Do you have missing teeth? Not having a full set of pearly whites can make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods, and you might hold back from smiling when the cameras and selfie sticks come out. Fortunately, your dentist in Indianapolis offers solutions that can help your smile get back to its best. They might suggest that you get dentures or partials. What are dentures and partials, and how might they be able to help you?
How Many Teeth Do You Need to Have Replaced?
Whether dentures or partials are the best option for you will depend primarily on how many teeth you’re missing. Dentures replace an entire row of teeth, so if you’re missing all the teeth on either your top or your bottom jaw, they’ll be able to get you back to smiling. Partials, on the other hand, replace only a few teeth.
Both types of teeth replacements can fit securely in your mouth and help to maintain the shape of your face.
How Are Dentures and Partials Made?
The process for making dentures and partials is roughly the same. First, your dentist will make impressions of your jaw and take some measurements. This is vital to ensure that your new pearly whites fit well.
Then, you’ll try on some wax of plastic “dentures” that are the same shape as the permanent dentures you’ll eventually receive. Your dentist can make adjustments as necessary. Then, once the fit is perfect, your permanent, custom-made dentures will be on their way to you.
What Are They Made Of?
Dentures and partials might be composed of a few different materials. Porcelain used to be the preferred material for the teeth because it is durable and looks and feels like natural teeth. However, it’s more likely to break if you accidentally drop the dentures. Still, porcelain remains a good option for full dentures. It may not be used for partials because the porcelain might damage existing natural teeth as you chew.
Another popular material is acrylic resin, which is a bit less durable than porcelain. However, it is lighter weight and less expensive. It can be used for partials or full dentures.
How Much Can You Expect to Pay?
Many insurance companies will cover all or part of the cost of dentures, so you should ask your provider about their policy toward tooth replacement.
A full set of dentures can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the quality of the materials used. If you want the most natural-looking and secure dentures possible, it’s worth investing in higher-end dentures. Partials tend to cost less because they replace fewer teeth.
If you’re worried about being able to pay for your new smile, you can look into third-party financing.
You and your dentist can discuss if dentures or partials are right for you. You might even decide to go with a different option, such as implants. Whichever route you take, we hope you enjoy your new smile!
About the Author
Doctors Mark Farthing and Armin Tepner are your dental team at Indianapolis Family Dentistry. They want to help patients have beautiful, functional smiles, which is why they are happy to provide dentures and partials. If you have questions about how you can replace your missing teeth, contact the office at 317-898-3384.