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Dentures – Edmond, TX

Rebuild a Beautiful, Functional Smile

Your teeth are important for more than a beautiful smile. Each tooth is crucial to your oral and overall health. Despite the latest innovations in dentistry, tooth loss is still a common problem. If you’ve lost several or all your teeth, we have the solutions you need to restore your smile and quality of life. Dr. M. Kent Smith can recreate the confident, functional smile you deserve with dentures in Edmond. Don’t let their bad reputation fool you. Dr. Smith uses the latest dental innovations, so no one will know they aren’t your real teeth.

Why Choose Dr. M. Kent Smith for Dentures?

  • State-of-the-art technology.
  • Durable, high-quality materials.
  • Personalized solutions.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Older woman with dentures smiling

If you have several damaged or missing teeth, you might be a good candidate for dentures. These unique restorations can take the place of the teeth you’ve lost to fully rebuild your smile in terms of beauty and functionality. Patients who only have a few teeth remaining can also benefit from dentures, and in some situations, it can even be more cost-effective to extract and replace them with a denture. Dentures are only recommended for patients who have good oral and general health; Dr. Smith can examine your mouth before creating a personalized treatment plan, which may include a little prep work such as tooth extractions or periodontal therapy.

Effects of Missing Teeth

a closeup of a smile with missing teeth

While it’s true that having missing teeth can leave noticeable and awkward gaps in your smile, your appearance is far from the only thing that’s being negatively impacted. Perhaps the most serious issue that needs to be highlighted is the fact that unaddressed tooth loss often leads to additional teeth falling out, and without professional assistance and effective replacement teeth, the process is unlikely to halt on its own. The American College of Prosthodontists also reports that having missing teeth increases the likelihood of oral health issues including tooth decay, gum disease, and even damage to existing teeth.

Additionally, when you have missing teeth, your jawbone also suffers; it can begin to shrink and deteriorate due to lack of stimulation, causing the bone tissue to weaken. Not only will it be unable to adequately support your other teeth, but your face might also begin to appear sunken and collapsed. Of course, it also goes without saying that having missing teeth can cause several complications that impede daily life including talking, biting, chewing, and so on.

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

a closeup of someone holding dentures

The majority of patients who suffer from extensive tooth loss end up being eligible to receive dentures; these tried-and-true prosthetics have assisted countless generations with rebuilding their compromised smiles. However, there are a few notable exceptions that might prevent one from being able to get dentures, and one limiting factor is oral health. Patients need to have healthy gums since those soft tissues will be responsible for supporting the dentures. Patients also must have sufficient jawbone density, which can sometimes become compromised after teeth have been missing for some time. When you visit Dr. Smith for your consultation, he’ll be able to help you determine which type of denture best suits your needs: partial, full, or implant-retained.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

a patient visiting their dentist

If it’s discovered that dentures aren’t a good option for you, you aren’t entirely out of luck! Our team is thrilled to offer other alternatives to dentures that are just as capable of replacing lost teeth and imparting unique benefits to one’s smile. Consider the following:

  • Dental bridges – Bridges are often ideal for patients who’re only missing one or just a few teeth in a row. The bridge itself requires healthy adjacent teeth surrounding the gap for support; however, they’re notably strong, natural-looking, and quite easy to clean and maintain!
  • Dental implants – Dental implants consist of titanium implant posts placed directly into the jawbone that are outfitted with lifelike, durable replacement teeth. Due to their unique placement, they provide outstanding support and can last for several decades. However, they require a patient to have both great jawbone density and oral health.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

Types of Dentures

Based on the results of your consultation, Dr. Smith will explain all your options to treat your missing teeth, which can include:

Partial Dentures

Digital model of a partial denture

Partial dentures are recommended for patients who have a few healthy teeth left. Prosthetic teeth are attached to a gum-colored base to fill the space of those you’ve lost. It has a metal framework, allowing it to clip or clasp on your natural teeth to stay in place.

Full Dentures

Complete upper and lower denture

If you’ve lost all your teeth in an arch or they are beyond repair, a full denture may be right for you. A gum-colored base is made from an impression of your mouth to secure prosthetic teeth. A denture rests on top of your gum tissue and is held in place using suction. Some patients use an adhesive for better stability.

Implant Dentures

Digital model for implant supported denture

4 to 10 dental implants can anchor your denture to your jawbone to gain unmatched support and stability. Dental implants replicate your roots to improve your oral health and quality of life. Not to mention, they can last for decades with the right maintenance, like brushing and flossing.

The Benefits of Dentures

Older woman with dentures hugging young child

Tooth loss is more than just an aesthetic issue. You understand firsthand the complications it has caused in your life. However, by regaining the look and function of your bite, you’ll be sure to appreciate the boost to your oral health and overall quality of life. When choosing to replace your lost teeth with dentures, here are some of the various benefits that come along with them.

Psychological Benefits

a man smiling comfortably with his new dentures

Missing several or all of your teeth can have negative consequences for your bite, smile, and your self-esteem. If you’re struggling with a gap in your grin, you may be more likely to hide your mouth when talking to others. Instead of dealing with these social complications, you can effectively restore your missing teeth with custom-made dentures. This way you can show off a beautiful and functional smile that you can be proud of!

Clearer Enunciation

a woman with dentures conversing effectively

If you’re missing some of your pearly whites, then you know how difficult it can be to pronounce certain words or sounds. To enunciate some words, you’ll usually have to position your tongue and lips against your teeth in the proper way. By renewing your grin with dentures, you’ll be free to speak much more effectively moving forward. Of course, you’ll have to get accustomed to wearing your prosthetics, but it should only take some time and practice before your new teeth start to feel more natural.

Improves Nutrition

a group of friends enjoying a meal together

Without most or all of your teeth, you may end up missing out on various nutritious meals. Many foods are also tough in texture, including fruits, veggies, and lean protein, which can make it difficult to maintain a healthy diet. Being unable to properly chew and grind your food can also increase the likelihood of experiencing issues like malnutrition and indigestion. Replacing your lost teeth with dentures can help open up your dietary options to improve your oral and overall health.

Preserves Oral Health

a woman smiling with her new dentures

Whenever you’re missing teeth, the jawbone can begin to weaken, allowing any other remaining teeth to shift out of place to fill in the gaps in your smile. If left unchecked, this can increase your risk of further tooth loss down the road. With dentures, you can help keep your natural pearly whites from moving out of position. Your artificial teeth will also help share the pressure of excessive chewing, lowering the risk of wear and tear of your enamel.

Expands Opportunities

a man with dentures during a job interview

Did you know your smile is one of the first things people notice when meeting you? Having a full set of beautiful teeth can make others perceive you as competent, outgoing, and even attractive. For this reason, you’ll want to consider getting dentures to replace any missing pearly whites. They can help boost your opportunities in both your social and professional life simply by renewing your amazing grin.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Cash used for the cost of dentures in Edmond

Every smile is different, just like fingerprints. As a result, various factors affect the cost of dentures in Edmond because there’s not a one-size-fits-all prosthetic. Although there isn’t a flat fee, Dr. Smith strives to provide the financial solutions you need to replace your missing teeth without draining your bank account. You can have a confident, beautiful smile again, even if you’re on a budget.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

Older man with dentures smiling

The amount you’ll pay for your new smile is determined by your individual treatment plan. Dr. Smith will examine your mouth and learn more about your goals to create a strategy to treat your tooth loss. Based on your needs, you can expect your estimate to include:

  • Preparatory Procedures: Some patients require a little prep-work before getting their new set of teeth, like gum disease treatment or tooth extractions.
  • Number of Teeth: The number of teeth will influence the cost, as well as if you’re treating both arches.
  • Type of Denture: Depending on how many teeth you’re missing, you can choose from multiple types of dentures, like traditional prosthetics or implant-supported solutions.
  • Materials: There are discounted materials, but you’ll get what you pay for. Your denture dentist in Edmond, Dr. Kent, will help you choose a high-quality material to make the best investment for your smile.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Model of implant supported denture

Implant dentures can cost more than your typical prosthetic, but for good reasons. Although you will pay more initially, you’ll save money down the road. Your dental implants can last for decades with the right care, so you won’t have to budget for replacements every few years. Not to mention, an implant denture replicates both the roots and crowns. Dental implants are the only method to stop bone loss caused by missing teeth. With the implant posts acting as new roots, your jawbone will stay strong and healthy to avoid many common issues associated with tooth loss. You’ll reduce your long-term oral health expenses because you won’t need preventable procedures later.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dental insurance claim form on desk

Most dental plans can be used to offset the cost of dentures in Edmond, but every plan differs. It’s unlikely your insurance will cover the entire balance; however, it can lower the amount you’ll pay for certain steps in your treatment, like the consultation, periodontal therapy, or restorations. After meeting your yearly deductible, your dental insurance can pay up to 80% of the cost of specific services until hitting your annual limit. A member of our team will help you maximize your dental coverage to lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Man holding credit card for payment

Besides using your dental coverage, we offer many financial options to accommodate your needs, such as:

  • Traditional Payments: We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
  • Third-Party Financing: Pay for your dentures using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
  • Patient Specials: Ask us about any ongoing patient specials.

Rest assured; you’ll know exactly what you’ll have to pay before committing to anything. If you have any questions, contact our office today.

Denture Aftercare

A dentist showing dentures to an older patient

True, dentures don’t decay like natural teeth; they’re made of artificial materials. Even so, you’ll need to give them regular maintenance. Dentures depend on daily upkeep and a healthy mouth to function. Without these things, they’ll cause several oral health issues. Fortunately, we at Dr. Smith’s office can help things along: below are some tips on caring for dentures in Edmond. By reading them, you’ll ensure your new smile lasts for many years to come.

Removeable Dentures

A closeup of a removable denture held in a gloved hand

Remove After Eating

Firstly, remember to rinse your dentures after each meal. By doing so, you’ll stop food debris and plaque from accumulating on them. That means a reduced risk of future oral health issues.

Still, don’t get too careless with these rinses. You mustn’t use hot water for them, as intense heat warps denture material. Therefore, avoid hot water rinses to ensure your dentures fit well.

Clean Your Restoration

You should also perform once-daily deep cleanings on your dentures. Without these sessions, germs could cling to your prosthetic teeth.

To be clear, removable dentures must be outside your mouth for cleaning. You can then brush them with a toothbrush and some hand soap. Don’t include regular toothpaste in this process; its abrasiveness harms dentures.

If time allows, wrap things up by soaking your dentures in a cleansing solution. Then, rinse them before putting them back in your mouth.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

If you don’t already know, dentures aren’t invincible – they can (and do) break from force. That being the case, you should take steps to keep them safe.

There are various ways to protect dentures. For example, using a towel during cleanings would save them from falls. You could also store your dentures away from kids or pets. ( After all, these groups could break your new teeth with roughhousing.)

Remove Dentures When You Sleep

Though it may be tempting, don’t wear your dentures to bed. Instead, take them out before heading to sleep. An even better option is to leave them in a soaking solution overnight.

You see, wearing dentures both day and night isn’t good for you. The practice restricts your gums’ circulation, causing soft-tissue irritation. It also raises your mouth’s plaque levels, as well as your pneumonia risk.

Notice Changes

Lastly, note any changes that take place in your dentures or mouth. (Such can include mouth sores, pain, etc.) These could threaten your long-term treatment results. Consequently, see your local dentist if you should find any.

Crucially, visit a dentist if your dentures fit poorly or suffer damage. Trying to fix them alone will just worsen matters. Meanwhile, a dentist has the training and knowledge to resolve the matter. In particular, they could refit or even replace the restorations.

Denture FAQs

Question mark on oval mirror

Dentures in Edmond are a trusted method for treating significant tooth loss, but they are a big commitment. Dr. Smith understands you might have some concerns, which is why he will explain everything during your denture consultation . While you wait, here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions to ease your concerns.

Does an upper denture always cover the palate?

You might have heard an upper denture can change the way your food tastes. If you’re concerned about it diminishing your ability to taste your favorite foods, you can choose a palate-less option. Instead of covering the roof of your mouth, it will have a horseshoe shape, like one used for the lower arch or with dental implants. Your denture dentist in Edmond, Dr. Smith, will review all your options during your consultation.

Can I sleep with my dentures in my mouth?

Although you don’t want to be caught without your teeth, you’ll need to remove your dentures nightly. However, Dr. Smith will instruct you to wear them to bed for the first night after getting your new teeth. After that time, it’s best to take them out before bed to prolong their lifespan while also keeping your mouth and body healthy. Your dentures will restrict blood circulation to your gums, leading to sores, inflammation, and infection, if your soft tissues aren’t given time to rest. Your mouth is dark and moist, which is the ideal environment for bad oral bacteria. Leaving your dentures in at night will allow bacteria to flourish, affecting your oral and general health. Bacteria can also cause your dentures to smell and shorten their life expectancy. Taking your dentures out every night allows you to clean your mouth and new set of teeth to maintain a healthy, attractive smile.

Should I use regular toothpaste to clean my dentures?

Although your dentures will function like your real teeth, you don’t want to clean them the same way. Abrasive dental products can scratch the surface of your dentures. The small crevasses can trap food particles and plaque. They can tarnish the appearance of your new smile, cause unpleasant odors, and weaken your denture. Dr. Smith recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild hand soap to clean them. You can also purchase OTC cleaning kits designed for denture wearers. Rinse them with cool water to avoid warping. Besides cleaning your dentures once daily, soak them in a nightly solution to kill any bacteria left behind by your toothbrush. It will also keep your dentures moist to maintain a comfortable fit.

Can I eat steak with dentures?

It’s possible to eat steak, but chewy meat will put more wear and tear on your dentures. It can also make your gums and jaw sore. If you can’t resist a juicy steak, choose meat that has little connective tissue and muscle fibers. Tenderize the meat before cooking it and cut it into small pieces to make it easier to chew. If you need a little extra stability when eating, consider using a denture adhesive.