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Dentures – Murphy, TX

A Durable & Reliable Solution for Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can cause a wide range of negative consequences over the years, from lowered self-confidence and difficulty speaking to significant, harmful bone deterioration in the jaw. The good news is you can have a more functional and beautiful smile again with custom-made dentures from our Murphy dental office. Our experienced doctors will take the time to design seamlessly lifelike and fully customized dentures that fit right in with your overall appearance.

Why Choose Murphy Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry for Dentures?

  • 100% Customized Prosthetics for Optimal Comfort & Confidence
  • Implant-Retained Dentures Available
  • 20+ Years of Advanced Reconstructive Experience

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?

patient smiling during consultation

Truthfully, almost any patient with gaps in their smile is a good candidate for dentures in Murphy. Whether you’re missing a few teeth or an entire arch, this tooth-replacement solution could help you enjoy a fully functioning grin once again. During your consultation, our team will conduct an oral examination to determine if this treatment is right for you. If there are any present dental concerns (like tooth decay or gum disease), we’ll work the appropriate care into your treatment plan to ensure your mouth is ready for dentures. Keep reading to learn about the impact of missing teeth, what qualifies someone for dentures, and your other tooth-replacement options to consider.

Effects of Missing Teeth

a man smiling after getting his dentures in Murphy

The American College of Prosthodontists stated that the most common reasons for tooth loss include oral health problems like dental decay, gum disease, and even accidental physical trauma. Infected or inflamed gums can end up damaging the connective tissue holding your pearly whites in position, whereas decayed teeth may need to be pulled to prevent the spread of bacteria. A blow to the face can result in a knocked-out tooth.

Regardless of how you’ve lost some or all of your teeth, it’s in your best interest to replace them right away. If not, your jawbone can begin to weaken and shrink from lack of blood flow, which won’t help promote strong bone tissue to keep your remaining teeth stable. This can raise the risk of experiencing negative consequences for your oral health, such as facial sagging, trouble eating, difficulty speaking, and lower self-confidence. 

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

a hiker in the forest and smiling with dentures

A person who’s struggling with moderate to extensive tooth loss, dental decay, or sensitivity may be eligible for dentures. This restoration has helped patients for decades, allowing them to renew their ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently. The only requirements for getting dentures are that you have healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density and that you practice good oral hygiene every day.

When you come to see our team so that we can assess your situation, we’ll determine the kind of denture you’ll require. Depending on the number of missing teeth and their locations, we can offer you either partial, full, or implant dentures. We’ll walk you through your options and discuss the costs before moving forward.

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

a couple laughing and smiling with their dentures in Murphy

If you aren’t able to get dentures, it doesn’t mean you’ll be out of options. Our team can offer you alternative tooth-replacement solutions that can still effectively replace your missing teeth, including:

  • Dental Bridges – This treatment is best used for patients who are missing one or several teeth in a row. For these restorations to work, you’ll need to have healthy nearby teeth on either side of the gap to anchor your bridge, which typically involves removing a small amount of enamel.
  • Dental Implants – By inserting titanium posts into your jawbone, your restoration won’t need to rely on your gums or remaining healthy teeth. This option requires sufficient jawbone density and a strong facial structure to work. While it comes at a higher value, your results can last a lifetime with minimal dental care!

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dental Implants

Types of Dentures

types of dentures in Murphy

The first step on your journey towards a complete smile is a consultation with our team at Murphy Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry. Once we’ve assessed your unique needs, we’ll recommend one of the following options:

Partial Dentures

Partials consist of multiple “teeth” situated along a gum-colored base. The teeth on a partial are typically spread across the base so that they will fit in alongside your existing natural teeth like puzzle pieces. Most partials are secured in place with strategic brackets and/or clips. They’re also fully removable and should be taken out of the mouth when sleeping or practicing oral hygiene at home.

Full Dentures

A full denture replaces a complete top or bottom row of teeth all at once. The replacement teeth on a full denture are mounted on a lifelike, gum-colored base, just as they are with a partial. Beyond this, dentures can be closed or open palate in nature. Most are held in place with natural suction; if a patient would like a little extra stability, denture adhesive can be added as well. Like partials, full dentures should be removed from the mouth when the patient is either sleeping or brushing and flossing at home.

Implant Dentures

If you’re looking for a more permanent option, you may want to consider implant dentures. With this option, your prosthetics are held firmly in place with titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. You don’t have to worry about your artificial teeth slipping and sliding around while you eat or speak!

How Dentures Are Made

Lab technician working on set of dentures

After you decide to get dentures, you can start looking forward to your new smile with enthusiasm. Your dietary choices will expand, and you may discover new confidence. Have you ever wondered what steps will be necessary before your teeth are ready for you? Continue reading below to get a general overview of the denture creation process. What you learn might just enhance your appreciation for modern dental prostheses!

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Full upper and lower dentures against dark background

Dentures consist of two main parts:

  • The base of dentures is usually made out of a gum-colored acrylic material, which is shaped to fit well on your gums. In some cases, nylon is used instead of acrylic. If you are getting implant dentures, the base will also include metal attachments to keep your teeth in place.
  • The artificial teeth of dentures may be made out of acrylic or porcelain. Usually, acrylic is used for patients who still have some of their natural teeth, whereas porcelain is the material of choice for full-mouth tooth replacement.

The Denture Creation Process

Dentist holding dental articulator

The denture creation process may go something like this:

  • Our team will take detailed impressions of your mouth, which can be used to create a model of your gums. We may also take some measurements of your jaw.
  • The model of your gums will be sent to the laboratory that will fabricate your dentures. They can then create a wax version of your gumline. Next, a device called an articulator will be used to place artificial teeth within the wax.
  • The wax model will be sent to us, and you will visit us so we can check its fit. If everything looks good, we will send the model back to the lab so they can finish creating your dentures out of durable, natural-looking materials.
  • When your dentures arrive at our office, we will verify their fit and make any final adjustments that are necessary.

The denture creation process can take several weeks. If you want a new smile as quickly as possible, we might recommend that you opt for All-on-4 implant dentures, which allow you to enjoy a brand-new denture on the same day that your natural teeth get extracted. (A few appointments may be necessary before your All-on-4 procedure, but the overall process is very efficient!)

Learn More About Immediate/Same-Day Dentures

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Senior woman smiling with her new dentures

Your denture may feel quite strange in your mouth at first. After all, your body will regard it as a foreign object! You might drool a bit, and it may take some time to adapt to eating and speaking with your new teeth. Take things slowly, and practice using your denture as much as you can. Eating a soft diet is important at first. It could take a few weeks to a couple of months before you feel completely comfortable. Eventually, though, your denture should feel like a natural extension of your body.

If you run into any questions or concerns during the adjustment process, you are welcome to give us a call.

Benefits of Dentures

When you’re missing multiple teeth, it can be challenging to complete daily tasks, like chewing your food, speaking clearly, and smiling with confidence. Dentures are a life-changing tooth replacement option for patients who are missing several, most of, or all of their teeth because of the restoration’s ability to improve quality of life. If you have suffered from tooth loss, here are some of the benefits that dentures may be able to provide for you.

Psychological Benefits

People who are missing teeth can experience all sorts of psychological downsides. When there are obvious gaps, it’s common to feel insecure. This can make individuals less likely to engage in social activities. By restoring the appearance and function of one’s smile with dentures, patients are likely to experience and increase in confidence. Ultimately, dentures can reduce anxieties surrounding appearance, speech articulation, chewing ability, and more.

Clearer Enunciation

Without a complete smile, it can be much more difficult to speak. To pronounce words, your lips and tongue need to be positioned properly. Without being able to touch your tongue to your teeth, some words are very difficult to say. Since dentures replace your missing teeth, they allow you to enunciate more clearly while speaking. After a short adjustment period and a little bit of practice, speaking will come naturally.

Improves Nutrition

Many nutritious foods are tough in texture. This includes fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins. When you can’t chew your food thoroughly, you can experience things like indigestion and malnutrition. With an improved ability to chew, dentures allow for a more expansive diet full of nutritious foods. Ultimately, your body will receive more of the essential nutrients it needs for optimal overall health.

Preserves Oral Health

If you still have some remaining teeth, dentures can help to prevent them from shifting around to other areas of the mouth. Also, dentures bear some of the weight of chewing, therefore reducing the wear and tear of the existing teeth.

Expands Opportunity

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. When it comes to job interviews and getting promotions, it’s crucial to make a great first impression, and a complete smile is certainly an advantage. When you feel more confident about your appearance, it will show in the way you present yourself. This means greater opportunities in your professional and personal life.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

Woman smiling with dentures in Murphy

The cost of dentures will vary from person to person, as every case is different. There are numerous factors that contribute to the price. The only way to determine exactly how much your restoration will cost is by scheduling a consultation with us. In the meantime, here are some things for you to take into consideration.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Dentures

Dentures in Murphy soaking in solution

Here are the major factors that contribute to the cost of your dentures:

  • The preparation before getting your dentures will influence the cost. This includes gum disease therapy and extractions when necessary.
  • The type of materials used for the base and replacement teeth. The base is typically made from acrylic while the replacement teeth can be crafted from either acrylic or porcelain.
  • The number of teeth that you are needing to have replaced.

Keep in mind that cheaper doesn’t mean better when it comes to dentures. If you end up opting for a budget restoration, it will be more likely to require repairs and replacements in a shorter period of time. You don’t want to end up with subpar dentures.

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Digital illustration for dental implant dentures in Murphy

Implant dentures are more costly than traditional dentures, but for good reason. Instead of being supported by the shape and suction of the gums, they are held into place by a series of dental implants that are placed in the jawbone via a surgical procedure. This allows for many additional benefits, like being more lifelike, having additional stability, lasting for several decades, and preventing jawbone deterioration.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

Dental insurance form for dentures in Murphy

You can usually expect some level of coverage with most dental insurance plans. Many provide up to 50% coverage, but this will vary depending on your individual plan. We are happy to accept most dental insurances and will file your claims as a courtesy to you.

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

Woman calculating cost of dentures in Murphy

If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re left completely on your own. We work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little-to-no interest.

To find out exactly how much you can expect your treatment to cost, schedule a consultation with us. We are eager to help you get your smile back!

Dentures Aftercare

man smiling after getting dentures

To this day, dentures are a tried-and-true solution for missing teeth. Not only can they transform the appearance of your smile, but they can restore a fully functioning mouth. Even if you have little-to-no remaining teeth, you need to care for them with regular maintenance to ensure they last as long as possible. At every routine appointment, your dentist will monitor your existing teeth and gum tissue for abnormalities. Below, you can learn some helpful tips on caring for dentures!

Removable Dentures

If you have removable dentures, you should keep in mind the following points:

Remove After Eating

After every meal, you should remove and rinse your dentures. This will help prevent buildups of food deposits, plaque, and other debris. If you fail to do this step, you can increase your risk of gum disease and other infections.

It’s important to note that you should not use hot water for the rinse! High temperatures can warp the materials in the dentures, causing them to fit poorly.

Clean Your Restoration

Ideally, you should be cleaning your dentures at least once a day. Make sure you remove them before doing so. You’ll need a soft-bristled toothbrush and some hand soap for the denture-cleaning process. Avoid regular toothpaste, as the prosthetics aren’t designed to withstand abrasive products.

If you won’t be wearing your dentures immediately after cleaning, place them in a container of water or denture solution to keep them from drying out and losing their shape. Always rinse your dentures before putting them back in your mouth as these cleaning materials are not intended to be in the mouth.

Keep Your Dentures Safe

Believe it or not, dentures are very fragile. If you’re not careful, they can easily become damaged. You should keep them safe when they’re not in your mouth. For instance, when cleaning the restorations, you could place a towel underneath them to cushion a fall. Make sure you store them away from kids and pets.

Remove When You Sleep

While you may be tempted to keep your dentures in your mouth while you sleep, you should actively avoid doing that. Make sure they’re placed in a soaking solution to help them avoid losing their shape overnight.

By wearing your dentures for too long, you could experience oral problems. This is because they naturally restrict gum circulation, which can lead to soft-tissue irritation. Plus, the act will increase the risk of pneumonia and elevate gum and tongue plaque levels.  

Notice Changes

Once you start wearing dentures, keep an eye out for any changes in them or your mouth. Some things to look out for include mouth sores, gum irritation, or signs of infection. They may become ill-fitting over time or start to shift or click.

Should these things happen, they can be relined or replaced by your dentist. Do not try to repair damaged dentures yourself as this could lead to further issues.

All-on-4 Dentures

Do you have all-on-4 dentures? If so, here are some aftercare tips you should follow:

  • Brush your dentures twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste
  • Floss your replacement teeth at least once a day
  • Consider investing in a water flosser or sulcus brushes
  • Rinse your mouth with an ADA-approved mouthwash every day to prevent the growth of tartar

Denture FAQs

Dentist holding dentures in Murphy

Dentures are a lifechanging solution for people who are missing multiple, most of, or all of their teeth. However, choosing a tooth replacement option is a big decision, so it pays to be well-informed. We’re here to help. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dentures in Murphy. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, give us a call. We’d be happy to explain more about the restoration and get you started with a consultation.

Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?

Repairing a damaged tooth whenever possible is always preferable to replacing it. Tooth extractions of any kind will only ever be recommended if deemed absolutely necessary, such as when the tooth is too damaged to save thanks to extensive decay, severe infection, or trauma that has broken off most of the enamel. If all of the teeth in an arch are decayed or infected with gum disease, replacing them with dentures may be a viable option. However, your dentist will always explore all other options before recommending extractions for dentures.

Can I Sleep with My Dentures?

Dentists will usually recommend taking your dentures out at night when you go to bed. When you first get your dentures, you will typically be told to keep it in your mouth for 24 hours, including when you sleep. After this, you should be taking them out each evening. This is because wearing dentures restricts the circulation in your gums, leading to soft tissue irritation and potentially speeding up ridge resorption. Taking dentures out gives the gums a chance to recover and get the nutrients they need during the night.

Will It Hurt to Get Dentures?

If you need to have teeth extracted before getting dentures, you are likely to experience some discomfort after the oral surgery. Take prescription medication as directed, and the discomfort should improve 3 to 5 days after the procedure. When you first receive new dentures, some minor irritation may occur while your mouth adjusts to the new appliance. The amount of time that discomfort lasts will vary from person to person. If discomfort persists, give us a call so we can take a look.

Can You Still Eat Steak with Dentures?

Tough meats, like steak, are often difficult to chew with dentures, but it’s still possible to do so if you’re taking the right precautions. Select tenderloin and other beef cuts that don’t contain as many connective tissues or muscle fibers, as these elements are what often make steak hard to chew. Make sure that the meat is thoroughly tenderized beforehand. Cut the steak into small, manageable pieces. The smaller they are, the easier they will be to chew.