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Dentures – Buckhead

Quick, Affordable Teeth Replacement

Mature man in blue shirt smiling on couchDid you know that 69% of adults have lost at least one tooth, and 50 million Americans have actually lost all of their teeth? When you lose teeth, your oral health diminishes, and your confidence suffers. Fortunately, dentures allow patients to eat the foods they like, speak with self-assurance, and improve their overall well-being! To learn more about this restorative dental service, keep reading or get in touch with us to schedule an appointment.

Why Choose Dentistry in Buckhead for Dentures?

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Mature man smiling during dental checkup

Candidates for dentures always have one thing in common: they have experienced mild to severe tooth loss. So, whether you’re missing a few teeth in a row or you’re missing an entire arch, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pate! After reviewing your medical history, taking a look at your X-rays, and conducting a visual exam, he can determine if dentures are the best tooth-replacement solution for you. Until then, here are some things to keep in mind.

Effects of Missing Teeth

Closeup of a missing tooth

Teeth are incredibly strong. After all, tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the entire body! Unfortunately, they aren’t completely indestructible. Teeth can become damaged and lost for a variety of different reasons, including tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma to the mouth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are many negative effects of tooth loss, including facial sagging, difficulty speaking, trouble eating, and low self-esteem. By replacing your missing teeth with dentures, you can improve all of these effects.

What Qualifies You for Dentures

Woman with dentures smiling

Dentures are an ideal option for people who are missing several, most of, or all of their teeth. Depending on the number of teeth you are missing and where they are located in the mouth, we can put together a custom plan for you. It’s important to have good oral health before getting dentures, so any tooth decay or gum disease needs to be eliminated ahead of time. Once your smile is in ideal health, we can move forward in the process of getting dentures.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

Dental bridge on a clay model

Dentures aren’t the right option for everyone. Here are a couple of other tooth replacement options that we provide:

  • Dental Bridges: A dental bridge works by “bridging” the empty space with a replacement tooth. The replacement tooth, also sometimes called a “pontic,” is supported by two dental crowns that are placed on the adjacent teeth. This is ideal for patients who are only missing one or a couple of consecutive teeth.
  • Dental Implants: A dental implant is a screw-like post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. This requires that the patient has a strong and sufficient jawbone. Dental implants have a higher upfront cost than dentures, but they are made to last for many years – maybe even the rest of your life!

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

Types of Dentures

Dental mold biting $100 bill

Our Buckhead dental team offers three different types of dentures: partial, full, and implant retained. After receiving yours, you’ll be asked to visit us periodically so that Dr. Pate can make minor adjustments that will ensure your lasting comfort.

Partial Dentures

Ideal for patients who are missing multiple teeth in a row or several teeth throughout their mouth, partial dentures work like puzzle pieces to fill in the gaps in your smile. Since the prosthetic teeth are custom-made, the base is gum-colored, and the clasps holding them in place are discreet, they look and feel natural.

Full Dentures

Full dentures, on the other hand, are designed to replace a full set of teeth on the upper or lower jaw. Each and every replacement tooth will be custom-made to suit your features and aesthetic preferences. Plus, the restoration will be held in place through natural suction or denture adhesive, making it function beautifully as well.

Implant Dentures

If you want added stability and more longevity, then consider implant dentures. With this tooth-replacement solution, we will use strategically placed dental implants to secure your denture in place. One of the biggest benefits of this tooth-replacement solution is that it can last for several decades with proper care.

The Benefits of Dentures

Woman in yellow shirt smiling in living room at home

At your consultation, we will review all of the tooth-replacement solutions available to you and the benefits of each. With dentures, you’ll be able to make the most of a wide range of advantages to your smile, including improved speech, chewing, and confidence. Here are a few of the many reasons patients choose these custom prosthetics for rebuilding their smile:

Psychological Benefits

a woman smiling with new dentures

Missing teeth can negatively impact much more than just your smile; it can affect your self-esteem and confidence. Many who struggle with tooth loss often avoid social activities or interactions because they don’t want to show their mouth. However, by replacing missing teeth with dentures, you can complete your bite as well as enjoy a full smile again. With your lifelike prosthetics, you won’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious about your appearance, speech, chewing ability, and other things you may have felt anxious about.

Clearer Enunciation

a group of friends smiling and laughing together

Speech can become quite difficult if you lose even one of your teeth. People generally press their lips and tongues to their pearly whites to enunciate certain words and sounds. Without all of them, it can make it challenging or even impossible to converse effectively with others. With dentures, you can regain your complete smile while also having the chance to speak clearly again. This can take some time, but you’ll be back to chatting like you used to with some patience and practice.

Improves Nutrition

an older man enjoying an apple while sitting outside

Certain foods can be tougher to chew compared to others, including fruits, veggies, and meats. Without all of your teeth, you can end up with an increased risk of issues like indigestion and malnutrition. Fortunately, dentures can reliably restore the majority of your biting power so that you can enjoy a wider range of foods. After some time and practice, you’ll be free to enjoy a more balanced and nutritious diet.

Preserves Oral Health

an older woman smiling while stretching before a hike

After tooth loss occurs, any remaining teeth that you might have can end up susceptible to shifting out of place to fill in the gap(s) left in your smile. The good news is that dentures can act as a placeholder for your other pearly whites. Additionally, your prosthetics can help distribute the weight of chewing, meaning you can reduce wear and tear on the enamel of your remaining teeth.

Expands Opportunities

an older man conversing with colleagues

A person’s smile is often the most important part of someone’s first impression. Whether you’re preparing for a date, a job interview, or meeting new people, having all of your teeth can benefit you greatly in both your social and professional life. That’s why, with dentures, you can easily maintain a more youthful and welcoming expression, which can also cause others to perceive you as more outgoing and attractive.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Dental mold biting $100 bill

The cost of dentures in Atlanta should never prevent you from replacing your missing teeth. We understand everyone’s financial situation differs, which is why we strive to keep a complete smile within everyone’s budget. Various factors will affect the amount you will pay because every treatment plan is unique. After examining your mouth and learning more about your goals, we’ll provide you with a personalized estimate and review your payment options.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Calculator on loose cash

Your denture dentist in Atlanta uses advanced technology to ensure your denture fits your mouth like a glove. Since every smile differs, like your fingerprints, it’s impossible to use a cookie-cutter treatment plan. As a result, several factors affect your estimate, such as:

  • Preliminary Treatments: It’s not uncommon to require a little prep-work before getting your dentures, like tooth extractions, periodontal therapy, or bone grafting.
  • Number of Teeth: The number of teeth you’re replacing will determine the type of denture you need, such as a partial or full denture.
  • Materials: You’ll find discounted materials, but you’ll get what you pay for. Instead, it’s better to focus on quality to ensure your new smile serves you for years.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Dental implant on stack of cash

Implant dentures are initially more expensive; however, they are the most cost-effective overall because they can last for a lifetime with the right care. You’ll never have to budget for replacements while enjoying a nearly perfect replica of your real smile. You can’t put a price tag on the benefits you’ll gain by adding the support of dental implants to your denture. Not to mention, the implant posts will keep your jawbone strong by mimicking your tooth roots. As a result, you’ll avoid many common issues associated with missing teeth, like cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Man extending cash for payment

Dental insurance considers dentures in Atlanta to be a major procedure, so they are covered about 50% after meeting your annual deductible. You can use your yearly allowance to offset the cost of certain steps in your treatment plan, like the consultation, imaging, extractions, or restorations. A member of our team will work on your behalf to file the necessary claim forms to lower the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Hand putting coin in blue piggy bank

Besides using your dental insurance, our office accepts several payment methods to keep a complete smile affordable, including:

  • Traditional Payments: We accept all forms of traditional payments, including cash, checks, and credit cards.
  • Third-Party Financing: Pay for your replacement teeth using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.

After creating your individualized treatment plan, a member of your dental team will explain the fees associated with your care, so you aren’t caught off guard by any unexpected fees. They will review all of your payment options to help you enjoy a complete, beautiful smile again without spending your life’s savings.

If you’re ready to invest in dentures, or you have concerns about their cost, contact our office today.

Dentures Aftercare

Dental mold biting $100 bill

Your dentures can restore your smile’s appearance and functionality to enhance your quality of life after tooth loss. However, managing your oral health is still important, even if you have no natural teeth remaining. You should continue to visit our Dentistry in Buckhead team for routine checkups and cleanings every six months to prevent problems. Also, taking good care of your prosthetics keeps them in top condition to preserve your grin.

Continue reading to learn more about how to maintain your dentures, and feel free to contact us with additional questions!

Removable Dentures

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Remove After Eating

With artificial teeth in place, you can enjoy a wider variety of healthy foods to support your oral and dental well-being. Unfortunately, leftover bits of food can attract bacteria that cause decay and disease, which can affect your gums and jaw if left unaddressed. Rinsing them gently after meals clears away unwanted particles and plaque. Remember to use cool or warm water, though, because hot temperatures can warp the acrylic base.

Clean Your Restoration

Although prosthetic teeth can’t get cavities like natural ones, keeping them clean is still important. Otherwise, they can develop plaque that contributes to gum disease, bad breath, and other issues. You should remove them twice daily to thoroughly (but gently) scrub all surfaces with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap or special cleanser. Avoid using standard toothpaste, which isn’t intended for inorganic materials and can be abrasive.

Then, rinse them off thoroughly before putting them back in because some cleaning agents are toxic and not meant to be digested.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

Your restoration can become quite slippery when it’s covered in soap and slip from your fingertips. Many patients have had to repair or replace their dentures after dropping them from a far enough height or onto a hard surface. To prevent potential harm, place a soft towel underneath you when you wash them so they have a softer landing if they fall.

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

It can take about a month for your mouth to become desensitized to wearing your prosthetics, but then you might feel so comfortable that you prefer to leave them in your mouth. You might even feel tempted to sleep with them in, but doing so can irritate your gums until they develop sores.

We recommend taking your artificial teeth out at night and leaving them in a glass with water or a special soaking solution to eradicate up to 99% of bacteria while you sleep. That way, they’ll be clean and clear when you wake up in the morning!

Notice Changes

Paying attention to your dental condition allows you to spot changes early enough to take action if needed. For example, you might have developed gum disease if your gums appear darker or puffier than usual. You might need to be more diligent with your at-home dental hygiene routine or schedule an appointment with us.

If you notice a crack, chip, break, or other issue with your dentures, please do not try to fix it yourself. Many patients who tried to superglue or repair them with household products have had dental emergencies. Instead, contact us; we’ll help you repair or replace them if necessary.

Denture FAQs

Question mark on notepad and green pencil

Dentures in Buckhead have been used for generations to replace missing teeth. Although they are tried and proven, it’s normal to have a few concerns. They are a big investment, but there isn’t any reason to worry. Dr. Pate will explain everything during your denture consultation . While you wait, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions to ease your concerns.

Can I sleep with my dentures?

No one wants to be caught without their teeth; however, you’ll need to get into the habit of removing your dentures nightly. Initially, your denture dentist in Buckhead will instruct you to wear them for 24 hours, but then you’ll need to take them out before going to bed. Your gums support your dentures throughout the day, allowing you to smile, speak, and chew. Unfortunately, dentures restrict blood flow to your gums. If the soft tissues aren’t given time to rest, it can lead to inflammation and sores. In some cases, it can even cause quicker ridge resorption. Your mouth is also a dark, moist environment, which is the perfect place for harmful bacteria to thrive. Taking your dentures out allows you to clean your mouth and replacement teeth to prevent odors, infections, and damage to the prosthetic. Besides brushing your dentures well, don’t forget to soak them in a cleaning solution while you sleep. It will keep your dentures moist to prevent warping while also killing any bacteria left behind by your toothbrush.

Do upper dentures always cover the palate?

There are many types of dentures to choose from. While some upper dentures cover the roof of the mouth, some don’t. If you’re concerned about discomfort or changes to the way foods taste, you may prefer a palate-less option. It has a horseshoe shape like a lower denture. An implant denture is also shaped this way. Your denture dentist, Dr. Pate , will explain all your options.

Can I use regular toothpaste to clean my dentures?

Although dentures can’t decay, you still need to brush them to remove food particles and plaque; however, you don’t want to use toothpaste to clean them. Toothpaste is abrasive, which can cause small scratches on its surfaces. Not only can it tarnish their appearance, but it can also trap bacteria that can lead to odors and damage your new smile. Instead, it is better to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid. You can also purchase denture cleaning solutions to keep your new teeth looking their best. Besides removing your dentures nightly, rinse them after every meal.

Can you kiss with dentures?

You can still pucker up for a kiss with dentures, but it might take a little practice at first. Since your new teeth won’t have any nerve endings, you can bump your mouth on your partner’s teeth if you aren’t careful. As they say, practice makes perfect. In no time at all, you’ll adjust to wearing your new dentures, so you don’t have to worry about knocking teeth when kissing.

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