Full and Partial Dentures in Erie, PA

Healthy mouth structure allows us the ability to smile, chew foods comfortably, and speak clearly. When extensive tooth loss begins to affect these abilities, our quality of life can suffer significantly. Dentures comprise a full or partial set of artificial teeth that help restore these critical functions. They are constructed from a durable hard resin material, and custom-fitted and fabricated to your mouth to achieve the most natural look and feel possible.

elderly couple smiling

Types of dentures

Depending on the extent of tooth loss and patient preference, there are several types of dentures you might be fitted with. 

Full vs. partial dentures

Full dentures replace an entire row of missing teeth along the top and/or bottom gumline and are held in place by suction or with the aid of an oral adhesive.

Partial dentures are used in situations when one or more teeth along a particular gumline are salvageable and are designed to fit around the remaining natural teeth. 

Permanent vs. immediate dentures

Permanent dentures are intended to be a long-term replacement for missing teeth, with a lifespan of five or more years. 

Immediate dentures are fabricated just prior to dental surgery, filling in for the extracted teeth until the mouth is healed enough for accurately fitting permanent dentures. You may need to be refitted for new sets of immediate dentures as swelling in the mouth subsides.

Tooth-supported vs. implant-supported overdentures

For many patients, overdentures present a more comfortable alternative to traditional dentures. Like traditional full or partial dentures, they’re fully removable, but a built-in attachment system negates the need for an oral adhesive. They’re classified by whether they fit over modified natural tooth structures (pulp and crowns removed, but roots preserved) or dental implants (with titanium posts anchored into the jawbone serving as the roots). 

Fitting for dentures

Getting fit for your new set of permanent dentures consists of four steps:

  1. We’ll take a series of impressions to better understand the mechanics of your jaw structure and bite.
  2. From the impressions, we will create a prototype of the denture that we will test for accurate color, shape, and fit. 
  3. Your permanent dentures will be fabricated in a lab.
  4. Minor adjustments and tweaks as necessary.

Restore your smile with Sleep Dentistry

Tooth loss is no fun for anyone, but it should by no means represent an end to enjoying some of life’s most fundamental pleasures — sharing a warm smile, a good story, or a delicious meal. Visit Sleep Dentistry in Erie, PA for dentures or any dental restoration need, and the peace of mind that your comfort, peace of mind, and dignity are our top priorities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a full set of dentures in Pennsylvania?

The cost of dentures in Pennsylvania can vary widely, depending on the type of denture, the material they’re constructed from, and the amount of customization. The average cost for a full set of mid-range dentures is about $1,800 — this price point will usually get you something that looks natural and of solid quality. Keep in mind that tooth extractions and other dental procedures to prepare the mouth for the dentures may represent additional costs. 

Does Medicare cover dentures?

No, Medicare does not cover the cost of dentures — nor does it cover the cost of most dental appliances. However, many dental insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost. Sleep Dentistry in Erie, PA also offers financial assistance, including monthly payment plans, to help you realize the benefits of your new set of dentures without paying the full cost upfront.

How do you clean dentures?

To clean your dentures:

  1. Run the appliance under water to release any trapped food particles
  2. Using a denture brush or an extra soft-bristled toothbrush, clean with water, denture paste, or a toothpaste free of abrasives (these will wear away at the denture material faster). 
  3. Soak dentures in a denture cleaning solution overnight, or use a rapidly acting cleanser and store in water. 
Can you eat with dentures?

You can eat and enjoy most foods after adjusting to your first few weeks in dentures, although you’ll want to exercise caution with hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods. Starting out, we recommend soft foods like mashed potatoes, oatmeal, applesauce, eggs, yogurt, etc. Test heated foods before consuming — dentures do not have the nerve endings and temperature feedback capacities of natural teeth, and we do not want you to burn your mouth or tongue!

Can you sleep with dentures?

You can sleep with dentures, but you shouldn’t sleep with dentures for several reasons:

  1. Holding them in place puts a lot of pressure on the gums and underlying bone structure, and may negatively affect the shape of the mouth and in turn the fit of the appliance.
  2. Dentures provide ideal overnight accommodations for bacteria growth, which can irritate and inflame the gums leading to gum disease. 
  3. Dentures left in the mouth overnight can obstruct normal salivary flow, drying out the mouth and increased risk of developing oral thrush, a type of yeast infection of the gums and other soft tissues.
What is the cost of full dentures with extractions?

The cost of full dentures with extractions varies widely, typically ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 or more.

Basic dentures cost $600 to $1,500, mid-range $1,500 to $3,000, and premium options over $3,000. Extractions add $75 to $650 per tooth. Insurance may cover some costs, especially for extractions. Check with your provider or schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahoney for a personalized estimate. Payment plans and financing options are also available!

Where To Find Us 

📍 Address: 3915 Caughey Rd, Erie, PA 16506
 
📞 Phone:  (814) 833-3505
 

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The Many Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Posted on January 24th, 2022 at 12:06 PM
The Many Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

You deserve to look your best, and that includes your teeth. Teeth whitening has become more popular throughout the years, especially with the rise of at-home whitening kits. The overall health of your teeth is no longer the primary reason that people visit the dentist. Now, taking care of your teeth has just as many cosmetic benefits as it does health benefits. 

Typically, what you eat and drink is the most common reason your teeth may become discolored in the first place. Coffee, wine, tomatoes, berries, and soda can all be culprits of your yellowing teeth. Lifestyle and health habits can be a factor, too, such as smoking or failing to have a hygienic oral care routine. 

Simply put, people are tired of settling for discolored teeth. With technology advancing, and procedures like professional teeth whitening becoming faster and more efficient, you no longer have to settle.

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening

When you’re looking to brighten up your smile, it’s always a good idea to start by considering your options. The most popular options are in-office procedures and prescribed take-home trays. Scheduling a professional teeth whitening appointment will typically entail determining your desired shade for your teeth, followed by your dentist applying whitening agents for a longer period of time. 

Take home trays are where you come in. After your first whitening consultation, your dentist is able to determine how these take home kits can be formulated to optimally whiten your teeth. Perhaps you need a higher concentration of whitening agents, or you may need to use your kits more frequently. Either way, these can give you more comprehensive results. 

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening lasts longer

Teeth whitening strips can last for months, but professional treatments can last for years. The upside of going to your dentist’s office for a whitening is that the concentration of the whitening materials is much stronger than what you can access with a home kit. At Sleep Dentistry, we offer a Lifetime Whitening Program, which gives you a lifetime of pearly whites for a one-time enrollment fee of only $99. 

That being said, the cost of professional teeth whitening could potentially be less over time, especially compared to how many DIY kits you’d need to achieve the same results.

Take home trays designed for you

Many dental offices offer take home trays following a consultation for professional teeth whitening. These trays may sound just like a take-home kit, but they’re not. Take home trays are specially designed based on the results of your in-office whitening results and your desired shade of your teeth. Because these take home trays are built from a mold of your mouth, your specific whitening treatment will yield results faster and more effectively. 

Skip the tooth sensitivity

A downside of having your teeth whitened can be the sensitivity that comes with it. With professional whitening services, your dentist’s tried and true methods don’t come with the risk of harmful side effects. No need to worry if whitening agents will touch your gums, tongue, or cheek. At Sleep Dentistry Erie, our team will be attentive to your specific needs and concerns. 

Better teeth whitening results  

When you choose a dentist over a DIY kit, you’re automatically going to get better results. It’s better to trust a trained professional dentist with something as important as your teeth instead of guessing with home kits. Sleep Dentistry Erie can ensure that you get the results you're looking for faster, while also keeping your comfort and the safety of your teeth our top priority.

Trust Sleep Dentistry Erie with Your Teeth

Sleep Dentistry Erie has an experienced team of trained professionals. We’ll assemble a personalized teeth whitening treatment that’s tailored to you. We specialize in dentistry for those who have dental phobias when it comes to making their yearly check-ups. 

Consider our Lifetime Whitening Program, which is offered to our patients for a one-time fee of $99. 

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