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Dentures – Arlington Heights, IL

Functional and Beautiful Tooth Replacement

 

If you’ve suffered extensive tooth loss, you may find it difficult to chew food and embarrassing to smile. While there are a number of options available that may be able to fill in those gaps, dentures in Arlington Heights, IL are among the most popular. This restorative treatment can bring back much of your mouth’s function and appearance.

Why Choose Westgate Dental Care for Dentures?

  • Customized, Natural-Looking
    Dentures
  • Implant-Retained
    Dentures Available
  • Precise Digital
    Impression System

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?

a woman smiling with dentures in Arlington Heights

After scheduling a consultation with our team, you’ll come into our office so that we can evaluate your oral health and determine the appropriate approach for replacing your missing teeth. We must verify that your gums are in good shape and your jawbone is sturdy enough to support your restorations. The last thing we want is for you to need replacements prematurely. Our team only uses the best quality material to provide you with durable, comfortable, and natural-looking prosthetic teeth to renew your smile. Read on to learn what makes a good candidate for dentures as well as alternative restorative options you can explore.

Learn More about the Cost of Dentures

Effects of Missing Teeth

a mature couple looking out the window and smiling

Before starting your treatment process, it’s essential to know what causes missing teeth and why you’ll need to get them replaced. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, some of the typical reasons include tooth decay, gingivitis, accidental trauma, and poor oral hygiene routine. In some cases, certain systemic conditions can also increase the risk of losing teeth.

If you are missing one or several pearly whites, it’s extremely important to replace them sooner rather than later. If not, you can end up experiencing several negative consequences to your smile. These can involve issues like trouble eating/chewing, difficulty speaking, facial sagging, and reduced self-esteem. More serious effects may include gum recession, nearby teeth shifting to fill in the gap, and jawbone deterioration.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

a man smiling after receiving dentures in Arlington Heights

Generally speaking, virtually anyone who’s missing teeth can be eligible for dentures. This restorative option is usually ideal for patients who are suffering moderate to drastic tooth loss, as well as those who have sensitive or decayed teeth. However, you must have sufficient, healthy gum tissue and jawbone if you want your restoration to be successful.

The number of pearly whites that you’re missing can also influence the type of denture you’ll receive. Depending on whether you’ve lost one, multiple, or all of your teeth, you’ll be likely to choose from either full, partial, or even implant dentures. These options are typically more cost-effective than other solutions, making them great for those who are on a budget.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

a patient smiling after receiving dentures in Arlington Heights

Even if you aren’t eligible for dentures, it doesn’t mean you’ll be completely left without a solution. Our team offers alternative tooth replacements, including:

  • Dental Bridges – These can be ideal if you’re missing one or several teeth in a row. Your treatment may involve preparing your natural healthy teeth on either side of the gap, but your results can last for 10+ years with proper care.
  • Dental Implants – If you’re interested in a more stable foundation for your new teeth, then dental implants might be the optimal choice. These metal posts will be directly embedded into the jawbone, rebuilding the entire tooth structure from the roots up. You’ll need sufficient jawbone density for this treatment to work, and there’ll be a higher upfront cost, but the lifelike results can last several decades to a lifetime with minimal maintenance!

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

Benefits of Dentures

Older man with dentures sharing his healthy smile

Dentures have evolved throughout the decades to become more comfortable and functional than ever before. In fact, when your prosthesis fits well, it can enable you to enjoy most if not all of your favorite foods without worry. After you get used to wearing your dentures, you may even find that your speech is clearer since the artificial teeth can help you articulate certain sounds.

Dentures are also quite beautiful. Your “dentist near me” will design your prosthesis to fit well in your mouth so it complements the shape and size of your existing oral structures. The material for the artificial teeth, as well as their color, will be carefully chosen so your renewed smile looks and feels as natural as possible. Another aesthetic perk of dentures is that they’ll help to prevent your cheeks from having the “sunken” look that so often accompanies tooth loss.

Indications for Dentures

Older man in need of dentures covering his mouth

There are basically three types of dentures:

Partial Dentures

Set of partial dentures

A partial denture consists of a metal framework, attachments, artificial teeth, and a gum-close base. It is a single prosthesis that replaces multiple missing teeth at different spots throughout an arch. It can help to prevent remaining natural teeth from drifting out of place and provide a more even bite force throughout the mouth.

Full Dentures

Hand holding full denture

A full denture, as its name implies, replaces an entire arch of teeth. This type of prosthesis has a gum-colored base that is secured in the mouth via natural suction or with the help of a mild adhesive.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Animated dental implant supported denture

Rather than simply sitting on top of the gums, an implant-retained denture is anchored in the mouth via dental implants in the jaw. It is the sturdiest and longest-lasting type of denture, and it may be either removable or permanently fixed in the mouth.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Woman smiling after learning about the cost of dentures

The price of your dentures will vary based on numerous factors, including the number of teeth you’re missing, your oral health, and your desired results. Because no two smiles are the same, the only way to get a precise cost estimate is to visit our office for a consultation. However, we’ve also included some important information on the cost of dentures below. Read on to learn more!

Learn More about the Cost of Dentures

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Closeup of hand holding an upper denture

A number of factors contribute to the overall cost of dentures, including:

  • The preparation your smile requires: Any remaining teeth must be extracted for full dentures and preexisting dental issues will need to be treated.
  • The type of acrylic used for the base: It’s important that the base of your denture is dyed properly to match the color of your natural gums.
  • The material used to create your dentures: Both acrylic and porcelain teeth are common, but porcelain is a bit more durable and may cost more.

Keep in mind that the best option for you may not necessarily be the cheapest. Your smile is something you use constantly so it’s worth investing in higher quality materials for stronger teeth.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Older man in grey sweater biting into an apple

Implant-retained dentures cost more than their traditional counterparts, but their superior longevity may make them a better long-term value. Because dental implants can last for an entire lifetime, it’s possible to actually save money from avoided replacements. Dental implants also stimulate your jawbone to prevent it from deteriorating, which maintains a more full, youthful facial appearance. Plus, above all else, implant dentures give you a smile that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural one.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dental insurance paper with glasses and pen on desk

Yes, most dental insurance plans see dentures as a major procedure and will cover around 50% of treatment, but this will all depend on your specific plan. Our team is happy to contact your insurance provider to speak with them directly so we can confirm your coverage before beginning. We will always do our best to maximize your insurance benefits and save you money. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us and speak with one of our friendly staff members.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Woman smiling in dental chair looking at camera

No insurance? No problem! We have alternative ways of making your dentures as affordable as possible. Our in-house savings plan allows you to access all the dental care you need, plus discounted services for one low annual fee. It features different price points to ensure that you find an option that works for you. We also accept low-to-no interest financing through CareCredit and have a free new patient special. Committed to cost-effective dentures, we’re sure there is a solution for you. If you’re ready to get started, contact us for a consultation and begin your journey toward a healthy and beautiful set of teeth.

Denture FAQs

Close up of older woman smiling with dentures in Arlington Heights

Are you still curious about Dentures in Arlington Heights? You’re in the right place! If you have any specific concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly front desk staff. Until then, we’ve included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dentures so it’s easy to get the information you need. Read on to satisfy your curiosity.

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

Usually, the average wait time is between 6 to 8 weeks. However, the exact amount of time will depend on the type of denture you need and your specific case. It’s important to give your gums a chance to heal, and this time also ensures that your denture will fit properly.

Immediate dentures can be placed on the same day of your tooth extraction. This is a great option for patients who want a new tooth as soon as possible. You can speak and eat right away, but the shape of your bone and gums may change as you heal.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

We generally recommend that you take your dentures out before sleep. When you first get your dentures, we’ll ask you to wear them for 24 hours, however they should be taken out every night after. This gives your gums a chance to recover and get the nutrients they need during sleep. Taking your dentures out is also important because you must let them soak. This will not only shake loose pesky food debris and plaque, but it will also keep your prosthetic moist, so it doesn’t dry out and change shape.

Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?

Necessary tooth extraction for dentures will cause some soreness and discomfort. This can be managed with prescribed medication and your pain will decrease after 3 to 5 days. Getting dentures is completely painless, but you may feel some irritation when you first receive your prosthetic – this is just your mouth adjusting to your new smile. The irritation will vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average person needs a few months to get completely adjusted to their dentures. Notably, switching to a new set of dentures may take longer to adjust to.

Is It Hard to Talk with Dentures?

When you first get dentures, there is an adjustment period because you’ll be used to speaking with your natural teeth. The more you practice, the easier it will get to speak with dentures – the time it takes to get fully adjusted will vary from person to person. You may experience a lisp at first, but this will gradually go away as you speak. An easy way to get better at talking with your dentures is to read words aloud that are giving you difficulty. You can also try to slow down your speech so you can clearly pronounce your words.