Tooth loss is a common issue that affects millions of Americans throughout the country. Having gaps in your smile can make it difficult to complete daily tasks, like eating, speaking, and smiling. Luckily, you don’t need to spend the rest of your life with an incomplete smile. Dr. Bryan Friedland offers high-quality dentures as an affordable tooth replacement option. To learn more about dentures in Pembroke Pines or to get started with an initial consultation, give us a call!
No matter how many teeth you’re missing, nearly anyone can get dentures. First, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Friedland, and he will determine whether you’re eligible for treatment. If you’re not a good candidate, he may be able to help you become one by restoring the health of your gum tissue and bone structure.
There are many reasons why you may be missing permanent teeth, including decay, gum disease, and injury. While the causes of tooth loss can vary from patient to patient, unfortunately the side effects are often the same. In fact, beyond just having gaps in your smile, missing teeth can cause a variety of problems, including facial sagging, difficulty speaking, trouble chewing, and even lower self-esteem.
Dentures are an excellent option for anyone who has experienced significant tooth loss, has sensitive teeth, a large amount of tooth decay, but who also has sufficient healthy gum tissue and jawbone density. In order to receive dentures, you must be willing to commit to your oral health routine and properly caring for your dentures and smile.
The number of teeth you’re missing will ultimately determine which type of denture Dr. Friedland recommends, as there are different varieties to choose from, such as full dentures, partial dentures, and implant dentures. Traditional dentures are also more affordable than other tooth replacement methods, making them a great choice for patients on a tight budget.
If Dr. Friedland determines that you aren’t a good candidate for dentures, here are a few other options to consider for restoring your smile:
Learn More About Dental Bridges
Learn More About Dental Implants
You have several different options when it comes to dentures. Depending on your unique needs, we will propose one of the following types:
When a dental bridge isn’t enough to restore your smile to the fullest, a partial denture can effectively restore teeth on different sides of your mouth. Partial dentures not only prevent neighboring teeth from shifting around, but they look perfectly natural. They are customized to fit in your mouth precisely, so the restoration should remain stable and blend in with the rest of your smile.
Partial dentures rely on the neighboring teeth to stay in place, while a full denture remains secure thanks to the shape of your mouth and the natural suction of the gums. This type of denture can replace an entire arch of missing teeth. It is made from a gum-colored base and enamel-colored replacement teeth.
For a more stable denture that lasts longer than traditional methods, dental implant dentures may be an excellent solution. After a series of screw-like dental implants are placed throughout the jawbone, the customized restoration will be attached. The additional stability allows patients to regain up to 70% of natural chewing power. Implant dentures are also designed to last for decades, so you won’t need to worry about routine repairs and replacements.
Dentures are a tried-and-true option for replacing missing teeth, having assisted countless generations of patients with varying degrees of tooth loss. They’re comfortable to wear, look exactly like your natural teeth, and come with all kinds of perks and advantages that immediately impact your daily life. Here’s a closer look at some of the many benefits that dentures in Pembroke Pines have to offer:
Studies show that those who experience tooth loss also often deal with certain mental health problems, including depression, social anxiety, and plummeting self-esteem. However, dentures don’t just come with practical benefits; they also come with many psychological advantages! If you replace your missing teeth with dentures, you aren’t just restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile—you’re also building back up your mental fortitude. You’ll probably find yourself much more willing to show off your smile once you have your custom-made dentures!
Needless to say, you’ll have a fair bit of trouble saying anything at all if you’re missing some (or all) of your teeth! Tooth loss makes speaking far more difficult, since the front teeth are heavily involved with speech. By replacing missing teeth, you’re ensuring that no matter what you need to say, you’re proclaiming it clearly, loudly, and confidently. Keep in mind that many patients need a few weeks of practice to become fully accustomed to speaking while wearing their dentures.
Our natural teeth are the best tools at our disposal for biting, chewing, and enjoying the wide variety of foods out there. Eating a varied diet is what grants your body all the healthy nutrition it needs—but without all of your teeth, some food may be inedible or too difficult to eat comfortably. Dentures effectively fix this, granting you the ability to bite and chew most foods with ease. This means you don’t have to be selective with your diet, and you can enjoy all of your favorite hearty, healthy options.
One of the biggest problems with tooth loss is that it can often cause a chain reaction that leads to more teeth falling out over time! As the gaps in your smile form, neighboring teeth will naturally lean and shift toward these spaces, and without professional intervention, they can fall out on their own. Plus, if you have missing teeth, any remaining ones are subject to more strain and pressure than normal, which in turn increases the risk of chipping and fractures. Dentures fill the gaps left in your smile due to tooth loss and prevent excess wear and tear on your remaining teeth, helping to promote better long-term oral health.
Many people agree that whenever they meet someone new or greet them, that person’s smile is the first physical feature that they notice. This means your teeth carry an important responsibility when it comes to social interactions and first impressions. This impact can translate into expanded opportunities and doors opening in the professional world, but just as importantly, it’ll help you make more meaningful personal connections!
Everyone’s smile is completely unique, so no one’s prosthetic is going to be exactly the same. Because, of this, the cost of treatment can vary quite a bit based on several different factors. During your consultation with us, we will be able to give you a more specific estimate of the cost of your treatment. In the meantime, here are some things you may want to take into consideration.
Here are some of the factors that will determine the cost of your restoration:
Implant dentures cost more than traditional ones do, but there is a good reason for this. This tooth replacement option relies on a series of surgically placed implants that hold the prosthetic in place. This allows for many additional benefits, like appearing more natural and stable. Implant dentures also last much longer. You can wear them for several decades.
In most cases, you can expect some level of coverage for your dentures. Many dental insurance providers cover up to 50%, but this will depend on the plan that you have. At Friedland Family Dentistry of Pembroke Pines, we are in-network with numerous dental insurance plans. Even if we are not in-network with your dental insurance company, we can still help you save money by filing claims on your behalf. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you are completely out of luck. We can help you apply for low-interest financing with CareCredit. This company allows you to divide the cost of your treatment into feasible monthly payments. For more information regarding your financial options, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
To find out exactly how much your dentures will cost, schedule a consultation with us. We are eager to help you show off a complete smile once again!
If you’re struggling with missing several, most of, or all of your pearly whites, then dentures can be the life-changing solution your smile needs. While there are plenty of benefits you can appreciate from this tooth-replacement option, it’s important to know as much as possible about the treatment before jumping on board. For this reason, our team has collected and responded to some of our most frequently asked questions about dentures in Pembroke Pines so that you can make a well-informed decision. Keep reading or reach out to us today to learn more!
Should you require tooth extractions before getting your dentures, then you may experience some discomfort following your procedure. Even so, you can effectively manage this by taking over-the-counter and/or prescribed pain relievers as instructed. Once you receive your new restorations, you might feel mild irritation as your mouth begins to grow accustomed to them. When switching to a new pair of dentures, the adjustment period might be longer, but it’s different for every patient. If you experience any discomfort that persists or worsens over time, notify us immediately. We can assess the situation, detect and address any underlying problems, and ensure your dentures are well-fitted.
After first getting your dentures, it can take some time to get accustomed to talking with them on, as you’ll have been more used to speaking with your natural pearly whites. While this adjustment period varies from person to person, you can typically speed up the process by practicing constantly. In the beginning, make sure to sound out words, phrases, and sounds, especially the ones that are most difficult for you. Move on to reading aloud to yourself to both hear how you sound and get your mouth used to the movements. Take your time throughout this process, as talking too fast can come out muffled if you haven’t practiced enough.
Most dentists will highly recommend removing your dentures before bedtime. Although you’ll have to wear them for 24 hours when you first get them, it’s best to start taking them out every evening afterward. Wearing your restorations can restrict circulation in the gums, which can result in soft tissue irritation and possibly exacerbate ridge resorption. By removing them, you allow your gum line to recover and receive the nutrients it needs to remain healthy. Bacteria can also collect in dark, moist areas, meaning they can thrive if you leave your dentures on overnight. Instead, try soaking them in water or a denture-cleaning solution to keep them fresh and clean until you put them back on.
It’s typically more difficult to chew on tougher meats like steak when wearing dentures. However, it’s still possible if you practice the proper measures. Be sure to pick out tenderloin or some other beef cut that doesn’t consist of many muscle fibers or connective tissues. These components typically make it harder for you to chew. Once the meat has been properly tenderized, try cutting it into tinier pieces so that it’s much easier for you to munch on with your dentures.