Dentures – Haverhill, MA
A Traditional Way to Replace Multiple Teeth
When you have a particularly extensive case of tooth loss, Dr. Koleini may recommend dentures in order to help you reclaim a complete smile. Dentures have been used to replace teeth for a very long time, and nowadays they’re more comfortable and realistic-looking than ever thanks to modern techniques and high-quality materials. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Koleini to ask about having personalized dentures made, get in touch with our office today.
Why Choose Associates in Dental Health of Haverhill for Dentures?
- Completely Customized Full and Partial Dentures
- Dental Implants Placed In-Office
- Practice That Utilizes the Latest Technology
Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Dentures could be a good fit for you if you have lost most or all of the teeth in your upper and/or lower jaw. You will need healthy gums to support your prosthesis, so our team will take the time to check your mouth for any problems that might need to be addressed. There’s more than one way to replace missing teeth, and as such we’ll make sure that you’re fully informed of your options so that you can pick the one that truly fits your needs.
Effects of Missing Teeth
There are several different potential causes of tooth loss. The most common include tooth decay, gum disease, and injury. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, missing teeth can lead to numerous different consequences. They include facial sagging, difficulty speaking, trouble chewing, and low confidence. The good news is that dentures can improve all of these areas of your life.
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
Most adults are able to get dentures without issue. They are great for those who are missing several, most of, or all of their teeth. It is also important that denture-wearers maintain healthy gum tissue and have sufficient jawbone. After missing teeth for a long time, the jawbone is reabsorbed by the body, therefore resulting in bone loss. If you currently have any dental issues, including gum disease or tooth decay, these things need to be addressed and eliminated before you can move forward with the denture process.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
If you aren’t a good candidate for dentures, or they don’t sound like your cup of tea, you may want to consider alternative tooth replacement options. Here are a couple that we offer:
- Dental Bridges: Dental bridges “bridge” the gap in your smile. They are ideal for those who are only missing a single tooth or a couple of consecutive teeth. A dental bridge requires that the patient has healthy adjacent teeth surrounding the empty space to support it.
- Dental Implants: A dental implant is a titanium, screw-like post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. To get a dental implant, patients need to have a strong jawbone structure and be healthy enough to undergo a minor surgical procedure. Dental implants have a higher upfront cost, but they last for many decades or even the rest of your life!
Types of Dentures
One of the things will discuss during your initial consultation is which type of denture you should get. Traditional partial and full dentures are available, but it’s also worth checking to see if you qualify for implant dentures. We’ll take the time to explain the advantages of each type of denture as well as what the cost will look like.
Partial Dentures
A partial denture is customized to fill in multiple gaps in a single arch. The base is made out of gum-colored acrylic, and metal clasps are used to help keep the prosthesis attached to your natural teeth. You can take a traditional partial denture out of your mouth at any time to clean it.
Full Dentures
A full denture is meant to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. It rests directly on the gums and stays in place with the help of natural suction. Like partial dentures, full dentures are designed to be removable; it’s recommended that you take them out every night before you go to bed.
Implant Dentures
An implant denture is anchored to four or more dental implants. Said implants will mimic the functions of natural tooth roots, thus keeping your new teeth in place while also preventing bone loss in your jaw. Some implant dentures are removable, but others are meant to stay in the mouth at all times.
The Benefits of Dentures
If you are missing multiple, most of, or all of your teeth, dentures could be the life-changing solution you’ve been looking for! They provide sufferers of tooth loss with so many benefits, including the restoration of the appearance and function of their smiles. Continue reading to learn about just some of the many benefits that dentures offer.
Psychological Benefits
It can be difficult for people without teeth to accept their tooth loss. This can result in negative effects on self-esteem and self-confidence, leading to a higher risk of sadness and depression. When you restore your smile with dentures, you can enjoy an increase in confidence, reducing your anxieties about your appearance, speech articulation, chewing ability, and more!
Clearer Enunciation
When you have gaps in your smile, it can be more challenging to speak clearly. To be able to perform your words, your lips and tongue need to be positioned properly. With gaps in your smile, your tongue can’t do what it needs to do, so some words become very difficult to say. By replacing your missing teeth, dentures can help you pronounce your words while you speak. After a short adjustment period, you will be talking away just like you used to!
Improves Nutrition
A lot of nutrient-dense foods that your body requires are tough in texture. This includes healthy proteins, fruits, and vegetables. If you cannot chew your food thoroughly due to tooth loss, this can negatively impact your eating habits, ultimately resulting in indigestion and malnutrition. With dentures, you can chew your food better, allowing you to enjoy an expansive diet. Ultimately, dentures can help you get the nutrients you need!
Preserves Oral Health
If you still have some healthy teeth remaining in your mouth, getting dentures can help to keep them in good health. By replacing your missing teeth, a partial denture can prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting around. Dentures also help to support some of the weight of regular chewing, limiting wear and tear of the existing teeth.
Expands Opportunities
Making a good impression is key when you are attending interviews, negotiating sales, and attending social gatherings. Since your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, having one that appears to be healthy and cared for will do nothing but help. In fact, studies have found that the probability of being employed is negatively associated with having poor dental health!
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Dentures are an excellent option for people who are missing multiple, most of, or all of their teeth. They are able to restore the appearance and function of one’s smile! However, many patients worry about the cost of their prostheses. During your consultation, we will discuss the cost of your treatment in detail. In the meantime, here are some things to keep in mind.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
There are a variety of factors that play a role in the cost of your dentures. Here are the most prominent ones:
- Preparation: If you need a preliminary procedure, like a tooth extraction or gum disease treatment, before you can get dentures, you should consider their costs as well.
- Materials: Dentures can be made from multiple different types of materials, and they are all priced differently.
- Type of Denture: If you are getting a partial denture, this will likely cost less than a full denture. Implant dentures are priced higher, as they require a surgical procedure.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures are more expensive than traditional dentures. This is because the dental implants need to be surgically placed into the jawbone. This technique allows for numerous additional benefits. Implant dentures are made to be permanent, and they are more stable than traditional dentures. You don’t need to worry about shifting, slipping, clicking, or limiting your diet either. Dental implants are an investment in the future of your smile, and this investment pays off over time.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Dentures are usually considered to be a major procedure, so dental insurance plans generally cover them at around 50% of their cost. At Associates in Dental Health of Haverhill, we are proud to be in-network with Delta Dental Premier, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Indemnity. We are happy to accept and file claims on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you are completely out of luck. We are happy to offer financing with approved credit through Wells Fargo Bank, N. A., which can cover elective or required treatment. We also accept payments through CareCredit or Lending Club. If you have any questions regarding your payment options, one of our friendly team members would be happy to help!