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Dentures – Keeping Smiles Bright

For centuries, dentures have been used to replace missing teeth. Complete dentures are used to replace missing teeth for people with no remaining teeth. Without dentures, the remaining teeth can shift, the patient may be unable to bite or chew properly, or the face could sag, making one appear older. Unlike the dentures of the past, today they are designed to be comfortable as well as functional, look like natural teeth and improve your smile.

Dentures range in cost depending on several different factors including additional oral surgery needs to refine bony ridges, materials used, and experience of the dentist. Costs can range from $400 to $8,000. An experienced dentist may take, on average, 15 hours and five to six appointments to complete the entire denture process. This does not include preparatory oral surgery or tooth extraction. A patient can get a complete or partial denture appliance. When all the teeth are missing, complete dentures are used while partial dentures are used when a patient has some remaining natural teeth.

Complete dentures can be either ‘conventional’ or ‘immediate.’ While conventional dentures are ready for placement about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed, so that the gum tissue has begun to heal, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. Immediate dentures allow the patient to have ‘teeth’ during the healing process. Problems often occur due to natural shrinking of the bones and gums, making adjustments necessary. This is why the ‘immediate’ dentures are considered a temporary solution, unlike conventional dentures.
A partial denture, also known as a bridge, is made of replacement teeth attached to a pink, gum-colored plastic base. The partial denture is connected by a metal framework that holds everything in place within the mouth. These dentures are used to replace one or more natural teeth remaining in the lower or upper jaw. Permanent bridges replace teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space, firmly attaching an artificial tooth in the space itself. Then the bridge is cemented into place.
Your dentist will instruct you on how to wear your dentures, how to remove them, how long they can stay in your mouth and how to clean them. Also, your dentist can demonstrate how to use a denture adhesive and which types of adhesive you should use. And lastly, your dentist will answer any other questions you may have regarding your dentures, denture care and how to ensure good oral hygiene while wearing your dentures.
Remember to always see your dentist twice a year for your regular check up and cleaning and discuss with your dental professional any problems or concerns you may have regarding dental implants, dentures, or regular good oral hygiene practices.

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