Dentures – Wheaton, IL

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Whether you’re missing just a few teeth or an entire arch, you might be eligible for dentures. To determine whether this solution is right for you, you’ll first have to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lam. She’ll spend some time getting to know you and discussing your smile goals before examining your mouth.

The good news is that most adults who have lost teeth and are in generally good health make good candidates for dentures. Any pre-existing oral health issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, must be treated beforehand, but other than that, dentures are a versatile, accessible tooth loss solution.

Types of Dentures

Based on her findings as well as your needs and preferences, your dentist in Wheaton will recommend one of the three main types of dentures:

Partial Dentures

As the name implies, partial dentures only bring back some of the teeth. Custom prosthetic teeth are attached to a gum-colored base, which uses metal clasps behind the remaining teeth to stay in place. Partials are designed to seamlessly fill in the gaps left behind by missing teeth like the last piece of a puzzle.

Full Dentures

If you are missing all of your teeth, then a full denture can replace all of them at once. Like a partial, a full denture has a pink base and realistic prosthetic teeth. However, this solution sits directly on the gums and remains in place with natural suction, denture adhesive, or a combination of the two.

Implant Dentures

Implant dentures are the perfect marriage of tried-and-true dentures and state-of-the-art dental implants. Rather than using metal clasps, adhesive, or suction, implant dentures are secured onto titanium posts that are placed in the jawbone to act as tooth roots. With implant dentures, you get a solution that lasts longer, provides more chewing power, and will never slip out of place.

The Benefits of Dentures

For generations, dentures have helped countless people enjoy smiles that look like new again. Here are some of the many benefits you can look forward to with dentures:

• Restored biting and chewing forces, allowing you to eat painlessly
• A cost-effective tooth loss treatment
• Pearly whites that are customized to complement your facial features and look 100% natural
• Teeth that can last as long as 10 years with proper care
• Easy maintenance

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Are you worried about the cost of dentures? If so, that’s a fair concern – the procedure won’t work out if it “breaks the bank,” after all. However, dentures’ price actually varies from patient to patient. As such, you’d need to visit Dr. Lam in person for a treatment estimate. Whatever your situation, though, our office can walk you through the financial details. To learn more, you only need to keep reading or call us!

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

At your consultation visit, Dr. Lam will see if dentures could work for you. That fact means she’ll review the factors affecting your treatment’s price. In most cases, these amount to just three things:

• Your Need for Prep Work - Naturally, dentures will cost more if you need preparatory procedures to use them. For example, having a tooth pulled beforehand will add to your final expense.
• Denture Base Material - A denture’s base is made from acrylic, but the latter material comes in different varieties. Treatment is more or less expensive based on the type used.
• Quality of Replacement Teeth - A denture’s artificial teeth are made from acrylic or porcelain. The former are cheaper but wear quickly, while the latter cost more but are longer-lasting.

Whatever your choice, don’t just default to the cheapest possible option. The most inexpensive dentures rely on subpar acrylic for their bases and teeth. Therefore, prioritize quality in your decision so your new teeth work well with your mouth.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Implant dentures, admittedly, are more expensive than traditional kinds. Still, their higher price is ultimately justified. These dentures have unique perks compared to others.

For starters, only the implant models rely on dental implants. As a result, they’re permanent and highly secure – so much so that they won’t slip or fall. Its implants also fuse with your jaw, which helps the prosthetics both look and act like natural teeth.

Furthermore, implant dentures save you more money than the alternatives. Their implants can last 15 years on average and work for over 30 years with proper care. Therefore, they involve fewer repair and replacement visits than standard dentures. The regular kind only lasts for 5-7 years, you see, which leads to frequent and costly replacements.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Generally, dental insurance does cover dentures. Most policies view these prosthetics as medically necessary. Given that fact, they’ll match 50% of the treatment’s cost.

Of course, exceptions do exist. Some insurance plans limit coverage of dentures. So, remember to confirm your insurance benefits beforehand. Our practice can even help you do so.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Thankfully, you don’t necessarily need insurance to make dentures affordable. You can always rely on a dental practice’s financing options.

Consider, for instance, our own practice. We at Dr. Lam’s office provide flexible financing through CareCredit. Through them, you can pay for dentures with monthly, low-interest installments. You could then cover their costs gradually instead of all at once.

To find out other financial facts about dentures, book a visit to our office. We’ll work with you so your new teeth are practical and within budget!

Denture FAQs

You have more options than ever to replace your missing teeth, but dentures in Wheaton have been used for generations because they are convenient and effective. However, it’s normal to have a few concerns before you’re ready to invest in a new set of teeth. Dr. Lam will explain everything during your denture consultation. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.