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The Benefits of Dentures
Many people are missing some or even all of their original teeth. While losing teeth is more common as we age, people of any age may suffer from tooth loss due to injuries or decay. Missing teeth can make chewing difficult. It also makes people self-conscious about their appearance.
Dentures are artificial teeth that can be used to replace all or some of the teeth. If you have only one or several missing teeth, your dentist may recommend individual implants or a bridge. However, bridges aren’t always possible if there are no healthy teeth that are stable enough to support the bridge. Severe gum disease can also make bridges impractical. Dentures can provide such patients with teeth to fill in any gaps. They are especially useful if someone needs all their teeth replaced.
There are several types of dentures and it’s important to do your research and find the type that is most suitable for you.
Full or Complete Dentures
When people talk about getting dentures, they are often referring to a traditional complete set of dentures. While this isn’t the only choice, it’s the type to get if the patient needs to have all of his or her teeth replaced. When you get complete dentures, any remaining original teeth are removed and the gums need about 8 to 12 weeks to heal before the dentures can be placed.
Immediate Dentures
While most permanent dentures require a waiting period as the gums heal, immediate dentures are placed in the mouth right after the teeth are removed and serve as a placeholder to protect the gums and keep neighboring teeth stabilized. However, immediate dentures are not meant to be permanent. They usually last for about 6 months until the permanent dentures are placed.
Partial Dentures
If you still have some of your original teeth, you may not need a full set of dentures. Partial dentures are removable replacement teeth for the upper and/or lower mouth. These types of dentures are useful for patients who cannot have a bridge installed because of gum problems. Partial dentures are usually removed and cleaned at night.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Dentures supported by implants are realistic-looking and secure. They are supported by implant posts and can replace teeth on either the top or bottom of the mouth. Implant-supported dentures are permanent and not removable. Snap-in dentures are among the strongest types of implant-supported dentures. These are removable like partial dentures but are very secure while in the mouth. Overdentures are another, less costly, type of removable denture held in place with implants.
Economy Dentures
Patients on a tight budget may be interested in economy dentures, which are often one-third to half the price of premium dentures. These are generic dentures that aren’t custom-fitted. Compared to custom dentures, they are less realistic-looking and don’t last as long. You may need to replace economy dentures every two to three years.
Types of Dentures
Dentures Cost
The cost of dentures varies depending on a couple of different factors.
Factors Affecting Cost and Affordability
Budget is always something to consider with dental treatment. Denture costs can vary a great deal. There are several things to consider.
- Office location. Costs vary in different cities and states. Of course, prices can also vary between dentists in any area.
- Type of dentures. Partial, full, implant-supported, etc. Within these categories, the cost varies based on the materials used. For example, acrylic resin is commonly used but porcelain dentures, which last longer, are costlier.
- Additional treatments. Getting dentures often requires other treatments such as tooth extraction. If you have gum disease, this may need to be treated before dentures or implants can be placed.
- Dental insurance & Payment Plans. Insurance may cover some or all of the costs. Some health plans, whether employer-provided or through the Marketplace, include dental coverage. In some cases, you can purchase a separate dental plan at various levels of coverage.
Depending on the type of dentures you have, you’ll need to provide them with a certain amount of care to preserve them. When you have any type of dentures, it’s important to continue getting regular dental checkups. Your dentist will examine your dentures to assess their condition and may recommend certain habits to make them last longer.
Care For Removable Dentures
Removable dentures should be removed and rinsed with water after eating. They should also be brushed daily with a denture cleaner. Regular toothpaste is often too abrasive for dentures and may damage them. They should be brushed with a brush specifically made for dentures. When your dentures are out, brush your gums and tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Handle your dentures with care. They are fragile and can easily break. Don’t place them on hard surfaces but on a towel or other soft surfaces.
Care For Permanent Dentures
If you have permanent dentures, you obviously can’t remove them to clean them. In this case, you will brush them similarly to how you’d brush your original teeth. It’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Your dentist may recommend a special type of toothpaste for the type of dentures you have.
Water flossing devices can be useful for removing food and debris from dentures. These devices can be used with brushes of all types and sizes, including smaller brushes that can clean implant-supported dentures.
Denture Care
Choosing the Right Dentures Solution
Whether you get dentures and, if so, what kind, depends on many factors such as the condition of your teeth and gums and your budget.
Before you make any decisions, you should consult with a dentist and discuss your options. For some patients, other options such as bridges or implants may be alternatives worth considering. If you are considering dentures, the first step is to consult with a dentist and learn more about treatment options.
If you are looking for more information or are seeking a source for affordable dentures, contact Smile Design Dentistry in Central Florida.
Smile Design Dentistry supports patients by assessing and selecting the best products and procedures for you and explaining every step of the process, up to and including final steps and costs.
Visit the Patient Information page of our website to discover how Smile Design Dentistry can support your dental needs. Learn more and schedule an appointment to get the brilliant, shining smile you’ve always wanted!
Family-owned and operated, Smile Design provides personalized attention for each of our patients throughout the state of Florida. We believe in building a strong, trusting relationship with our patients and we’ll take the time to get to know you, listen to your concerns, and answer any questions you may have about your dental hygiene, oral health problems, the treatments our doctors recommend, and your smile appearance.
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