Dentures - McMinnville, OR

Full Dentures

For patients who are missing an entire arch of teeth, we’ll recommend full dentures in McMinnville to replace them. These are artificial teeth made from natural-looking materials, such as ceramic, to replicate the appearance of natural tooth enamel. They’ll be attached to a gum-colored acrylic base that’s customized to use natural suction to sit securely over your gums. Full dentures are also conveniently removable so you can easily take them out to clean them and soak them before you go to bed.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are sometimes referred to as removable bridges and are built to replace several missing teeth on an arch. Instead of needing to have teeth extracted to support a full dentures, partial ones are strategically designed to work around your natural existing teeth to restore your complete smile.

Similar to full dentures, partial dentures feature artificial teeth attached to a small gum-colored base. This is typically connected to a metal foundation or bracket that discreetly fits behind your teeth and can easily be removed from your mouth. Partial dentures also keep your existing teeth from drifting out of place over time and restore your ability to speak and eat.

Implant-Retained Dentures

For patients who are looking for a more permanent, stronger, and durable tooth replacement treatment, we often recommend dental implants in McMinnville. These are titanium posts that are surgically placed below your gums to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures in your mouth. They restore the entire structure of missing teeth from the root upward to prevent jawbone erosion.

Taking Care of Dentures

Even though your dentures can’t develop cavities, it’s still important to take thorough care of them, just like you would with your natural teeth. This way, you can extend their lifespan while preserving the health of your existing teeth and gums. You can care for your dentures by:

• Cleaning them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner every day.
• Soaking your dentures in denture cleaning solution or a glass of water every night while you’re asleep.
• For people with partial dentures, it’s important to continue brushing and flossing your remaining natural teeth as well.

If you have any additional questions about caring for your dentures, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’ll gladly answer any questions you may have and put your concerns to rest.

Frequently Asked Questions – Dentures

Dental technology has come a long way since the days when George Washington wore his famous wooden dentures. Although dentures have a reputation of being uncomfortable and awkward, today’s dentures look and feel more natural than ever before. However, chances are you might have a few concerns before undergoing this treatment. That’s why we’ve included the answers to some denture FAQs in McMinnville.

How Long Will My Dentures Last?

A traditional full or partial denture will usually last between five and seven years, but they’ll have to be relined every year or two. After tooth loss, your jawbone gradually changes shape. As a result, your dentures will eventually lose their personalized, snug fit and have to be replaced.

You can expect an implant-retained denture to last quite a bit longer. Dental implants stimulate new bone growth in your jaw, preventing the changes that would otherwise occur. While the denture itself might need to be replaced every ten years or so, the implants can last for decades or even a lifetime.

Will People Be Able to Tell That I Have Dentures?

The dentures your grandparents wore might have looked unnatural, but rest assured that modern dentures look incredibly lifelike. To design your new teeth, we’ll capture impressions of your mouth. A dental lab will then use those impressions to craft a denture that perfectly mimics your original teeth. Onlookers shouldn’t be able to tell the difference!

How Much Do Dentures Cost?

Dentures don’t have a fixed cost associated with them. Several variables can affect the price, such as:

• The number of teeth you want to replace
• Whether you need preparatory work like gum disease therapy or tooth extractions
• Whether you’re getting a traditional denture or one supported by dental implants
• How much coverage your insurance company will provide

Most dental insurance carriers will cover a significant portion of the cost of dentures. However, they might not cover dental implants. If you need help funding your new smile, we can help you apply for a third-party loan through CareCredit. We also offer an in-house savings plan in which you receive discounts on most services in exchange for a flat annual fee.

If I Have Dentures, Do I Still Need to Schedule Dental Checkups?

It’s a common misconception that once you have lost all of your teeth, you don’t need to see your dentist for checkups anymore. While the dentures are immune to decay, your gums can still develop infections that can lead to pain, dental implant failure, and general health issues. Plus, if you have a partial, your remaining teeth could still get cavities. For these reasons, you should see us at least twice a year for a routine checkup. We can examine your mouth and make sure there are no problems with your dentures or your oral health.