Dentures – Fort Smith, AR

Partial Dentures

If any natural teeth remain, partial dentures are the best choice. These only replace the teeth that are missing and are intended to fill in the gaps in the patient's mouth. Like a puzzle piece, they’re designed to fit around and between the remaining teeth to complete your smile. Small metal wires and clasps wrap around the existing tooth structure to hold them in place.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are needed when no natural teeth remain. True to their name, they are intended to completely replace an entire arch of missing teeth. For these restorations, a full row of replacement teeth are set into a gum-colored acrylic base. The base is carefully designed from impressions of the patient’s mouth to achieve a precise, snug fit, which creates a natural suction that stabilizes the denture.

Immediate Full Dentures

Sometimes, a patient will need to have broken or decayed teeth removed before being fit for dentures. Conventional dentures are made after all the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has fully healed, which can take four to six weeks. On the other hand, immediate dentures are prepared in advance and placed as soon as the teeth are removed. These have the advantage of providing the patient with a new set of teeth right away once teeth are extracted, but since the dentures are used while the gums are still healing, they must be adjusted as the surrounding tissues heal and shrink.

Implant Dentures

Conventional dentures last about 5 to 7 years before needing to be replaced if you take the time to care for them properly. If you want a more permanent option, we can stabilize your denture with dental implants. Titanium implant posts anchor your denture to your jawbone to give you the next best thing to your real teeth. With the right aftercare, your dental implants should never need to be replaced to make a long-term investment in your smile. We’ll help you determine if implant dentures are right for you during your consultation.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Before we go into more detail about what can influence the amount you pay for dentures, you should know that cheaper isn’t automatically better. Sometimes a denture that comes at a lower cost breaks sooner than expected, forcing you to get a new one. In short, quality is always something to consider when comparing denture costs.

With that said, here are some of the factors that affect the final price tag:

• How Many Teeth Need to Be Replaced: Will you need a full denture or a partial denture? It all depends on the number of teeth that have been lost.
• Whether You Need Tooth Extractions: You can only receive full dentures when you no longer have any natural teeth in your upper or lower jaw. As such, you might have to pay for tooth extractions first.
• What Your Dentures Are Made Of: The type and quality of the material used to make your dentures affect the price tag of your replacement teeth.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, implant dentures indeed tend to be more expensive since you’re paying for dental implant surgery in addition to the dentures themselves. However, in exchange, you will enjoy these benefits:

• Dentures that don’t shift or slip.
• A healthier jaw thanks to the implant posts stimulating the bone around them.
• A longer lifespan for your new smile.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Many dental insurance policies will help pay for dentures. Coverage is normally around 50% before your deductible and annual maximum are factored in. Of course, not all dental plans cover the same services or offer the same levels of coverage. Double-check with your insurance company to see how much they’re willing to pay for dentures. If you’d like, you can also ask one of our team members to review your policy with you.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

One strategy that can make paying for dentures easier is to apply for CareCredit financing. This allows you to pay in installments, which is often much easier on your budget. One advantage of CareCredit is that many of their plans have low interest rates, and some don’t have any interest at all.

Additionally, at New Smile Dental: Gilberto Lopez, DDS, there are a few different discounts you can take advantage of. Specifically, you can get a 10% discount if you don’t have insurance and pay with cash. Additionally, military personnel who can provide a military ID can receive a 15% discount.

How Much Do Dentures Cost?

There isn’t a set fee for dentures because their cost is determined by several factors, such as if you need additional procedures, the type of denture needed, and your dental insurance. Many insurance policies cover a portion of their cost, but you’ll need to review your individual plan. We’ll work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to reduce the amount you need to pay. We offer several payment options to cover any remaining balance, like third-party financing with CareCredit. We’ll help you complete your smile without breaking the bank.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures In?

Technically, you can sleep in your dentures; however, it isn’t recommended. You should never wear your them for longer than 24 hours without maintaining your oral hygiene routine. It’s best to remove your dentures at night to give your gums and mouth time to relax. When your denture isn’t in your mouth while you’re sleeping, it’s best to soak it in a denture solution to keep it moist. This also kills any harmful bacteria that can lead to complications, like unpleasant odors.

Do Dentures Hurt?

After getting your dentures, it will take time to adjust to them. You might have some minor discomfort, but it will subside within a few days. The more you wear them, the shorter the transition period. If you develop any pain after you’ve had your dentures for a while, you might need to have them adjusted. Contact our office to have the issue resolved quickly to avoid causing irritation or injury to the gum tissue.

Is It Difficult to Remove Dentures?

Your dentures will stay in place for regular chewing and speaking, but they should be easy to remove if you use the right adhesive. Typically, you only need 3 to 4 pea-sized dabs per arch to hold your denture in place. If you’re having difficulty removing it, try using a damp washcloth, wet toothbrush, or a piece of gauze.