Dentures – Morgan Hill, CA

Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Almost anyone can be an excellent candidate for dentures regardless of how many teeth they are missing. The first step to getting one of these remarkable prosthetic dental devices is to schedule a consultation at our office in Morgan Hill. At this appointment, Dr. Hong will carefully evaluate your oral health to determine if the treatment is right for you. If you’re not ready yet, you may be able to become an excellent candidate after undergoing preliminary treatments to restore the health of your gums and jawbones.

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Effects of Missing Teeth

Tooth loss can happen due to age, injury, and infection, and many young people are missing teeth due to sports-related oral trauma. The loss of even one tooth can lead to serious oral and overall health consequences such as gum injuries, eating problems, trouble speaking, facial sagging, diminished self-esteem, and jawbone atrophy that can lead to further dental injuries and infections as well as tooth loss.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Dentures can be an excellent treatment for patients who have experienced extensive tooth loss as well as those with frustrating dental sensitivity or severely decayed teeth as long as they have healthy gums and jawbones. Patients will also need to commit to a rigorous oral hygiene regimen to keep their mouths healthy and their appliances in suitable condition.

The best type of denture for you depends on the number of teeth you are missing. Partial dentures are great for those missing several teeth throughout the mouth, full dentures can replace a whole arch of lost teeth, and implant dentures can provide you with the best possible hold for superior chewing power. Dentures can also be more affordable than other tooth replacements, which can make them an excellent choice for those on a budget.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Dentures aren’t the best tooth replacement option for everyone, and we offer several other options to our patients. These include:

Dental bridges: These devices are excellent for those missing one or a few teeth in a row. They consist of one or more artificial teeth strung between two dental crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap or two dental implants placed in the jawbone.

Dental implants: These remarkable devices are surgically placed directly in the jawbone to provide a superior hold. This allows them to support devices such as crowns, bridges, and dentures to create the most lifelike and functional restoration possible.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

Types of Dentures

At the initial consult visit, our team will help you learn what treatment will look like. In particular, we’ll discuss and confirm the type of denture that best works for you. You can thus expect us to suggest one of three possible options. These span the following:

Partial Dentures

As you’d imagine, partial dentures only replace a few missing teeth. They typically go between large tooth gaps, using metal clasps to connect to your other pearly whites.

Normally, partial dentures are made from a combination of metal and acrylic. They also rely on a gum-colored base to blend better with your mouth.

Full Dentures

Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. As such, they stay in place with natural suction instead of clasps.

Like partials, complete dentures usually rely on acrylic and metal parts. However, they also differ because they’re custom-fitted to rest snugly over the gums.

Implant Dentures

Implant dentures are more permanent and unwavering than partial and full models. Therefore, they make a great alternative for patients unhappy with traditional kinds.

Per their name, implant dentures use dental implants – restorations that fuse to your jaw. As a result, they tend to be steady and don’t slip or fall.

How Dentures are Made

If you’re considering getting dentures, you’re probably wondering how these appliances are made. These remarkable prosthetic devices are carefully crafted using high-quality materials to create functional and beautifully lifelike restorations. Here’s a brief overview of how dentures are manufactured so you can appreciate how incredibly amazing these appliances are.

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What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures consist of two parts, those being:

• The denture base: This structure serves as the foundation that securely fastens the appliance in place while supporting the artificial teeth. Your denture base may be made from acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, or metal, but full dentures are typically made of acrylic since it can be easily colored to match your natural gum tissue. In many cases, the bases of partial dentures incorporate clips that fasten them to the teeth.
• Artificial teeth: The teeth of a denture are typically made from resin or porcelain to give them a lifelike appearance. While porcelain is an especially durable and natural looking material, it can be abrasive to adjacent teeth, so it is typically only used for full dentures.

The Denture Creation Process

Since each denture is entirely customized for the particular patient, it must be crafted through a specialized multi-step process that includes:

• Step one: Hong will take impressions of your gums and remaining teeth to create a plaster model of your mouth. She may also measure your jaw.
• Step two: This model is sent to a dental lab where a skilled technician will use it to craft a wax replica of your gumline.
• Step three: Artificial teeth are placed in the wax model using a machine called an articulator. Afterward, the technician will shape the wax to make sure that the model looks like your gums.
• Step four: These wax dentures are sent back to our office so you can try them on. If you and Dr. Hong approve of them, they’ll be sent back to the lab for finalization. You’ll receive a temporary set of dentures for you to wear while your appliance is being made.
• Step five: The technician will place your dentures in a flask and boil them to remove the wax portions before pouring plaster into the mold.
• Step six: The technician makes holes in the teeth and injects acrylic and a liquid separator into the flask.
• Step seven: The technician carefully removes the plaster to reveal your denture before cleaning it with an ultrasonic bath.
• Step eight: Any extra acrylic will be removed from the denture, and the device will be polished until it shines.
• Step nine: You’ll come back to our office for a final fitting and any last-minute adjustments. Afterward, you’ll be ready to show off your new smile.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

While you can expect to experience some discomfort when you first start wearing dentures, this should be mild, temporary, and easy to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. Eventually, your new teeth will feel perfectly natural, and you’ll be able to speak clearly and easily with them. You can speed up this adjustment process and reduce your discomfort by eating soft foods, performing facial exercises, and trying an adhesive if necessary. If your discomfort persists after several days, contact the staff at Timeless Smiles for help.

The Benefits of Dentures

You'll receive many benefits if you opt for dentures in Morgan Hill. Among them, the most noticeable ones include:

• A Beautiful, Restored Smile – Since dentures are custom-fitted to a patient’s mouth, they result in a beautiful smile that impresses friends and family.
• Better Eating – By giving you new teeth, dentures let you better chew and swallow food. That feature, in turn, enables you to eat a more varied, nutritious diet.
• A Fuller Face – Dentures press against the inside of your cheeks, helping them look less hollow. Implant types also prevent jawbone less, ensuring you don’t suffer facial collapse.
• Low Cost – While implants and bridges can be expensive, dentures have a low upfront cost, even though they’re a trusted tooth replacement solution.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Regardless of how many natural teeth you have remaining, Dr. Hong can provide lifelike dentures to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality. However, many people hesitate to proceed with this treatment because they worry they cannot afford it.

Your dentures are customized to fit like a glove and resemble your teeth and gums, so the final cost depends on your unique circumstances. Continue reading to learn more about how the total price is determined, and feel free to contact us for additional information!

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Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

The final amount due for your restoration depends on your situation. Some factors that impact the rate include:

• Whether any preparations are required. Some patients must have teeth extracted or undergo gum disease therapy before proceeding with prosthetics, which must also be paid for.
• The type of base. You may pay more or less depending on the material used for the foundation of your new teeth, such as acrylic, resin, or nylon.
• Materials used for the teeth. The pontics, or artificial teeth, can be made from porcelain, acrylic, or resin, affecting the cost.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Many patients struggle with frequently ill-fitting prosthetics or want a more enduring solution than removable prosthetics. Implant dentures combine the permanence of dental implants with the versatility of dentures to permanently rebuild your smile.

This treatment typically costs more than the standard replacement teeth because it involves oral surgery. Additionally, they utilize resilient materials designed to last 25 years or more, such as a titanium rod placed in your jaw, and a beautiful porcelain restoration to cap it. This method may incur higher upfront costs, but it requires fewer repairs and replacements, ultimately paying for itself over time.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Many dental insurance policies cover 50% of major procedures after you’ve met your annual deductible, including getting dentures. However, there’s no guarantee and your plan might have additional restrictions to be aware of, like a waiting period that must pass before benefits kick in. You can check your details to verify your available benefits.

Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you’re struggling to find the information or need help with any paperwork or claims applications. Our friendly office staff is familiar with the process and is happy to assist you.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Rebuilding your grin with dentures can restore your chewing power, ability to enunciate, and your confidence in your appearance. If you’re concerned that your budget might hold you back from replacing missing teeth, you can thankfully set your concerns aside.

Our team partners with third-party financers, such as CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit, to offer flexible payment packages. These programs allow you to break down your final invoice into more manageable monthly installments if your application is approved.

Denture FAQS

Dentures in Morgan Hill can rebuild a complete, beautiful smile. However, it's normal to have some questions about the road ahead. Dr. Jenny Hong will explain everything and address any concerns during your consultation. In the meantime, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about dentures. You can also contact our office to speak to a member of our dental team.

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Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

Initially, Dr. Hong will instruct you to wear your dentures consistently for the first 24 hours. Then, you must remove them at night. Dentures are more comfortable than ever before, so you may never want to take them out, but your health and the lifespan of your prosthetics require nightly removal.

Your dentures will restrict blood circulation to your gums, which can lead to inflammation, pain, and infections if your soft tissues aren't given a break. Not to mention, your mouth is home to oral bacteria, which can accumulate on your dentures if they aren't removed. This can weaken your new teeth over time, cause unpleasant odors, and affect your oral and general health.

It's best to take your dentures out before going to bed. Besides cleaning your mouth, brush your dentures daily and place them in an overnight soaking solution. You'll give your gums time to recuperate and kill any harmful bacteria that may be lingering on your dentures.

Do Upper Dentures Always Cover the Palate?

If you've lost all of your top teeth, it's common to have concerns about diminished food taste or irritation from a denture covering the roof of your mouth. Upper dentures don't always cover the pallet. There are many types to choose from, including those with a horseshoe shape. Your denture dentist in Morgan Hill will learn more about your preferences to recommend which type of denture will be right for you.

Can I Use Regular Toothpaste to Clean My Dentures?

Dentures can't get cavities, but you still need to brush them. Food residue and plaque can cling to your dentures, which can damage them and cause odors. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid to clean your dentures. You will remove residue and plaque without scratching your new set of teeth. You can also purchase over-the-counter cleaning kits designed for denture wearers.

Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?

You rely on your dentures every day, which is why you'll need to call an emergency dentist if your prosthetic breaks. Never wear damaged dentures because they can cause oral injuries. If possible, wear an old denture and contact our office. Do not attempt to repair your dentures on your own with adhesives or glue. They can contain toxic ingredients or cause allergic reactions. Leave the mending to professionals. We will get you into the office quickly to provide the necessary repair or replacement to restore your beautiful, functional smile.