Dentures – Manchester, NH

Effects of Missing Teeth

Missing teeth do more than just negatively affect your appearance. They also keep you from being able to eat normally, speak clearly, and smile confidently. No matter how many teeth are missing, whether it is one, multiple, or an entire arch, it’s important that you seek timely care instead of experiencing the following:

• Facial sagging
• Jawbone resorption
• Additional tooth loss

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

No matter the type of denture you receive, it is important that you have good general oral health. This means, should Dr. Golparvar discover signs of tooth decay or gum disease, you will need to address these problems first before moving forward with your chosen tooth replacement solution. If you are preparing for implant dentures, you will also need ample bone density to support your customized denture.

When meeting with your dentist to discuss your options, he will likely evaluate your jawbone, gum health, and the number of missing teeth to determine if you are a candidate and which type of denture is right for you.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

While full and partial dentures are viable options when it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are alternative solutions that offer the same great results. You can expect that we will go over these with you during your initial consultation:

• Dental Bridges – Combining dental crowns with artificial teeth (pontics), we can create a fixed dental bridge that relies on healthy abutment teeth to remain in place. Those located on either side of the gap will be prepared and altered so that they properly anchor the bridge, ensuring it does not move but instead, delivers optimal function and aesthetics. The remaining pontics will rest on top of your gums.
• Dental Implants – Although more invasive than dentures or dental bridges, dental implants are permanent prosthetics that are surgically placed into the jawbone and fuse with the surrounding tissues. Creating a firm foundation for your new teeth, a dental crown, bridge, or implant denture can be secured into place. With optimal care, these prosthetics can last a lifetime.

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures are typically made from a combination of materials to achieve a balance between durability and aesthetics.

The base of the dentures, which mimics the appearance of natural gum tissue, is usually made from acrylic resin. This material is flexible, sturdy, and able to be dyed to match the color of your gums.

The teeth that are held in place by the base are generally crafted from porcelain, which is strong and can be carefully shaped and colored to blend in seamlessly with your smile. Another reason porcelain is often preferred is because of its slight translucent appearance that makes the teeth look more natural.

The Denture Creation Process

Creating dentures is a multi-step process that involves several appointments and close collaboration between Dr. Golparvar and a trusted dental lab. It all begins with an initial consultation, where our team will discuss the process with you from start to finish. If you need preparatory treatments like extractions, we’ll perform those first.

Once your mouth has been prepared and you’re ready to begin your dentures process, Dr. Golparvar will make impressions of your mouth. These impressions serve as the blueprint for your dentures going forward!

Next, a wax model is created at the dental lab to give you a preview of how your dentures will look and feel. Adjustments can be made at this stage to ensure your smile is just the way you want it.

Once the model is approved, the final dentures are crafted. The acrylic base is shaped and dyed to match your gum color, and the artificial teeth are set in place. Your dentures are then polished for a smooth, natural finish.

Before they are ready to wear, you'll go through a final fitting where any necessary adjustments are made to ensure your new prosthetics are snug and comfortable. If you’re satisfied with the final fit, you’ll be able to wear your new dentures home!

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Getting used to new dentures can take a little time, but with patience, they will soon feel like a natural part of your mouth. Initially, you may experience some discomfort or difficulty speaking and eating, but this is normal.

Your mouth needs time to adapt to your new appliance. Over time, the muscles in your mouth will learn to hold the dentures in place, and any soreness should subside. Regular follow-up visits with Dr. Golparvar are important during this time to keep track of your progress and ensure your dentures fit comfortably and function well.

Psychological Benefits

If you’ve gone any length of time with a large gap in your smile from missing teeth, you know how difficult it can be to cope. Many people experience a drop in their self-esteem which can lead to anxiety and depression.

Dentures can not only restore the appearance of your smile, but they can also make it easier to speak. This offers a boost in confidence that can make it much more fulfilling to interact with friends, family, and coworkers, reducing isolation. The more included you feel in the lives of those you care about, the happier and less mentally fatigued you’ll feel overall.

Clearer Enunciation

One of the lesser-known benefits of dentures is its ability to improve your speech. Missing teeth can lead to poor enunciation, making it difficult to pronounce certain words and creating speech impediments like mumbling, lisping, or whistling. Dentures fill in the gaps left behind by missing teeth, supporting your lips and cheeks and improving the clarity of your speech. This makes communication easier and more effective, helping you feel more confident throughout the day whether you're at home or on the job.

Improves Nutrition

Another effect of missing teeth that many patients overlook is reduced chewing capacity. This may not seem like a big deal, but even one missing tooth can make it more difficult to process your food. Over time, especially with multiple tooth gaps, you’ll begin to experience multiple digestive issues and even shy away from eating certain foods. However, dentures can restore a good amount of your chewing power, letting you enjoy a more varied diet and avoiding issues in the digestive process.

Preserves Oral Health

Beyond just replacing missing teeth, dentures help preserve the other oral structures in your mouth like your teeth and gums. By filling the spaces left by missing teeth, dentures prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting into irregular positions, which could lead to worn enamel, jaw pain, and chipped or cracked teeth. By preserving your mouth with denture prosthetics, you can prevent more complex dental issues down the road.

Expands Opportunity

Multiple studies, including those from the Harvard School of Business, have shown that your smile can affect your career. Whether you’re gunning for a new position or trying to get hired in the first place, your grin can make or break a first impression.

This is because it’s one of the first things anyone will notice about you, and in fact, they’ll make snap judgments based on how you project your pearly whites. A winning smile can make you seem more organized, approachable, and intelligent, helping you get ahead no matter where your career may take you!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

When calculating the cost of dentures in Manchester, there are several factors you must take into consideration. Some major elements that influence the final price tag include:

• Any preliminary dental work that’s needed (i.e., tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, etc.)
• Number of missing teeth
• 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., porcelain or acrylic)

Patients on a budget may be tempted to opt for a cheaper denture. However, that’s generally not recommended because more affordable oral appliances tend to break easily and will require replacement much sooner than you’d expect. When exploring your denture options, it’s important to remember that a higher-quality item is typically worth the investment.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, but there’s a good reason for that. Implant dentures require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants, which is why they’re much more reliable for day-to-day use than traditional dentures. You don’t have to worry about them slipping and sliding around your mouth while you eat or speak! Plus, dental implants help stimulate the jawbone to prevent its deterioration, allowing you to enjoy increased biting strength and longevity.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

The good news is that most dental insurance plans offer some level of coverage for dentures since they’re considered a major procedure. In most cases, around 50% of the total cost is covered by dental insurance. Of course, the exact amount will vary from plan to plan. Before committing to anything, you should confirm the details with your provider. Our team will gladly help with this step if needed! We’ll figure out the best way to maximize your benefits and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

We understand that not everyone has dental insurance. Fortunately, we offer other financing options to help make your care as affordable as possible. You can split up the entire cost of your treatment into budget-friendly monthly installments with CareCredit financing. Plus, there is often little-to-no interest attached, which makes it easier to fit the cost of dentures into your budget.

Are you thinking about getting dentures in Manchester? If you want to know how your costs will add up, contact our office, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Golparvar today. He’ll start working on a custom treatment plan that fits your budget perfectly!