Dentures – Milwaukee, WI
Restore Your Smile with Full and Partial Dentures
Missing one or more teeth can be difficult. It not only affects the way your smile looks, but it can also impact how you bite, chew, and speak. Replacing your missing teeth is important both to protect the natural teeth you still have and to regain your ability to eat and talk. Dentures in Milwaukee provide an easy way to compensate for multiple missing teeth, and they don’t require surgery or dental bridgework on your remaining teeth to help you enjoy your full smile again.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Whether you are missing several teeth or an entire arch, you may be a candidate for dentures. To determine if this smile-rebuilding solution is an ideal fit, our dentist in Milwaukee, Dr. Franzen, will conduct a thorough dental exam during your initial consultation. If any untreated dental concerns are present, like tooth decay or gum disease, then we will work the appropriate care into your treatment plan to ensure you have pristine oral health and a beautiful smile.
Types of Dentures
Dentures provide a way for those who are missing one or more teeth to enjoy full function in their smile again. Thanks to advancements in technology, they appear natural and feel more comfortable than ever before. Depending on your unique dental needs, our team will recommend one of the below options:
Partial Dentures
As the name suggests, partial dentures only replace some of the teeth. By attaching a clasp to your remaining natural teeth, the gum-colored base and custom prosthetic teeth can seamlessly complete your existing smile. That way, you can enjoy a smile that is fully functional and absolutely beautiful.
Full Dentures
If you are missing an entire arch of teeth, then full dentures are the ideal choice. Similar to partials, full dentures have a discreet, gum-colored base and lifelike prosthetic teeth. However, this restorative solution is often held in place with natural suction, denture adhesive, or a mixture of both.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures are where traditional dentures and state-of-the-art dental implants come together. Instead of keeping your new smile in place through clasps or natural suction, your restoration is attached to a titanium post that is surgically placed directly into your jawbone. That way, you enjoy maximum stability and avoid unwanted movement.
The Benefits of Dentures
Dentures are a tried-and-true tooth replacement solution that has been popular for decades, and it’s not hard to see why! Here are some of the many benefits you can enjoy with this smile-rebuilding solution:
- Effectively restore your bite, allowing you to chew pain-free again.
- Cost-effective.
- Completely customized for each patient.
- Can last for 10 years with proper care.
- Easy cleaning.
- Preserve your youthful face shape.
How Dentures are Made
To get your dentures, you will have multiple visits to our office before you receive the final products. Why? Learning more about the fabrication process for these restorations will answer this question as well help you appreciate your prosthetic teeth a little bit more.
What are Dentures Made Of?
All dentures have at least two elements: a gum-colored base and artificial teeth. Partial dentures may also have metal clasps to secure them to neighboring teeth.
- Gum-Colored Base: This material usually consists of acrylic or resin that has been shaded to resemble natural, healthy gum tissue. It also holds the artificial teeth in place.
- Prosthetic Teeth: Dentition is typically made of porcelain or resin. In general, porcelain is preferred because of its durability and natural appearance.
The Denture Creation Process
Compared to a crown or bridge, dentures require a more precise fit because they also involve gum tissue. As a result, the fabrication process is a little more complicated. The first step is the same, regardless of what restoration you are receiving. We take impressions of your upper and lower arches. Because of our cutting-edge technology, this step is fast and comfortable with absolutely no putty. We sent the impressions to the dental, where they create a plaster model of your mouth.
On this model, lab technicians apply and sculpt wax to replicate your gums. Using a machine called an articulator, the teeth are inserted into the wax, and the wax dentures are shipped to our office for your first fitting. If the wax dentures pass with a good look and feel, the wax dentures are put into a flask with plaster. When it has set, the flask is then put into boiling water, which melts the wax. Resin or acrylic is then poured into the plaster mold, and the denture is carefully removed and cleaned. Finally, it is polished and made smooth and shipped back to our office for a another fitting. Minor adjustments can be made in our office, but more major changes are handled by the lab to make sure you have the perfect fit.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
In the beginning, your new dentures may be slightly uncomfortable as you get used to them. This should be temporary, and you should adjust pretty quickly to talking and eating with them in. In fact, they can feel natural! During the short time you’re unaccustomed to them, we recommend eating soft foods and exercising your mouth. If your discomfort continues or your dentures are painful, contact us. Otherwise, you’re free to enjoy your new smile!
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
When it comes to receiving a customized full or partial denture in Milwaukee, you want to make sure your investment leads you to receive a prosthetic that is natural in appearance, functional, and lasts a long time. The old saying, “You get what you pay for” rings true even when it pertains to tooth replacement solutions. But also remember that the price tag for your dentures will likely look different than others. Why? Because various factors must be considered to determine your individual case.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
So, which factors make the greatest difference in the overall cost of your treatment? Here are just a few our team will take into consideration:
- Whether you require any preliminary treatments before undergoing denture placement (i.e., tooth extractions, periodontal therapy).
- The type of materials used to create the base of your denture in West Allis. Most use acrylic that is dyed to match the gum-colored look of your soft tissues.
- The type of artificial teeth that will be placed on your prosthetic (i.e., acrylic or porcelain), as you will want them to be sturdy and natural in appearance.
Remember, cheaper isn’t always better, so make sure you’re informed of the materials used to create your dentures before agreeing to move forward with treatment.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Yes, implant dentures are much more expensive than their traditional counterparts. However, the investment you’ll make in these prosthetics does pay off. Not only are implant dentures designed to be a permanent fixture in your mouth (because they fuse with the bone and surrounding tissues), but they can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Not to mention, they are natural in appearance and offer exceptional functionality when it comes to eating and speaking. You can eat all the foods you love and never worry about your implants slipping or falling out.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
Fortunately, dentures are considered a major restorative service, which means most dental insurance companies will likely cover around 50% of the total cost. But this isn’t always the case, so you’ll need to check with your individual plan to determine if you will be responsible for any or all expenses associated with your treatment. Before agreeing to receive dentures, it is advantageous for you to work closely with our dental team, who will be happy to confirm your available benefits first.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
No matter how your dental insurance company chooses to handle your denture treatment, there is another way to pay and stay within your budget. Our office works closely with third-party companies like CareCredit and LendingClub to help eligible individuals enroll in low or no interest payment plans. With flexible financing options, you can break up the cost of your treatment to make it easier on you and your wallet.
At Milwaukee Dental Implants, our team is here to help you take the next step in your journey to better oral health. Whether you prefer more traditional options for tooth replacement or implant dentures, we can identify which option is right for you. Call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Franzen.
Dentures FAQs
Whether you’re missing just a few or even all of your natural teeth, dentures in Milwaukee are a great way to restore full function to your smile. Full and partial dentures allow you to eat, talk, and smile with confidence again. However, it’s common to have a few questions before you receive your new teeth, which is why we’ve answered our most frequently asked denture questions here.
What If I Want Permanent Dentures?
While there is really no such thing as “permanent” dentures, it is possible to avoid the slippage that can come with traditional dentures by anchoring them onto dental implants. Implant-retained dentures can be “permanent” in the sense that you cannot remove them yourself; only Dr. Franzen can. However, even these dentures may eventually become worn down or discolored over the years and then need to be replaced. In this case, we can adjust the denture without removing your implants.
Can I Sleep in My Dentures?
Although you can certainly wear your dentures at night, it’s recommended that you remove them while you sleep. This will give your gums and bone a chance to recover from the pressure of wearing your dentures during the day. If you’re going to wear your dentures while sleeping, at least clean them before bed and when you wake up. Dentures should never be worn for 24 hours straight without performing oral hygiene.
Can I Eat Normally with Dentures?
Yes, but it may take some time to get used to eating with dentures in. You can start by cutting your food into tiny chunks as you grow accustomed to them. Using a small amount of denture adhesive may help when it comes to chewing hard or sticky foods.
Does Getting Dentures Hurt?
When you’re first fitted with a new set of dentures, it’s perfectly normal to experience some minor discomfort as your mouth gets used to the way your new teeth feel. The period of this irritation varies. If you have worn dentures before and are switching to a new set, it may take longer to adjust than if this is your first set of dentures. Similarly, if you had some teeth extracted to make room for your dentures, those areas of your mouth may be sore for up to several weeks afterwards. It’s recommended that you attend regular visits with us to adjust your dentures as needed during the healing process.
How Do I Know When It’s Time to Reline My Dentures?
If your dentures no longer fit as they once did, it may be time for Dr. Franzen to refit the base of the denture, also known as a “reline.” Let us know if you experience any of the following problems with your dentures:
- Irritation, however minor
- Ulcers or sores on your gums
- Slippage when talking or eating
- A clicking noise when chewing
- Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing
- Bad breath or strange taste in your mouth
While some of these signs are rumored to be par for the course when wearing dentures, they are actually not normal. Any one of them means your dentures need to be repaired or relined.