Dentures Arlington Heights

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Fortunately, dentures are an incredibly versatile restorative dental solution. Whether you’re missing several consecutive teeth, you have gaps throughout your smile, or you don’t have any of your natural teeth left, you may be a candidate for this tooth-replacement solution! The first step in finding out if you’re a candidate is scheduling a consultation with our team at Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence. Once we learn more about your dental history, the severity of your tooth loss, and other important factors, we will be able to determine if dentures are the ideal solution for you.

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Effects of Missing Teeth

Understanding why teeth are lost and the consequences of not replacing them are crucial before starting any tooth-replacement treatment. Common causes of tooth loss include decay, gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and accidental injury. Systemic issues can also contribute.

It’s incredibly important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to prevent complications. Otherwise, the remaining teeth may shift, gums may recede, and the jawbone may weaken. This can lead to difficulties in speaking, chewing, facial sagging, and lower self-esteem. Addressing tooth loss promptly is necessary for a healthier and more confident smile!

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

Dentures are a versatile solution for anyone experiencing tooth loss, whether it's due to severe loss, sensitivity, or decay. However, having adequate jawbone mass and healthy gums is essential for this tooth-replacement option.

As dentures come in various shapes and sizes, we'll assess the number of missing teeth to determine the most suitable type for you. Our team provides options like partial dentures, full dentures, and implant dentures. These prosthetics are often more budget-friendly compared to other treatments, making them a cost-effective choice without compromising quality. So, whether you need a partial or full set, dentures offer an affordable and effective solution for restoring your smile in Arlington Heights.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If dentures aren't currently viable for you, there are alternative options worth considering, such as:

• Dental Bridges: Ideal for those missing one or several teeth in a row, dental bridges use healthy adjacent teeth on either side of the gap for support, restoring your full bite.
• Dental Implants: Instead of relying on neighboring teeth or the gumline, titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone to create a stable foundation for your new smile. Serving as permanent roots, dental implants can restore 80% or more of your natural chewing power, offering long-lasting results with proper care, despite a higher initial cost.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

Learn About Dental Implant Dentures

Types of Dentures

“Dentures” is often used as an umbrella term, but there are several different types! At Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence, we offer partial, full, and implant dentures. To learn more about each, simply read on.

Full Dentures

A full denture is a removable appliance that includes a full set of prosthetic teeth built into a gum-colored acrylic base. They’re held in place through a combination of natural suction and adhesive and should be removed and cleaned each day with special denture care products. Traditional full dentures can last 5-10 years and need to be re-lined and adjusted periodically to continue fitting well.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture can be made to replace multiple missing teeth along an arch. It’s made of an acrylic or metal framework that includes clasps to fit around your existing teeth for support and needs to be removed and cleaned each time you brush your teeth. Partial dentures can be a great option for patients who need an inexpensive or temporary alternative to a bridge or implant.

Implant Dentures

With modern techniques and materials, dentures today fit and feel better than they did in the past. But for superior fit, function, and chewing strength, implant dentures make a dramatic difference. The type of implants used to secure dentures are smaller and shorter than the traditional kind, and usually just 2-6 are needed per arch. Along with better function, dental implants also preserve your jawbone and facial structure. You won’t have to worry about “slips” the way you might with a traditional full denture, and the need for adhesive will be greatly reduced or eliminated.

The Benefits of Dentures

Dentures have been one of the most popular tooth-replacement solutions for decades now, and they continue to advance with technology and the field of dentistry. Today, they are:

• Lifelike
• Long-lasting
• Cost-effective
• Easy to care for
• Completely customizable
• Able to restore your strong bite

Maintaining Your Dentures

By taking great care of your dentures each day, you’ll not only help them last longer and function better but will also find them more comfortable. First, always handle them carefully because they can be very slippery and easy to drop (and break). In fact, it’s a good idea to clean them over a soft hand towel or basin of water to prevent that from happening.

Soak your dentures each night in denture solution and gently but thoroughly brush them each day as well. It’s also important to keep your dentures moist at all times to keep them from drying out and cracking. Make sure to keep everything clean and healthy by gently brushing your tongue, gums, and the roof of your mouth twice a day and flossing around any remaining teeth.

Finally, continue coming in for regular checkups so we can make adjustments as needed and address any small chips, cracks, or bends before they turn into bigger problems.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

If you suffer from extensive tooth loss, you’re probably excited to get dentures in Arlington Heights. But first – are you wondering how much the entire treatment will cost? Since every case is unique, the total price can vary significantly from patient to patient. During your consultation, our team at Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence will conduct an oral examination and explain which factors will affect the cost of your dentures. By the end of your appointment, you should have a better understanding of not only what you can expect to pay, but what your future smile will look and feel like. To learn more, continue reading or call our office!

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Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Several factors affect the total cost of dentures in Arlington Heights, such as:

• Any preparatory dental work that’s needed (i.e., tooth extractions, gum disease treatment, etc.)
• Type of acrylic used for the base (the part that’s dyed to match the color of the gum tissue)
• Number of teeth you’re missing
• Materials your artificial teeth will be made of (usually from acrylic or porcelain)

Patients who want to keep their out-of-pocket expenses as low as possible may be tempted to opt for cheaper dentures. However, that is not recommended because more affordable prosthetics are typically not worth having. They’re often made from cheaper materials, meaning they’ll break easily and require replacement much sooner than anticipated. When it comes to dental work, quality should always be of utmost importance, regardless of cost.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Yes, but there’s a very good reason for that. Unlike traditional ones, implant dentures require oral surgery and the placement of multiple dental implants. Although the procedure is more invasive, you can enjoy the benefit of wearing dentures that won’t shift out of place while in use. What’s more, they help stimulate the jawbone, providing increased biting strength and longevity. Even though the total cost of implant dentures is higher than traditional ones, it’s an investment that pays off in the long run because your new smile can last for decades – maybe even a lifetime!

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

The good news is that most dental insurance plans will cover some of the costs that come with getting dentures in Arlington Heights because it’s considered a major procedure. Of course, every policy is unique, meaning the exact amount of coverage may vary from person to person. You should confirm the details of your plan with an insurance provider to ensure you’re getting the most out of your benefits. Our team at Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence is more than happy to help you with this step if needed.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

We understand not everyone has dental insurance, which is why we offer an additional option outside of that to make your treatment more affordable. Our in-house premier dental plan can help you save a lot on everything from standard checkups to restorative treatments like dentures! For just one low annual fee, you can get the preventive care you need and get discounts on various services.

Are you ready to rebuild your smile and restore your confidence? Contact our office and schedule a consultation today. Once we determine dentures are right for you, we’ll create a treatment plan that suits your budget perfectly!

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