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Dentures – Costa Mesa, CA

Custom-Made Prosthetics for Renewed Smiles

husband and wife smiling at each other

Thousands of Americans suffer from severe tooth loss every year. People can lose their teeth due to several factors, including decay, gum disease, severe injury, facial trauma, etc. Regardless of how teeth are lost, mouth function can decrease by 70-80% if replacement teeth are not utilized. Additionally, speech can suffer, cheeks can begin to have a sunk-in look, and eating and chewing can become a real hassle. Tooth loss can also have a dramatic effect on self-image and make people feel very self-conscious. Instead of struggling with severe tooth loss and its many problems, allow the professionals at Advanced Dental Care to craft you a perfect, functional set of dentures to restore your mouth to prominence once again.

Why Choose Advanced Dental Care for Dentures?

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?

elderly woman with glasses smiling

You may not have known, but almost anyone can get dentures. Good candidates just need to suffer from tooth loss or similar problems. Regardless, you should still consult our dentists first. They’ll assess whether dentures would suit you. If you don’t qualify for care, though, don’t panic. You can do so later through preliminary dental work. Our other replacement options are also worth considering. To learn more, keep reading or call our office today!

Effects of Missing Teeth

A closeup of an old woman with missing teeth

When considering denture candidacy, review tooth loss’s causes and effects first. Going over these facts helps you grasp how dentures help.

 

In reality, people lose teeth for all sorts of reasons. Gum disease may erode the tissues supporting your pearly whites. Alternatively, tooth decay could rot your teeth until they fall out or need pulling. You might even have your teeth knocked out by an injury or accident.

 

On the other hand, tooth loss has severe but narrow effects. One is that lacking teeth makes eating, speaking, and smiling harder. Another is the presence of smile gaps, which slowly erode your jawbone. (This erosion causes facial collapse if left untreated.) The same spaces can also force your other teeth to tilt and fall out.

 

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

An older man getting dental impressions for dentures

Tooth loss is usually enough to qualify for dentures. Even so, there are other relevant factors you might weigh.

 

Oral health is one such consideration. After all, dentures can’t work if your mouth isn’t in good shape. Weak gum and jaw tissues aren’t able to keep them in place. Meanwhile, you could also note whether you have sensitive or decayed teeth. Dentures can replace such things.

 

How many teeth you’ve lost is another worthy concern. Given the exact number, you’ll need one of two possible types of dentures. The first kind is a partial model that only replaces a few teeth. In contrast, the other type is a full denture – one that replaces all teeth along an arch.

 

You could take your budget into account as well. As it happens, dentures are often the cheapest restorations available. Therefore, they’re the ideal choice for patients with limited funds.

 

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

A dental bridge near an implant model against a blue background

If you’re not a good denture candidate, don’t worry; you still have options. We at Advanced Dental Care offer a few other tooth replacements. These include:

 

  • Dental Bridges – A dental bridge is made of crowns fused to a pontic (i.e., an artificial tooth). As it’s cemented into a space between nearby teeth, it acts as a fixed restoration. That means only a dentist can have it removed properly.
  • Dental Implants – Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are set in your jaw. This placement ensures the new teeth fuse with your jawbone over time. Once they do, they’ll blend seamlessly with their surroundings and remain highly secure. (That said, such traits do make implants expensive.)

 

Learn More About Dental Bridges

 

Learn More About Dental Implants

 

Types of Dentures

Dr. Jeremy Jorgenson and his team of trained, experienced professionals want to make sure that everyone who comes into the office can walk away with a smile. For those with tooth loss, we offer our services to create a set of dentures, whether you are in need of a partial (for those with some natural teeth remaining) or a full denture (for those who do not). Regardless of your situation, we will examine your mouth and address your personal needs. Our replacement teeth are made with a strong, durable material that will last for years and years. We want nothing more than to give you a smile you are proud to show off.

Based on your needs, we’ll recommend one of the below options:

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures only replace some missing teeth. They’re attached to a clasp on your remaining natural teeth, completing your existing smile with their gum-colored base and custom prosthetic teeth. These are conveniently removable, meaning they’re easier to keep clean.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are designed to replace an entire arch of teeth by anchoring to the jawbone and gums via suction. Like partials, they have a gum-colored acrylic base along with porcelain or ceramic prosthetic teeth. They can improve your bite power and overall quality of life.

Implant Dentures

If you want a more stable solution, implant dentures combine the benefits of traditional prosthetics and modern technology. Using small titanium posts that are surgically placed below the gum line to restore the structure of missing teeth, we can secure restorations in your mouth that are strong, unwavering, and function just like your natural set of pearly whites.

How Dentures Are Made

a closeup of a dental assistant holding dentures

It’s understandable to have questions about any type of dental treatment—but especially those that involve tooth restorations, as they’re brand-new additions to your smile! That said, when it comes to dentures and the process of creating them, you might be wondering how these unique, lifelike restorations are crafted to such specific standards. Continue reading below to learn a little more about what dentures are made of and the process for creating them, so that you can begin adjusting to your new smile with ease!

What Are Dentures Made Of?

a closeup of dentures

To put it simply, dentures are made of two primary components: the base of the denture, and the replacement teeth that adorn it. The base of the denture is usually made from a carefully pigmented acrylic material. It mimics the look and color of your natural gum tissue, which it rests upon. In some cases, such as with partial dentures, metal clips can be used with this acrylic base. The denture teeth are often made from resin or porcelain because they both have a natural appearance; they’re attached to the denture base and made to resemble your original pearly whites as closely as possible.

The Denture Creation Process

a closeup of dentures being created

Dentures are tailor-made for your smile, and the process of crafting them involves different steps. Here’s a brief look at this process:

  1. First, we’ll need to take impressions of your upper and lower gums to create a replica of your mouth. This is one primary difference between our dentures and one-size-fits-all—they’re made specifically for you!
  2. The precise model is sent to a dental laboratory where the dentures are fabricated. It’s used to create a wax version of your gumline and replacement teeth are attached to it, in a natural-looking pattern using a machine called an articulator.
  3. These model dentures are placed in a flask that’s filled with plaster to maintain the shape, and then the flask is placed in hot water to boil away the wax portions from the dentures. Holes are then drilled into the artificial teeth and acrylic is injected into the flask to replace the wax.
  4. The plaster is carefully removed, and excess acrylic material is shaved away before the denture is polished. Finally, it’s trimmed and adjusted as needed before it’s delivered to you!

Adjusting To Your New Dentures

a patient with dentures chatting with their dentist

It’s possible that you might feel some slight discomfort after you first receive your new dentures; however, this isn’t anything you need to worry about. This is completely temporary and will improve with time as you adjust to your dentures, and eventually, they’ll feel quite similar to natural teeth. During your adjustment period, it’s crucial that you stick to eating softer foods, practicing speaking to get the hang of it, and exercising your facial muscles; you’ll master wearing your dentures in no time at all! If your discomfort continues to persist, don’t hesitate to give us a call so that we can help.

The Benefits of Dentures

mouth with dentures

Dentures will not only restore your smile, but also provide several other benefits, including:

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

dentist explaining cost of dentures Costa Mesa

Every smile is unique, meaning the cost for dentures in Costa Mesa will vary significantly from patient to patient. At your consultation, one of our dentists will explain factors that can affect the price and give you an accurate cost estimate based on your oral examination. We’ll help you understand not only what you can expect to pay, but what your future dentures will look and feel like.

Which Factors Affect the Cost of Dentures?

patient smiling with new dentures Costa Mesa

The final price tag of your dentures in Costa Mesa depends heavily on several factors. Here are some major elements that influence the cost of your new smile:

  • Preparatory dental work needed before dentures (i.e., tooth extractions, periodontal therapy, etc.)
  • Number of teeth you’re missing
  • Type of acrylic used for the base
  • Materials your dentures will be made of (usually porcelain or acrylic)

It’s worth noting that just because a denture is cheaper, it doesn’t necessarily make it an ideal option. Since they’re often made of subpar acrylic or “teeth”, they tend to break easily and require replacement much sooner than you’d expect. When it comes to dental work, quality should always be of utmost importance.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Implant dentures in Costa Mesa

Implant dentures are one of the most permanent and lifelike solutions for missing teeth. They require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants, which is why they’re generally more expensive than other tooth-replacement methods. However, most patients feel that they’re a worthwhile investment that pays off in the long run. You can expect to reap several benefits, including a fully restored bite, a boost of confidence, preserved facial structure, and long-lasting results. Implant dentures can last for decades, while traditional ones need replacement every 5 to 7 years.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

dental insurance form on table

Most dental insurance plans offer some level of coverage for dentures since they’re considered a major procedure. In many cases, these plans offer up to 50% of coverage. Of course, the exact amount will vary from plan to plan. Before you move forward with treatment, our dental team will review your policy and do everything possible to maximize your benefits, helping you reduce your out-of-pocket expenses significantly.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

dentist in Costa Mesa explaining financing options

We want to help you make the most out of your investment in oral health, which is why we are pleased to be in-network with some of the most popular PPO plans available, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Humana, MetLife, and many more!

Don’t have dental insurance? No problem! You can enroll in our Be Smile Smart plan and get the professional dental care you deserve for a flat, no-strings-attached fee. Additionally, we offer affordable financing options where we work with multiple trusted, third-party lending companies to make your dental bills much easier to manage.

Denture FAQs

Frequently asked questions about dentures in Costa Mesa

Dentures in Costa Mesa are a convenient solution to treat significant tooth loss. They have undergone various improvements to enhance their fit and function; however, it’s normal to have a few concerns before you’re ready to commit to them. Don’t worry, we’ll explain everything during your initial consultation. While you wait for your visit, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us about dentures.

WHAT QUALIFIES YOU FOR DENTURES?

Did you know there are 3 types of dentures? Depending on your severity of tooth loss and preferences, you might be a candidate for partials, full dentures, or implant dentures. Depending on the treatment, the requirements are a little different. For example, partials are recommended for patients who still have most of their teeth, while full dentures are suitable for patients with complete tooth loss in one or both arches. In some cases, dental implants can be used to support dentures, but you’ll need to have adequate bone density.

WILL DENTURES CHANGE THE SHAPE OF MY FACE?

Tooth loss causes your jawbone to shrink, which can change the shape of your face. Your facial muscles can begin to sag because they won’t have the support they need. Replacing your missing teeth can support the collapsed facial tissues to restore a youthful appearance. It’s best to maintain appointments for adjustments because poorly-fitting dentures can change your facial shape.

CAN I HAVE MY DENTURES RELINED IF THEY DON’T FIT PROPERLY?

Over time, your jaw and gum tissue will change. Unfortunately, your denture won’t adjust to the movements. As a result, it may no longer fit comfortably. Your denture can also begin to slip if it has been exposed to heat or from drying out. Whether your denture is warped, or your mouth’s shape has changed, your denture dentist in Costa Mesa can reline it. A soft reline is recommended if your gums have sensitivity to the weight of the dentures. It provides a cushion between the soft tissues and your denture to reduce any irritation. If you need significant adjustments to your denture, they may need a hard reline, which will require it to be sent to the dental lab. Although you may need to go without your teeth for a few days, you’ll enjoy more lasting results and a comfortable fit.

SHOULD I HAVE ALL MY TEETH PULLED TO GET DENTURES?

We always recommend repairing damaged teeth when possible; however, there are times we may suggest having an extraction. We will only remove teeth if it’s necessary, such as from a serious break, decay, or infection. If you’ve lost almost all your natural teeth, they may need to be removed if you’re interested in a denture. If an extraction is in your best interest, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the complexity of your case and the number of teeth needing to be removed, we may be able to perform the procedure in a single appointment. We will explain all your options before moving forward.

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