If you are considering getting dentures, understanding as much as you can about your options can provide you with the tools you need to make an informed decision. This article is a complete guide of everything you need to know about dentures, including different types of dentures pros, cons and cost for 2020.
This guide will answer the question of “what are dentures?”, the differences between certain types of dentures, how to care for your dentures, what they are made of, and the current cost to purchase them. Furthermore, this article will inform you about dentures versus dental implants, the benefits of dentures. Additionally, this guide introduces you to a beneficial Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Bruce Vafa DDS.
Table of Contents
What Are Dentures?
So what are dentures? Understanding what exactly dentures are is a crucial starting point in making your decision. So what are dentures? Dentures are prosthetic devices that can replace any gaps of missing teeth that you might have, ranging from one tooth to all of your teeth. These devices rely on the support of the surrounding tissue in your oral cavity to stay in place.
When to Get Dentures
Many patients wonder when to get dentures. If you are already missing teeth, if you struggle with chewing your food, or if you have issues with your gums that cause gum and bone loss then dentures may be a good option. If you are missing teeth, remaining teeth can begin shifting and becoming loose, possibly causing more teeth to fall out or need removal. The benefits of dentures are significant if you find yourself facing similar problems.
Full Versus Partial Dentures
Dr. Vafa uses full dentures when you are missing your teeth entirely on the top or bottom. In contrast, he may design a partial set when you are missing one tooth or a group of teeth but not the whole row of teeth. Full dentures are affixed to a plate that provides a snug attachment to your gums. Partial dentures often work using clips that attach to the surrounding healthy teeth. Usually, the clips can be made in the same color as teeth if the patient prefers less visibility.
What Are they Made Of?
As a patient, figuring out which available material best suits you is another crucial step in this process. Firstly, the framework and plate of the device often consist of acrylic resin for a more rigid structure. The next step is considering which material for the teeth is ideal for you. Generally, the teeth consist of either acrylic resin or porcelain.
What are the potential acrylic resin dentures pros and cons? Resin tends to attach more securely to the plating, is more adjustable, provides a less expensive option, and is more lightweight than the porcelain alternative. Resin is not quite as long-lasting as porcelain, which tends to be the basis of the cons associated with this material. As a consequence, acrylic resin tends to wear down faster and may need replacement after a few years.
When it comes to porcelain dentures pros and cons, porcelain has a more realistic feel, which often makes it easier for patients to adjust to their new dentures. Porcelain teeth also strongly resemble the look of natural teeth and a potentially better color match. The most significant disadvantage for porcelain teeth is that they could break if dropped on hard surfaces. Additionally, this material is more suitable for full rather than partial since they can damage natural teeth if biting causes them to rub in partial sets.
Where To Get Dentures in Los Angeles
Smile Angels, located in Beverly Hills, is undoubtedly the best place to get dentures in Los Angeles. Everyone at Smile Angels strives to provide a stress-free, quality, and comfortable experience for adult dental needs. Dr. Vafa at Smile Angels of Beverly Hills offers the most affordable and quality dentures to Los Angeles residents. His office offers a variety of dental services to meet all necessary or desired outcomes for their patients. The benefits of choosing Smile Angels include concierge services for patients that live outside of Beverly Hills so those patients can have access to quality dental services.
Pros and Cons of Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Choosing between dentures or dental implants is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Needs and preferences can vary from patient to patient. However, being well-informed about both options could help you decide which is the right choice for your situation. While dentures are removable devices that could be temporary solutions for some patients, dental implants use a titanium screw to anchor the implant to your jawbone. After the implant has healed, Dr. Vafa will place a crown or bridge on top of the implant. Discussing specific dentures pros and cons, as well as for dental implants, plays an essential role.
Dentures Pros and Cons
Pros
Among the pros of dentures would be simplicity. There is no associated healing period or painful process. Furthermore, Dr. Vafa can remove these prosthetics easily by the patient if they decide to. Dentures have improved in quality and Dr. Vafa can design them to look quite natural ( Natural Dentures ) and resemble the patient’s natural teeth in combination with the ease of having them made and inserted or removed. This option tends to have the added advantage of being the more affordable option as opposed to implants.
Cons
Cons of dentures for some patients include the preference of a solution that is not removable and is more permanent. Dentures have great functionality, but cannot quite match the functionality of teeth firmly affixed to the jaw bone.
On the other hand, dentures could break, and you may need to replace them.
Dental Implants Pros and Cons
Dental Implants Pros
One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is permanence. Patients may prefer to have the issue fixed and move past the problem entirely. Dental implants also have less risk of surrounding natural teeth shifting or being rubbed against by material that can damage them. Facial sagging is a potential side effect of missing several natural teeth, and dental implants help improve the sagging in many cases.
Dental Implant Cons
Dr. Vafa screws the dental implants into the jaw bone, there is an unavoidable healing process. It takes around 3-6 months for the titanium screws to fuse into the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration. How much bone you have in your jaw also plays a factor in the process of dental implants. If you do not have enough bone for the procedure, a bone graft may be necessary to support the implant properly. For patients who do not want to go through a healing process, dental implants may not be the right choice.
How Much Dentures Cost
Patients in California may be wondering about the cost of dentures in Los Angeles.
Out-of-pocket pricing varies depending on:
- Insurance coverage for dentures
- Type of dentures
- Materials
Insurance may have stipulations about what options they will cover or may omit coverage entirely. Choosing acrylic resin often provides a cheaper alternative when available, as opposed to those made of more expensive materials such as porcelain, makes a significant impact on price. Costs can range anywhere from $500 to around $3000 for full and about $300-$600 per partial set. Fees are generally higher if dentures you receive dentures on the same day as tooth removal. Some patients may be eligible for savings programs or financing if the price is a problematic financial roadblock. Patients should discuss their best options with a thorough and experienced dentist, such as Dr. Bruce Vafa DDS.
How to Care for Dentures
Dentures require cleaning and maintenance to ensure that they remain in good shape and don’t build up bacteria that transfer to your mouth. Proper care entails brushing your dentures daily, maintaining moisture when you remove them and rinsing after eating and before replacing them. To maintain adequate moisture, you need to soak each device overnight while you sleep. When brushing your dentures, you should avoid abrasive products and toothbrushes. Using whitening kinds of toothpaste could cause a color change of the tooth material, potentially causing them to no longer match remaining natural teeth. Hot or boiling water can warp the materials and cause them to affect the fit of the device. If you use a soaking solution, rinsing before putting the device back in is especially important. Soaking solutions have harmful chemicals that can cause pain, inflammation, and vomiting.
How Long They Last
Dentures usually last around 5-8 years before needing replacement. The need for replacement often depends on wear-and-tear and if the patient has taken proper care of their device. Although these prosthetics can last for years, it is best practice for the patient to have them evaluated regularly by their dentist. Regular evaluations ensure that the fitting is still correct, if the gumline has changed, or if the teeth have become too worn or broken. If you notice any issues between evaluations, you should always consult Dr. Vafa to address the problem appropriately.
How Long Does It Take to Get My Dentures?
The process of getting dentures can vary depending on the patient. If you have teeth removed before an impression of your teeth is made, the site of the tooth extraction must first heal. Firstly, the dentist obtains an impression of your teeth as well as a bite record on a special tray. Next, these items go to a laboratory. A mold is then poured that assists in creating a wax model. You will later try on this wax model in your dentist’s office. Once the dentist makes a note of all the adjustments needed, the final product is made and given to you when it is ready. Overall, the process takes around 4-6 weeks for most patients.
Are Dentures Comfortable?
Thankfully for many patients, dentures have made significant advances in comfort levels. Dr. Vafa models the prosthetics specially for you in a more precise manner and with better materials that increase fit and comfort. The advances in fitting prevent irritating slippage and irritation of the surrounding tissue. If any discomfort happens, you have the added convenience of being able to remove them quickly to alleviate some irritation. When this happens, you can rely on Beverly Hills Dentures specialist, Bruce Vafa DDS to help correcting them.
Problems and Complications Associated with Dentures
Many patients likely find themselves wondering about potential dentures problems. Improper fit can lead to pain and inflammation. There is a possibility of experiencing swelling, bleeding gums, or gum abscess. You may prevent or remedy much of these issues by good oral hygiene, proper maintenance, and consulting your dentist about any problems that arise. Likewise, there are practices you can maintain in your daily life. For example, limiting the intake of sugary foods and drinks, drinking plenty of water, and quitting smoking.
What Are Immediate Dentures?
Some patients may be eligible candidates for immediate dentures inserted the same day after removal of teeth at the dentist’s office. As a result, this option is an excellent choice for patients who feel uncomfortable being seen publicly with missing teeth. An additional advantage is that shaping often improves when natural teeth are still in place before being removed.
Conclusion
When considering your dental health and making decisions, your biggest ally is your dentist. Smile Angels of Beverly Hills is eager to help you and set you up with Dr. Bruce Vafa DDS. Smile Angels offer a free dental consultation as well as accepting a wide variety of insurance plans. Among primary dental care, Dr. Vafa and his colleagues provide holistic approaches to dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and children’s dental services. 24/7 emergency dentistry is available as well. If you want a friendly dental office that focuses on quality and excellent patient care, contact Smile Angels to set up your consultation.