4 Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures

Missing teeth not only affect your self-esteem, but also make it difficult or even impossible to eat and speak properly. If you are missing a few teeth or all your teeth, you might consider dentures or other toothreplacement options, but with so many choices, it can be tricky to find the perfect set of dentures for you. If you want to learn more about dentures and denture options, read on.

In the past, if you needed dentures, your options were limited. Yet thanks to advancements in technology and medicine, there are many types of dentures today. You can choose between traditional or partial dentures. Traditional dentures replace an entire set of teeth on either your upper or lower jaw or both, while partial dentures are used to replace one or more missing teeth.

Most dentures take time to produce so that they fit your mouth perfectly, but if you need teeth ASAP, immediate dentures are also possible. You will probably have to adjust these dentures sooner than you ordinarily would as your jawbone changes shape with their use.

Finally, there are implant-supported dentures that use titanium implants (inside your gums) to secure the removable denture.

Your insurance may cover some of the cost of dentures, especially if they are medically necessary, but otherwise, you'll have to pay out of pocket. For the most part, you'll pay between $300 and $4,000for one set of traditional dentures. Partial dentures also range in price from $300 and $4,000, but the exact price depends on how many teeth are missing and which materials are used, such as gold or acrylic.

The most expensive type of denture are implant-supported dentures. Thanks to the high cost of the titanium implants, your dentures may cost up to $90,000 for a full upper and lower set of dentures. With most types of dentures, however, you will need to replace them occasionally. Implant-supported dentures may not need replacement because they prevent changes in your jawbone's shape and size.

Maintaining your dentures means that you must keep them clean and ensure they continue to fit properly in your mouth. To prevent bad breath and irritation, make sure to rinse your dentures after every meal. Brush them daily with a soft-bristled brush and appropriate denture cleaner.

Do not wear your dentures overnight. This can lead to irritation and infection. Instead, soak your dentures in water and a denture solution at night so the dentures don't dry out and crack.

Overtime, your jawbone may change shape, which means you'll need to replace or reline your dentures to ensure that they fit again. Ill-fitting dentures make it difficult to eat and talk because they don't create a strong enough seal.

When you first get dentures, there are some foods you should just avoid. In fact, it's best to stick with a liquid or soft-food diet while you adjust to your new dentures. Once you get used to your new dentures, you can eat solid food again, but to help with this process, always make sure you cut up your food well and chew on both sides of your mouth.

Long-term, you can go back to eating most foods that you enjoy, but some foods will require special care. These include hard-to-chew meats like tough red meat, sticky candy, chewing gum, and peanut butter. You can still eat these foods, but they can damage or stain your dentures if you aren't careful.