Weyauwega Partial & Full Dentures
Following advanced tooth loss due to oral health struggles, whole body health conditions, or facial trauma, patients are typically dealing with stress, pain, and difficulty performing the smallest daily function like sharing a confident smile. At the Weyauwega dental office of William J. Twohig, DDS, we’re here to help patients get the smiles back on their faces as quickly as possible. We offer a variety of tooth replacement options, including traditional partial and full dentures and implant retained prosthetics. If you’re ready to get started, call our Weyauwega dentistry team to schedule a tooth replacement consultation.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
If you are faced with multiple missing teeth, or you are without an entire upper or lower arch, you’ll find that dentures are often a great option for patients. As a tried-and-true solution that has helped countless individuals over the centuries, these prosthetics continue to provide great aesthetics while working similarly to regular teeth. When meeting with your denture dentist to discuss your options, you can expect to go through a thorough examination so that we can evaluate your oral and overall health as well as the density of your jawbone. This will help us determine how best to move forward.
Effects of Missing Teeth
No one sets out to lose their teeth; however, when it happens, many side effects can occur as a result, such as:
- Facial sagging and collapse
- Jawbone resorption because of a lack of stimulation by tooth roots
- Additional tooth loss because of a weakened jawbone
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
If a member of our team recommends you for dentures, it is likely because you are missing multiple teeth along a row, or you do not have any remaining healthy, natural teeth along an arch. Whether you require a partial or full denture is ultimately up to our team.
You should expect, though, for us to review your oral health to find out if there are any signs of periodontal disease or existing tooth decay. If so, we’ll need to administer appropriate treatment to minimize further damage to your mouth and potential prosthetics. Also, if you are lacking enough bone support, we may recommend a bone graft to help boost the stability of your jawbone.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
When meeting with a member of our team to discuss your future with dentures, you may discover there are alternative options that offer the same great results. These include:
- Dental Bridges – Unlike dentures that are held into place with either metal clasps or suction, dental bridges use healthy teeth as anchors. With two dental crowns that fit over the natural abutment teeth on either side of the gap, the remaining pontics (artificial teeth) rest on top of your gums to complete the smile.
- Dental Implants – Vastly different than dental bridges or dentures are dental implants. Made out of zirconia, these prosthetics serve to stimulate the jawbone and minimize the potential for facial collapse and additional tooth loss. Because they fuse with the existing bone tissues, they create a firm foundation that can last a lifetime with proper care. And combined with abutments that connect the implant to the restoration as well as a customized implant partial or implant denture, you can expect a longer-lasting smile that doesn’t require frequent replacements or adjustments.
Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
Whether you’re missing one tooth or are fully edentulous (without teeth), it’s essential to repair your smile to full, healthy function. When teeth are left unreplaced, patients struggle to speak clearly, consume a variety of foods, and smile with confidence. When tooth loss is extensive, patients may be restricted to soft foods or liquid diets.
What are Partial Dentures?
Partials are dentures that fill in spaces left by extensive tooth loss. These prosthetics can be crafted to replace any number of consecutive and nonconsecutive missing teeth. A gum-colored base material is formed to fit between remaining teeth. Replacement teeth are all supported by this base, and the entire prosthetic is held in place with clasps attached to healthy remaining teeth.
What are Full Dentures?
Full dentures are similarly crafted using a gum colored base to support the entire row of replacement teeth. Since there are no remaining teeth to provide support, the base is crafted to fit against the gum tissue, creating natural suction that will hold the denture in place. For added stability, some patients choose to use a small amount of denture adhesive.
What are Implant Dentures?
Implant dentures provide the ideal tooth replacement solution because they replace tooth roots as well as the missing teeth. Using just three to six implant posts, we can provide natural looking and feeling support for your denture. Patients with implant supported dentures will need to invest a greater amount of time and money in the beginning of their treatment plan, but these restorations offer increased stability and can last more than twice as long as traditional partial and full dentures.
Benefits of Dentures
Over the years, dentures have undergone significant advancements, offering greater comfort and functionality. With a well-fitted prosthetic, you can confidently enjoy most (if not all) of your favorite foods. As you get used to wearing dentures, you may notice improved speech thanks to the help of artificial teeth in articulating sounds. Of course, these are just a few of the several benefits of dentures in Weyauwega. Click on the button below to learn more!
Psychological Benefits
The absence of teeth can be challenging for people to come to terms with, impacting their self-esteem and social interactions. Those who feel insecure about tooth loss may withdraw from social activities, increasing the risk of sadness and depression.
Luckily, dentures offer a solution by restoring both the appearance and function of one's smile, leading to a boost in confidence. They alleviate concerns related to appearance, speech articulation, chewing ability, and more, giving patients a renewed sense of self-assurance.
Clearer Enunciation
Speaking becomes challenging when teeth are missing, as proper pronunciation requires the correct positioning of lips and tongue. Some words become difficult to articulate clearly due to being unable to touch the tongue to the teeth.
Since dentures function as replacement teeth, you can enunciate more distinctly while talking. With a brief adjustment period and a bit of practice, clear and natural speech will eventually become second nature!
Improves Nutrition
Several nutrient-rich foods (i.e., vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins) often have a tough texture. Tooth loss can impede thorough chewing, leading to problems like indigestion or malnutrition. Dentures enhance chewing ability, allowing for a more diverse and nutritious diet. This ensures that your body receives the vital nutrients necessary for optimal overall health.
Preserves Oral Health
Choosing dentures when you have remaining natural teeth prevents them from shifting within the mouth and causing problems. Additionally, dentures help distribute some of the weight during regular chewing, minimizing the wear and tear on your existing teeth.
Expands Opportunity
The first thing people notice when they meet you is your smile. Whether in job interviews, sales interactions, or seeking promotions, creating a strong initial impression is vital. By having a complete smile, you can most certainly get a significant advantage in these situations!
How Dentures Are Made
The dentures we have these days are nothing like the loose-fitting dentures that were once the norm for our grandparents. Our practice wants to emphasize that our dentures are far from a one-size-fits-all solution, much like our other customized treatments. Crafting dentures involves a meticulous process, ensuring a precise fit for your unique mouth. Click on the button below to learn about the creation process behind these prosthetics. Hopefully, this information will enhance your appreciation for the personalized nature of your dentures!
What Are Dentures Made Of?
Every type of denture is made of two parts: the base of the denture and the artificial teeth:
- Base – This component provides support to the teeth and enables the replacement of multiple teeth with a single appliance. Typically, the base is crafted from acrylic or resin, both of which can be tinted to mimic the appearance of real gum tissue. In the case of full dentures, acrylic is commonly chosen for the base due to its ability to closely resemble natural gums. For partial dentures, metal clasps are often incorporated into the base for added stability.
- Teeth – Artificial teeth are commonly fashioned from either porcelain or resin. While porcelain, being the sturdier material, is often preferred, both materials offer a natural appearance for the replacement teeth.
The Denture Creation Process
The denture-making process starts with a consultation and possibly some preliminary treatments, such as gum disease therapy, tooth extraction, or implant placement. Once these prerequisites are completed, impressions of your upper and lower arches are taken and forwarded to our trusted dental lab. Using these impressions, skilled lab technicians create a plaster mold and wax model of your mouth. False teeth are then crafted and affixed to the wax dentures using an articulator machine.
Then, you'll visit our office for a denture fitting, during which the wax dentures are placed into your mouth. We carefully note any necessary adjustments and communicate them to the lab. If needed, additional fitting appointments may be scheduled.
After these adjustments are made, the lab progresses to the next stage, replacing the wax with acrylic through a meticulous process. Finally, your dentures undergo a polishing phase to achieve the natural sheen of a genuine smile before being returned to our office for a final fitting.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
While modern dentures are designed to offer comfort and a relatively natural feel, you might experience some initial discomfort. It's important to remember that transitioning from missing teeth to a complete smile can take some time for your mouth to adapt. The discomfort you initially feel is likely temporary. However, if you continue to struggle with your dentures, please let us know. We’re here to make additional adjustments to ensure your smile feels as natural and comfortable as possible!
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
The cost of dentures in Weyauwega is different for each person. No two cases are the same, which is why Dr. Twohig requires an initial consultation before determining the estimated price for treatment. When visiting with him to discuss the replacement of your teeth, he will consider various factors that will help establish how much you can expect to spend on your new smile. One important thing to remember is most dental insurance companies will pay a portion of the cost, but if you need help with any remaining balance, our team can point you in the right direction with regard to alternative methods of payment.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
When meeting with your denture dentist in Weyauwega, be prepared for him to carefully consider the following three factors before compiling a detailed cost estimate of your smile:
- Do you have only a few missing teeth or an entire arch? This will determine if you need a partial or full denture.
- Do you require preliminary treatments before receiving dentures? These can include periodontal therapy, tooth extraction, or even bone grafting.
- What type of materials will be used to create your dentures? Typically, acrylic and porcelain are the most common.
As you review the estimated price tag of your dentures, you may wonder if there are cheaper ways to restore your smile. While some dentists may use less expensive materials, you must remember that you get what you pay for. Quality is essential if you want a prosthetic that lasts a long time.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
If you’re thinking about implant dentures instead of their traditional counterpart, you should know that they are typically more expensive. The reason is that they must be surgically implanted into the jawbone for permanent placement. It is an invasive procedure, but it produces amazing benefits and results. From being able to eat your favorite foods to enjoying a smile that can last 30 years or more, dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution designed to restore the entire tooth structure from the root to the crown.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Most dental insurance companies provide available coverage for dentures in Weyauwega. Depending on your plan, whether you’ve met your deductible, and how much of your annual maximum remains, they may or may not pay the full 50% of your total cost. Fortunately, our dental team is here to help you maximize your available benefits and get the most out of your plan. We don’t want you to walk away feeling as if you must empty your savings just to afford your new smile, which is why we will work on your behalf to help lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
Even if you are left with a balance after filing with dental insurance, or if you are uninsured, Dr. Twohig is pleased to provide alternative payment options to lessen the financial burden that can often come with dental care. We offer flexible financing through CareCredit, which is a third-party financier. Offering low and zero interest payment plans, you can apply for a designated payback option and stay within your budget. This eliminates the fear and frustration that can come with attempting to find a way to pay for your new smile.
Dentures Aftercare
Getting dentures might make you feel happy because it seems like you don't have to worry about your smile anymore. But actually, you still need to take good care of them, just like you do with natural teeth. If you don't look after them properly, they may not work well and could even harm your oral health. Luckily, Dr. William Twohig is here to help. Review the following tips for taking care of your dentures to keep your new smile looking great for a long time. And if you need more advice, just give us a call!
Removable Dentures
Remove After Eating
After eating, be sure to remove and rinse your dentures thoroughly. This helps prevent food buildup, plaque, and other debris, reducing the risk of gum disease and infections. However, avoid using hot water for rinsing, as it can warp the denture material, leading to poor fit and discomfort.
Clean Your Restoration
Dr. Twohig recommends cleaning your dentures once a day, but unlike natural teeth, they should be taken out of your mouth for this process. To clean them, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild hand soap. Avoid regular toothpaste as it can be too abrasive. If you have it, a denture cleanser can be used instead of soap.
After cleaning your oral prosthetic, soak the dentures in water or a cleansing solution to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape. Make sure to rinse them well before putting them back in your mouth.
Keep Your Dentures Safe
It's important to be mindful of how easily dentures can be damaged due to their delicate nature. To keep them safe when not in use, there are several precautions you can take.
One option is to place a towel underneath them during cleaning, providing a cushion in case they fall. Additionally, it's a good idea to store dentures in a safe place away from children and pets to avoid any accidental damage.
Remove When You Sleep
You should remove your dentures before going to bed to maintain good oral health. Wearing them while sleeping can cause harm, such as restricting gum circulation leading to soft-tissue irritation over time. Allowing your mouth to recover overnight by sleeping without dentures is beneficial.
However, you need to make sure that you store your dentures properly while not wearing them. Keeping them in a soaking solution overnight is essential to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape.
Notice Changes
After wearing dentures regularly, be attentive to any changes in either the dentures themselves or your mouth. If you notice any issues, it's important to inform your dentist promptly.
Should your dentures become damaged or no longer fit properly, contact Dr. Twohig as soon as possible. They can adjust or replace the prosthetics as necessary. It's important not to attempt to repair the dentures on your own, as this could potentially worsen the situation.
All-on-4 Dentures
To maintain the health of your all-on-4 dentures, adopt a consistent care routine. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, avoiding those with baking soda. Floss daily, using floss threaders if necessary, and consider a water flosser for thorough cleaning. Sulcus brushes can reach areas between the restoration and gums. Finish with antibacterial mouthwash to prevent tartar buildup.
Dentures FAQs
Are you feeling uncertain about your decision to choose dentures in Weyauwega? You’re not alone. It’s normal for patients like yourself to have many questions about the process, aftercare, and what life will be like once your new prosthetics are put into place. Fortunately, Dr. Twohig is here to provide thoughtful answers that will guide you in your decision to improve your oral health with these safe, reliable, and tried-and-true tooth replacement solutions. If you do not see your question listed below, please make sure to contact us to schedule an appointment.
How long will you have to wait to get dentures after your teeth are pulled?
It is not uncommon to have to wait 6-8 weeks after having a tooth removed before you can receive your dentures. Of course, each patient is different, so depending on your case, this timeline can vary. It is necessary that your gums fully heal and for your dentures to fit comfortably before beginning life with your newfound prosthetics. While it is possible to receive immediate dentures following an extraction, this is not always possible. Same-day dentures do make it possible to eat right away and speak more clearly; however, Dr. Twohig will be unable to preview the fit of your new smile. As a result, you will likely need an adjustment as your gums and bone change shape during the healing process.
If you are receiving implant dentures, it will be necessary for you to wait between 4 and 6 months before receiving your customized denture because osseointegration must be a success (the fusing of the implant with the bone).
Should I have all my teeth pulled to get dentures?
When meeting with Dr. Twohig to discuss your case, he will always recommend trying to repair your damaged tooth as opposed to removing it. However, this is not always possible. In situations where a tooth will need to be extracted, you can trust that his recommendation is out of necessity. Should your upper or lower row of teeth be decayed or severely damaged with decay or gum disease, it may be more cost-effective to replace them with dentures than to repair each tooth. Although there is no limit to how many teeth can be extracted during one visit, you should be ready if your denture dentist in Weyauwega explains that multiple visits are needed because of the difficulty in removing some teeth.
What is the average age for dentures?
Adults of virtually any age can experience tooth loss; however, it is much more common among older generations. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 66% of adults between the ages of 40 and 64 have at least one missing tooth, and nearly 33% of adults between the ages of 20 and have a single missing tooth. When looking at these numbers, it’s easy to see why patients over the age of 40 are more likely to need a partial or full denture.
The American Dental Association (ADA) also states that nearly 57% of people between 65 and 74 currently wear some form of denture.
Do upper dentures always cover the palate?
It is possible to receive palateless dentures for your upper arch. By having this type of denture created, you will be able to taste food that you previously could not with a traditional prosthetic. A palateless denture will not cover your soft palate but instead be shaped similarly to a lower denture, which looks like a horseshoe. The same style is also created for patients receiving implant dentures. You’ll need to talk to your dentist about the different types and styles so you can choose which option is right for you.
Will it hurt to get dentures?
If you require a tooth extraction before receiving dentures, you can expect to feel some discomfort in the days following your procedure. Your gums need to fully heal, but Dr. Twohig can prescribe some pain medication to help alleviate discomfort, which should only last 3-5 days. Also, when receiving your new dentures, you may have some minor discomfort, especially as your mouth attempts to adjust to the new foreign object inside it. You may have some mild irritation to your soft tissues, but this should only be temporary. Because no two patients are alike, the discomfort you will face will likely be very different from someone else. Even when switching to a new set of dentures, there is expected discomfort. If you notice that the pain you’re experiencing is lasting longer than a few days or a week, make sure to call our office, as they may need to be adjusted to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.
Will dentures change the shape of my face?
It’s natural when tooth loss occurs for your facial shape to change. As the jawbone deteriorates, your facial muscles will also begin to sag, causing you to develop a sunken appearance. With dentures, you will better support your facial muscles, giving you a more youthful and fuller appearance. However, should you notice your dentures no longer fitting as they should, you’ll need to see your dentist as soon as possible to have them relined or replaced to avoid it impacting your facial aesthetic.
Can dentures reduce life expectancy?
It is believed that wearing traditional dentures can reduce your life expectancy by up to 10 years. The reason for this is that the loss of bite force makes it harder to eat healthier, nutrient-rich foods, causing many patients to succumb to eating unhealthy foods that can cause malnutrition and weight loss. However, implant dentures can help you avoid these issues because they increase your bite force and offer greater chewing power. This enables you to maintain a healthier diet that is beneficial for your oral and overall health.