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Dentures – Agawam, MA

Restore Your Smile After Extensive Tooth Loss

Tooth replacement is essential whether you are missing a single tooth, several or an entire arch. When you have a complete smile, you naturally feel better about yourself. You are more confident and those around you react differently. But your appearance isn’t the only reason to remedy tooth loss. There are also oral and general health concerns to consider. For these reasons and more, Lifetime Dental of Agawam offers three different types of dentures in Agawam near Feeding Hills: partial, full, and implant-supported.

Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?

smiling older woman in a kitchen

When it comes to tooth replacement, dentures have been the most popular option for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. Unlike bridges or implants, dentures have a very short list of requirements to qualify for treatment. Almost anyone who has lost teeth may receive these replacements, making their smile whole once again.

At your consultation with Dr. Michitti, he will take a closer look at your mouth and explain customized options for restoring your lost teeth in greater detail.

Effects of Missing Teeth

closeup of a mouth with missing teeth

If the look of your smile isn’t enough to convince you to get dentures, then consider these other reasons. First of all, just one missing tooth increases the likelihood of decay in your remaining teeth. In addition, people with tooth loss often have gum disease, a bacterial infection that puts you at risk for systemic maladies such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Also, teeth that are adjacent to a gap in your smile may start to shift, leading to alignment and bite problems. Finally, because every tooth in your mouth has an important role to play when you eat, the loss of any one tooth can impact your ability to eat a healthy diet.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

closeup on a set of full dentures

To be eligible for tooth replacements, your mouth must be otherwise healthy, meaning you have no cavities, gum disease, or other issues present. For example, a mouth with existing gum disease shouldn’t receive dentures because the gum and bone tissue will not be healthy or stable as a result of this infection. If there is a problem, we will need to treat it before we address your dentures to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit.

During your consultation, Dr. Michitti will examine any remaining teeth and gums and let you know if other treatment is necessary prior to getting your dentures.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

implant dentures with a black background

Especially for patients who still have natural teeth left in their mouth, identifying the appropriate restoration can be tricky. Should you get a partial denture or a bridge? Usually, a bridge is recommended when missing teeth are consecutive, and a partial is suitable for multiple missing teeth that aren’t necessarily adjacent.

Should you attach your tooth replacements to dental implants for more security and strength? Implant dentures are not only significantly more stable, but they also last much longer and are worth considering.

Dr. Michitti can go over all your options during your appointment. Based on your unique needs, he’ll recommend a solution that will give you the smile you need and deserve.

Brilliant Dentures for Agawam

To restore your complete smile, Dr. Michitti and his staff offer dentures that are as comfortable as they are beautiful. The type of denture that is best for you will depend on the extent of your tooth loss. Partial Dentures If you are missing one or just a couple of teeth, then a partial denture could be the solution you need. Dr. Michitti will take impressions and design a partial that fits between your remaining teeth. False teeth are attached to a metal frame with clips or brackets that securely attach to other teeth.

Full Dentures

If you are missing all of the teeth along one or both jaws, then we’ll design a full denture that feels as good as it looks. The gum colored base will rest on top of your gums. If you need a denture for the top arch, then Dr. Michitti can design one that is closed or open palate for your comfort. False teeth are made of top-quality dental materials so your smile looks natural and you are able to speak and chew with confidence.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For greater security, nothing beats implant-supported dentures. These oral prosthetic devices are held in place by dental implants that Dr. Michitti strategically positions along your jaw. You’ll wear a temporary overdenture while your gums heal and the implants integrate within the bone. Once the healing process is complete in a few months, you’ll return to our dental office to have your permanent dentures fixed over the implants.

How Dentures Are Made

Lab technician carving dentures

Everyone’s mouth is entirely unique, so dentures are customized to ensure that they fit and look exactly like they should. To do this, making dentures requires a multistep process. Continue reading to learn about what dentures are made from as well as how they are created.

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Lab technician painting replacement teeth

Dentures are composed of two separate parts: the denture base and the replacement teeth. Here is what each one looks like:

  • Base: The base of the denture is the structure that supports the replacement teeth. It can be made from numerous different materials, like acrylic, nylon, and resin. In the majority of cases, acrylic is used because it can be tailored to closely resemble gum tissue. This results in a more natural appearance.
  • Teeth: The replacement teeth are secured onto the denture base. Most of the time, the teeth are made from resin or porcelain because they both have a tooth-like appearance. However, porcelain is usually more popular because it looks and feels just like tooth enamel. It even reflects light similarly. Because porcelain can be abrasive against natural teeth, it is usually only recommended for full dentures.

The Denture Creation Process

Lab technician filing dentures

  1. Your dentist will start by taking measurements of your jaw and impressions of your mouth. This is used to create a model that is the exact size and shape of your mouth. This way, your final denture will fit perfectly.
  2. The model is sent to the dental laboratory where your dentures will be created. First, a wax replica of your gumline is made. Then, the replacement teeth are set into place using a mechanical device known as an “articulator.” Adjustments are made by a lab technician.
  3. Your dentures are sent back to your dentist for a fitting. If everything looks good, they are returned to the laboratory to complete the process.
  4. After the dentures are back in the lab, the wax will need to be replaced with acrylic. To do this, the lab tech places the dentures into a flask. Plaster is poured in to maintain the shape of the dentures. Then, the entire flask is placed in hot water to melt the wax.
  5. Holes are drilled into the replacement teeth and acrylic is inserted into the flask to replace the wax.
  6. The plaster is carefully removed from the denture using lab tools. The dentures are then placed into an ultrasonic bath to wash away the rest of the plaster.
  7. Any excess acrylic is cut away from the dentures. Then, they are polished to perfection.
  8. Now that your dentures are complete, they are returned to the dental office so you can try them on. If everyone is happy with the results, you can walk away from the practice with a beautiful, complete smile!

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Woman smiling in the dental chair

After getting dentures, patients often notice some soreness, but this isn’t something you should worry about. Temporary discomfort is normal as your mouth adjusts to the prosthetic. After some time, your dentures will begin to feel more and more like your natural teeth. Remember to stick to soft foods and exercise your facial muscles. If any soreness persists or you have concerns about your dentures, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are happy to help!

The Benefits of Dentures

a man with dentures grinning and happy

Tooth loss can hurt not only your smile but your overall quality of life. That’s why dentures offer such an amazing and essential solution for replacing missing pearly whites. On top of regaining your entire bite, you’ll also be able to enjoy a wide range of advantages that can make your daily life a much more enjoyable experience. Keep reading to learn some of the benefits of dentures you can expect to appreciate.

Psychological Benefits

a man with dentures smiling comfortably

People who’ve lost some, most, or all of their teeth can typically begin to struggle with oral functions like chewing and talking. However, this can also lead to reduced self-confidence, which can make someone less willing to participate in social interactions and events. By restoring your bite with lifelike and reliable dentures, you can decrease your feelings of anxiety toward various issues that come with tooth loss, including chewing ability, speech, appearance, and more!

Clearer Enunciation

two women smiling and talking on a couch

Most of the time, people require a full set of teeth to enunciate their words and sounds clearly. This is because we typically press our tongues and lips against our pearly whites in order to pronounce certain phrases. To improve your ability to articulate sounds and sentences more fluently, you can restore your bite with dentures. Though it can take some time to grow accustomed to your prosthetics, a little bit of repetition and practice every day can make this process much smoother.

Improves Nutrition

two women smiling and talking on a couch

Missing most of your smile can make it difficult to munch on your favorite meals. Since this can reduce your ability to chew effectively, you might end up having issues with things like indigestion and malnutrition. By replacing your lost teeth with dentures, you’ll regain the majority of your bite necessary for a more nutritious diet. Not only will you be able to digest food more reliably, but you’ll also allow your body to receive essential nutrients to keep you and your smile in great shape.

Preserves Oral Health

two women smiling and talking on a couch

In many cases, tooth loss can end up causing some of your remaining natural teeth to move out of place. This is because the existing ones will want to fill in the gap, which can lead to further tooth loss. Dentures can serve as placeholders for remaining teeth and prevent dental shifting. Your prosthetics will also help reduce wear and tear on the rest of your smile by distributing the pressure of chewing more evenly.

Expands Opportunities

a businesswoman smiling with her new dentures

Most people first notice your smile when initially greeting you, making your grin one of the most important aspects of your first impressions. By getting dentures, you can restore your bite as well as improve your success at social and professional opportunities. On top of having a full set of teeth again, you’ll likely feel more comfortable showing off your smile, which in turn can cause others to perceive you as more confident, outgoing, and attractive.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Piggy bank on bed of cash for dentures in Feeding Hills

Just like any other dental restoration, the cost of dentures varies from person to person. During your initial consultation with Dr. Michitti, you will be able to discuss your unique case and what you can expect to pay for your custom dentures. For now, here are a few things for you to consider so you can understand the cost of dentures in Feeding Hills.

 

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Full dentures in Feeding Hills soaking in glass

There are numerous factors that contribute to the overall cost of dentures. Here are just a few of them:

  • The preparatory work that you require before getting dentures. This includes tooth extractions and gum disease therapy, if necessary.
  • The materials that your dentures are made of. They usually consist of porcelain or acrylic.
  • The number of teeth that you’re replacing.

Remember that just because you come across cheap dentures does not mean that they are equal or better. Budget dentures tend to become damaged more easily and require preplacement much sooner than you would typically expect. When it comes to your dental health, quality dentures are a worthwhile investment.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Digital illustration of dental implant dentures.

Yes, implant dentures do have a higher cost than traditional dentures because they require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants. However, investing in implant dentures does have many additional advantages that you can’t get from traditional dentures. The are more stable and longer lasting. They also help to stimulate the jawbone, therefore preventing bone loss later on.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dental insurance form for dentures in Feeding Hills

In most dental plans, you can expect some level of coverage when it comes to dentures. Many even provide up to 50% coverage, but this will vary depending on your plan. Our practice is happy to file our patients’ dental insurance claims for the majority of benefit plans, and we are an in-network provider for Delta Dental and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Man using calculator to determine cost of dentures in Feeding Hills

Just because you don’t have dental insurance doesn’t mean that you’re completely out of luck. Low-interest financing through CareCredit is available and allows you to break down the overall cost of your family’s treatment into smaller, more convenient chunks. For just one low annual fee, we also offer an in-office Membership Plan for uninsured patients. Talk to one of our team members to learn more!

While you may have an idea of what your dentures will cost, the best way to find out for sure is by scheduling an initial consultation with us. We are looking forward to helping you restore your smile!

Dentures FAQs

dentist explaining dentures in Agawam

If you suffer from extensive tooth loss, you know firsthand how much it can affect your mental health and quality of life. Luckily, you can easily restore your smile and confidence with dentures in Agawam. Before making a final decision, you probably want to know more about this method of tooth replacement. To help you out, we’ve decided to answer a few of the most common questions we get about dentures. If you don’t see your specific question on this list, feel free to reach out to our team at Lifetime Dental for an answer!

Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?

Do you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth? The best course of action will always be to repair it rather than replace it. Dr. Michitti will only recommend tooth extractions if they’re deemed necessary, like when a tooth is damaged beyond repair thanks to decay, an infection, or trauma. If all of the teeth in an arch are compromised, it may be more cost-effective to replace them with dentures than other solutions. Of course, your dentist will explain all your viable options before recommending extractions.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

When you first get your new dentures in Agawam, you’ll be instructed to keep them in your mouth for 24 hours, including while you sleep. After this initial period, it’s recommended that you take them out every night before bed. Otherwise, you can restrict the circulation in your gums, causing soft tissue irritation and speeding up ridge resorption. Additionally, sleeping with dentures can increase your risk of pneumonia and plaque buildup. By removing them every evening, you allow your gums a chance to recover and get the nutrients they need while you sleep.

Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?

Everyone’s pain tolerance and experiences are different, which is why it’s hard to say with certainty whether it’ll hurt to get dentures. If you need to have teeth extracted before getting them, you’ll probably experience some discomfort after the procedure. Luckily, it should resolve on its own within three to five days following the procedure. Once you receive your dentures, you may experience mild irritation while your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. If your pain persists or worsens after a few days, you should call your dentist right away to diagnose and treat the underlying problem.

What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?

Although you can eat almost anything with dentures, there are some foods you should avoid because they can damage or dislodge your appliance. For example, sticky foods like peanut butter and gummy candies are not only tough to chew, but they can pull your dentures out of place. As a result, food particles can easily become trapped underneath the dentures, causing gum irritation. It’s also a good idea to avoid hard foods (i.e., nuts, apples, popcorn, corn on the cob) and tough meats (i.e., steak and pork chops). They can put a lot of stress on both your dentures and your gums.

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