When you are missing one or more teeth, the bite pressures shift in your mouth. Other teeth may begin to move to compensate for the “gap” in your bite, and you may experience shrinking of both the soft tissues and the supporting bone near your missing teeth. This can alter your physical appearance and can lead to subsequent problems with your other teeth. A partial denture keeps the underlying structures of your mouth – your gums, jawbone, facial muscles, etc. – active and engaged. It helps prevent further shifting of the other teeth in your mouth, while giving you the confidence of having a beautiful, complete smile.
On the cheap or “discount denture” end, you get units with premade fits that often look artificial. Less expensive sets are generally made with lower quality materials and their warranties reflect that. In the end, cheap dentures lack the desired lifelike look, are more prone to crack or break outright, may have poor bite alignment, and are typically less comfortable.
Immediate Dentures: These are usually a temporary means of helping you transition to successful denture wearing. Because of the muscular readjustment required, as well as the natural shrinkage of gums, the dentures which are placed immediately after tooth extraction won't fit as well as permanent dentures made when the healing is complete. They do, however, provide you with new teeth right away, and give you time to adjust.
No matter your role, you will find the rewards of working with us to be, well, extremely rewarding. As the nation’s largest affiliated dental practice network of its kind, Affordable Dentures & Implants is able—and proud—to offer the array of benefits someone of your abilities deserves. So whether you’re a dentist or lab professional or part of one of our practice or business support teams, you will be supported and rewarded for what you do.
Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.
Partial dentures are made to be removable and replace multiple missing teeth. A partial denture is constructed by a molded plate, usually made of pink acrylic to mimic your gums, affixed with replacement teeth. Depending on your needs, your dentist will choose to design a partial denture made from a metal framework of clasps or precision attachments connecting the plate to your natural teeth.
FRANKLIN, INDIANA -- On June 19 and 20, 2013, I visited Affordable Dentures, Franklin, Indiana, to receive same-day partials. From the clinic published offerings, I selected what is termed "The Premium Package," at a cost of $1780. The Package consists of a set of full or partial dentures, with the promise of being allowed to return at any time during the first year of wear for repair and adjustments. A final set is then placed in the patient's mouth. The words "at any time" echo throughout the clinic as the patients are being fitted for teeth, and again, as they leave: "You may come back any time you need to." That promise turns out to be a lie, particularly for purchasers of The Package.
Over fifty patients were seen on the day I was. They were herded through the clinic, with their dentures made as fast as credit cards can be swiped, and regardless of quality. When mine were placed in my mouth, a definite elevation on the upper right was noticeable; the length of the right side teeth was pronouncedly shorter than the other side. I noticed this after I went to my car and called in the message. The hateful assistant **, left a recorded reply, "Your teeth were made the way they are supposed to be, so I don't know what your problem is." No mention of "We'll fix it any time." Certainly, no consideration for the pain of the patient was forthcoming.
Cosmetic Benefits: The cosmetic benefits of dentures are obvious. They fill in gaps left by missing teeth so patients feel more confident about their appearance. Dentures can replace missing teeth or teeth that were in poor condition, prevent further shifting of remaining teeth, support facial structure and integrity, and increase patients' self confidence.
As far as back office goes, Carlos the assistant has the patience of a saint. Seriously. We had to do a full series of x-rays because my mom couldn't stand up for the pano. My mom had trouble holding still and repeatedly failed to follow instructions. Carlos never stopped smiling and encouraging her. He had a lot of positive energy and kept joking with her throughout, which I know went a long way to making her feel good about the office. He did the same during the other visits, but the x-rays I'm sure were the biggest challenge.
Removable complete denture. This denture sits on top of the gums where the missing teeth were. It can be uncomfortable, affect your ability to experience the full taste of food, cause sore gums, and shift and click in your mouth when you speak, eat, smile, yawn or cough. While the initial costs are low, they only last an average of 7 to 15 years, and the replacement costs can be significant over the long term. They need to be removed regularly for cleaning, which can be a time-consuming hassle. Also, as with a partial denture, the natural bone underneath a complete denture may deteriorate over time, permanently changing the appearance of your smile and face.
