Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry in Reno, Nevada
A denture, or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips.
Full dentures replace a full arch of missing teeth. Partial dentures can replace on or more missing teeth.
Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated in different ways.
The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination of both. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.
Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.
At White Pine Family Dental, full dentures in Reno cost $2738, offering a complete restoration solution for patients missing all teeth in an arch. Our custom-crafted dentures provide a natural-looking appearance and comfortable fit to restore your smile and confidence. We offer comprehensive consultations and various payment options to make this treatment accessible for our Reno patients.
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. If you’re considering dentures, you might wonder which type is right for you. Complete dentures replace all teeth in your upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures fill gaps between remaining natural teeth. Immediate dentures can be placed immediately after tooth extraction, while conventional dentures require a healing period. Each type offers unique benefits and considerations based on your specific dental needs and lifestyle preferences.
At White Pine Family Dental, we understand that choosing the right dentures is a significant decision that affects your comfort, appearance, and quality of life. Our experienced dental team provides personalized guidance to help you select the denture type that best meets your needs. We take time to explain your options, discuss maintenance requirements, and ensure your new dentures look natural and feel comfortable.
Dentures do more than simply replace missing teeth – they can dramatically improve your quality of life in multiple ways. When you have a complete set of teeth, whether natural or dentures, you can enjoy a more varied diet with improved nutrition. Many patients find they can return to eating favorite foods they had given up due to missing teeth. This nutritional improvement can lead to better overall health.
Beyond the practical benefits, dentures can restore your confidence in social situations. Many people with missing teeth become self-conscious about smiling, laughing, or speaking in public. With well-fitted, natural-looking dentures, you can engage confidently in conversations and social activities without worrying about your appearance. The psychological boost from feeling good about your smile shouldn’t be underestimated – our patients often report feeling years younger after getting their new dentures.
Proper denture care extends their lifespan and maintains your oral health. Daily cleaning is essential to prevent stains, bad breath, and potential infections. Always handle your dentures carefully over a folded towel or basin of water to prevent damage if dropped. Remove and rinse dentures after eating to eliminate food particles and debris.
Brush your dentures at least once daily with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Avoid using regular toothpaste, which may be too abrasive and create microscopic scratches where bacteria can accumulate. While your dentures are out, take time to clean your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft toothbrush to remove plaque and stimulate circulation. Soak your dentures overnight in a mild denture-soaking solution to keep them moist and clean. Always rinse thoroughly before reinserting them in your mouth.
Even the highest-quality dentures won’t last forever. Understanding when to replace them helps maintain your oral health and comfort. Most dentures need replacement every 5-7 years due to normal wear and tear. As the materials gradually wear down, they become less effective and comfortable. Pay attention to signs that might indicate your dentures need replacement:
Regular dental check-ups allow us to evaluate your dentures’ condition and fit. As you age, the shape of your jaw and gums naturally changes, particularly if you’ve had teeth removed. These changes affect how your dentures fit, potentially causing discomfort or functional issues. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you experience any problems with your current dentures.
When you’re ready to restore your smile and confidence with dentures, choosing the right dental practice makes all the difference in your comfort and results. At White Pine Family Dental, we understand that getting dentures is a significant decision that affects your daily life, from eating and speaking to feeling confident in social situations. Our compassionate team takes the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and ensure you feel completely comfortable throughout the entire process.
We pride ourselves on providing personalized care that goes beyond just fitting dentures – we’re here to serve our Reno community with genuine compassion and exceptional dental expertise. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship means your custom dentures are designed to look natural, fit comfortably, and function properly for years to come. Ready to take the next step toward a restored smile? Call us at (775) 825-6655 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.
Several denture types serve different situations. Complete/full dentures replace all upper or lower teeth, rest on gums via suction or adhesive, removable for cleaning, cost $1,500-$3,000 per arch, require 8-12 weeks healing after extractions. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth preserving remaining natural teeth, attach via metal clasps, removable, cost $800-$2,000, prevent remaining teeth from shifting. Immediate dentures placed same day as extractions so you’re never without teeth, temporary requiring frequent adjustments during 4-6 month healing, replaced with permanent after healing, cost $1,900-$2,500. Implant-supported dentures (snap-in/overdentures) attach to 2-4 implants providing superior stability, removable for cleaning, more secure, cost $3,000-$6,000 per arch. Fixed implant dentures (All-on-4) permanently attached to 4-6 implants, non-removable (only dentist removes), most stable feeling like natural teeth, cost $20,000-$45,000 per arch. Choice depends on missing teeth number, remaining teeth health, jawbone density, budget, and lifestyle. White Pine Family Dental consultation recommends optimal solution.
Denture costs vary by type and quality. Basic complete dentures cost $1,000-$1,500 per arch, mid-range $1,500-$3,000, premium $4,000-$8,000. Partial dentures cost $800-$2,000 (resin) or $1,400-$2,500 (metal framework). Immediate dentures cost $1,900-$2,500. Implant-supported overdentures cost $3,000-$6,000 per arch. Fixed implant dentures (All-on-4) cost $20,000-$45,000 per arch. National average for conventional full dentures is approximately $1,800. Additional costs include exam and X-rays ($75-$300), extractions ($75-$550 per tooth), bone removal during extractions (usually included), denture adjustments ($50-$100—often included initially), relines ($150-$450), and repairs ($50-$200). Most dental insurance covers 50% of denture costs up to annual maximum ($1,000-$2,000), though some limit coverage to one set every 5-7 years. Medicare doesn’t cover dentures; Medicare Advantage plans may offer partial coverage. Medicaid varies by state. White Pine Family Dental offers payment plans—call (775) 825-6655.
Most patients feel comfortable within 4-8 weeks, though complete adjustment can take 2-3 months. First few days: dentures feel bulky and unnatural, excessive saliva production, sore spots on gums, difficulty speaking clearly (practice reading aloud), constant awareness of dentures, potential gagging sensation especially upper dentures. First 1-2 weeks: minor irritation and soreness normal, speech gradually improves, saliva normalizes, begin adapting to eating (start soft foods, chew slowly using both sides equally), dentist makes adjustment appointments to relieve pressure points. Weeks 3-4: growing comfort and confidence, speech nearly normal, expanding food choices, learning insertion/removal technique, adjusting to facial muscle changes. Months 2-3: dentures feel more natural, eating efficiency improves though never matches natural teeth, minimal conscious awareness, speech fully normalized. Common challenges include loose-fitting lowers requiring adhesive initially, clicking sounds when talking (improves with practice), changed taste sensation (uppers cover palate). Dentures require ongoing adjustments—expect several visits first year. White Pine Family Dental provides comprehensive support throughout adjustment.
Denture wearers can enjoy most foods with modifications, though chewing efficiency is reduced 50-70% compared to natural teeth. Safe foods for new wearers (first 2-4 weeks): soft cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies, soups, ground meats, flaky fish, soft pasta, cooked cereals, bananas, soft breads without seeds/nuts. Reintroduce gradually (weeks 4-8): tender cooked meats cut small, steamed vegetables, soft fruits, sandwiches cut small, rice/grains. Avoid or minimize permanently: very hard foods (raw carrots, hard candies, ice, nuts in shells), extremely sticky foods (caramels, taffy, gummy candy—can dislodge dentures), tough meats (steaks, jerky—hard to chew efficiently), crusty breads (can irritate gums), foods with small seeds (strawberries, raspberries—get under dentures), corn on cob (cut kernels off). Eating tips: cut food small, chew slowly using both sides simultaneously (prevents tipping), start with small portions, avoid biting with front teeth (use back for chewing), remove if eating causes pain. Implant-supported dentures dramatically improve chewing. White Pine Family Dental helps maximize eating function.
Daily denture cleaning is essential for oral health, longevity, and preventing infections. Daily routine: remove after eating and rinse under lukewarm water removing food debris, brush daily using soft denture brush and liquid soap or denture cleaner (never regular toothpaste—too abrasive causing scratches harboring bacteria), clean all surfaces including areas contacting gums, rinse thoroughly before reinserting. Nighttime care: remove while sleeping allowing gums to rest and recover, soak overnight in cool water or denture cleaning solution (prevents warping), never use hot/boiling water (causes permanent warping), store in sealed container away from children/pets. Oral hygiene: brush gums, tongue, and palate every morning with soft toothbrush before inserting dentures (stimulates circulation, removes plaque, reduces bacteria). Deep cleaning: soak in effervescent denture tablets 1-2 times weekly removing stains and plaque, rinse extremely thoroughly after soaking. Don’ts: never use bleach, avoid abrasive cleaners or stiff brushes, don’t adjust/repair yourself, never use toothpicks on dentures. Maintenance: professional cleaning every 6 months, annual evaluation, relines every 1-2 years, replacement every 5-7 years. White Pine Family Dental provides all denture services.
Dentures require regular adjustments and periodic replacement as your mouth changes. Immediate adjustments: first 2-4 weeks expect 2-4 adjustment appointments relieving sore spots, improving bite, enhancing comfort—typically included in initial cost. Routine relines: every 1-2 years dentures need relining (adding material to base) because gums recede and bone resorbs, causing loose fit, difficulty chewing, sore spots. Chairside relines ($150-$300) completed same day, lab relines ($300-$450) provide better results in 1-2 days. Without relines, loose dentures accelerate bone loss and cause chronic irritation. Complete replacement: every 5-7 years on average, sometimes lasting up to 10 years with excellent care. Replacement needed when dentures become severely worn, cracked, loose despite relines, stained, teeth worn down affecting bite, or cause chronic sore spots. Continuing to wear deteriorated dentures causes accelerated bone loss, TMJ problems, digestive issues from inadequate chewing, oral infections, and aged appearance. Emergency repairs: broken dentures need immediate professional repair—don’t use superglue (toxic and creates improper fit), most repairs completed within 24-48 hours ($50-$200). Implant-supported dentures require fewer adjustments and last longer. White Pine Family Dental provides all denture services—call (775) 825-6655.
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