(412) 854-2310Full and Partial Dentures in Pittsburgh
By Our Dentist Dr. Dan Rairigh
Dentures are used to replace missing teeth for patients with no remaining teeth (complete dentures) or used to replace several missing teeth (partial dentures). Dentures will improve your smile and facial appearance.
What are Dentures?
Often patients take their teeth for granted. They don’t realize the difficulties with speech, eating, and social interactions that may arise after teeth have been extracted.
Ideally, patients should do all they can to keep their natural teeth because when a patient is left without teeth, they have very few options. The first is to remain edentulous (no teeth), while another is to have full dental implants placed. You can also have a denture made or a combination of the denture and implants.
The most affordable option to replace missing teeth is dentures.
What are the Benefits of Dentures in Pittsburgh?
- The patient is able to chew.
- Speech is better when teeth are present to help with certain sounds (“s,” “f,” etc).
- Improved confidence in social interactions.
- The denture can be designed to “fill” facial features and reduce sunken skin.
- Your smile is improved.
What are the Disadvantages of Dentures in Pittsburgh?
- They can feel very bulky.
- Patients often have insecurity with “artificial” teeth.
- There can be difficulty chewing and speaking without denture movement.
- Bone loss will occur that is irreversible.
Alternative Options to Dentures
- Traditional dentures – This option is the most economical but does have some issues with staying in place.
- Suction cup lining
- Mini dental implant stabilization
- Standard implant stabilization –We will use 2-4 large diameter implants.
- Full implant loaded crowns – This option is permanent and non-reversible.
Why Would Someone Need to Get Dentures?
- Over time, a patient’s teeth have gradually been extracted due to injury or advanced decay.
- The majority of remaining teeth are broken and not restorable; alternatively, finances are limited.
- Severe, untreated periodontal disease has rendered the teeth unviable.
Benefits of Dentures
When you are missing multiple teeth, it can be challenging to complete daily tasks, like eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence. Fortunately, dentures can restore your smile and provide you with life-changing benefits. If you have suffered from tooth loss, you can give your smile another chance! Here are just some of the amazing benefits you can experience by opting for dentures.
Psychological Benefits
People who don’t have any teeth often have difficulty accepting tooth loss. This can make one less likely to engage in social activities and have a higher risk of experiencing sadness and depression. By restoring the appearance and function of your smile with dentures, patients are likely to experience increased confidence and self-esteem!
Clearer Enunciation
Missing teeth can make it much more difficult to speak clearly. In order to pronounce and perform different words, it’s important that your lips and tongue are positioned properly. Without touching your tongue to your teeth, some words can be very difficult to say. Since dentures act as your missing teeth, you can enunciate more clearly when you speak. After just a short adjustment period, you’ll be talking away!
Improves Nutrition
Many nutritious foods are tough in texture. This includes vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins. When you can’t chew your food thoroughly due to tooth loss, you can experience issues like indigestion and malnutrition. With an improved ability to chew, dentures allow for a more expansive diet full of the vitamins and minerals you need to thrive!
Preserves Oral Health
If you still have some remaining teeth, getting dentures can help to keep them firmly in their places as opposed to shifting around. Dentures also help to bear some of the weight of regular chewing, therefore reducing the wear and tear of your existing teeth.
Expands Opportunity
First impressions are crucial when it comes to job interviews, sales, and getting promotions. Having a complete smile is nothing but an advantage. In fact, according to a 2019 study, the probability of being employed was negatively associated with poor oral health.
Understanding the Cost of Dentures
Dentures are one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth, possibly because they’re also one of the most affordable. Of course, numerous factors come into play when determining the cost of dentures in Pittsburgh, so you’re very unlikely to pay the exact same amount as any other patient. Our friendly team members would love to help you explore your options for comfortably fitting the price of your new pearly whites into your budget.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures
One factor that influences how much dentures cost is the preparatory work you may need before you can receive your prosthetic. For example, some patients need to have one or more of their natural teeth removed in order to make room. Others may require gum disease therapy to ensure their dentures have a healthy foundation. These procedures each incur their own costs.
After any preliminary treatments are squared away, we have to consider the type of denture you’re getting as well as the materials it’s made from. Full dentures naturally have a different price tag than partials. Also, the base of the denture (and the artificial teeth) can be crafted from various materials, such as porcelain or acrylic. Your denture dentist in Pittsburgh will help you understand the benefits of each option and how they affect your overall treatment costs.
Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?
Implant dentures cost more at first than regular dentures. That’s because you must pay for the dental implant posts as well as their surgical placement in your jaw. However, you should consider their long-term value.
While traditional dentures need to be adjusted every year or two and replaced entirely every five to seven years, implant dentures can last for 30+ years with the right maintenance. Frequently replacing a traditional prosthetic can rack up costs over the years that may exceed the initial higher price of implant dentures. Not to mention, they feel more natural than conventional dentures, making them a worthwhile investment for many patients.
Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable
If you don’t have insurance, or your plan doesn’t provide suitable coverage, don’t worry! We can make dentures in Pittsburgh affordable thanks to our partnership with CareCredit. This third-party lender offers low- to no-interest payment plans based on credit approval. That way, you can pay for your dentures in budget-friendly monthly installments. Just ask our team how we can help with the application process!
More Questions about Dentures?
Contact us today by calling 412-854-2310 and find out more about services provided by Dr. Dan Rairigh’s office in the Pittsburgh area.
Denture FAQs
If you’ve experienced significant tooth loss in one or both arches, dentures are a great option to rebuild a beautiful smile. Although they have been used for generations to replace missing teeth, it’s normal to have a few concerns before you’re ready to commit to them. Don’t worry, we’ll explain more about the treatment during your initial consultation. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us about dentures to help you make the best decision for your smile.
Do dentures look and feel natural?
Let’s face it, dentures have a bad reputation for looking and feeling fake. This might have been true in the past, but they have undergone many improvements over the years. As a result, they are more realistic than ever, so you can smile confidently and enjoy many of your favorite foods. It’s important to have realistic expectations when receiving your new dentures. Although they will allow you to smile, speak, and chew with ease, they have limitations. If you’re interested in a close replica of your real teeth, ask us about securing your denture with dental implants.
Do I need to take my dentures out at night?
Upon receiving your dentures, we’ll recommend you wear them as much as possible to help your mouth adjust to them quicker. After a few days, it’s best to take your dentures out at night, which is important for several reasons. Although no one wants to be caught without their teeth, your gums and oral tissues need a chance to rest. Not to mention, soaking your denture at night kills harmful bacteria that can damage your new teeth or lead to unpleasant odors. Whenever your denture isn’t in your mouth, make sure it is kept moist to prevent it from warping.
How much do dentures cost?
There isn’t a set fee for dentures because their price is determined by your individual treatment plan, like the materials used and if you need to replace both arches. We’ll provide you with a custom estimate during your initial consultation and discuss your payment options. We’ll help you find the solutions you need to rebuild your smile without breaking the bank.
Can I use my dental insurance?
Every policy differs, but most plans offer some coverage for dentures. After paying your premiums and reaching your deductible, you can use your policy to help offset the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. A member of our team will work on your behalf to file the necessary claim forms to maximize your benefits. We will explain how your policy is being used and if you owe a remaining balance.
How long do dentures last?
Modern dentures are made of durable material to last for longer than ever. On average, they need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. You can promote how long they last by caring for them each day and visiting your dentist regularly for maintenance. If you want a more permanent solution, ask us about adding dental implants to your treatment plan.