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Things You Should Know About Dentures

Dentures are used to replace missing, decayed or broken natural teeth. Dentures stop the effects associated with missing teeth such as giving you an older appearance and shifting your remaining teeth from their original places. There are many things you should know about dentures. For example, dentures are just as fragile as natural teeth. They can chip, break or crack.

  1. Dentures

    • Complete dentures are removable. The gum portion of the dentures, made of plastic, fit over the entire part of the upper or lower jaw. Each set of dentures are made specifically for the person wearing them. Thus, you can pick how you want your new teeth to look --- which includes the shape, color and size of the teeth. The teeth are made of porcelain or plastic.

    Types of Dentures

    • There are different types of complete dentures called immediate, conventional and overdenture. Overdentures are a type of complete denture that fits over a small number of natural teeth or implants. Immediate dentures are temporary. They are worn from the time your natural teeth are removed until you receive your conventional dentures. Conventional dentures are permanent dentures, or the dentures that you use regularly. Conventional dentures are sometimes referred to as permanent dentures. However, they don't last forever. Conventional complete dentures last approximately seven years.

    The Process of Receiving Dentures

    • The entire process of obtaining complete dentures --- from the removal of your natural teeth to receiving the dentures --- takes about six visits to the dentist. New complete dentures may cause soreness and irritation after you start wearing them. However, the soreness should stop after a couple months. If the soreness or irritation doesn't cease then you may have to return to the dentist for adjustments.

    The Cost for Complete Dentures

    • According to Consumer Guide to Dentistry, complete dentures range from $400 to $8,000 depending on several factors. For example, the cost of materials, the time it takes to make the dentures and experience of the dentist all factor into the final cost of dentures. However, the final cost of complete dentures depends on your dental insurance and co-pay. The cost for complete dentures doesn't include the cost for any tooth extraction or oral surgery needed to remove natural teeth.

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