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Dentures – Westchase, FL

An Affordable Way to
Replace Missing Teeth

Tooth loss is a common issue throughout the country. Approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth while 40 million are missing all of their teeth. The good news is that losing teeth doesn’t mean you need to go the rest of your life without them. there is an affordable way to replace missing teeth. Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti offers dentures in Westchase to help patients restore their smiles. To learn more about dentures or to schedule a consultation, give us a call!

Why Choose Happy Smiles for Dentures?

Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Woman smiling with dentures in Westchase

Dentures are an excellent solution for people who are missing several, most of, or all of their teeth. After all, no one wants to struggle when it comes to basic daily tasks, like eating, speaking, and smiling. Depending on the number of teeth that you’re missing and where they’re located in the mouth, a personalized plan will be created just for you. If you have any preexisting oral health issues, like tooth decay or periodontal disease, they will need to be treated and eliminated ahead of time. Just like always, your oral health is the number one priority!

Types of Dentures

Doctor holding full dentures in Westchase

Depending on your needs, Dr. Ponnaganti will help you to determine which of the following denture types is ideal for you:

Partial Dentures

When a dental bridge isn’t quite enough for restoring your smile, you might need a partial denture. They are customized to perfectly fit in your mouth between your remaining teeth. Partial dentures replace teeth in different locations of the mouth and keep neighboring teeth from moving around and causing misalignment issues in the future.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are supported by the shape of your mouth and the natural suction of the gums. They’re used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth, either on the top or bottom jaw. It is crafted with a lifelike gum-colored base and an enamel-colored set of replacement teeth. This way, your new smile will appear to be perfectly natural.

Implant Dentures

If you’re looking for a more stable, longer-lasting denture, dental implant dentures could end up being the right solution. Your dentist will place a series of dental implants throughout the jawbone before attaching the customized restoration. With this type of denture, you can expect 70% of your natural chewing function to be restored. It is designed to last for decades with proper care, so you don’t need to plan on having any alterations or replacements in the near future. To make a good candidate for dental implant dentures, you need to have a strong jawbone to support them. This will all be discussed during your initial consultation.

The Benefits of Dentures

Senior woman smiling with dentures in Westchase at dining table

There are so many ways that dentures can benefit the lives of people who are missing teeth. Here are just a handful of the ones that you can expect to experience:

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

dentist holding dental implant in Westchase

Even if you want dentures, you might hesitate due to their potential price. That’s to be expected – a treatment outside your budget won’t do you much good. Still, the cost of dentures varies from patient to patient. Therefore, you’ll have to consult Dr. Ponnaganti for an exact estimate. The Happy Smiles team will then work to make your care more affordable. In particular, we’ll guide you through dentures’ cost factors and various payment options. To learn more, keep reading or visit us in the coming days.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

An older man consulting a dentist about dentures

For the initial consultation, Dr. Ponnaganti will perform an oral exam. This step – a thorough assessment of your mouth – will review factors relevant to your dentures’ price. These are:

 

  • Your Need for Prep Work – Your expenses will rise if you need preparatory treatment before denture care.
  • Denture Base Material – A denture’s acrylic base can vary in quality. When it’s more durable and lifelike, it becomes more expensive.
  • Replacement Teeth Quality – Artificial denture teeth are either acrylic or porcelain. The former kind is cheaper but wears quickly, while the latter is costly but long-lasting.

 

Given the factors above, the cheapest dentures aren’t ideal. Such kinds use subpar acrylic for their bases and teeth. That being the case, make sure your choice of denture is effective and high-quality.

 

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

A 3D illustration of my school’s implant dentures

In terms of upfront cost, yes - implant dentures are more expensive than regular ones. Even so, they’re well worth this extra expense.

 

Firstly, note that implant dentures use dental implants – restorations that fuse with your jaw. Consequently, these prosthetics are secure and permanent; they won’t slip or fall out. Even better, their fusion ensures they look and act like natural teeth.

 

Crucially, implant dentures are also excellent as a long-term investment. After all, their implants can last 15-30 years with proper care – a lifespan far greater than typical dentures. As such, the treatment price is offset by your needing fewer replacement visits.

 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

An agent discussing dental insurance with another tool.

Honestly, dental insurance often does cover dentures. These prosthetic teeth, you see, count as a major procedure. Therefore, most policies see them as “medically necessary” and match 50% of their cost.

 

Of course, exceptions always exist. A given insurance plan may limit its denture coverage. With that said, confirm your benefits before treatment. Our office can even help with that process if necessary.

 

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

: A patient paying for a dental visit

Whether you have insurance or not, other ways exist to make dentures affordable. Notably, many dental practices offer a wide range of payment options. The right one would ensure your prosthetic teeth don’t have to exceed your budget.

 

For example, look at how Happy Smiles works. Our office happens to work with CareCredit – a very reputable third-party financier. Through them, you could cover the cost of dentures with a monthly, low-interest installment.

 

Our practice will happily help you learn more about denture financing. That being the case, book a consultation with us soon!

 

Dentures FAQs

Question marks on yellow background

Dentures in Westchase have been used to treat significant tooth loss for generations. They look and feel more realistic than ever before, but they are a big investment. Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti understands you might have a few concerns before you're ready to commit to them. She will explain everything during your consultation. You can also contact her office or take a look at the most frequently asked questions about dentures below.

Can I Wear Dentures While Sleeping?

Dr. Ponnaganti will instruct you to wear your dentures for 24 hours after receiving them, but then you must remove them every night. They will fit so well that you may never want to take them out, but dentures restrict blood circulation to your gums. If your soft tissues aren't given a break, they can become sore, inflamed, or infected. Not to mention, your mouth is home to harmful oral bacteria that can cling to your dentures and weaken them over time. Besides shortening their lifespan, you can be at risk of various health problems, like respiratory illnesses. You can keep your mouth and body healthy by removing your dentures before going to bed. Clean your dentures and place them in an overnight soaking solution to kill bacteria and promote their life expectancy.

Do Upper Dentures Always Cover the Palate?

If you have concerns about an upper denture diminishing taste sensations or causing irritation, you have many styles to choose from. Your denture dentist in Westchase will explain all your options, like one shaped like a lower denture. Dr. Ponnaganti will help you find the perfect upper denture for your needs and preferences.

Do I Use Regular Toothpaste to Clean My Dentures?

You shouldn't use regular toothpaste to clean your dentures because it is abrasive. It can scratch them, making them look discolored. Food residue and plaque can get trapped in the crevices, causing unpleasant odors and damaging your dentures. It's better to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild dishwashing liquid or hand soap to clean your new set of teeth. You can also purchase cleaning kits for denture wearers.

What Happens If I Break a Denture?

Dentures are made of durable materials, but they can break. You can't go without any teeth, so you'll need to contact our office for an emergency appointment. Wear an old denture if possible while you wait. Never wear a damaged denture or try to repair it with glue or adhesives. We will get you into the office quickly for any repairs or replacements to restore your beautiful smile.

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