Denture FAQ’s – What To Know Before You Go
If you are considering dentures, you likely have some general questions and concerns about the process and where to start. To get answers to your specific questions, feel free to contact Teach Dental Group to arrange a free consultation with our Buffalo dentists. We also have created a video library with answers to many questions and tips to help you achieve optimal oral health. In the meantime, here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from patients.
What Types of Dentures Are There?
There are several types of dentures and options for replacing teeth available on the market. Whether you are looking to replace some or all of your teeth, dentures can help you achieve this. If you are looking to replace all of the teeth in your mouth, you are likely interested in what is commonly referred to as “Complete Dentures”. At Teach Dental Group, we can help improve the stability of your dentures by attaching them to dental implants. These are often referred to as implant retained dentures.
If you are looking to replace a few teeth in your mouth, partial dentures may be right for you. These types of dentures attach to the existing teeth and cover up any gaps where you are missing teeth. We can also utilize dental implants with partials for improved stability and longevity.
Are Dentures Covered by Dental Insurance?
Obviously finances are a big issue when patients are researching whether dentures are right for them. The good news is that many times, insurance will cover the cost. Depending on the insurance that you have, and the insurance that is provided, as well as the type of denture that is required. At Teach Dental Group, we offer free consultations and any questions you have about insurance coverage can be discussed and reviewed ahead of time, so that no surprises occur when trying to decide on treatment options.
Even if you cannot get insurance coverage, we can often work out flexible financing options so you don’t have to put off necessary dental care because you are worried about the cost.
Do I Still Need To See The Dentist if I Have Dentures?
It’s very important for patients with dentures to continue to see the dentist on a regular basis. This is because we perform an oral exam specially looking for oral cancer or any issues that can be caused by the denture. Dentures can wear out over a certain period of time, which causes a collapse in the patient’s bite, which can affect the jaws.
Another issue that can occur with patients who wear dentures for an extended period of time is that the tissues and bone underneath, which is what helps support them in the mouth, slowly tends to resorb and shrink. This means that the dentures may not fit as well as they did when they were initially created. This again can cause issues with the jaw, and the alignment of your bite which can further cause issues with your function and ability to eat and chew properly. This is why it is very important to continue to follow up with your dentist every 6 months.
Can I Sleep With My Dentures?
It is not recommended to sleep with your dentures in for multiple reasons. Number one, it could be a choking hazard. The last thing you want is to wake up in the middle of the night choking on your dentures.
Another reason not to sleep with them is that when they stay in overnight, your mouth has a tendency to dry out. The amount of bacteria in your mouth can accumulate and you can actually create issues that will cause pain and sensitivity on top of the gum tissues. It’s an infection called candida, or yeast infection, or candidiasis as it is more accurately termed.
What you’re going to want to to do is leave them out at night, leave them soaking in a solution that acts as an enzyme cleaner. There are many options available over the counter that allows you to simply drop tablets into a clean glass of water and it creates a ultrasonic and enzymatic solution that cleans them automatically while you sleep. Taking proper care of your dentures can help you avoid a potentially serious and painful situation down the line.
If you or someone you love is considering dentures and have questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact Teach Dental Group and schedule a free consultation with our dedicated Buffalo dentists. We would love to help you get the answers you need to make an informed decision about your oral health. Contact us today and let us put a smile on your face!
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