to look like your natural enamel and tends to last longer, though it’s not always ideal for partial dentures because it can be hard on neighboring natural teeth.

The Denture Creation Process

It might vary slightly based on your unique circumstances, but typically, creating your dentures requires the following step-by-step process:

• Step 1: Yu will examine your mouth to ensure you’re a good candidate, and if you are, will begin by making digital impressions of your teeth and gums to create an accurate model, which helps ensure your dentures fit correctly.
• Step 2: Your information and images are sent to a dental laboratory, where a technician begins by making a wax version of the gum line on the model.
• Step 3: Pontics made out of acrylic resin are set in place using a device called an articulator, and the wax connective tissues are carved and shaped to look as lifelike as possible.
• Step 4: The wax version is returned to our office so we can schedule you for a fitting. We’ll note any required adjustments and send your restoration back to the lab for finalization. We may provide a temporary set or all-on-4 dentures for you to wear until they arrive.
• Step 5: At the lab, the technician will place the wax dentures in a flask and pour plaster inside to retain their shape. Then, the container is placed in boiling water to melt away the soft material.
• Step 6: Holes are made in the artificial teeth, and a separator is added to the plaster to keep acrylic from sticking to it. Then, the acrylic is injected into the flask to replace the melted wax gumline.
• Step 7: The plaster is carefully removed, and your dentures are placed in an ultrasonic bath for a thorough cleaning.
• Step 8: Excess acrylic is trimmed away, and your new teeth are polished to perfection.
• Step 9: When your dentures arrive at our office, we’ll contact you to ensure they fit and function as intended before sending you home with your recently restored smile!

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

It often takes about a month for your tongue, gums, and the other tender tissues inside your mouth to adjust to the presence of your dentures. During this time, you might feel sore and struggle to eat solid foods, or develop a lisp, slur, or other change in your speech patterns.

Thankfully, these symptoms are usually temporary and fade as you acclimate to your new teeth. In the meantime, you can ease the transition by sticking to softer foods, such as eggs, yogurt, blended smoothies, mashed potatoes, and applesauce. You might also practice reading out loud or recording yourself speaking at home so that you can rehearse challenging words or sounds (like “v”, “s”, and “th”) until you feel more confident in your enunciation.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Dentures aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution—they’re customized to meet the needs of each patient. Several important factors influence your final investment, including:

• Preparations Needed: If you need procedures like tooth extractions or gum disease treatment before getting dentures, these services will add to the total cost.
• Type of Acrylic: High-quality acrylics tend to be more durable, stain-resistant, and natural-looking than basic materials. While they may cost more upfront, they often feel better and last longer.
• Type of Replacement Teeth: Premium denture teeth are crafted to mimic natural enamel in shape, color, and translucency. Lower cost options are available, but they may not look for feel ideal.

When considering your personal investment, it’s important to remember that the cheapest options aren’t always the best ones for your smile.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures are generally more expensive than traditional ones. However, the extended benefits often far outweigh the added costs.

Implant dentures are secured in place with several dental implants anchored into your jawbone. This configuration provides superior stability, prevents slipping, and helps preserve bone density over time. Many patients tell us they can also eat a wider variety of foods and feel more confident in their everyday lives. For some patients, that assuredness can be well worth the additional investment on its own.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

In many cases, yes. Dentures are usually considered a “major” procedure by dental insurance companies, which means they’re often covered at around 50%. However, coverage can vary widely depending on your specific plan and provider.

This is why it’s always important to review your benefits or contact your insurance company directly. At our Chevy Chase dental office, we’ll help you verify your coverage, estimate your out-of-pocket costs, and maximize any benefits available for your prosthetics.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

At Avant Dentistry, we never want money to come between you and the treatment you need. That’s why we offer additional ways to keep care accessible.

We partner with Cherry Financing, which allows you to split your treatment cost into manageable monthly payments, often with flexible terms that fit your budget.

We also have a patient referral program, so you can tell your friends and family about us and receive referral credit on your account. There’s no limit to how much or how often you can apply these credits, so keep sending the people you care about to our doors, and you’ll keep gaining rewards.

Removable Dentures

Remove After Eating

After each meal, remove and carefully rinse your dentures to prevent stains and loosen plaque and food debris. However, it’s crucial to refrain from using hot water since it can cause your restoration to warp and lose its fit.

Clean Your Restoration

You’ll need to remove your dentures for a thorough cleaning session at least once a day. When you do this, be sure to fill the basin of your sink with warm water and cover your countertop with folded towels to create a cushion in case you drop your appliance. After removing your dentures, clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a little bit of mild dish soap, unscented hand soap, or an approved denture cleanser using gentle, short, circular strokes. Don’t use regular toothpaste since it is abrasive enough to scratch your artificial teeth. If you aren’t wearing your dentures immediately afterward, place them in a vessel of water or an approved denture cleanser to prevent them from drying out and warping. Before wearing your dentures after soaking, be sure to thoroughly rinse them to eliminate harsh cleaning agents.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

Before cleaning your dentures, be sure to create a cushion by filling your sink with warm water and placing folded towels across your countertop. This will help prevent or minimize damage if you drop your appliance. It’s also important to keep your restoration out of reach for children and small pets when not wearing it.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

Continuous denture wear can lead to bad breath, gum recession, jawbone erosion, and nasty infections. To prevent this, remove and soak your dentures before going to bed. This will give your mouth the eight hours it needs to rest and clean itself daily.

Notice Changes

Pay attention to the condition of your dentures and report any troubling signs to Dr. Yu. Be on the lookout for irritation of the soft tissue as well as signs of infection like swelling, redness, bad breath, fever, fatigue, chills, or a foul taste in your mouth. It’s also important to check for problems with your appliance like chips, cracks, or signs of a poor fit like shifting or clicking. If your dentures are not functioning properly, please contact our office so we can have your appliance repaired or replaced as needed.