How to Choose Dentures

If you have lost your teeth because of periodontal disease, decay or injury, it is important to replace missing teeth. Not doing so could result in shifting of remaining teeth, sagging facial muscles and an inability to eat and speak properly. Choosing the right kind of denture is as important as the decision to get them in the first place.

Instructions

• 1

  Select your dentist. Most general dentists will perform this procedure, but prosthodontists receive additional training in restorative dentistry.

• 2

  Determine the right type of denture. There are different types of complete dentures.

  A conventional full denture is placed in the mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and the gums have healed. The advantage of a conventional full denture is you will be able to see how your teeth will look before the denture is placed. These dentures take a long time before they are ready for placement, though, which means you could be waiting eight to 12 weeks after your teeth have been removed.

  An immediate complete denture is placed in the mouth directly after the remaining teeth are removed. This means you will never have to appear in public without teeth. The cost, though, is steeper than the price associated with a conventional full denture.

• 3

  Determine the cost of the dentures and figure out how that will fit in your budget. As of September 2009, complete dentures can cost from $300 to $8,000, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Cost can vary depending on factors such as the cost of the specialist, the type of dental insurance you have, the type of denture you choose, the material used in the new dentures and the warranty offered.