Dentures – Casper, WY

The Easy Way to Get Your Smile Back

Losing a significant number of teeth can be devastating for your quality of life, making even the simplest daily activities more difficult. In these cases, many patients search for a worthwhile replacement as soon as possible. If this describes your situation, you may want to talk to Dr. Erin Prach about custom-made, removable dentures at our Casper, WY dental office. These appliances can be created relatively quickly when compared with other tooth replacement solutions, and their convenience and affordability is also ideal. If you think dentures may be the solution for you, give us a call to schedule a consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Erin M. Prach for Dentures?

  • Friendly, Down-to-Earth Dentist
  • Implant Dentures Available
  • Dental Insurance Welcomed & Maximized

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Woman smiling with dentures

No matter the number of missing teeth, almost anyone can get dentures. Suffering tooth loss is the only major requirement these prosthetics have. That said, you should still consult Dr. Prach to confirm matters. She’ll determine whether dentures truly suit your needs. If they don’t, you can become a candidate later through preliminary dental work. You could also try one of our office’s other tooth replacement options. To learn more, continue reading or call us today!

Effects of Missing Teeth

A mouth with missing lower back teeth

Before considering qualifying factors, it’s a good idea to review tooth loss’ causes and effects. Doing so will help you see how dentures can help you.

In general, tooth loss can occur for several reasons. One potential cause is gum disease, which can erode the tissues securing your teeth. Another is tooth decay – your pearly white could rot so much that it falls out or needs extraction. Accidents and injuries are also infamous for knocking teeth out.

Unlike the causes, tooth loss’ effects are pretty consistent. First, it makes tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling hard. Being without teeth also leads to unseemly smile gaps, degrading your jawbone over time. (Such erosion can cause facial collapse if left untreated.) Worse yet, these spaces might make your remaining teeth tilt and fall out.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

A man getting dental impressions for dentures

To be clear, most can get dentures if they’re lacking teeth. However, there are other elements worth considering.

For example, just look at oral health. Dentures aren’t just good substitutes for missing teeth; they can also replace decaying or sensitive ones. At the same time, though, they won’t work well if your mouth is too unhealthy. A patient’s gum and jaw tissues must be sturdy enough to support dentures. In that way, an ideal candidate must be committed to dental care.

How many teeth you’ve lost is another big matter. Depending on the number, you’ll get one of two possible dentures. The first is a partial type that only replaces a few teeth. Meanwhile, the full dentures are best used when all pearly whites on an arch are gone.

Your budget is also a relevant issue. You see, dentures are among the cheapest available restorations. Consequently, they’re quite good for patients who have limited funds.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

The parts of a dental implant and bridge on a light blue background

If we decide you aren’t a good dentures candidate, other options exist. Our office can provide you with alternative tooth replacement treatments. These include:

  • Dental Bridges – A dental bridge is made of crowns fused to either side of a pontic. As such, patients typically get them to replace one to four teeth. The appliance depends on nearby healthy teeth for support and is normally cemented in place.
  • Dental Implants – Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are set directly in your jawbone. This placement allows them to fuse with your jaw gradually. From there, they become secure and permanent parts of your mouth. (Notably, these advanced benefits make implants a tad expensive.)

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

Types of Dentures

Dentist holding full dentures

There are a few different types of dentures available to meet a variety of different needs. During your initial consultation, we will determine which of the following will best restore your smile:

Partial Dentures

Hand holding a partial denture

Partial dentures are designed to replace multiple teeth along an arch, and they come with clasps that securely attach to your natural teeth. Like full dentures, partial dentures are removable. If you’re looking for more security in your reconstructive solution, implant-retained full and partial dentures are also available, so please ask our team about this option if you’re curious.

Full Dentures

Dentist pointing to dentures model

Full dentures, as their name implies, are designed to replace the entire bottom or top arch of teeth. They stay in place within the mouth through natural suction. If a more sturdy fit is desired, denture adhesive can be used as well. The appliance is removable, allowing patients to clean and store it at night.

Implant Dentures

Digital illustration of implant dentures

If you want a sturdier, longer-lasting tooth replacement option, implant dentures are a great way to go. This type of denture is held into place with a titanium, screw-like implant that is surgically placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. They allow for additional bite force and prevent bone loss from occurring over time as a result of tooth loss.

The Benefits of Dentures

Senior woman with dentures laughing

Here are just some of the numerous benefits you can expect when you get dentures:

  • Allows for easier eating
  • Prevents movement of surrounding teeth
  • Covered by most dental insurance plans
  • Improves speech
  • Natural appearance
  • Removeable for easy cleaning
  • Increases confidence
  • Supports facial muscles

Dentures Aftercare

Denture in a glass of water

In the beginning, it’s perfectly normal for your full or partial denture to feel somewhat bulky. It takes time for you to adjust to the sensation. Make sure to brush them every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush so food particles are removed. Always rinse the denture before putting it back in your mouth. Adjustments may be needed over time, so please contact our Casper, WY dental office if you’re in need of assistance. We’re always here to help. Here in Casper, WY, our team strives to provide a friendly, warm atmosphere where patients feel comfortable and cared for. We’re happy to offer Friday appointments and same day care!

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Set of dentures holding cash

Dentures offer one of the most cost-effective ways to address extensive tooth loss. Of course, their price can vary. During your consultation, our team will be able to provide you with some specific numbers; we do not want you to run into any unpleasant surprises when you are paying for your treatment. We will also be happy to talk to you about your payment options, such as insurance and financing.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Senior patient listening to dentist

A few factors that can have a bearing on the cost of dentures include:

  • Preparatory treatments. Some patients require tooth extractions, gum disease therapy or other services before they can move forward with dentures.
  • The materials used. The acrylic and/or porcelain used to construct your prosthetic can have a significant impact on its total price.
  • The type of denture. Partial, full, and implant dentures all come at different price points.

If you ever come across a deal for “bargain” denture, be wary — remember, you get what you pay for! People who get low-quality dentures are rarely satisfied with their prosthetic.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Illustration of implant dentures for lower arch

Yes, implant dentures cost more than their conventional counterparts. Their higher price is due to the extra time, effort, materials, and skill level required during the treatment process. Despite their cost, many patients view them as an excellent value due to the many benefits they offer. Not only do they have the potential to last much longer than traditional dentures, but they also offer remarkable stability and aesthetics. Their longevity might even make them more affordable in the long run than a traditional prosthetic that would have to be replaced every 5 – 7 years.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dental insurance plan document on desk

Yes, it is very common for dental insurance to cover dentures. They are usually classified as a major procedure, so around 50% of their cost may be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. Many patients are able to save hundreds of dollars or more out-of-pocket by using their insurance. Our team can help you navigate your benefits and use them in the most advantageous way possible.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Dental team member accepting payment

In addition to insurance, there is another useful provision that might help you to afford your new teeth: financing. We are partnered with CareCredit, a third-party lender that provides zero-interest and low-interest payment plans for dental services. The application process is fast, and most patients are approved for an installment amount that works with their budget.

Would you like to learn more about dentures and their cost? Our team is ready and eager to answer your questions! Get in touch with us today to book your personalized consultation.

Denture Frequently Asked Questions

Woman smiling after receiving answers to frequently asked dentures questions

Do you have more questions about full or partial dentures in Casper? We have answers! Our expert staff has pulled together some of the most common questions we hear from patients about dentures and partials in this handy FAQ section. If you still have questions or concerns after reading the information below – or are ready to get started on restoring your smile – do not hesitate to call our dental office and schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Erin Prach.

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

The average wait time to get dentures after tooth extraction is typically between 6 to 8 weeks. However, the exact amount of time will directly depend on the type of denture that we are using. While this may seem like a long wait, this time gives your gums a chance to heal, and we can ensure that your denture fits properly. That said, immediate dentures can be placed on the same day of your extractions, but the shape of the underlying bone may change as the mouth heals, requiring adjustments in the future. For implant-retained dentures, you must wait 4 to 6 months for the implants to heal during a process called osseointegration.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

While you can sleep with your dentures in, it is advisable that you instead remove them at night to give your gums and bone a chance to relax. Overnight relief from the pressure of wearing dentures will give your mouth some time to recuperate and help you wake up feeling refreshed. Taking your dentures out at night is also the perfect opportunity to clean them and soak them in water while you sleep. That said, we will recommend that you wear your dentures for the first 24 hours, including at night. After that, it’s vital that you take your prosthesis out each night and soak them.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

We offer 3 types of dentures – partials, full dentures, and implant dentures. The requirements for getting each are different, which allows us to treat a wide range of patients with these options. If you’re missing most of your teeth, partial dentures may be the perfect option, restoring the gaps in your smile while keeping the rest of your grin intact. Full dentures are great for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth. Extensive tooth loss could occur as a result of gum disease, bone loss, or other oral health issues. Lastly, dental implants can support dentures for patients missing all or most of their teeth as long as they have sufficient jawbone density to properly support them.

Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?

Keep in mind that if you need tooth extractions before getting dentures, you will experience some slight discomfort. However, this soreness can be managed with the medication we prescribe. If your pain gets worse after 3 to 5 days, contact our dental office right away. Once you get your dentures, it’s completely normal to feel some minor irritation while your gum tissue adjusts. This discomfort will go away with time, but in some cases, it can take months. Plus, if you switch to a new set of dentures, the adjustment period may take a little longer.