Your oral health is one of the most important factors that can help you maintain your overall wellness. But sometimes, it may be difficult to feel like it’s okay to seek dental treatment for your problems. You may have dental anxiety, or you may be worried about the cost of fixing your problems.
Luckily, there are resources available that can help you pay for dental procedures and treatments, such as dentures. As you age, you have a higher risk of losing teeth, and dentures can be a solution for you.
So, you may be wondering: does Medicaid cover the cost of dentures? Here’s a guide on what dentures are and how you can decrease the costs of your dentures.
Are you interested in learning how you can save money on your dental health? Call Alaska Dental Arts today to learn more!
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a method of replacing your missing teeth to restore your smile and give you the confidence you need to smile with pride again. They are made up of artificial teeth set into a base, which is pink colored to match the appearance of your gum tissue. The base sits on your gums and supports the replacement teeth.
There are two main types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures are designed to replace all the teeth in a full dental arch. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain in your smile.
Dentures are a great way to restore a nice smile while also providing a way to live your normal life without much thought for your teeth. They’re a great solution for those who have experienced tooth loss and want to regain functionality and confidence.
Why Would You Need Dentures?
People can use dentures as a solution for missing teeth. It helps them keep a great smile and have confidence in themselves again. They’re an affordable and convenient option to replace your missing teeth.
Missing teeth in older adults has decreased over the years, but it’s still a common problem that many people face. There are a few main causes behind tooth loss consisting of:
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. It occurs when bacteria inflame the gums while it destroys gum tissues and the jawbone under the gums to decrease teeth support.
- Cavities: Cavities occur from a bacterial infection that turns into tooth decay. If left untreated, the pulp, or center, of the tooth is destroyed, leading to a root canal or even tooth removal.
- Physical Injury or Trauma: Excess injury or trauma to the tooth can cause tooth loss, such as a sports injury. However, other factors such as biting on caps, tops, lids, loose knots, tags, thread, ice, or popcorn kernels can impact the teeth.
- Other Diseases and Risk Factors: Some diseases and risk factors can cause tooth loss, such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, smoking, and poor nutrition.
Many factors for tooth loss can be prevented with a good oral hygiene routine that consists of regular brushing and flossing. It’s also recommended to go to your dentist at least once a year as it can help thoroughly clean your teeth and detect early signs of oral health problems that can be treated early on.
Dentures have been the go-to treatment for decades as they can effectively restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile easily. Some people may have a negative connotation about looking and feeling fake, but modern advancements in dentistry create more realistic results.
The latest technology is used to craft your dentures to mimic the appearance of natural teeth while also providing a comfortable fit. You can enjoy your favorite foods and speak clearly since slipping and irritation have been minimized. You can have high-quality materials for your smile that last several years with the right aftercare. Traditional options tend to last around five years before needing to be replaced, while newer solutions have the potential to last for several decades.
Are you interested to see if dentures are your best solution? Schedule an appointment with Alaska Dental Arts today to see!
What Is the Process for Getting Dentures?
Your denture journey begins when you come in for a comprehensive consult that analyzes the status of your oral health. Our expert team of dental professionals will answer any questions that you have regarding your oral health and treatments.
In the first visit, we’ll analyze your gums and soft tissues to see that they’re healthy and ready for your new teeth. We’ll utilize dental tools such as X-rays to better understand what is going on with the underlying bones.
When you’re prepared to commit to dentures, we will start the process by making a cast or mold of the upper and the lower gums. We can discuss the size, shape, and shade of the new teeth so you can have a say in how great your smile looks. It’s also essential to analyze the correct alignment of your upper and lower teeth so the dentures can be an ideal fit.
We will talk about the length of the new teeth based on your mouth size. When everything is ready, we’ll place the final teeth in so you can have a great smile back. We will work with you and our professional expertise to find the best solution for you so you can be happy with your dentures.
We want to ensure that your dentures are as comfortable as possible so you can live your life without a second thought about it.
Does Medicaid Cover Dentures?
In short, yes, Medicaid covers dentures. It may cover part or all of the costs, which can greatly reduce the price of dental treatment.
At Alaska Dental Arts, we offer a free denture benefit audit. We can help you know if you’re covered for dentures based on your Medicaid. This allows you to skip past the research and lets us take the stress off you. We can see if dentures are the best option for your missing teeth, and see if that matches your financial status.
We know choosing your dentist is a big deal. Your teeth are important to your overall health, and we want to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. When you choose Alaska Dental Arts, we care about you, your family, and having a great dental experience.
Choosing us means you can rest assured that we’ll keep you happy and healthy. We can be your one-stop shop for dental care with services such as emergency dental care, family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry.
Our Dental Savings Plan allows you and your family to get the quality dental services you all deserve for just $200 a year. With this plan, you can save money on periodic exams, regular cleaning, check-ups, x-rays, fluoride treatment, and emergency exams.
Come to one of our three locations in Anchorage, Juneau, or North Pole, AK, to learn more about your dentures. We will provide a comprehensive consultation evaluating which option is best for you. Alaska Dental Arts can help you have a great smile while maintaining the functionality of natural-looking teeth.
Are you ready to get dentures that will restore your smile? Schedule an appointment with Alaska Dental Arts today!
