Dentures – Idaho Falls, ID
Enjoy Durable, Lifelike Tooth Replacements
Many people have a fear of getting dentures. They feel as though it automatically classifies them as an “old person”, but what many people don’t realize is that dentures are actually a widely used cosmetic dentistry procedure. When dentures are done correctly, they can be beautiful, and they can drastically improve a person’s appearance in a very short amount of time!
Dentures are removable replacements for patients who have several missing teeth. When a patient has multiple missing teeth, they can experience difficulty chewing, and even speaking. Further, people who are missing several of their natural teeth can become self-conscious, knowing that their smile isn’t as attractive as it could be. Another issue that our patients with dentures in Idaho Falls, ID run into is the fact that it can affect the shape of your mouth and face as there is a bone defect where your teeth are supposed to be. This changes the natural look of a person’s face in many instances and can drastically affect a person’s dental health and even their overall health.
Why Choose Cline Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for Dentures?
- High Quality Materials Used for Every Restoration
- Skilled Dentist with Years of Clinical Experience
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Caring, Friendly
Dental Team
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Even though modern dental techniques have allowed patients to bypass dentures in favor of implants or bridges, many patients still prefer dentures, especially because it can be a more economical option. Patients who are missing several teeth or have several teeth that are worn down or decayed may be an ideal candidate for dentures.
How Dentures Work
Once the teeth are lost or extracted, it takes several months for the tooth socket to fill in with bone and the gum tissue to heal and reform to its natural shape. When the dentist has determined that your gum tissue is sufficiently healed, it is time to design the dentures. It starts with impressions or molds of the tissue that is going to support the dentures.
Then, a dental lab makes molds of the patient’s mouth and together with the laboratory technician, Dr. Cline will start making the dentures. The process takes about 4-5 weeks, in which the patient will need to come to the dental office about once a week for fittings to ensure that the dentures are fitting properly.
There are now immediate dentures that the patient can wear on the same day of the teeth extraction. It won’t fit quite as well as the gums are still taking shape during the healing process. It is often recommended to have a conventional denture made after the patient has healed.
Types of Dentures
Conventional Dentures
Complete dentures can be either conventional or immediate. A three step process is required when receiving conventional dentures. First, the teeth are removed and given the time to heal; second, the dentures are formed and fitted to the gums; third, the denture is placed in the mouth about eight to twelve weeks after the teeth have been removed.
The things that you should be looking for when getting dentures are a dentist who has experience providing dentures and who uses a high quality lab. Dr. Cline has done hundreds of dentures in his time as a dentist and is very good at getting the right fit for his patients.
Immediate Dentures
Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. A patient who gets immediate dentures does not have to be without teeth during the healing process. Since bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing process following the removal of teeth, this means that a major disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process. Immediate dentures generally should only be considered a temporary solution. Dr. Cline will be the first to tell you that immediate dentures are an inferior option for Idaho Falls dentures. Dr. Cline usually opts for conventional dentures, partial dentures, or implants for his patients’ best interest.
Partial Dentures
While you can get partial dentures made at nearly any dental office, the quality and experience of the dentist in making partial dentures will likely vary. Partial dentures, or dental bridges consist of replacement teeth attached to a plastic base that matches the patient’s gum color. Partial dentures are used when there are still healthy teeth remaining in the upper or lower jaw.
Partials do a great job of filling the spaces left by missing teeth and preventing other teeth from moving. This helps to minimize the changing of the jaw. A well-made partial denture will look natural and fit great.
Denture Quality
There are a couple different variables to look at when you are exploring your options for dentures. You should pay attention to the quality of the products and the labs that are being used. There are different materials that can be used to make a denture. These materials will determine durability. The last thing you want to do is replace your denture shortly after having it made.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Before you consider dentures, you may want to know their price first. That’s only natural – treatment won’t be helpful if it “breaks the bank,” so to speak. Still, the cost of dentures depends on a patient’s unique needs. You’ll thus have to consult Dr. Cline for an exact estimate. Thankfully, the Cline Family & Cosmetic Dentistry team will work to make your care affordable. In particular, our office will tell you about dentures’ cost factors and available payment options. To learn more, keep reading or visit us in the coming days.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
During the consultation, Dr. Cline will perform an oral exam to see if dentures suit you. This step reviews (among other things) factors relevant to procedure price. These are:
- Need for Prep Work – Treatment costs more if you need prep work before getting dentures. For example, pulling a tooth first will add to your overall expense.
- Denture Base Material – The acrylic in a denture's base can cost more or less. More durable and lifelike kinds are more expensive.
- Replacement Teeth Quality – A denture’s artificial teeth are typically acrylic or porcelain. Acrylic ones are cheaper but wear quickly, while porcelain types cost more but last longer.
Keep in mind that the cheapest dentures aren’t ideal. Such models, in fact, use subpar acrylic for their bases and teeth. Therefore, choose effective and high-quality prosthetics!
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
In terms of upfront cost, yes - implant dentures are more expensive than regular ones. Even so, they’re well worth this extra expense.
Firstly, note that implant dentures use dental implants – restorations that fuse with your jaw. Consequently, these prosthetics are secure and permanent; they won’t slip or fall out. Even better, their fusion ensures they look and act like natural teeth.
Crucially, implant dentures are also excellent as a long-term investment. After all, their implants can last 15-30 years with proper care – a lifespan far greater than typical dentures. As such, the treatment price is offset by your needing fewer replacement visits.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Honestly, dental insurance often does cover dentures. These prosthetic teeth, you see, count as a major procedure. Therefore, most policies see them as “medically necessary” and match 50% of their cost.
Of course, exceptions always exist. A given insurance plan may limit its denture coverage. With that said, confirm your benefits before treatment. Our office can even help with that process if necessary.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
Even if insurance is off the table, don’t worry; there are other ways to make dentures affordable. Dental practices, for instance, offer a wide range of payment options. By finding the right one, prosthetic teeth don’t have to exceed your budget.
Just look at our own Cline Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. With us, you have access to the following:
- In-House Savings Plan – For an annual fee, our adult membership plans give you 20% off dentures.
- Flexible Financing – Our practice works with CareCredit, a third-party financier. Through them, you can pay for dentures in low-interest monthly installments. You’d then be able to cover the cost gradually instead of all at once.
If you want to know more about denture financing, we’re happy to tell you. Just book a consultation with our office, and see us soon!
Denture Alternatives
Dental implants can be used to support cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants. We offer the people of Idaho Falls dentures, implants and crown and bridges. Set up a consultation with Dr. Cline to see which option is right for your dental needs.
If you are looking for a dentist who can provide you with affordable dentures that fit well and are made well, call Cline Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today. We will happily provide you with a denture consultation in our Idaho Falls dental office!
Dentures FAQs
So, you’re thinking of getting dentures in Idaho Falls? That’s fantastic news! Such replacement teeth would do wonders in restoring your smile. Still, you may want to learn more about them first. Otherwise, you might not feel confident in the treatment. To that end, Cline Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help you: below are the answers to some frequently asked denture questions. Try looking them over so you’ll know what to expect from our prosthetics! If you don’t find the facts you want, though, just call our office for details.
Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?
A tooth extraction is a treatment of last resort. A dentist will only perform it when necessary — if the tooth has severe damage from decay, infection, trauma, etc. Therefore, you’re better off trying to preserve natural teeth if at all possible. Thankfully, your dentist will explore alternatives before suggesting extractions for dentures.
Of course, there are exceptions. If all the teeth in an arch are decayed or infected, replacing them with dentures may be more cost-effective than other options. Just keep in mind that some extractions can be more difficult than others.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Whether you qualify for dentures depends on the type in question. After all, these prosthetics come in three kinds. It's only natural that the requirements for each are different.
As you might expect, partial dentures are best for those who still have natural teeth. These patients may have lost a few teeth due to oral disease, malnutrition, or an accident.
Full dentures, meanwhile, are recommended if you’ve already lost all your teeth (or don’t have healthy ones worth salvaging). This extensive loss might stem from jawbone erosion, severe gum disease, or other oral health issues.
I Implant dentures — those that rely on dental implants — can be used if there’s still a sufficient amount of jawbone density. That said, dentists can restore lost density with a bone graft.
Do Upper Dentures Always Cover the Palate?
No, upper dentures don’t always cover the palate. To avoid taste-related problems, dentists design some to be palateless.
Simply put, palateless dentures are upper ones that don’t use a plate for your mouth’s roof. The result is that they tend to have a horseshoe shape similar to a lower-arch denture. Such a design can also apply to implant-retained types.
If you’re interested in palateless dentures, talk to your dentist about their offerings and their options for the upper arch.
Can I Use Regular Toothpaste to Clean My Dentures?
True enough, your dentures should be brushed and rinsed daily. However, you shouldn’t include toothpaste in this cleaning process.
You see, toothpaste is abrasive and can leave scratches on dentures’ surfaces. It thus might seriously damage your prosthetic teeth. As an alternative, then, you should use hand soap or dishwashing liquid instead. You could also opt for specialized denture cleaners.
You shouldn’t use a hard-bristled brush on dentures for similar reasons. Rather, rely on a soft-bristled one to avoid harming your new teeth.
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