Dentures & Partials – Loveland, OH

Effects of Missing Teeth

If you’re considering dentures in Loveland, it’s important to understand why people lose teeth and what happens afterward. People lose teeth for several different reasons, such as decay, gum disease, or accidents. No matter why it happens, the effects are usually the same.

Missing teeth can make it challenging to speak, eat, and smile. Failing to address the gaps in your smile can even weaken your jawbone, leading to more serious issues like facial collapse and further tooth loss. Luckily, dentures can help fix these problems and improve your smile.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

As mentioned earlier, most people qualify for dentures simply by having missing teeth. However, there are other important factors to take into account. Consider your oral health, for example. Dentures can replace not only your missing teeth, but also those that are decaying. Additionally, having healthy gum and jaw tissues is essential to be a suitable candidate. Otherwise, your mouth wouldn't have the strength to support dentures.

The number of missing teeth matters too. Depending on how many teeth are gone, you may need either a partial denture, which is ideal for replacing a few teeth, or a full denture if all the teeth along an arch are missing. Your financial situation is another crucial consideration. Dentures are generally more affordable than other options, making them a good choice if you're on a budget.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If dentures aren't the right option for you, don't worry – we have alternative solutions available. Here are two other procedures you may want to consider:

• Dental Bridges – A dental bridge is a fixed restoration composed of crowns fused to a pontic. It relies on neighboring teeth for support, making it suitable for patients missing one or a few teeth.
• Dental Implants – Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are prosthetic teeth placed in your jawbone. Made of titanium, they fuse with your jaw over time, providing a secure and permanent solution. Keep in mind that dental implants tend to be pricier compared to other alternatives due to their durability and longevity.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

Psychological Benefits

When you have noticeable gaps from lost teeth, you may wish to hide your smile from others, but smiling is both the cause and effect of being happy. In fact, studies have shown that those who smile often tend to be more content than those who don’t smile regularly. Also, your self-confidence can suffer if you feel embarrassed about your missing teeth, meaning you may not feel comfortable talking or eating around others. Replacing these teeth with a realistic denture can help you have more confidence and help you feel better about yourself.

Clearer Enunciation

Certain sounds in many languages require the use of teeth. Many who have lost teeth find that communication becomes more difficult, which can be isolating. However, dentures enable you to speak clearly and be more easily understood.

Improves Nutrition

The list of soft foods you can eat without functional teeth is limited. In many cases, those with tooth loss choose more processed foods because they are easier to eat, but they can have a devastating impact on their overall health. Replacing your missing teeth allows you to eat more nutritious foods, giving you energy and nutrients your body needs to run as smoothly as possible.

Preserves Oral Health

Do you still have some natural teeth left in your smile? A partial denture substitutes for missing teeth while keeping these natural ones in their aligned positions. Without dentures, these teeth shift, increasing the risk of additional loss and impairing the bite.

An additional benefit of implant dentures is that they stop jawbone deterioration, which comes from losing natural tooth roots. With implants attached to the jawbone, your facial structure and jawline can remain strong and youthful.

Expands Opportunities

No matter what age or stage of life you’re in, you have opportunities for growth. You could meet a romantic partner, apply for a better job, meet new friends, or do any number of other things involving other people. However, your opportunities can be limited because of the stigma of tooth loss. But a custom denture and full, confident smile can reopen doors for you.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

No two smiles are the same, so there’s not a one-size-fits-all denture. As a result, several factors affect the cost of your new smile, such as:

• Type of denture
• Severity of tooth loss
• Number of arches being treated
• Preparatory procedures
• Materials

You have a lot of options to achieve the exact smile you want, but don’t feel overwhelmed. When considering the cost, the price tag shouldn’t be your focus. Although discounted dentures in Loveland are available, they’ll cost you more in the long run because you’ll get what you pay for. Instead, your dentist will help you choose the best materials for a long-term investment.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures are initially more expensive than traditional treatments, but for good reason. Conventional dentures only last for 5-7 years before needing to be replaced. An implant denture can thrive for 30 years or longer with the right aftercare. You’ll save money down the road because you won’t need to buy replacements. Not to mention, the implants will replicate the roots of your teeth to improve your oral health. You’ll avoid added dental expenses in the future using a method that can last for a lifetime.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Every policy is different, but most dental insurances can be used to offset the cost of dentures in Loveland. Although your benefits may not cover the entire amount, your plan can lower your out-of-pocket expenses for certain aspects of your treatment, like the consultation, tooth extractions, or restorations. After your annual deductible, your benefits can pay up to 80% of the cost until reaching your yearly limit. We know dental insurance is confusing, but you won’t have to navigate your policy alone. A member of our team will maximize your dental benefits to keep a beautiful smile within your budget.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Besides working with many dental insurances, we offer other solutions to keep dentures affordable, including:

• Traditional Payment Methods: Our office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards.
• Third-Party Financing: You can pay for your dentures using monthly installments based on your credit approval.
• Membership Plan: We offer an in-house savings plan for families and individuals. You’ll enjoy discounted services after a low monthly fee.

If you have any questions about your dental insurance or payment options, don’t hesitate to contact our office. A member of our team will answer your questions and ease any concerns, so you can feel confident while on your journey to a complete smile.

What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?

Dentures are incredibly durable, but they aren’t indestructible. To prevent chips, cracks, and other damage, you’ll be expected to avoid nuts, popcorn, apples, carrot sticks, and other hard foods. Sticky products, like peanut butter and gummy candies, are also off-limits since they can pull on your dentures, making it difficult to chew. Lastly, foods that are especially chewy, like tough meat, should be avoided since they place immense pressure on your dentures.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

In short, the answer is yes. However, it’s best to take them out while you sleep for a few reasons. To start, dentures restrict blood flow to your gums, resulting in unpleasant consequences like soft tissue irritation. Taking them out at night gives the soft tissue in your mouth a rest. Second, placing your dentures in a cleaning solution as you sleep will keep them bacteria-free and ensure they are clean and ready for use by morning!

Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?

Since many patients are hesitant to get dental work done because they are worried about the discomfort, it’s not surprising this is one of the most frequently asked questions. Fortunately, if this is something you’re worried about, you’ll be happy to know that our dentists in Loveland go above and beyond to make the entire process as pain-free as possible. If you need to have teeth extracted, a numbing agent will be used before the procedure and you’ll be given prescribed pain medication afterward. Once you’ve received your dentures, you may experience some minor irritation as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. Fortunately, you can use over-the-counter pain medication, stick to soft foods, and apply a cold compress to the area to minimize soreness.

Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?

If you’ve never had dentures before, then you may experience a learning curve. Remember: practice makes perfect. Try reading aloud and practicing the more difficult words (like “sixty”) repeatedly to speed up the process. To prevent your dentures from shifting out of place, try biting down and swallowing before you begin to talk. Have patience and take it slow at first. Before you know it, you’ll be talking clearly and quickly again!