Dentures – Lewisville, TX

Effects of Missing Teeth

Tooth loss can be devastating for your oral health because it redistributes the pressure of chewing, which can lead to uneven dental wear and tooth injuries. It also deprives the jawbone of the stimulation it gets from the chewing process, which causes it to atrophy and pull the remaining teeth out of alignment. This increases risks of gum injuries, dental damage, oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay, and tooth loss. The loss of teeth can also make it difficult to speak clearly and chew properly and lead to facial sagging and low self-esteem.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Dentures can be an excellent way to restore the smiles of patients with extensive tooth loss, overly sensitive teeth, or severe dental decay as long as they have healthy gums and jawbones. People who receive them must commit to an excellent oral hygiene and appliance maintenance regimen to keep their restorations in great shape and their mouths infection-free. Dentures can be an incredibly cost-effective tooth replacement option for budget-conscious patients.

The best type of denture for you depends on how many teeth you have lost. We offer partial dentures that can replace several or many teeth throughout the mouth and full dentures that can replace an entire dental arch. Implant dentures can be an especially excellent option for those who desire maximum stability and chewing power.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

While dentures can be an excellent way to replace lost teeth, we offer other options that may be better for some patients. These include:

• Dental bridges: These devices consist of one or several artificial teeth strung between two dental crowns, resulting in a lifelike restoration that can replace a few missing teeth in a row. Bridges require the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to be modified so they can support dental crowns.
• Dental implants: Dental implants use titanium posts surgically inserted in the jawbone to support lifelike restorations like crowns, dentures, and bridges. While more costly than traditional restorations, implants give patients superior chewing power and can last for several decades or even a lifetime if they receive excellent care.

Psychological Benefits

You’re not alone if you’re feeling self-conscious about your appearance after significant or complete tooth loss. Plenty of people worry that they’ll be judged for the way their smile looks, and try to remain tight-lipped or avoid spending time with others.

Our compassionate providers understand how challenging this can be, so they take the time to ensure that your restoration is carefully customized to be as lifelike as possible. Rebuilding your grin with a one-of-a-kind prosthetic designed just for you can help you look and feel like the most attractive version of yourself, helping boost your confidence.

Clearer Enunciation

Two complete arches of teeth are essential for enunciating different words to communicate clearly, but unfortunately, gaps in your grin can lead to a lisp, slur, or other changes in your speaking patterns.

It might take the tongue and other sensitive tissues in the mouth about a month to acclimate to a new set of dentures, but then many patients find they can overcome any speech impediments caused by tooth loss.  

Improves Nutrition

You also rely on your teeth to bite and chew food thoroughly enough to be easily swallowed and digested. When some go missing, you might develop gastrointestinal issues from consuming overly large pieces of food or malnutrition if you try to stick to softer foods, which often contain fewer nutrients.

But with your restoration in place, you can enjoy a wider variety of wholesome meals to support your oral and overall well-being.  

Preserves Oral Health

Any teeth remaining in your mouth are prone to shifting out of alignment to fill in the empty spaces left by the ones that went missing, which can lead to worn-down enamel, chips and cracks, misalignments, or other dental concerns.

Meanwhile, wearing your dentures regularly helps keep everything in its rightful position to help protect your dental condition.

Expands Opportunities

Did you know that having dental problems has been negatively associated with the probability of being employed? Improving your smile’s appearance and function with dentures can boost your confidence, which in turn can contribute to better professional achievements, more meaningful relationships, and a rewarding social life.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Several factors can influence the final cost of your dentures. These include:

• Type of dentures (full, partial, implanted)
• Materials used for the base and artificial teeth
• Need for tooth extractions or preparatory treatments
• Lab fees and customization requirements
• Number of follow-up visits for adjustments

At our Lewisville dental practice, we provide detailed cost breakdowns upfront and explain each step of the process, so there are no surprises. Our team is committed to helping you make informed, confident decisions about your care, regardless of your financial situation.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures typically cost more than traditional options, but they offer added stability, comfort, and longevity. Implant dentures are also different from traditional models because they require some minor oral surgery. This involves placing titanium posts into your jawbone, which naturally raises the total cost.

However, many patients find the added investment worthwhile thanks to benefits like:

• A more secure fit
• Easier eating and speaking
• Reduced bone loss in their jaw

If you're concerned about the extra up-front cost, you’re not alone. But if it makes sense for your lifestyle and your budget, implant dentures are an incredible permanent solution for tooth loss.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Many dental insurance plans provide at least partial coverage for dentures, but details can vary from plan to plan, so you should always check. At Nexus Dental of Lewisville, we’re in-network with many prominent PPO dental insurance providers and will work with you to maximize your benefits.

Our team can file your claims, explain your coverage, and walk you through what to expect financially so you’re never left guessing.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Don’t let costs keep you from getting the smile you deserve! At our Lewisville office, we’ve partnered with CareCredit and Cherry to offer multiple ways to make dentures more affordable.

These financing platforms allow you to pay for the treatment you need now and then break the balance down into easier monthly payments.

Our team is happy to discuss your options and work with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle. Schedule a consultation today, and let’s take the first step toward your new smile!

Removeable Dentures

Remove After Eating

First and foremost, always remove and rinse your dentures after a meal. This practice rids your prosthetic of food debris, thus preventing harmful bacteria buildup. Sticking to it reduces your risk of nasty oral issues like gum infections and worse.

Do make sure to avoid hot water for the rinses, though. High temperatures can warp denture materials to the point that they fail.

Clean Your Restoration

In addition to rinsing them, thoroughly clean your dentures each night. Doing so eliminates “leftovers” – debris, bacteria, etc. – that a mere rinse might miss. The cleanings will also freshen your dentures up, helping them feel good when they eventually return to your mouth.

You must only note two major points for these cleanings. For starters, brush the prosthetics with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive dish soap. (Toothpaste is harsh enough to damage dentures.) The second matter is to rinse your dentures once you finish brushing.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

You’d do well to keep your dentures safe, as they can break for various reasons. Neglecting your restorations could someday cause them to crack, chip, or fracture.

Many protection methods for dentures now exist. For example, you could store your dentures in a case when they aren’t in use. Another method is to place a towel in your sink for the cleanings; it’d cushion your prosthetics from falls.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

Rather than go to bed with them, remove your dentures before you sleep. Wearing them while you snooze won’t do you (or your smile) any good.

You see, overnight denture use harms your body. It tends to irritate your gums by restricting your oral tissues’ circulation. The habit also causes high plaque levels in your mouth, increasing your risk of gum disease, pneumonia, and so on.

Notice Changes

The last major tip is to check your dentures (and your mouth) often for changes. After all, sudden onsets of gum irritation, mouth sores, and more may require professional dental care.

It’s especially vital to see a dentist when your dentures are damaged. As tempting as they look, “do-it-yourself” fixes won’t help you. Only a dental provider has the tools and knowledge to repair, reline, or replace your restorations.