Dentures – East York • Toronto, Ontario

Effects of Missing Teeth

Being without a full set of teeth can occur for many reasons, some of which include gum disease, tooth decay, facial trauma, and more. Without treatment, you can expect your oral health to decline in many ways, including:

• Difficulty speaking without slurring your words
• Difficulty eating dense foods but instead having to rely on soft dishes – a change that can lead to malnutrition
• Changes in your facial shape as the jawbone continues to weaken over time
• Reduced self-esteem as you begin to feel embarrassed by your appearance – this can become problematic if you plan to pursue professional opportunities or are looking to meet someone new

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

There are a few qualifications that are necessary to be deemed a candidate for dentures. These include:

• A patient who has suffered significant tooth loss
• Someone with sensitive teeth
• An individual with significant tooth decay
• Someone with healthy gum tissue and jawbone density
• A person who is committed to taking care of their smile and practicing a good oral hygiene routine

How many teeth you are missing will ultimately determine the type of denture you receive. Generally, those with multiple missing teeth along an arch can receive a partial denture, while those with a full arch of missing teeth can receive a full denture. There is also the option of choosing an implant partial or implant denture if you prefer a more permanent solution.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

If our team finds that you are not a good candidate for dentures, there are alternative options, like dental bridges and dental implants, that can give you the same great results.

• Dental Bridges – If you’re without multiple missing teeth, we can place a dental bridge. You must have healthy teeth on either side of the gap, though, to support your new artificial bridge.    
• Dental Implants – When multiple teeth or an entire arch are missing, we can install titanium posts in the jawbone; however, you must have enough bone density to support the necessary restoration when it is secured in place. This option can be costlier than regular dentures, but they are permanent and can last 30+ years.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

There are three main factors that influence the cost of dentures:

• Preparation before the dentures can be worn (e.g., tooth removal or gum disease therapy)
• The number of teeth you are missing
• The materials used to make your custom dentures (usually acrylic or porcelain)

Keep in mind that advertisements that promise low-cost dentures rarely deliver a quality product. Very cheap dentures are more likely to break easily or require replacement sooner than expected. When it comes to restoring missing teeth, quality counts! Custom dentures from an experienced dentist are more likely to fit comfortably in your mouth and last longer.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Although implant dentures typically cost more than traditional dentures, they are often a wise investment. Implant dentures attach to dental implants that have fused directly with the jawbone. Unlike traditional dentures, which rest on top of gums, dental implants replace missing teeth from the roots up. This enables implant dentures to look natural and restore greater chewing power. In addition, dental implants can easily last for decades with proper care and regular visits to a denture dentist in East York. In contrast, traditional dentures typically must be replaced every 5 to 7 years. If you want to restore your smile and save money over the long-term, implant dentures are the way to go.  

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

While every plan is slightly different, most insurance providers consider dentures a major procedure and cover around 50% of the cost. If you would like help understanding your insurance coverage before committing to dentures, just ask our staff. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to look into the details of your insurance policy. Rest assured we will do everything we can to maximize your insurance benefits and lessen your out-of-pocket expenses.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

There are other ways to reduce the cost of dentures in East York beyond dental insurance. For example, qualified patients can take advantage of affordable, flexible financing through trusted third-party companies like CareCredit. Low-to-no interest payment plans through CareCredit allow patients to break down the cost of dentures into manageable monthly payments. These plans come in multiple lengths, which means you can select the arrangement that best fits your personal budget.

At Donlands Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping our patients reclaim a full smile and the confidence that comes with it. For more information, do not hesitate to schedule an initial consultation!

Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?

In general, we believe repairing a damaged tooth whenever possible is always preferable to replacing it. Our dentists only recommend tooth extractions when absolutely necessary. Your tooth may need to be removed if it is too damaged to save due to extensive decay, severe infection, or trauma that has broken off most of the enamel. If all of the teeth in your arch are decayed or infected with gum disease, replacing them with dentures may be more cost-effective than repairing them with crowns.

What Is the Average Age for Dentures?

You are more likely to need partial or full dentures in East York if you are over the age of 40. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 66% of adults between the ages of 40 and 64 are missing at least one tooth, compared to only 33% of adults aged 20-39. Meanwhile, an American Dental Association census found that over half of all people ages 65 to 74 wear some form of dentures. That said, although the need for false teeth generally increases over time, people of all ages can potentially be candidates for dentures.

Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?

When you first receive new dentures, some minor irritation may occur while your mouth adjusts to your false teeth. This adjustment period varies in length from person to person. However, most patients overcome any initial discomfort after several weeks or a couple of months. If pain persists, your dentures may not have been fitted properly, or there might be an underlying oral health issue that needs to be addressed. In that case, you should not wait to contact a denture dentist in East York.

Can You Kiss with Dentures?

Wearing dentures does not spell the end of romance! It is completely possible to kiss while wearing dentures, although it may take time to get used to how it feels. Since dentures don’t contain any nerves as real teeth do, you have to be cautious to avoid kissing anyone too hard or bumping your dentures against your partner’s teeth. The next time you are with your special someone and wearing dentures, focus on kissing gently so your prosthetic teeth don’t shift out of place.

Why Do My Dentures Smell?

Denture wearers tend to produce less saliva, which can lead to a dry mouth, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive and cause bad breath. In addition, ill-fitting dentures may allow food particles and bacteria to become trapped beneath them. If you want to avoid bad breath, make sure to rinse your dentures after every meal to prevent bacteria accumulation. In addition, you should clean your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and specialized cleaner. Finally, soak your dentures in a disinfecting solution every night to keep them moist and bacteria-free.

How Long Will You Have to Wait to Get Dentures After Your Teeth Are Pulled?

If you require tooth extraction first, then you’ll typically need to wait anywhere from six to eight weeks before getting dentures. That said, the precise length of time will depend entirely on the type of denture you’re getting as well as your oral and overall health. The wait time will allow your gums to recover successfully as well as extra time for our team to confirm that your dentures will fit properly in your mouth. If you’re planning on receiving implant-retained dentures, then you’ll probably have to wait between four to six months for your titanium posts to fuse with your jawbone via osseointegration before you can enjoy your new pearly whites.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

While you can sleep with your dentures on, most dentists will highly recommend taking them out at night or before going to bed. When first wearing your restorations, you’ll generally be instructed to keep them on for about 24 hours, including sleep. After that, however, you’ll need to take them out every evening. Having your dentures on constantly can end up restricting the circulation in your gum tissue, resulting in soft tissue irritation and causing ridge resorption. By taking them out overnight, you’ll allow your gums a chance to recover and receive the necessary nutrients for good health as you sleep. Leaving them on without brushing or cleaning the underside and your gums can also allow bacteria to accumulate, increasing the risk of oral health issues like periodontal disease.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

You’ll typically choose between three types of dentures: partials, full, and implant dentures. Each comes with its specific requirements. Partial dentures are designed to help those who still have remaining teeth and need to close one or multiple gaps in their smile. Full dentures are recommended for patients who’ve lost all of their pearly whites. This can be a result of extensive bone loss, advanced gum disease, and other severe oral health concerns. If you want a more stable and long-lasting solution for replacing your missing teeth, then implant dentures can provide the support you need. These will require sufficient jawbone density to work, meaning you may need a bone graft if you don’t have enough.

Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?

Many patients report experiencing difficulty speaking clearly when first receiving their dentures. However, it’ll simply take some getting used to for you to feel normal while talking with your new teeth. The exact length of time to grow accustomed will vary from person to person, but practicing frequently can speed up the process. You might even initially develop a mild lisp, but this should go away over time as you speak more often. Make sure to pronounce words and phrases that are difficult, like the ‘S’ and ‘V’ letters, and try reading aloud to yourself and others to gain experience and confidence in your speech. If you need assistance, you can use denture adhesive to help provide extra stability so that your dentures won’t move out of place while you talk.