Dentures South Portland

What are Dentures Made Of?

Two components make up a denture – the base and the artificial teeth. The base commonly consists of acrylic because of how easy it is to color-match it to the shade of your gum tissue. Its purpose is to support the artificial teeth that are attached to it, helping to create a natural-looking smile.

Artificial teeth are often made out of resin or porcelain because of their unique ability to mimic the look of natural tooth enamel. Porcelain is generally more popular, though, because of how it feels and its optimal durability.

The Denture Creation Process

From start to finish, the denture creation process can take weeks or even a few months depending on whether you need a partial, a single denture, or a full set. It requires multiple steps, each of which must be completed successfully before moving on to the next.

After capturing an impression of your gums, we will measure your jaw and send it to a dental lab, where technicians will create a wax mold of your gumline. Artificial teeth are then placed onto the base before excess wax is removed to create a more natural gum shape.

We will receive the wax mold and perform a fitting. If you and our team approve, they will be sent back to the lab, and you will wear temporary dentures in the meantime.

A technician will boil the dentures to remove any wax before filling a flask with plaster that will hold the shape of your dentures. They will then be melted before small holes are created in the teeth, allowing the new material to properly attach. To keep the acrylic from sticking, a liquid separator will be added. Acrylic will then be injected into the flask to replace any wax.

Once the plaster is removed, the acrylic dentures are placed in an ultrasonic bath before the excess acrylic is trimmed off. With a final polish, they will be delivered to our office so that you can undergo your final fitting.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

It is normal to experience some slight discomfort after having your dentures put into place. Some mild soreness is common. However, as your mouth begins to adjust, it will begin to feel like natural teeth. You can speed up the process by eating soft foods, exercising your facial muscles, and trying denture adhesive. If you continue to notice any discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Some factors that can have a bearing on the cost of dentures include:

• Preparatory treatment: Some patients require tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, or other procedures before they can move ahead with tooth replacement.
• Quality of Material: Dentures usually consist of an acrylic base along with porcelain or acrylic teeth. The prices for these materials can vary depending on their quality, their manufacturer, and more.
• The type of denture: Full dentures, partial dentures, and implant dentures all have different price points.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive? 

Yes, implant dentures cost more than their traditional counterparts. That is because the treatment process requires more time, effort, materials, and skill than what is involved with regular prosthetics. Are implant dentures worth their higher price? Most patients would say yes. Not only are they extremely sturdy and lifelike, but they also last a long time. In fact, dental implants can last for decades, whereas a traditional denture may need to be replaced much more often. Therefore, implant dentures actually present a better long-term monetary value.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

In most cases, yes, dental insurance does cover dentures. Most insurance companies classify this treatment as a major procedure, so around 50% of its cost might be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. Our practice welcomes insurance. We will be happy to help you figure out how you can use your benefits in your office and file all necessary forms on your behalf.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Aside from insurance, we offer flexible monthly payment plans through third-party financiers, Cherry and CareCredit. If you would like to learn more about the cost of dentures in South Portland, our team is eager to answer your questions. Get in touch with us today to book a consultation.

Removable Dentures

Remove After Eating

Little pieces of food you’ve eaten are prone to clinging to your artificial teeth. Over time, this can create a layer of plaque that can cause gum disease and leave your dentures smelling unpleasant.

To keep them fresh after meals, remove them and gently rinse them under running water for a few moments. Remember to use a cool or lukewarm setting because overly hot temperatures can warp the acrylic, causing your prosthetics to no longer fit.

Clean Your Restoration

Some patients wonder if they can brush their dentures in their mouths, but doing so means that you’re not washing all their surfaces for a thorough cleanse. Instead, you should remove them twice daily (morning and night) to gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap or special cleanser. Standard toothpaste can be abrasive on the materials, so try to avoid it. Then, floss them to remove any plaque or food debris.

When you’re done, rinse them thoroughly so you don’t put toxic cleaning materials or soap into your mouth.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

Your restoration can become slippery when you wash it, and if it tumbles out of your fingers, it can become chipped, cracked, or broken. Try placing a soft towel beneath you during cleanings so that they land on a softer surface if they take a fall. Also, try to store them out of the reach of pets and children.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

Your dentures rely on tight suction against your gums to remain firmly in place, which can strain the tender tissues or cause sores to develop. To give them a break, you should take them out of your mouth to sleep at night.

Placing them in a glass of water or a special cleaning solution overnight can eradicate up to 99% of unwanted germs. This method also ensures they stay moist to retain their shape, preventing the acrylic from drying out and cracking.

Notice Changes

It’s important to pay attention to spot early indicators of potential problems before it’s too late. For example, if you notice that your gums look redder or more inflamed than usual, you can call our team to schedule an appointment to check for gum disease.

Also, if you see signs of wear and tear or damage to your dentures, don’t attempt to fix them at home. Many household substances, like super glue, are toxic and shouldn’t be placed in your mouth. Our team has the experience and equipment to repair or replace your restoration safely.