Dentures – State College, PA
Bring Back Your Beautiful Smile
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 36 million Americans don’t have any teeth and 120 million U.S. adults are missing at least one tooth! Decades prior, tooth replacement options were limited to uncomfortable appliances that were obvious and high maintenance. Fortunately, Dr. Chris J. Devlin can help patients restore their beautiful smile with natural-looking, state-of-the-art dentures in State College. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Have you experienced significant tooth loss? If so, you may be considering dentures to replace your missing teeth. These prosthetics are custom-made to restore your unique smile, allowing you to enjoy a complete and fully functioning bite once again. By scheduling a consultation with Dr. Devlin, you can find out which type of denture is the best option for you. Should you have any specific questions, feel free to contact our office for personal assistance!
Effects of Missing Teeth
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what causes tooth loss. Some of the most common reasons include decay, periodontal disease, and accidental injuries. It’s incredibly important to replace your missing teeth as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could lead to the following problems:
- Difficulty eating. Being unable to effectively chew food will make you more likely to miss out on essential nutrients and minerals.
- Trouble speaking. Without your teeth, it can be difficult for you to pronounce and enunciate certain words.
- Facial sagging. The lack of stimulation of blood flow into your jawbone can leave your facial muscles unsupported, resulting in a more aged or sunken appearance.
- Reduced self-esteem. Having gaps in your smile can negatively affect your self-confidence and overall quality of life.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Almost every adult who’s struggling with severe tooth loss, damaged teeth, or gum/bone tissue loss can be a good candidate for dentures in State College. But remember – even though this treatment is a versatile and reliable solution for most patients, you need to have healthy gums and a strong jawbone to ensure the restoration is successful. In addition, you should be committed to good oral hygiene and visit Dr. Devlin regularly for checkups.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
If you’re not eligible for dentures, it doesn’t mean you’ll be out of tooth-replacement options. You can explore other effective solutions, such as:
- Dental Bridges – These restorations are usually reserved for patients that are missing one or more teeth. A dental bridge can help close the gaps in your teeth by having the crowns anchored to nearby healthy teeth.
- Dental Implants – Each titanium post is surgically inserted into your jawbone to allow your new crown, bridge, or denture to be directly anchored to your facial structure. For successful treatment, you need to have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density to support the implants.
Options for Tooth Replacement with Dentures
All too often, patients refer to “dentures” as an all-encompassing term. However, depending on how many teeth you’ve lost, your lifestyle, and your bone density, we may recommend:
Partial Dentures
If you have lost multiple teeth but still have a number of healthy one, partial dentures may be the restorative treatment you’ve been looking for. This custom appliance is crafted from an impression of your mouth to seamlessly fill the gaps in your smile. Plus, they have a gum-colored base that ensures the metal framework is virtually undetectable.
Full Dentures
If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, a full denture can restore your smile, bite, and speech. After an impression is taken of your mouth, a permanent set will be custom-made and held in place with a safe, effective adhesive. Fortunately, state-of-the-art technology allows dentures today to fit comfortably and function optimally without sacrificing aesthetics!
Implant-Retained Dentures
Dentures have improved drastically in recent years; however, dental implants continue to be the most durable, stable tooth replacement solution on the market. Fortunately, patients today can have the best of both worlds with implant-retained dentures. By strategically placing implants throughout your mouth, your dentures can receive their force from your jawbone instead of resting against your gums.
What Are the Benefits of Dentures?
Thanks to innovations in technology and the field of dentistry, dentures have come a long way since the first wooden pair in the 16th century. Today, they offer patients a multitude of advantages, including:
- A life-like appearance thanks to high-quality material.
- No extensive food restrictions.
- They can last 10+ years with proper care.
- They are cost-effective for patients who are budget conscious.
How Do I Care for Dentures?
To enjoy the many benefits of dentures for years to come, it is important to keep them clean and handle them with care. Otherwise, they can break, become warped, or lose their natural-looking appearance. To prevent this from happening, make sure to:
- Rinse your dentures with clean, cool water after eating.
- Clean your mouth after removing your dentures.
- Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Soak them in a special denture solution overnight.
- Visit your dentist in State College frequently to get them adjusted.
- Don’t expose them to excessive heat or let them dry out.
Are you ready to restore your beautiful smile? We can’t wait to here from you! Schedule your appointment today by contacting us here.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Are you ready to say goodbye to the gaps in your smile? If so, you’re probably thinking about getting dentures in State College. They’ll help you enjoy a complete, fully functioning bite once again. Before committing to the process, you likely want to know how much it’ll cost. Since every patient is unique, it’s impossible to give an accurate estimate until you come in for an exam. If you’d like a general idea of what to expect, continue reading or give our office a call today!
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
There are many factors that influence the total cost of dentures in State College, including:
- Any preliminary dental work you’ll need (i.e., extractions, periodontal therapy, etc.)
- Number of teeth you’re missing
- Type of acrylic used for the base (the part that’s dyed to match the color of the gum tissue)
- Materials your replacement teeth are made of (i.e., acrylic or porcelain)
If you’re on a budget, you may be tempted to opt for a cheaper denture. However, just because it’s more affordable doesn’t necessarily make it ideal. It’s more likely to break easily and require replacement much sooner than anticipated. That’s why it’s always best to pay for a high-quality item that’s guaranteed to last years to come!
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, but there’s a very good reason for that. Implant dentures require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants. Because of their unique placement inside the jawbone, this tooth-replacement solution is far more reliable for day-to-day use. You don’t have to worry about your implant dentures moving while you eat, speak, or smile. Plus, with proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy your new smile for decades!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Since dentures are considered a major procedure, they’re typically eligible for coverage by most dental insurance plans. Usually, around 50% of their cost is covered. Of course, every policy is unique, which is why you should confirm the details of your coverage before committing to anything. If needed, our team can review your insurance and help you navigate your finances.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? No problem! We offer third-party financing through CareCredit to help make your care more affordable. It allows you to split up the entire cost of your treatment into smaller, budget-friendly monthly installments. With this option, you can make even the most expensive treatment fit your budget!
Denture FAQs
Reading through the above information can give you insight into everything from how to care for your dentures to the different types available. Of course, you may still have some questions on your mind. Is it hard to talk with dentures? Is there anything I can’t eat? Can I still kiss? Our team is here to answer all of these questions and more. Read on!
Can You Kiss with Dentures?
Absolutely! Your dentures won’t get in your way of giving your special someone a kiss. It’s worth noting, however, that you should take it slow at first. After all, you don’t want to accidentally knock your partner’s lips or teeth with your dentures. That’s why it’s recommended that you be gentle and stick to closed-lip kisses at the beginning.
Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?
In the beginning, you’ll likely experience a slight learning curve as your tongue adjusts to the presence of your dentures. The good news is that the more you practice, the shorter that period of time will be! Before beginning to speak, try biting down and swallowing. This will ensure your dentures are in the right place and prevent excess saliva from muddling your speech. Then, practice, practice, practice. Read out loud or speak to a trusted friend. Remember, be patient with yourself. It may be slow going at first, but you will master speaking with your dentures in no time!
What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?
Dentures in State College are crafted from high-quality and extremely durable materials. As a result, they can improve your bite exponentially, especially if you were struggling with moderate to severe tooth loss before. Of course, there are a few foods that are better to avoid, like hard foods. Some examples include popcorn, nuts, crunchy breads, and tough meats. It’s also smart to avoid sticky ingredients that can tug on your dentures, like caramel. For a full list of what you should and shouldn’t eat, talk to your denture dentist in State College!
Why Do My Dentures Smell?
If your dentures smell, the root problem could be several things. One of the most common culprits is bacteria trapped inside the restoration or along the gumline. If your denture doesn’t fit properly, then it could be the result of irritation to the soft tissue that can cause sores or an infection. Either way, there are a few things you can do to freshen your breath and clean your dentures. First, brush your teeth and your dentures each morning and evening with a soft-bristled toothbrush and special cleaner. Make sure to clean your tongue, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth in the process. Next, rinse your dentures after each meal to remove food particles and debris. Lastly, soak your dentures each evening in a dentist-recommended cleaner. If you continue to struggle with an unpleasant smell, then talk to your dentist right away.