Dentures – Derby, KS

The Tried-and-True Way to Replace Missing Teeth

Full set of upper dentures resting on lower ones on a reflective gray surface

Missing permanent teeth can detract from your daily quality of life because it negatively affects your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Once-simple tasks like chewing food and enunciating specific sounds become more challenging. Furthermore, gaps in your grin can leave you feeling self-conscious about the changes to your appearance.

Fortunately, Dr. Clark can help by providing lifelike dentures, the tried-and-true way to replace missing teeth. Whether your condition requires a partial or complete set, she can restore your mouth’s functionality and appearance with fully customized prosthetics made just for you. Continue reading to learn more about dentures, and feel free to contact us for additional information.

Why Choose Illuminate Family Dentistry for Dentures?

  • Member of the American Dental Association
  • Customizable, Lifelike Prosthetics
  • Advanced Technology for Enhanced Patient Comfort

Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Older man in blue shirt pointing to his smile with both pointer fingers

Patients who have lost several teeth or an entire arch may struggle with day-to-day activities until the spaces are filled in. After all, without a full set, it’s hard to eat a wide variety of healthy foods or enjoy conversations without feeling self-conscious about changes to your speech patterns.

Potentially, anyone who has lost adult teeth can benefit from dentures. However, that doesn’t mean they’re the best solution for every circumstance. You must meet with Dr. Clark to ensure your mouth is healthy enough to support a partial or complete restoration.

Types of Dentures

Bird’s eye view of full and partial dentures on a light blue background

At your initial appointment, Dr. Clark will examine your mouth and recommend an appropriate solution to refurbish your grin. If we find signs of oral issues like tooth decay or gum disease, we’ll work with you to address them before fitting you with prosthetics. Then, based on your unique situation, we might suggest one of the following options:

Partial Dentures

Two partial dentures on a white background

If you’ve lost several teeth sporadically throughout your mouth, your oral health could be in danger. Your remaining teeth are prone to shifting out of alignment to fill in empty spaces left behind, which can prematurely wear down your enamel. This leaves you vulnerable to cavities, chips, cracks, or other injuries.

Partial dentures contain the correct number of pontics (artificial teeth) connected to an acrylic base with metal clips. These connect to healthy teeth to anchor your prosthetics in your mouth.

Full Dentures

Full set of dentures biting together with white background

Full dentures are a simple and effective way to restore one or both arches in your mouth. They consist of any acrylic, gum-colored base that relies on a firm suction against your gum tissue to remain in place. They are fitted with the necessary number of pontics, usually made of resilient ceramic, and are molded and carved to look just like your natural teeth and connective tissues.

Implant Dentures

Illustration of 4 dental implants holding a full set of lower dentures with light blue background

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution that doesn’t require removing or reinserting your restoration, you might benefit from implant dentures. For this method, you’ll have four to eight titanium rods surgically placed in your jawbone to keep it active and healthy. Then, our team will provide specially designed prosthetics to connect to them that aren’t intended to be taken out.

The Benefits of Dentures

Diverse group of older adults smiling doing yoga in the forest

There are several advantages to getting dentures in Derby, KS, including:

  • Natural-looking materials. The gum-colored acrylic base of your dentures can be shaped to look just like your gums, and the pontics can be designed to match the size, shade, and shape of the teeth you were born with.
  • Fully customized solution. Your dentures are individualized at every stage of creation to fit your mouth like a glove.
  • Improved nutrition. With them in place, you can enjoy various foods to support your dental and overall well-being.
  • Cost-effective method. These prosthetics are often less expensive than alternatives like dental bridges or implants.
  • Easy to clean. Remove your dentures twice daily to gently scrub them with a soft-bristled brush and mild dish soap to remove plaque and bacteria.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Senior woman smiling with arms folded

What can you expect to pay for new dentures? This is a question that our team can only answer for you after completing an examination of your mouth and learning more about your situation. The cost of dentures can vary for each patient, but you can count on our team to give you a trustworthy estimate before you have to commit to anything. Read on for a closer look at the financial aspect of getting dentures.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Close-up of hand holding a full denture

The number of teeth that need to be replaced will determine whether you get a partial denture or a full denture, which will naturally influence the amount you pay. On top of that, you may have to make room in your budget for tooth extractions and any other type of dental work that is deemed necessary.

The materials used to create your dentures can make a difference as well. Dentures made from cheaper materials may come at a lower cost, but they can also be more prone to breaking, meaning you’ll have to pay for a replacement sooner. In contrast, if you invest in a denture made from higher-quality materials, you will likely have to pay more, but you can typically expect your new teeth to last longer.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Illustration of dentures being attached to dental implants

Yes, implant dentures are more expensive than traditional ones because you need to account for the cost of dental implant surgery. That said, many patients who get implant dentures are ultimately happy with their investment in the long term. Not only do implant dentures tend to have longer lifespans, but they also offer increased biting strength, and they won’t slip out of place when you’re trying to speak or chew.  

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Typing on laptop and filling out dental insurance form

Many dental insurance companies will pay up to 50% of the cost of dentures. Of course, not all dental insurance plans are exactly the same; you should take the time to review your policy to confirm what sort of procedures are included as well as what you can expect your coverage to look like. If there’s anything you don’t understand about your dental insurance plan, don’t be afraid to speak to our team. We can go over your policy with you and help you figure out the best way to maximize your benefits.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

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We want to make sure that our patients have an option for saving money on important dental treatments even if they don’t have dental insurance. That’s why we offer the Illuminate+ Membership Plan. All you need to do is pay a flat fee, and you’ll be able to get a discount on many of the services that we offer. If you’re interested in our membership plan, please let our team know. We’ll be happy to answer your questions!