Tooth loss is common, but it’s not natural. Your teeth should last you for a lifetime if properly cared for. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Things happen that cause teeth to come out. Some of these causes include:
- Genetics
- Poor oral care habits
- Lack of access to proper dental care
- Avoiding dental care
- Lifestyle habits
However, that being said, no matter which of these causes is responsible for your missing teeth, the results are the same:
- Difficulty eating, which can lead to malnutrition
- Gum disease
- Jawbone deterioration
- Decreased confidence
- Facial sagging
One of the most popular options for tooth replacement at Capitol Square Dental in Columbus is dentures.
What are Dentures?
Dentures, often referred to as false teeth, are oral devices designed to replace missing natural teeth. While tooth loss is common, it is not natural. There are several things that can cause tooth loss.
Dentures can improve your appearance by supporting your facial structure. In addition, some of the functionality is restored as well. You will be able to eat, speak, laugh, and smile with confidence. Dentures may be partial (only replace some teeth) or full (replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
Why Get Dentures?
The most common reason that our patients at Capitol Square Dental choose to get dentures is because they are missing teeth. However, there are several other reasons why you might want to consider getting dentures:
- Loose teeth
- Severely damaged teeth
- Gum disease
- Bleeding gums
- Persistent, severe toothaches
Types of Dentures
There are several different types of dentures:
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. They are also referred to as conventional dentures and must be removed every night.
Fixed Partial Dentures
Fixed partials are designed to replace several missing teeth. If the teeth are in a row, it is known as an implant bridge.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partials are designed to replace several missing teeth, not an entire arch. Like conventional dentures, these should be removed every night for cleaning.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures are a solution that replaces up to an entire arch of missing teeth with two or more dental implants. Dentures may be permanently fixed, can only be removed by the dentist, or removable like conventional dentures.
What are dentures made of?
Dentures are typically made of acrylic or porcelain. Both options have their advantages:
- The advantages of acrylic are that they are lightweight, affordable, and stronger
- The advantages of porcelain are that they are last longer and look natural
However, they both have disadvantages as well:
- The disadvantages of acrylic are that they wear down quicker and must be replaced more often and they don’t look as natural.
- The disadvantages of porcelain are that they are more expensive and can break easily
How much do dentures cost?
There are factors involved in determining the cost of dentures, including:
- Type of denture
- Material
- Dental insurance coverage
- Location of the dental clinic
- Experience/expertise of the dentist
The biggest factor in determining your out-of-pocket cost is your dental insurance coverage. Most insurance providers will cover a portion of the costs associated with dentures, but some will not. Our office staff will work with your provider to estimate your cost.
The average cost of each type of denture is:
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Complete:
$1,300 to $3,000 per arch
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Fixed Partial:
starts at $5,000
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Removable Partial:
$650 to $2,500 per bridge
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Implant-supported:
$1,500 to $4,000 per arch
How long do dentures last?
On average, dentures last about 5 to 10 years. However, you can extend the life expectancy of your dentures with proper care and maintenance. This includes visiting the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning and keeping your dentures and mouth clean.
There are several indicators that you may need to replace your dentures, including:
- Denture is no longer supported by the gums or jawbone due to recession and deterioration
- Chipped, cracked, broken denture
Schedule Your Denture Consultation with Capitol Square Dental Today
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, you may be interested in learning more about what you can do to replace them. Schedule your consultation with the team at Capitol Square Dental today. We are located at 212 South High Street in Columbus. Our office hours are Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Thursday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
We offer a wide range of dental services for the entire family- from children to senior adults.
Dentures FAQs
At Capitol Square Dental, we’ve worked with a lot of patients on getting dentures. We are looking forward to working with you as well. However, we understand that you may have questions. Here are a few of the most common ones that we get at our clinic. If you have others, we’ll be glad to address those as well.
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Can you sleep with dentures in?
If your dentures are removable, you should not sleep with your dentures in. You must remove them for cleaning and to allow your mouth to rest. On the other hand, if your dentures are permanently secured with dental implants, sleeping with them in is not a problem.
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Can you eat with dentures?
Yes, you can eat with dentures. After all, one of the primary reasons for getting dentures is to restore your ability to eat. However, you will have some food restrictions, especially if your dentures are removable.
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Do dentures change your appearance?
If you have been missing teeth for some time, dentures can drastically change your appearance. This is because they restore the facial support lost by missing teeth.
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How often should you visit the dentist if you have dentures?
If you have dentures, you should follow standard oral care practices and visit the dentist at least every 6 months. If you have a broken denture, you’ll need to schedule a visit sooner. If you have any underlying issues, the dentist may wish to have you visit more often to keep them under control.
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How to clean dentures?
The method for cleaning your dentures depends on the type of denture you have. For both fixed and removable dentures, you should visit the dentist twice a year.
If you have fixed dentures, standard oral care techniques apply. Brush twice daily, floss at least once, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
If you have removable dentures, you should carefully remove them and rinse them with cool water.
Then, carefully brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleanser. You should not use regular toothpaste, because it could damage them. While you brush, make sure to remove any excess denture adhesive.
When you are finished, rinse them, and place them in a container with water or denture cleanser.
You should also take the time to brush your gums and tongue to remove any bacteria or tartar buildup, as well as any excess denture adhesive.
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What can I use instead of denture glue?
There are several alternatives to denture glue, including adhesive strips, powder, or suction cups. If you are interested in a more permanent solution, you may want to discuss implant-supported options. These can be fixed or removable.