Many dental insurance plans include partial coverage for dentures, though the specifics vary by plan — including waiting periods, coverage percentages, and frequency limitations. The office staff at Jonny Fisher DDS can assist patients in reviewing their benefits before treatment begins so there are no surprises at the time of service.

Dentures and dental implants serve similar purposes but differ considerably in cost, procedure, and longevity. Implants are anchored to the jawbone and function more like natural teeth, but they require surgery, adequate bone density, and a significantly higher upfront investment. Dentures are non-surgical, more accessible in cost, and can be a practical solution for patients who are not implant candidates. Some patients opt for implant-supported dentures, which combine the stability of implants with the coverage of a full denture. Dr. Fisher reviews all relevant options during the consultation.

When we no longer have teeth that protrude from our gums, the only bone that is left is the actual jawline. Dentures need to sit along the bony ridges that used to hold the teeth. When tooth decay or tooth loss occurs, the process of resorption often transpires. Resorption is the wasting away or atrophy of bone that leads to a reduction in the actual bone. This shrinkage is the primary reason that dentures don’t fit properly.

Smooth gum ridges are ideal for a proper denture fit. However, those ridges can often degrade, and the shape can change. Completely flat or small v-shaped ridges make it more difficult to achieve a good denture fit. Additionally, extremely bony gums can cause soreness, while fleshy gums can cause excess denture movement.

The suction of the upper dentures to your gums can be influenced by the shape of your palate. Square or rounded shapes are more ideal than flat or v-shaped. Some extremes in the palate may also cause additional issues or discomfort.

The lower dentures are subjected to a lot more movement due to the mobile nature of the jaw and where the tongue, lips, and cheeks tend to dislodge dentures. In addition, the lower ridge that attaches to the denture is up to four times smaller than the upper ridge allowing less ability for the dentures to adhere and seal to the gums. In order to successfully wear lower dentures, some patients must change some of their habitual tendencies. Many people place their tongue against or under dental appliances on the lower jaw. If the tongue is pressed against or under the denture, it can easily dislodge it will need to be replaced in the mouth. Reducing the amount of movement around the lower denture is critical to keeping it in place throughout the day.

The decision to purchase dentures is often a difficult one for patients to make. However, when patients receive their dentures, the immediate effects are generally positive. People feel that they can go in public again without being self-conscious which can improve their quality of life. If you are considering dentures, please contact your dentist today to discuss your options.