Dentures have been around for centuries, but are still a viable replacement for lost teeth. Modern dentures are made out of acrylic resin and porcelain, and are far more durable than their predecessors. Although you still need to take them out and clean them regularly, technology has made dentures far more comfortable.Dentures are an option for those who have no remaining healthy teeth. A partial denture, or partial, is a small removable false tooth or teeth. These can be made of metal or plastic to meet your needs.
Dentures can make a big difference for those with missing, decayed, or damaged teeth. If you have lost multiple teeth due to gum disease, trauma, or just years of regular use, dentures may offer a drastically improved smile.
A well made denture can last 5-10 years, but they do require routine daily cleaning. Dentures do occasionally require repair or adjustment to work effectively.
Temporary Partial Dentures
If you’ve had teeth extracted in preparation for a full denture, your dentist may suggest a temporary denture. Sometimes called an immediate denture, temporary partial dentures are made in a similar way to normal dentures, and require impressions before your teeth are extracted. A temporary partial denture can be used 2-3 months after your teeth are extracted. During this time your gums will heal, causing the fit of the temporary denture to change. Once your gums have fully healed from the extraction, which can take 6-9 weeks, you can get your permanent dentures, which should look better, and fit more comfortably.
How much do dentures cost?
Dentures are not cheap. If you have seen signs or advertisements for $100 dentures, you should be suspicious, as the average cost is between $500-1500 per denture. Dentures are custom made to fit their owner, so the total price can vary based on factors such as mouth and gum health, existing teeth or dental work, and the quality and fit of the denture.
Although dentures are not cheap, they are considerably less expensive, and more widely available than dental implants.
How is a denture made?
- Impressions are made of your mouth and teeth.
- Trays are custom made to fit your mouth, and allows for a precise copy of your mouth to be made.
- Bite Blocks are used to measure the how your upper and lower jaw fit together.
- The dentures are made in a dental lab.
- A “Try in” visit gives you an opportunity to check out the look of your dentures, and if necessary make any adjustments before completion.
- Your new denture is fitted.
- A check up is usually scheduled a week after the fitting to make sure everything is fitting and working properly, and the dentist can address any questions or concerns after the first week.
Partial Dentures and Bridges
If you are missing only a few teeth, a full denture may not be necessary. Removable partial dentures (sometimes called bridges or flippers) are an option that fills in the gap in your teeth with false teeth. Partial dentures connect to your natural teeth to make a “bridge” that can look natural and feels more comfortable than a full denture.
Denture Repair
Dentures do occasionally need repair or adjustment. If you have a denture that needs repair, or you’d like to look at replacement denture and partial denture options, set up an appointment with your dentist.