Dentures – Worcester, MA

Effects of Missing Teeth

Patients are often surprised to hear that, even if you can’t see the tooth, the fact that it’s missing can negatively impact the health and function of your smile. In fact, bone loss, dental drift, and other oral health problems can develop quickly. Plus, the gap in your mouth can restrict your diet, alter your speaking patterns, and take a serious toll on your self-esteem. For all of those reasons, we recommend coming to our Worcester office to explore your treatment options sooner rather than later.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Fortunately, this tried-and-true tooth-replacement option is quite versatile. That’s because partial dentures can replace several teeth in a row or multiple teeth throughout your mouth, and full dentures can replace an entire arch! Furthermore, the look, feel, and function of these restorations have improved with technology and the field of dentistry. So, if you are struggling with tooth loss, and you’re looking for a modern, lifelike, and cost-effective way to restore your smile, don’t hesitate to ask us about dentures!

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Of course, there are some cases where dentures aren’t ideal. For example, if you are only missing one tooth, then we will need to explore your other options, like a dental bridge or dental implant. Both of these tooth-replacement solutions are custom-made for each patient, which ensures that they don’t look or feel bulky. They also come with their own unique set of benefits, including the fact that dental implants can last for two decades or longer with the right best practices in place. Don’t worry – we will review all of this and more with you at your consultation.

*LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL BRIDGES*

*LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS*

Complete Customization

Are you missing several teeth in a row? Maybe the gaps are spread out across your smile, or you don’t have any of your natural teeth left. Whatever the case may be, dentures can help! This tried-and-true tooth-replacement solution can flawlessly address moderate to severe tooth loss. Plus, the gum-colored base and prosthetic teeth are custom-made to fit your dental needs, facial structure, and aesthetic preferences perfectly.

Restore Your Bite

One of the many downsides of tooth loss is that it makes it difficult (if not impossible) to enjoy a varied diet. In fact, it’s very common for patients to wind up eating applesauce, yogurt, and soup on repeat. Fortunately, dentures aren’t just lifelike in appearance; they are lifelike in function. Since they are crafted from high-quality, durable materials, they can restore some of the bite strength that was lost, ensuring you can easily maintain a well-balanced diet.

Hassle-Free Oral Hygiene

Another perk of dentures is that they don’t require you to adopt a cumbersome oral hygiene regimen. Instead, you’ll just add a few steps to your existing oral hygiene regimen. For example, we recommend storing your denture in a glass of water or a dentist-recommended cleaner while you sleep. We also recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them each morning and evening so that food particles, plaque, and other debris don’t linger for long.

Cost-Effective

Not only are dentures more affordable when compared to other tooth-replacement solutions, but they also are usually partially covered by dental insurance. That combined with the fact that they can last for well over a decade with proper care makes them a great choice for your smile and your wallet. If you are interested in getting an estimate of the cost, the next step is simple: schedule a consultation with our Worcester dental team!

Improved Confidence

If you are struggling with tooth loss – even if it’s relatively minor – then you know all too well the negative impact it can have on your self-esteem. Luckily, dentures can restore your confidence. After all, they are designed to fit perfectly and look exactly like your real teeth, which prevents unwanted slipping or a noticeable appearance. Simply put, this tooth-replacement option will have you smiling confidently again in no time!

Clearer Enunciation

If a minor space between your teeth can create an unwanted whistling sound when you talk, you can imagine what a significant gap can do! The good news is that dentures can replace several missing teeth or an entire arch, improving the appearance of your smile, your oral health, and your speaking patterns. That way, you can talk to your friends, family, and loved ones with confidence.

Want to learn more about dentures in Worcester? Then get in touch with our team today!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Remember, dentures are completely customized to each patient’s dental needs. Plus, everyone who visits us has different dental histories and smile goals. That’s why we need to consider the below factors before providing you with an estimate of the price:

• If tooth extractions, gum disease treatment, or any other preparatory work is needed.
• The extent of your tooth loss (ex: if you are missing a few teeth or an entire arch).
• The materials that are used to make your denture.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures typically are more expensive when compared to traditional dentures. That’s because they require oral surgery as well as the placement of multiple dental implants. The good news is that, while the upfront cost is higher, they also last significantly longer. While traditional dentures typically last between 5-7 years at a time, implant dentures can last for decades. Simply put, don’t let the upfront cost scare you – this is still a good investment!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

First, we need to preface that dental plans aren’t exactly the same from patient to patient. That’s why it’s always a good idea to review the fine print on yours or reach out to your provider directly if you’re curious about learning more about your benefits. With all of that said, it’s common for dental insurance providers to cover up to 50% of the cost since it’s medically necessary restorative care. We’re proud to welcome many popular companies – from Aetna and Altus to BlueCross BlueShield and Delta Dental. So, if you have a question about your coverage, don’t hesitate to let us know!

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Our team at Winthrop Street Dentistry never wants your quality of life to be negatively impacted because the treatment you need requires a larger investment. The good news is that dental insurance isn’t the only financial solution available to you! We also are happy to accept flexible financing with CareCredit, which means that you won’t have to pay for your entire treatment at once. Instead, you can choose one of their budget-friendly payment plans (sometimes with low-to-no interest attached!) that breaks up the cost into manageable, monthly chunks.

Removeable Dentures

Remove After Eating

One of the biggest benefits of wearing dentures is that they let you eat most of your favorite foods with ease! That said, no matter what you’re eating, it’s important that you remove your dentures afterward in order to wash them off; they’re still susceptible to plaque and tartar buildup, which can negatively impact your oral health as well as leave your dentures stained and foul-smelling. Just be sure that when you’re rinsing your dentures off after eating, you aren’t using hot water since this can warp or disfigure them.

Clean Your Restoration

You can clean your dentures using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of unscented hand soap or dish soap, though denture cleanser is always going to be the best suited for the task. Just be sure to never use regular toothpaste; it’s not designed for dentures and can possibly damage their surface. If you don’t plan on wearing your dentures immediately after cleaning them, place them in a container of water or denture solution to keep them moist and in shape. And before replacing them in your mouth, be sure to rinse them off one last time.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

Your dentures are an important investment and should be treated as such! That said, take the proper precautionary measures to ensure their safety and durability! Whenever you’re removing your dentures to clean them, the chance exists that you might accidentally drop them, which can break them. In order to mitigate this, you can place a towel underneath you as you’re working, so that if you drop them, the fall is cushioned. Also be sure that when you aren’t wearing the dentures, they’re stored in a safe place away from any pets or children.

Remove When You Sleep

Removable dentures need to be taken out at night when it’s time for bed—wearing them while you sleep can restrict circulation to your gums, causing uncomfortable sores and soft-tissue irritation. Research also shows that sleeping while wearing dentures is associated with a heightened risk of pneumonia, as well as higher levels of gum and tongue plaque. With that in mind, it’s best to keep your dentures in a denture-soaking solution overnight to keep them as sanitary and moist as possible—and to keep your mouth in great shape!

Notice Changes

You shouldn’t hesitate to let us know if you notice any changes that affect how your dentures look, feel, or function—these changes might seem small at first, but if left unaddressed, they have the potential to worsen and cause you quite a bit of discomfort. Some initial signs to look for include mouth sores, gum irritation, shifting and clicking noises, signs of infection, and even damage to the dentures themselves. If you’re seeing signs of damage on your restoration, you shouldn’t try to fix it yourself; let us handle it so we can quickly get your smile back to looking and feeling great!