“Are Dentures Right for Me?”
For older adults, missing teeth are more common than many realize. Around one quarter of people over the age of 65 suffer from missing teeth. While missing teeth are nothing to be ashamed of, it’s important to fill tooth gaps to prevent dental complications and restore mouth functionality.
At Shallowford Smiles, we offer both full dentures and partial dentures to replace your teeth regardless of how many are missing.
You may want to consider dentures if the following conditions apply to you:
- You need to replace several or all of your teeth
- You don’t smoke or use tobacco products
- You have a healthy jawbone
- You don’t suffer from dry mouth.
- You’re committed to attending regular teeth cleanings
“Do Dentures Look and Feel Natural?
Our dentures are made to replicate the look and feel of natural teeth. During the manufacturing process, the size, shape, and color of your new false teeth will be adjusted to appear as natural as possible. Most people won’t even realize you’re wearing dentures. The material we use is also very resilient. Ideally, you can do everything with your dentures that you could do with your regular teeth without worrying about chipping or breaking your teeth.
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“How do I take care of my dentures?”
One of the best parts about dentures is that you can take care of them as you would your natural teeth. That includes brushing, flossing, and periodic dental checkups. Additionally, you’ll want to soak your dentures in a cleaning solution overnight while you sleep. With proper cleaning and care, dentures can last up to a decade.
Other tips for taking care of your dentures include:
- Remove dentures overnight to let your mouth rest
- Soak dentures in warm water
- Use a good denture cleanser
- Do not soak dentures with metal clasps in anything but warm water
- When not wearing dentures, keep them in water so they don’t dry out and warp
- NEVER soak dentures in hot water.
- With dentures removed, clean and massage your gums
- If you have partial dentures, brush your natural teeth as usual
- Brush with a soft-bristled brush
- Use non-abrasive cleaner
The Denture Process
Dental Exam
Before getting your dentures, your doctor will want to assess your dental condition by bringing your in for an initial exam. During the exam, your doctor will check your teeth and gums for signs of infection, decay, and any prior dental work that may interfere with the denture fitting. If they determine that your dental health is adequate, they’ll discuss the next steps in the denture process with you before moving onto the next step.
Making an Impression
If you require partial dentures, the doctor will take an impression of your remaining teeth. This impression will ensure that the false teeth match the size and shape of your natural teeth, so that people won’t be able to tell where your false teeth end and your natural teeth begin. Once completed, the impression will be sent off to a lab, where a team will use the mold to create your new dentures.
The Fitting
Once your dentures are complete, we will schedule another appointment with you to fit your dentures. During this appointment, your doctor will ensure that your dentures fit comfortably in your mouth without any slipping or other complications. If there are any issues, our specialist will adjust the dentures during your appointment.
The Cost of Dentures in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, you can expect to pay approximately $900 – $3500+ for dentures. The cost of dentures varies widely depending on whether you get full or partial dentures as well as the type of support the dentures will use. Full-mouth dentures can cost anywhere from $1,800 to $3500 and up. The cost for a full set of implant-supported dentures averages around $30,000.
Factors we consider when determining the cost of dentures:
- The type of denture you need
- Dental extractions or other required preparations.
- Whether or not x-rays are needed
- Whether or not you get supportive implants
Remember, no one can give you an accurate estimate over the phone. Everyone’s dental condition is different. That’s why it’s necessary to come into our dental office in Chattanooga for a consultation to get an accurate estimate.
Financing Options:
Your mouth is one of the most important investments that you can make in yourself. Many of our patients find it easier to break up the investment in their mouth into monthly payments. As such we work with Care Credit and Alphaeon to help. There are options ranging from 0% interest for 6 months, up to 60-month terms.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Phil Amick
This is by far the best dental office I have ever been to. I have never been a fan of the dentist, but they don't judge. They told me what was necessary, what I needed most, and let me choose what I could afford, first. Josie lights up the office with her kind, empathetic personality and Dr. Wilkinson is gentle and he speaks in terms everyone can understand. Everyone here is kind and professional and I wouldn't trade them for the world. I hope they know how amazing they are.
Ray DeJong
This is the place to go. This dentist is the best I have been to in my long life. He was able to diagnose an issue that another dentist caused. I have a sensitive mouth and I don't even feel when he gives the shot to get work done. Wonderful experience.
Sue Baucom
I have always had excellent care at Shallowford Smiles. Everyone is very friendly and makes me feel comfortable. They all know what they are doing and are very good at letting me know what they are doing. I appreciate the text reminders of my appointments also. I can highly recommend Shallowford Smiles and Dr. Wilkerson to everyone.
