Frequently Asked Questions

On this page you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about services available at the affiliated practices providing AFFORDABLE DENTURES^®:

How can your fees be so low?
Do you accept dental insurance?
What styles of full dentures are offered?
What types of partial dentures are available?
What information is available for first-time denture wearers?
Are any services other than dentures offered?
Any suggestions for adjusting to dentures?
How do I care for my dentures?
When should I replace my denture?

How can your fees be so low?
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"Too good to be true" is a common reaction from patients when they discover our low denture fees and our ability to deliver dentures on the same day. We believe patients should be asking why dentures usually take so long to make and cost so much.

Key to our practice is the fact that we have an on site denture lab that operates only to serve our practice. We have eliminated the "middle-man" cost that other dentists must incur when they send out their dentures to commercial labs. This allows us to keep fees low and work closely with the professional laboratory technicians to ensure the quality of your denture.

Being part of a large network of over 120 practices allows us to buy materials in volume so our costs are the lowest in the industry. We have a strict policy that all materials used in our dentures must be accepted by the American Dental Association.

You will also note we only serve denture and extraction patients so this allows us to standardize our process of serving patients in a cost efficient manner. In 30 years we have treated over 3 million patients.

We have developed a practice that is unique and different from other dental practices and the combination of all these factors allow us to provide treatment at an affordable fee and usually on the same day.

Do you accept dental insurance?
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We are usually unable to accept insurance as payment for the services you receive in our office. However, we are able to provide you with the appropriate dental statement so you can file your claim and receive payment directly from your insurance company.

What styles of full dentures are offered?
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The AFFORDABLE DENTURES^® practice wants you to have the best denture you can afford. That's why we offer you a choice of three styles of dentures, each style having its own distinct advantages.

The ECONOMY DENTURE is the most affordable denture and is selected by many patients. It is processed by our on-site lab and individually fit for you. The dentist and lab technician will determine the size, shape and look of the teeth, based on your needs. The Economy Denture is available with same-day service.

CUSTOM DENTURES are made with more expensive teeth for a more natural-looking denture. Denture teeth are set in a wax base so you may try them in to see how the denture will look before it is completed. You may make changes to suit you, consistent with your dental needs. After you have approved the look of your Custom Dentures, the lab will custom finish your denture in the permanent acrylic base material. It's like designing your own smile!

The Custom Denture is often available the same day, however in some cases it may take longer. The practice will inform you of their delivery times.

PREMIUM DENTURES are the most natural-looking dentures. They are made with the best denture teeth available, which are highly resistant to wearing down and do not stain easily. As with the Custom Denture, the teeth are first set in wax for you to try-in. Changes may be made at the time of try-in. After you have approved the look of your Premium Denture, the lab will then custom finish your denture in the permanent acrylic base material.

The Premium Denture is also often available the same day, however in some cases it may take longer. The practice will inform you of their delivery times.

What types of partial dentures are available?
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The AFFORDABLE DENTURES^® practice also offers two types of partial dentures - Cast Metal and Acrylic partials.

CAST METAL PARTIAL

The Cast Metal partial denture is the best partial denture, and is stronger, less bulky and offers the best fit. The Cast Metal partial is fabricated using a metal framework to which the on-site laboratory will attach higher grade denture teeth. This partial denture will take from two to three weeks to make since our special metal framework is made by an outside laboratory .

OTHER PARTIAL DENTURES

Acrylic partial dentures are a more affordable partial. The Economy partial has an acrylic base upon which the teeth are set and is attached to natural teeth with small metal clasps.

In some cases, a Custom or Premium partial may be available with the more expensive teeth.

What information is available for first-time denture wearers?
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Are you about to become a first-time denture wearer? Please read the following information carefully.

If you have come to the practice because you suffer from tooth pain or discomfort, the dentist will suggest an X-ray be taken of your mouth. After reviewing the X-ray the dentist will consult with you regarding a recommended course of treatment. You may require the extraction of teeth and the placement of a new denture.

For the sake of appearance following extractions, most people want a temporary denture, called an Immediate Denture. Your immediate denture not only helps you to feel comfortable with your appearance, but we feel it will help in the healing process of your gums. We encourage you to wear your new denture immediately after extractions. This will assist with healing by acting as a band-aid to help control bleeding, and minimize discomfort when the swelling subsides.

When you have had extractions, remember that the healing process takes time…often at least six months, and sometimes more. Each person’s physical health and oral conditions are unique, and the healing process will vary from patient to patient.

During healing, it is common for the gum tissue to change and shrink. These changes during the months following extractions often result in space between the gum tissue and the denture. Hence, the immediate denture may not fit as well as when first inserted.

Please note that you may require a reline and/or a new denture following the shrinkage of your gums, for which standard fees will be charged.

The New Denture Wearer Package^SM is available for first time denture wearers and offers a significant savings to patients who have had extractions and require an immediate denture. For one package payment you will receive an immediate denture, a final denture and all the other services needed to help you adjust to wearing dentures for the first time. Our staff will be glad to explain the details of the package and the related savings that you will enjoy.

Are any services other than dentures offered?
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The practice performs Extractions on a same-day basis in most cases. However, please remember that your health conditions, any medications you may be currently taking and the complexity of the extraction may affect this service. The dentist will gladly discuss circumstances that may affect the availability of extractions on a same-day basis.

The practice performs  Adjustments at no charge during the first 60 days after you receive your dentures. After the first 60 days, adjustments are available at a nominal fee. Please remember that an adjustment is not the solution to a loose-fitting denture; it merely helps to alleviate soreness due to high spots where the denture rests upon your gums.

The practice performs Relines, which is a denture that has been refit to the gums by way of a new impression. A reline may provide a solution to a loose-fitting denture.

There are two basic types of Repairs: simple repairs and repairs with impressions. Different fees apply to each type of repair. The dentist will need to see the denture to determine the extent of the repair required, or if the denture even can be repaired. It may not be possible to repair an older denture that has experienced considerable wear.

Please do not try to repair the dentures yourself. This may result in the need for a new denture for which standard charges will apply. Also note that you will need to be present in the office the day a repair is being performed on your dentures.

Gold Crowns are available on all dentures and usually are available through special order.

Any suggestions for adjusting to dentures?
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Discomfort for the first denture wearer and discomfort of a new denture on a long time wearer is a common occurrence. New dentures can be a somewhat trying experience for some patients, especially for first time wearers. Initially dentures often will feel strange and bulky, and will cause a feeling of fullness of the lips and cheeks. In time these feelings will subside, and you will feel more comfortable. Time and patience will be your biggest allies.

Other symptoms you may experience with new dentures are slurred speech, gagging, excessive salivation and funny or diminished taste. Again, these symptoms usually disappear over time. However, if they continue please contact our office to let the dental staff know about your particular difficulty. We are here to help you.

Here are some helpful suggestions to assist in your adjustment to a new denture:

Learning to chew with new dentures takes time. Start with soft foods and gradually introduce more difficult foods. Chew on both sides of your mouth at the same time to stabilize your teeth. Avoid biting into foods with your front teeth as it may dislodge your dentures.

It is especially difficult to adjust to a lower denture. Try resting your tongue against the back of the front of the lower denture to help hold it in place. Until you learn good tongue and lip control, it may be wise to use adhesives to help hold your lower denture in place. Adhesives may also be useful for upper dentures. (If you are an existing denture wearer and have become accustomed to adhesives, you most likely will have to continue using adhesives for your dentures.)

It is important to remember that a lower denture often "floats" on your lower gums and will not have the suction that your upper denture has. It will move around in your mouth, even out of your mouth, until you have mastered it. This takes time, willpower and patience.

At first, you may want to consider wearing your dentures all the time, even at night, to adapt to them more quickly. After you have become accustomed to them, it is advisable to take them out at night.

It is common to feel sore places on your gums as you adjust to your new dentures. If you develop a sore spot, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and return to the practice as needed for an adjustment to the denture. Adjustments are free for the first 60 days and are an expected part of any new denture.

How do I care for my dentures?
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Daily care and cleaning of a new denture is very important to help maintain good dental health. For everyday cleaning, use a soft brush and a cleaning agent, such as soap and water, or products sold especially to clean dentures. Be sure to brush both the inside and outside of your denture. This will help eliminate harmful bacteria. We also suggest soaking your denture in water or a denture cleaning agent when you take them out at night.

We strongly recommend you hold your dentures over a sink filled with water when you are cleaning your denture. This will help to prevent breakage if the denture is accidentally dropped. You may also want to cushion the sink and counter with a soft cloth or towel.

When should I replace my denture?
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The American Dental Association recommends dentures should be replaced every five to seven years.

It is important to get yearly check-ups so that the dentist may check on the wear of your dentures and perform an oral exam to help maintain your dental health. The dentist will also check for signs of oral cancer and other conditions that can cause problems if ignored.

People's mouths change over the years. Gradual and unnoticeable changes over time may require replacement of your dentures. As an example, consider eyeglasses. Even though a pair of eyeglasses may be in good shape and fit comfortably, most people realize that gradual, almost unnoticeable changes in their sight require periodic exams and new glasses. Dentures are very much the same. Changes in your mouth may require the need for replacement dentures even though you may consider your current dentures to look and fit fine.