Dentures – Colleyville, TX
CUSTOM-MADE PROSTHETICS FOR RENEWED SMILES
Several missing teeth can cause major problems not only for someone’s self-esteem but their overall health as well. People with multiple missing teeth have been shown to be at a higher risk of developing other serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, not to mention the daily struggles of just trying to eat and speak. At The DFW Dental Implant Center, Dr. Branberg can provide you with a high-quality, custom-made denture that will not only restore your oral health and appearance but safeguard your overall health as well.
Why Choose DFW Dental Implant Center for Dentures & Partial Dentures?
- Both traditional & implant-retained dentures available
- Dentist with years of prosthodontic training
- Dentures custom-made for every patient by our own on-site technician
Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Good candidates for dentures are those individuals who are missing multiple teeth or entire arches. Typically, partial and full (complete) dentures are the best options, as they are known to be reliable, natural-looking, and highly effective at restoring oral function. However, the only way to know for sure which option or if you are a candidate for dentures is to have a member of our team perform a thorough examination.
We will need to identify how many teeth you are missing as well as the type of denture you will need. We’ll also survey the status of your oral and overall health to determine if you require preliminary care before moving forward, which might include periodontal therapy, tooth extraction, or bone grafting.
Types of Dentures
When meeting with a member of our team, you will discover there are multiple types of dentures available, such as:
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can replace multiple consecutive and nonconsecutive teeth missing throughout the mouth. They are custom-shaped to fit among a patient’s remaining healthy teeth like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle. They consist of ceramic teeth held together using a metal framework and fit within the mouth using small clasps that loop around healthy teeth. With a partial denture, our team can restore someone’s smile while preserving as many of their natural teeth as possible.
Read More About Removable Partial Dentures
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES?
There are two main types of removable partial dentures (RPDs):
Resin-Based RPD or Flipper
Resin-based RPDs are routinely used as temporary prostheses after teeth are removed or while one or more dental implants heal. They can also be used as an interim prosthesis while a patient prepares for a more definitive treatment option.
Metal-Reinforced RPD
Metal-reinforced RPDs are routinely used as a final prosthesis to replace multiple missing teeth. They are a good option for patients with financial constraints and those wanting to avoid additional surgical procedures.
ADVANTAGES OF RPDS
- Replace missing teeth for a single fee
- More affordable than crowns, bridges, and dental implants
- Shorter treatment time
- Easy to clean
- Can be reinforced with metal for added strength
- Esthetic
DISADVANTAGES OF RPDS
- Removable
- Metal clasps can trap food and accumulate plaque
- Metal clasps can be visible when you smile, speak or laugh
- More difficult to chew food than with dental implants
- Speech can be affected
- Can lead to the loss of neighboring teeth
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT DURING RESTORATIVE DENTAL TREATMENT?
Step 1: Final Impression
A final impression is made using a custom impression tray designed specifically for your mouth. The more accurate this impression is, the better your RPD will fit.
Step 2: Framework Try In
The metal framework or plastic base is tried to evaluate the fit and stability of the RPD. The bite is recorded, and the color, size, and shape of the denture teeth are chosen.
Step 3: Esthetic Evaluation
The denture teeth have been set in wax so you can evaluate your smile, speech, and bite. This allows us to make any necessary changes to the denture teeth before processing. After the setup of the denture teeth has been approved, the RPD is finished.
Step 4: Deliver Your New Removable Partial Denture
The definitive RPD is tried on, and the smile, speech, bite, and overall fit are evaluated. The RPD is adjusted to relieve any pressure areas and to finalize the bite, so it feels even.
Flippers
In many cases, a patient needs to have one or more decayed/broken teeth removed to create more room for a new denture. Right after the teeth are extracted, a patient will wear an acrylic removable denture that is sometimes referred to as a “flipper.” This is a temporary solution that allows a patient to have a full set of teeth as they heal. Once their mouth is ready, the flipper will be replaced by a patient’s final denture.
Full Dentures
Whenever you hear the word “dentures,” the image that probably pops into your mind is of complete dentures, that is, two entire rows of prosthetic teeth. These dentures can help patients missing most or all of their teeth, and they are designed to sit directly on the gums and stay in place thanks to natural suction. With them, a patient can regain the ability to eat and speak normally again, and thanks to Dr. Branberg, they can also help a patient smile with confidence.
ADVANTAGES OF DENTURES
- Replace ALL missing teeth for a single fee
- More affordable than an implant denture or full-arch implant bridge
- Shorter treatment time
- Easy to clean
- Esthetic
DISADVANTAGES OF DENTURES
- Removable
- The lower denture can easily be dislodged when you speak, eat, or swallow
- The upper denture is held in place through a “suction-like” effect, which can be broken when you yawn or sing
- Eating is a learned technique and can be difficult initially
- Speech can be affected
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT DURING RESTORATIVE DENTAL TREATMENT?
Step 1: Final Impression
A final impression is made using a custom impression tray designed specifically for your mouth. The borders of the tray are molded to match the movement of your lips, cheeks, and tongue to help prevent the dentures from being too long and coming loose when you speak, eat, or swallow. The more accurate the impressions, the better your complete dentures will fit.
Step 2: Wax Try In
Plastic bases with wax blocks are tried to record the bite and to make specific measurements of your mouth. The color, size, and shape of the denture teeth are also chosen.
Step 3: Esthetic Evaluation
The denture teeth have been set in the wax so you can evaluate your smile, speech, and bite. This allows us to make any necessary changes to the denture teeth before processing. After the setup of the denture teeth has been approved, the complete dentures are finished.
Step 4: Deliver Your New Complete Dentures
The complete dentures are tried on, and the smile, speech, bite, and overall fit are evaluated. The complete dentures are adjusted to relieve any pressure areas and to finalize the bite, so it feels even.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are a great option if you would like a more permanent solution to your tooth loss. Using titanium materials that mimic the natural structure of tooth roots, these unique prosthetics are surgically implanted into the jawbone to create a firm foundation for new teeth. Capable of last decades or even a lifetime, they are made to support all kinds of restorations, including full arch dentures. Millions of Americans are already enjoying their many great benefits, some of which include improved functionality, greater confidence, and the ability to eat all types of foods.
How Dentures Are Made
Deciding that you want to replace your missing teeth with dentures is a great first step toward achieving a full, complete smile. Of course, part of this process involves learning more about your new teeth and their function. As a result, you likely have some questions about how dentures are made. The information below will help to provide greater clarity about this process so that no matter if you are preparing for partial, full, or immediate dentures, you can better appreciate your new smile.
What Are Dentures Made Of?
There are two distinct parts to a denture: the base and the teeth. Here is an in-depth explanation as to how each work:
- Base of the Denture: The base of your denture is viewed as the foundation. This is what will help to support your new teeth. Made using various materials, they are commonly constructed from acrylic, porcelain, resin, nylon, or metal. Oftentimes, full dentures come fabricated with an acrylic base because of how it can be tailored to the natural shade of your gum tissue. Partial dentures are also crafted from acrylic but incorporate metal clips that attach to natural teeth. There are instances, however, where nylon is used instead of acrylic.
- Artificial Teeth: Commonly made from resin or porcelain, your artificial teeth will maintain a natural appearance. Of these two options, though, porcelain is the most common and popular because of its ability to take on a more natural look. It is also highly durable, which is reassuring to those suffering from tooth loss. Also, porcelain is known to be a bit abrasive on nearby teeth, so it’s usually used only on full dentures.
The Denture Creation Process
When it comes to creating your dentures, there is a step-by-step process that must occur before you receive your final prosthetics:
- Your dentist or prosthodontist will begin by taking impressions of your upper and lower gums. By creating a plaster model of your mouth, your dentist uses it to ensure that the final denture is created to be the right size and shape. Your jaw will also likely be measured during this stage of treatment.
- The cast of your mouth will then be sent to a dental laboratory where technicians will fabricate your dentures. A wax version of your gumline will also be created.
- Artificial teeth will be created and set into place, and a device known as an articulator will attach the teeth using wax. Any minor adjustments that need to be made (i.e., shaping and carving wax) will be completed by the technician to ensure it looks like your gums. The wax base is then used to help with the completion of your dentures.
- Once the wax dentures are finished, they are sent to our team for a fitting. If approved, they will be returned to the lab for process completion. During this time, you will wear a temporary or immediate dentures while your permanent one is made.
- Once the lab receives the wax dentures, the technician will boil them to remove any wax areas before placing the prosthetics in a flask. This holds them so that plaster can be poured in to maintain the denture shape. The flask is then placed in hot water so that the dentures will melt.
- Lab technicians will then make holes within the teeth so that the material will attach, and a liquid separator is added to the plaster layer to keep the acrylic from sticking. Acrylic is then injected into the flask to replace the wax.
- Once the plaster is removed, the dentures are revealed, and they are placed into an ultrasonic bath to rid the dentures of any remaining plaster.
- If there is any remaining acrylic, it will be cut off from the denture and trimmed before final polishing.
- Once completed, you will return to our office for a final fitting. If adjustments are necessary, they will be performed that day so that our new teeth are working properly.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
While it is completely normal for there to be a level of discomfort at the beginning of treatment, it will go away over time. Some mild soreness will occur, and you may find it difficult to speak or eat in the initial days and weeks. As your tongue, teeth, cheeks, and lips become accustomed to your dentures, you will slowly notice that various daily tasks become easier to complete. If you want to try and speed up the adjustment period, you can do so by eating soft foods and exercising your facial muscles. You can also use denture adhesive to help keep your denture in place, offering a bit of added security. Should you, at any point, notice an increase in discomfort, make sure to call our office right away, as additional adjustments may be needed.
Benefits of Dentures
Choosing dentures to replace your missing teeth is one of the best decisions you can make. Not only will you enjoy a full, complete smile once again, but you’ll also reap the benefits of:
- Greater confidence when speaking and eating around others
- A natural-looking smile made of high-quality, durable materials
- Teeth that can last a lifetime with proper maintenance (implant dentures)
- Improved jawbone stimulation that prevents facial sagging (implant dentures)
- The avoidance of dental drift, which can occur when remaining healthy teeth try to fill in the gaps left behind by missing teeth
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Are you curious about the price of your dentures? The easiest way to get the answers you’re looking for is to contact our office. However, we also want to make the information you need as accessible as possible, which is why we’ve included some of the factors that influence the cost of dentures in Colleyville as well as some specific pricing. Read on to satisfy your curiosity and feel confident in your investment!
Read More About the Cost of Dentures
TYPES OF DENTURES
Dr. Branberg and the rest of our team offer different types of dentures, and your cost will vary depending on the prosthesis your smile requires. For a traditional complete upper denture, your cost will be $2,800 + extractions ($200 each) + sedation. If you want a Locator®-retained implant denture with 4 dental implants, the price is $15,995 (all inclusive) + sedation for the upper. Additionally, a bar-retained implant denture with 4 dental implants will cost $18,995 (all inclusive) + sedation, and All-on-4® (or full-arch permanent implant bridge) starts at $19,995 (all inclusive) + sedation for the upper arch.
If you need a lower denture, your costs are as follows:
- Locator®-retained implant denture with 2 dental implants - $9,995 (all inclusive) + sedation
- Locator®-retained implant denture with 3 dental implants - $12,995 (all inclusive) + sedation
- Locator®-retained implant denture with 4 dental implants - $15,995 (all inclusive) + sedation
- Bar-retained implant denture with 4 dental implants - $18,995 (all inclusive) + sedation
- All-on-4® (or full-arch permanent implant bridge) – starting at $19,995 (all inclusive) + sedation
THE PROCESS OF GETTING DENTURES
Once we see you during your initial consultation, we’ll be able to recommend the treatment option that works best. We will prepare your smile by performing any necessary extractions before taking images and impressions of your gums. These are used to custom-make your dentures. Once created, you’ll come back into our office, where we’ll ensure that you’re happy with your results. Keep in mind that if you choose any implant-retained or All-on-4 options, surgery is required, which will add time and cost to your overall treatment.
ARE DENTURES WORTH THE INVESTMENT?
While dentures often come with a higher price tag compared to less extensive restorative options, their benefits make the treatment well worth it. Dentures allow you to eat, speak, and chew with the confidence of having a full set of teeth. They also give you the self-esteem boost you need to flash your grin in any social or professional setting. Plus, you can enjoy a more varied, nutritious diet thanks to your complete smile.
DOES DENTAL INSURANCE COVER DENTURES?
Usually, dental insurance will partially cover dentures. This is considered a major restoration, so most plans will only cover about half of the maximum cost. Additionally, the restoration portion of implant-retained dentures may be partially covered, however, the dental implants themselves will often need to be paid for out-of-pocket. We are committed to making our quality dentistry as affordable as possible, which is why our front desk staff will do all they can to maximize your insurance benefits. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office!
Denture Aftercare
After receiving your dentures, it is important that you commit to taking proper care of your smile. This will include everything from practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, soaking your new teeth regularly, and taking proper precautions to avoid accidental damage. You may also find that there is an adjustment phase that comes with dentures, so you’ll need to speak slowly and eat softer foods in the beginning. Before you know it, your prosthetics will feel completely natural inside your mouth, allowing you to fully embrace the opportunities of a complete, fully functional smile.
Denture FAQs
Are you struggling with the inconvenience of missing teeth? We hope you visit our team soon for a dentures consultation. Before you do that, though, you may want to learn more about this treatment and what you can expect from it. That is why we have compiled the following list of frequently asked questions about dentures in Colleyville. For more personalized assistance, please give our team a call .
HOW MUCH DO DENTURES COST?
The cost of your dentures will depend on various factors, including the extent of your tooth loss, what materials are used to make your denture, and whether you choose an implant-supported or traditional prosthetic. Traditional dentures tend to be one of the lowest-priced tooth replacement options. However, implant-supported ones offer a better long-term value. During your consultation, our team will provide you with an estimate for the price of your treatment and help you explore your payment options.
HOW LONG DO DENTURES LAST?
Traditional, non-implant dentures may become loose over time due to changes in the size and shape of a patient’s jawbone. While relines (adjustments) can make up for such changes to an extent, you will eventually have to replace your dentures altogether, perhaps after 5 – 8 years or so.
Because dental implants help the jawbone to retain its original shape, implant-retained dentures tend to last much longer than their traditional counterparts. They are a popular way to solve and prevent issues related to loose dentures.
WILL I HAVE TO AVOID ANY FOODS?
Traditional dentures can enable you to eat a wide variety of foods. However, you should avoid foods with small pieces that might work their way beneath your prosthetic and irritate your gums (popcorn and foods with tiny seeds are examples of this). You should also exercise caution when you are eating tough foods, such as chewy meats. Implant-retained dentures, on the other hand, can enable you to eat virtually anything without taking extra precautions.
CAN I SLEEP WITH MY DENTURES IN MY MOUTH?
You should remove your dentures every evening before you go to bed. Doing so will allow your gums to rest and recover from supporting your prosthetic teeth all day. When you remove your dentures, you should give them a thorough cleaning and store them in water or a denture-soaking solution overnight.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I ACCIDENTALLY DAMAGE MY DENTURES?
You should never try to wear damaged dentures; they could harm your gums or other soft tissues in your mouth. As soon as you notice any problems with your prosthetic, give our office a call. We’ll assess the damage to your denture and recommend a course of action. In some cases, we can repair damaged dentures. In other instances, we must begin the process of creating a replacement prosthetic.