Dentures – Torrance, CA
The Tried-And-True Solution for Tooth Loss
Missing multiple teeth can do much more than just prevent you from smiling confidently, it can also hinder your ability to chew properly or speak clearly. Fortunately, you can leave all those problems in the past with a tried-and-true solution for tooth loss: dentures. Thanks to modern dentistry techniques and high-quality materials, this modern tooth-replacement option has come a long way since the obtrusive, obvious appliances people wore generations prior. In fact, Dr. Steve Yabuno and our team create completely custom partial, full, and implant dentures that are lifelike in look and feel. Want to learn more? Contact our office to schedule an appointment or keep reading!
What Are Dentures?
If you are struggling with advanced tooth loss, then dentures may be the restorative dentistry service you’ve been looking for. Whether you are missing several teeth in a row or an entire arch, these custom-made appliances are designed to rebuild your smile, restore your bite, and enhance your speech. To do so, our dental team will use one of the below options:
The Benefits of Dentures
For decades, dentures have helped patients struggling with tooth loss leave their incomplete smiles in the past. And there is a reason this restorative solution has continued to be a popular choice year after year! In addition to being one of the most tried-and-true solutions on the market, dentures:
- Have a lower upfront cost compared to other tooth-replacement solutions.
- Are completely tailored to your unique dental needs.
- Can last 10 years with proper care.
- Allow you to eat most types of foods.
The Process of Getting Dentures
The first step in your journey to rebuilding your smile is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yabuno and our team. Once they have conducted a comprehensive oral exam, they will discuss each tooth replacement option in-depth to help you make an informed decision. If partial, full, or implant dentures are the ideal solution, then the next step is creating your prosthetic. In the following weeks, a series of mock-up models will be fabricated before your final dentures are made. This will ensure you get to “test drive” the look and feel of your new smile. Once your permanent set is crafted to perfection, all that’s left to do is maintain them properly!
How to Care For Your Dentures
The key to prolonging the lifespan of your dentures is prioritizing their care. With this in mind, make sure to:
- Clean them daily with a denture-friendly toothbrush.
- Continue to brush and floss any remaining natural teeth you have.
- Soak them overnight in water or a cleaning solution.
- Avoid poor dental habits, like smoking and drinking alcohol excessively.
- Attend your six-month dental checkups and cleanings.
- Get your dentures adjusted frequently to ensure they fit snugly.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Each denture we provide is 100% customized to meet the specific smile needs of each of our patients. Therefore, dentures don’t come with a fixed cost. The amount you’ll have to pay will vary on a case-by-case basis. Of course, our team will go over exactly what to expect throughout the process so that you aren’t met with any unpleasant surprises. We can also walk you through your financial options to make your tooth replacement more affordable.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
When determining the cost of dentures in Torrance, three primary factors must be considered:
- Preparation – If you need any preliminary procedures before getting dentures (gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, etc.), your overall treatment costs will be higher.
- Denture base – The base of your denture, which is the part that is dyed pink to match your gums, can be made from various types of acrylic.
- Replacement teeth – Your artificial teeth can also be fabricated from different materials, such acrylic or porcelain.
Remember, just because a denture has a lower price tag doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the better option. In dentistry, the saying “you get what you pay for” usually holds true. You’ll be using your denture to talk, smile, and eat every single day, so it’s worth paying a little bit more for a quality solution you can trust.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures tend to cost more than traditional dentures, but for good reason. When your denture is secured onto titanium posts in the jaw, your prosthetic is as stable and reliable as real teeth. You won’t have to deal with awkward slippage or gum irritation. Plus, dental implants can last for 30+ years with minimal maintenance. When you consider the fact that regular dentures have to be replaced entirely every five to seven years, it’s clear that in the long run, implant dentures pay for themselves several times over!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
More often than not, yes! Dental insurance companies typically consider dentures a major restorative procedure, so they’ll usually cover about 50% of the cost. That being said, every insurance policy differs, and deductibles and annual maximums must be taken into account. Our team has years of experience helping patients file their insurance claims and make the most of their benefits.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
At Torrance Dentistry, we’re proud to offer another way of making dentures in Torrance affordable: CareCredit. If you qualify for one of this financier’s payment plans, then you can break up the cost of your dentures into smaller chunks that can fit into practically any patient’s budget. Most of their plans even come with very low or no interest rates! We’ll be happy to help you with the application process.
Denture FAQs
While dentures can be very effective at making your smile complete and expanding your diet, we understand if you feel hesitant about receiving one if you’ve never used a denture before. Alternatively, if you’ve had a denture for a long time but never had it replaced, the dentists at Torrance Dentistry are happy to answer all of your questions. Below, you can find a few of the most common ones we receive as well as our detailed responses for your convenience.
How many hours can I wear my denture for?
While you can wear your denture for many hours out of the day, you will need to take them out eventually to clean. When your mouth first adjusts to a new denture, you will need to take them out so the gums can rest for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. This is why it’s recommended for you to remove them when you go to sleep at night and allow them to soak in water. As you get used to wearing your denture, your mouth will adjust and you’ll be able to wear it for longer periods of time.
What could happen if I sleep in my denture?
If you don’t take your denture out when you go to sleep, you may experience multiple oral health complications that could have been easily avoided. For example, your gums can become sore and develop uncomfortable oral sores that take a long time to heal. You also put yourself at higher risk for gum and tongue plaque, problems with your oral hygiene, and gum inflammation. It’s always better to play it safe and take them out before bed, especially since this gives them a chance to be cleansed on top of brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Why does my denture no longer fit properly?
When teeth are removed, the roots that sit underneath the gums regularly stimulate the jawbone. The moment a tooth is lost, this stimulation ceases, causing the jawbone to slowly change shape. While a denture replaces teeth above the gum line, it does nothing to stimulate the bone tissue and prevent changes in your overall jaw shape. This results in the denture no longer fitting as intended. Thankfully, a reline of the denture can help you reduce costs and avoid the need for a replacement in the meantime. However, this is not a long-term solution as the denture will eventually need replacement.
Are implant dentures really worth it?
If you want a more secure denture that not only stays in place significantly better, but lasts longer, an implant denture is a fantastic investment. While it does require oral surgery to place the implants into the jaw, you can expect a tooth replacement solution that feels more like your natural teeth than any other.
Why should I avoid soaking my denture in hot water?
Hot water can permanently warp the shape of your denture, making it impossible to keep in place. Only use cool water when soaking, rinsing, or cleaning your denture as this will ensure it does not become damaged.