Full & Partial Dentures – South Burlington, VT
Regain a Smile That’s Functional & Complete
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, an estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and 40 million are missing all of their teeth. If you’re included in this statistic, you’re well aware of how tooth loss can impact your day-to-day life, making simple tasks like eating and chewing foods difficult. Our team at Green Mountain Dental is proud to offer completely natural-looking, comfortable, and custom-crafted full and partial dentures to help improve your quality of life and allow you to enjoy a complete smile again.
Types of Dentures
When you visit our team for a denture consultation, your dentist in South Burlington will thoroughly examine your smile and assess your tooth loss case. Based on our findings, we may suggest any of these three types of dentures that we offer.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are made to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. They utilize natural suction and adhesive to stay securely on your gums. The gum-colored acrylic base holds natural-looking ceramic replacement teeth that allow you to easily chew food, helping you maintain a well-balanced diet.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are strategically designed to replace several missing teeth along an arch. No matter their location in your mouth, the base of the prosthetic will be made to fit like a puzzle piece between your existing teeth. Once in place, the areas of your mouth that once featured large and small gaps will now be restored with natural-looking, beautiful replacement teeth.
Implant-Retained Dentures
For a more permanent and stable solution, we also offer implant-retained dentures. These take traditional restorations and pair them with strong titanium implant posts located below the gums that are naturally fused with your jawbone. We can attach a bridge, crown, or denture to the implant posts, providing an unwavering foundation for them, keeping them from accidentally shifting or slipping and restoring your bite force.
The Benefits of Getting Dentures
Dentures in South Burlington have a variety of benefits to offer patients who are suffering from tooth loss. Some of these include:
- Increased self-esteem
- Easier to eat the foods you want
- Enhanced speaking abilities
- Support for your facial muscles
- Keep existing teeth aligned
- Can last for years with routine maintenance
- Easy to clean since they’re removable
Maintaining Your Dentures
The trick to extending the lifespan of your dentures and making sure that they stay as good as new is to take proper care of them. Here are some maintenance tips we suggest:
- Remove and rinse your dentures after each time you eat.
- Clean your dentures using non-abrasive, special denture-cleaning products.
- Handle your dentures carefully while cleaning and removing them.
- Soak full dentures overnight to help them maintain their shape.
- Bring your dentures to your semi-annual checkups and cleanings.
- See us if your dentures begin to feel loose.
If you have any questions about how to take care of your dentures or would like to schedule a consultation to learn more about this tooth replacement solution, feel free to call our office!
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Dentures have long been one of the most economical ways to replace missing teeth. However, like most dental work, the final cost of dentures can vary from patient to patient. During an initial consultation at our office, your dentist will carefully examine your mouth, create a custom treatment plan just for you, and provide an accurate cost estimate. Below is information to help you better understand the different factors that affect the cost of dentures in South Burlington.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures
There are many factors that will influence the final cost of your dentures. Three of the most important are:
- Any preliminary treatments you will need, such as tooth extractions or gum disease therapy
- The type of acrylic used to craft the gum-colored base of the dentures
- The material selected to craft the custom replacement teeth (acrylic or porcelain)
When it comes to replacing missing teeth with dentures, it’s important to remember that cheaper is not always better. Quality counts! Very cheap dentures may feel less comfortable in your mouth and may break easily. Choosing quality dentures to restore your smile is always a worthwhile investment.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Implant dentures in South Burlington usually cost more upfront than traditional dentures. However, there is good reason for the initial higher price tag. While traditional dentures sit on top of gums, dental implants integrate directly with the jawbone. This enables implant dentures to provide greater stability and look more like natural teeth. People with implant dentures can eat more of their favorite foods and never have to worry about their replacement teeth shifting out of position. In addition, dental implants typically last for decades with proper care. Traditional dentures, on the other hand, usually must be replaced every 5 to 7 years. Dental implants’ longevity, along with their many other benefits, makes them an investment that pays off in the long run.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?
While every dental insurance plan is different, most cover 50% of the cost of dentures in South Burlington. Our office is proud to be in-network with many leading insurance carriers, which makes it easier for you to save money when restoring your smile. Need help understanding the ins and outs of your insurance plan? Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you in understanding your policy and maximizing your insurance benefits.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
Even if you do not currently have dental insurance, there are other options available to reduce the cost of dentures. For example, you may want to consider our in-house membership plan. For one low annual fee, you can save significantly on dentures and other dental care treatments. Best of all, you won’t have to deal with the typical hassles that come with insurance, like deductibles, copays, and waiting periods.
In addition, we can also help you break down the cost of dentures into manageable monthly payments through a CareCredit plan. CareCredit’s low-to-no interest financing enables qualified patients to get the dental care they need without worrying about busting their budget.
To learn more about affordable ways to restore your smile, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with one of our two experienced denture dentists in South Burlington.
Dentures and Partials FAQs
Now you know all about the types and benefits of dentures in South Burlington, but what if you still have a few questions on your mind before committing to this tooth-replacement option? We are here to help! If you would prefer to do a bit more research before reaching out to our team, we’ve responded to some of the most frequently asked questions below. However, if you would prefer to speak directly to us or have a specific question about restoring your smile, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.
Can I Eat Normally With Dentures?
Thanks to the high-quality material and custom fit, you can eat normally with dentures. With that being said, there is usually a bit of a learning curve as you discover how to maneuver them properly. Therefore, it is a good idea to start with soft foods, like yogurt and soup, and gradually work your way up to your normal diet. As you take on more chewy foods, you can apply a few drops of denture adhesive (no more than the recommended amount!) to the base to minimize movement. However, like your natural teeth, it is a good idea to stay away from hard foods, like peanut brittle, that can lead to chips and cracks.
Can I Sleep In My Dentures?
You can sleep with your dentures. However, it is important to give both your gums and your dentures a rest, which is why we typically recommend removing them at night after your oral hygiene routine. As you sleep, place them in a denture-friendly cleaner. In the morning, they will be refreshed and ready for whatever the day has in store!
Will My Partial Dentures Match My Remaining Natural Teeth?
If you still have a few of your natural teeth intact, you may be wondering whether the prosthetic ones will stick out like a sore thumb in comparison. The answer? Absolutely not! Both full and partial dentures are custom-made to match the size, shade, and shape of your missing teeth, making them extremely lifelike in look and feel. So, whether you are missing a couple of teeth or an entire row, you can have peace of mind knowing your new and improved smile will be seamless.
How Will I Know When My Dentures Need to Be Replaced?
Dentures typically last between 5 to 15 years, depending on how well you care for them, but how will you know when yours need to be replaced? One of the most obvious signs is if your dentures shatter into multiple pieces or are misplaced altogether. Another tell-tale sign is if they no longer fit, even with adjustment appointments. Ultimately, it will be up to you and our dental team. At your routine dental checkups and cleanings, we will assess the condition of your dentures and let you know when it’s time for them to be replaced. That way, your smile and bite stay in tip-top shape.