Dentist Offering Full & Partial Dentures in Medford

After significant tooth loss, replacement with full or partial dentures in Medford is an excellent option for people who need a fast, affordable solution to tooth loss. A full denture replaces an entire row of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures click into place with remaining natural teeth, much like a missing puzzle piece. Dr. Gary Rosenfeld provides natural-looking partials and dentures for patients in our part of New York! Keep reading to learn more about the quality tooth replacement.

Dentures: An Overview

Dentures are composed of sturdy plastic materials and are affixed in a gum-colored base set on metal. They look remarkably similar to natural teeth. Partial dentures are customized to blend well with the rest of the smile.

Dentures are completed in about a month, providing an efficient solution following partial or total tooth loss. To create your denture, your dentist will take impressions (or molds) of your teeth and send the information to a lab, where the partial or denture will be crafted to match the specific dimensions of your smile.

A complete denture is held in place with natural suction. A denture adhesive may provide additional security for the replacement teeth. A partial denture is secured with metal clasps or brackets, and it clicks securely into place without the need for a denture adhesive.

When cared for properly, a denture can be expected to last from five to seven years before replacement is needed. Take note of how your denture feels — if you notice it beginning to lose its fit or become uncomfortable, get in touch with your dentist right away. A relining or refitting may be necessary.

Benefits of Traditional Dentures

Whether full or partial, traditional dentures offer patients a number of advantages. Some of the most notable include:

Restored ability to chew, speak, and smile
Creates volume in the face
Non-invasive
Natural-looking
Completed quickly
Affordable
Prevent orthodontic issues in cases of partial tooth loss

Caring for Dentures

Take proper care of your partial or complete denture to ensure it provides a comfortable, effective replacement for as long as possible. Proper denture care requires routine cleaning — brush your denture at least once a day. After meals, remove and rinse your denture. Brush your remaining teeth, your tongue, and gums before putting the denture back in. Soak your denture in water or a denture cleanser while you sleep.

When you handle your denture, avoid breaking it by placing a towel on hard surfaces to cushion any accidental drops. Do not use toothpaste on your denture — it is too abrasive and may scratch the delicate material. Never expose your denture to hot water or store it in extreme heat to avoid warping the prosthetic.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

A major concern for many patients getting dentures is the price tag. Our team believes in being completely transparent; however, each denture we provide is completely customized to each patient’s unique mouth. As a result, it is nearly impossible to estimate the general cost of dentures with specific numbers. During your consultation appointment, we can go through your needs and give you a quote for your situation.

Learn More About the Cost of Dentures

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Here are some examples of things we take into account for the overall cost of dentures:

Whether you need preparatory work, such as tooth extraction.
How many and which teeth we are replacing.
The type of the acrylic base and ceramic used for the teeth.

Once we examine your mouth and discuss your goals with you, we should be able to provide an accurate estimate for the cost of your personalized full or partial denture.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

In general, yes. If you are wanting more stability and longevity for your dentures, you can consider anchoring them to dental implants, which act like tooth roots and attach directly with the jaw bone. Although getting dental implants placed does require additional cost upfront, you need to keep in mind that implant dentures tend to last much, much longer than traditional ones, which usually are replaced about every seven years. Implants also restore more of your natural biting power, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious diet and healthier lifestyle.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Absolutely! Dentures are a major procedure covered by most dental insurance plans. In fact, roughly about 50 percent of the cost of dentures should be paid by your dental insurance company, bringing down the price you have to pay out-of-pocket. We understand that insurance coverage can be difficult to decipher, but our helpful team can explain your plan to you clearly so that you know exactly what to expect and how much you’ll owe from the beginning.

Other Options for Making Dentures More Affordable

Don’t have dental insurance? Don’t worry! We have other ways to save you money on your dentures. Our in-house dental plan is as low as $17 per month for an individual and comes with a substantial discount for services like dentures. Whether you use our discount plan or your dental insurance, you can also apply for financing through Wells Fargo or CareCredit, both of which are highly reputable third-party financiers. No matter which option you choose, our team will be there to guide you through every step and make the process easier for you.

Let’s Get Started Today!

If you have suffered from significant tooth loss, don’t wait to get started with a quality replacement. Full and partial dentures in Medford provide a great solution, and our dental team at The Smilist Medford provides them. Get in touch with us to schedule an appointment today!

Dentures FAQs

At The Smilist Medford, Dr. Rosenfeld believes in providing patients with the right solutions when it comes to replacing missing teeth. If you recently learned you need dentures in Medford, you likely have many questions you’d like to ask your dentist. Dr. Rosenfeld and his team want you to have all the information you need to help you make the right decision for your dental needs, which is why you will find some frequently asked questions below. After reviewing the following questions, we invite you to contact our team if you have any additional concerns or would like to schedule an appointment.

Will it be difficult to adjust to new dentures?

It should come as no surprise that you will experience an adjustment phase while wearing dentures. From those who are new to these types of fixtures, learning to eat and speak without worrying about slippage or how you sound can take time. Fortunately, there are some tips you can use to make the process easier and less stressful, including:

Eating soft foods in the beginning and gradually incorporating harder foods as you become more comfortable eating with your dentures. In the beginning, your mouth may feel a bit sore as it tries to adjust, so eating softer foods can help minimize discomfort. Should you feel it becoming loose, simply swallow. It will help to push your denture back into place.
Try talking in front of a mirror to see how your mouth moves as you pronounce certain words. You may have a slight lisp when you first begin wearing dentures; however, as you practice and slow down your speech, you will notice it will dissipate over time. If you struggle with certain words, continue practicing saying them. Before you know, you will begin speaking with greater clarity.

Why can’t I sleep in my dentures?

It is advised that you avoid sleeping in your dentures for a few reasons:

Your gums and jawbone need to breathe. When wearing your dentures throughout the day, you will notice that it feels quite nice to be able to take them out at the end of the day. It gives these areas of your mouth a chance to relax and be void of the continued pressure placed on them all day.
Sleeping in your dentures can cause them to become brittle, making them more likely to break. Soaking them helps to not only clean away debris and particles that gather on them, but it also helps to keep them moist.

How long will my dentures last before they need to be replaced?

The lifespan of your dentures largely depends on how well you take care of them. On average, most denture-wearers can expect to wear them for 5-8 years before requiring a replacement; however, if you are careful and diligent in maintaining your dentures on a daily basis, you may be able to go a bit longer.

However, some things are out of your control, such as age and facial changes. It is natural that over time, your face and jaw will begin to change. As a result, your denture may no longer fit as comfortably. If this happens, you can see us for an adjustment. We may be able to reline your denture to fit properly in your mouth.

Do I still need to see a dentist even if I wear full dentures?

Absolutely! Even if all your teeth have been replaced with dentures, it is still necessary to see us for regular checkups and cleanings. These visits will allow our team to examine your restorations and check for any signs of breakage, fractures, or damage. It will also give us a better idea of any changes occurring within your jawbone or facial structure. Since gum disease is also a possible problem, we can work to eliminate the chances of developing this common issue and better protect your oral health.