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Dentures & Partials in Harrisonburg

Get Your Complete Smile Back

An older woman looking at her smile in the mirror while seated in the dentist’s chair after receiving her dentures in Harrisonburg

Multiple missing teeth can be a true burden in a wide variety of ways. They can make you less likely to smile because you feel self-conscious, and they can also affect your ability to eat and speak comfortably. At Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we help patients faced with this problem by using custom-made, natural-looking dentures and partials. We even offer digital dentures, which streamline your treatment process and provide the highest-quality prosthetics possible.


Who’s a Good Candidate for Dentures?

A dentist showing an older man how dentures will fit into his mouth using a special mold

 

Almost anyone can get dentures, no matter how many teeth you’re missing. Tooth loss is the only major requirement for these dental prosthetics. To be safe, though, you should consult our dentists to see if you’re eligible. They’ll confirm whether dentures are truly right for you. Even if they aren’t, you can become a candidate later with preliminary dental work. Our office can also show you other tooth replacement options. To learn more, just keep reading or call us soon!



Effects of Missing Teeth

A close-up of a young man with missing teeth

Before looking at treatment factors, you’d do well to review tooth loss’ causes and effects. By doing so, you’ll better grasp how dentures can benefit your oral health.

 

Ultimately, people can lose teeth for various reasons. You might suffer from gum disease that erodes the tissues securing your pearly whites. On the other hand, your tooth could decay so much that it falls out or needs extraction. A person’s chompers could even get knocked out by an accident or injury.

 

The effects of tooth loss, meanwhile, are always harsh. The most notable is that it makes eating, speaking, and smiling harder. Still, another downside is that the resulting smile gaps can degrade your jawbone. (This erosion can cause facial collapse if left untreated.) Adding insult to injury, the same spaces can make your remaining teeth tilt and fall.

 

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

A dentist holding dentures while consulting with a patient

As stated before, most patients can get dentures if they lack teeth. That said, there are other qualifying factors.

 

Oral health is a good example. You see, dentures don’t just substitute for missing teeth; they can also replace sensitive or decaying ones. However, you can’t get them if your mouth is too unhealthy. Dentures only work well if the patient’s gum and jaw tissues are sturdy enough. To that extent, an ideal candidate must be committed to dental care.

 

The number of missing teeth is also a relevant issue. Based on how many you’ve lost, you’ll need one of two possible dentures. The first type is a partial model, which only replaces a few teeth. In contrast, the second is the full denture – a type that’s best when all pearly whites along an arch are gone.

 

Even finances are something worth considering. Truthfully, dentures tend to be cheaper than other restorations. That means they’re pretty good for patients on a tight budget.

 

Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options

The parts of a dental implant and bridge on a light blue background

Should we decide you’re not a good dentures candidate, other options exist. Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry has additional restorative treatments you could try. These include:

 

  • Dental Bridges – Usually made of crowns fused to a pontic, a dental bridge is a fixed restoration. It relies on nearby healthy teeth for support and is normally cemented in place.
  • Dental Implants – In contrast to dentures or bridges, dental implants are placed directly in the jawbone. This trait means they fuse with your jaw over time. This fusion makes them more secure than other restorations, though it also makes implants a bit expensive.

 

<Learn More About Dental Bridges>

<Learn More About Dental Implants>


Types of Dentures

Full and partial dentures displayed against neutral background

Modern dentistry offers a few different types of dentures, all of which are custom-made to fit a patient’s unique mouth. During your consultation with your dentist in Harrisonburg, we will help you determine which one is best for your circumstances. Here is an overview of the types of prosthetics we offer:


Partials

Samples of partial dentures lying on a table waiting for a patient to receive

A partial (also known as a partial denture) can be used to replace multiple missing teeth along a single arch while fitting in seamlessly among a patient’s remaining teeth. They can be fabricated to fit a patient’s unique dental structure, and they are held in place using small clasps that attach to neighboring teeth.

Working much like a puzzle piece, partials offer patients many of the same benefits a full denture can provide to someone in need of replacing an entire arch of teeth. Not only do they generate a boost in confidence and enhance the aesthetics of a person’s smile, but they also keep healthy teeth from shifting out of place and becoming loose, resulting in additional tooth loss.


Partial Dentures

A dentist showing an older female patient how her partial is fitting into her mouth while she looks in the mirror

A partial (also known as a partial denture) can be used to replace multiple missing teeth along a single arch while fitting in seamlessly among a patient’s remaining teeth. They can be fabricated to fit a patient’s unique dental structure, and they are held in place using small clasps that attach to neighboring teeth.


Full Dentures

A denture soaking in a glass of water and denture cleaning solution

Modern-day dentures are much different than anything your parents or grandparents might have worn. Now, these prosthetics are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than ever, consisting of a gum-colored acrylic base attached to realistic-looking teeth. If you are missing an entire row of teeth, we can restore it using a full denture. This will sit directly on the gums using natural suction and/or a bit of denture adhesive.


Implant Dentures

A digital image of 6 dental implants being used to secure a denture into place on the lower arch of the mouth

For patients who prefer a more permanent option than traditional dentures,  implant dentures  are an ideal alternative. They are held in place via prosthetic tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jaw. While more costly in the beginning, their longevity, functionality, stability, and permanence are just a few of the many reasons so many patients are turning to them these days.


Digital Dentures Provide Streamlined Treatment

A digital image of 6 dental implants being used to secure a denture into place on the lower arch of the mouth

Most practices use old-fashioned methods of designing and creating dentures. At Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, however, we have upgraded our process to include state-of-the-art technology. Digital dentures are designed using a high-tech Prime Scan rather than a manual impression. And instead of the design being sent to the laboratory, we can print the dentures right here in our office! Digital dentures require fewer visits to our office than traditional prosthetics and offer top-tier quality and function.

As your dentist in Harrisonburg, we will even keep the design of your dentures in our records, so if you ever have a mishap with your teeth, we can print a new prosthetic for you right away.


How Dentures Are Made

Upper and lower dentures in dentist’s hands

After you decide to commit to dentures, you may wonder about the process in front of you. It can vary a bit from patient to patient, but the basics usually remain the same. Within a matter of weeks, you may have a brand-new smile! Hopefully, learning about the denture creation process will enhance your appreciation for your new prosthetic! Here is an overview of how we go about crafting beautiful, functional, and durable dentures:

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Gloved hand showcasing full and partial dentures

Dentures are composed of two main parts:

  • The base. The base of dentures is usually made out of acrylic, though it is sometimes made out of nylon or other materials. The base is gum-colored and custom-designed to work well with the natural curve of your gums.
  • The teeth. Often, the teeth of dentures are made out of acrylic or porcelain. Porcelain is more popular for full upper and lower dentures, whereas acrylic is usually the best choice for partial dentures because it is easier on natural teeth.

The Denture Creation Process

Close-up of articulator used to make dentures

Here is a general overview of the denture creation process:

  • Impressions and measurements: Our team will take detailed impressions of your gums. We may use manual impression materials or a digital scanner. Both methods can create an accurate representation of your oral structures. We may also take some detailed measurements of your jaw.
  • Laboratory work: Your impressions will go to a dental lab, where the technicians will create a wax version of your gumline and get to work on creating your artificial teeth.
  • Fittings: The lab will send us a wax model of your dentures so we can verify that they fit you correctly. We will give them our feedback so they can create the final version of your prosthetic.
  • Adjustments: When your denture is ready, you will return to our office so we can double-check that it meets our high quality standards. If any final adjustments are necessary, we will make sure they get taken care of.

Adjusting to Your New Dentures

Smiling senior woman in dental treatment chair

Adjusting to your new dentures might cause some discomfort at first. Your gums may be sore, and it might be challenging to eat and speak. With time, however, your denture should start to feel like a natural extension of your body. Practice using it as much as possible so you can adapt to how it feels in your mouth. If you experience significant pain or are struggling to get your denture to work for you, you are always welcome to call our team for guidance.


The Benefits of Dentures

Older couple enjoying the many benefits of dentures

Dentures offer patients with missing teeth a chance to enjoy a full, complete smile once again. Their ability to take on a natural appearance that is tailored to your unique face is just one of the many benefits you can expect when receiving dentures. Others include:

  • Improved confidence because of your fully restored smile.
  • Greater quality of life as a result of your denture’s ability to restore functionality when eating and smiling.
  • A cost-effective solution in comparison to other, more invasive solutions.
  • Their ability to last for several years with proper care and maintenance.

Understanding the Cost of Dentures

A patient calculating the cost of dentures

Even if you want dentures, you’d likely prefer to know their price first. (You can’t get a treatment you can’t afford.) However, that approach isn’t possible. The cost of dentures varies by patient, so you must consult our dentists for an exact estimate. Still, you can trust our office to make care more affordable. We at Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will walk you through dentures’ pricing factors and the available payment options. For more details, just keep reading or contact us soon.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Dentures

An older man admiring his dentures in a hand mirror

As you proceed with denture treatment, our dentists will perform an oral exam. This assessment reviews (among other things) factors related to the final procedure price. These include:

 

  • Need for Prep Work – If your mouth needs “prepping” before you get dentures, the final treatment cost will rise. For example, pulling a tooth to make room will add to the overall expense.
  • Denture Base Material – As it happens, a denture’s acrylic base can cost more or less. If the materials used in it are durable and lifelike, it’ll be more expensive.
  • Quality of Replacement Teeth – Usually, a denture’s artificial teeth are acrylic or porcelain. Acrylic kinds are cheap but wear quickly, while porcelain ones cost more but are longer-lasting.

 

As you reflect on the above factors, remember that the cheapest dentures aren’t good. These models use subpar acrylic that doesn’t function well. As such, do your best to select effective and high-quality restorations.

 

Are Implant Dentures More Expensive?

Example mockups of implant dentures

Technically, implant dentures’ upfront cost is higher than that of standard ones. Rest assured, however, that they’re worth the added price.

 

For starters, keep in mind that implant dentures use dental implants. The latter restorations fuse with your jaw, ensuring the whole appliance is secure and permanent. Therefore, these dentures won’t slip or fall like other types do. Better yet, the implant fusion makes them look and act like natural teeth.

 

At the same time, an implant denture makes for a good long-term investment. Since its implants can last 15-30 years, they have a longer lifespan than ordinary dentures. That means their (initially) high cost is offset by the need for fewer repair and replacement visits.

 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dentures?

An insurance agent discussing dental insurance with a patient

Fortunately, dental insurance usually covers dentures. They’re often counted as a major procedure by plan providers. As a result, a given dental policy will usually match up to 50% of a denture’s cost.

 

With that said, exceptions do exist. Your insurance plan may limit its denture coverage. Given this fact, try to confirm your benefits before treatment. Our staff can even help you do so if assistance is needed.

 

Other Options for Making Dentures Affordable

A patient using their phone to pay the cost of dentures

Whether you have insurance or not, there are other ways to make dentures affordable. The most notable of these are a practice’s unique payment options. Should you get the right one, your ideal dentures won’t have to “break the bank.”

 

For example, look at our own Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We happen to provide things like:

 

  • Special Offers – Currently, our practice is running a special offer on implant dentures. You can get a free 30-minute consultation regarding this treatment, which includes an evaluation of your existing restorations.
  • Flexible Financing – We work with CareCredit, a reputable third-party financier. Through them, you could pay the cost of dentures via low-interest monthly installments. That way, you could cover the expense gradually instead of all at once.

As you can see, we’re ready to make your artificial teeth pretty and budget-friendly. So, book a consultation with our office to get affordable dentures soon!


Dentures FAQs

An older man and woman enjoying life and smiling

Patients have found great success with dentures in Harrisonburg. Whether it is a partial or full denture, it can improve a person’s quality of life, making it possible to eat, chew, and speak with greater clarity and confidence. If you’re preparing to move forward with your own set of dentures or are still contemplating the idea, we have compiled some of the most commonly asked questions about dentures to help you in your decision-making process. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Can I eat normally with dentures?

While the early stages of denture-wear might make eating a bit more awkward, you can expect the adjustment phase to last only a short while. Your taste buds may be a bit off in the beginning but by following these easy steps, you’ll be eating like normal with your new dentures:

  • Opt for softer foods in the beginning (i.e. eggs, fish, cooked vegetables, pudding)
  • Use your back teeth to chew, using both sides at the same time
  • For easier consumption, cut up larger pieces of food

How much pain is involved with getting dentures?

You can expect some minor discomfort and irritation when first being fitted for dentures. Your mouth has become accustomed to not having teeth, so it will take some time to adjust. If this is the first time you’ve ever worn dentures, you can expect the pain to last a bit longer, but if you’re receiving a new set, it may not take quite as long to adjust to the newness. Keep in mind, if you require any teeth to be removed before receiving dentures, it is highly likely that the areas in which your extractions were performed will be sore and tender for quite some time, so you’ll need to make sure you’re taking proper measure to heal.

What do I do if my dentures pop up while eating?

If this happens, it may be that your dentures do not fit quite as well as they should. Schedule an appointment with us and allow our team to examine your restoration and oral structure. By improving the fit, you should be able to eat normally without any problems whatsoever.

How do you know when it’s time to reline dentures?

Age can cause a shift in your jaw, resulting in your dentures no longer fitting properly. When this happens, you will need to have them relined, which will require your dentist to refit the base of your dentures. This will not only ensure they fit more snugly and comfortably, but it will reduce the likeliness that you will experience slippage or your dentures falling out.

Can I sleep in my dentures?

While it is possible for you to sleep in your dentures, it is recommended that you perform proper oral hygiene practices to keep them clean. Typically, dentures are cleaned at night and allowed to soak while you sleep. It is best if they are removed, so as to give your gums and bone a chance to relax from all the pressure your denture can cause.