What are Dentures? Types, Cost, Alternatives

What are dentures? Dentures can be a life-saving tool to help improve the function and appearance of smiles. According to research performed in 19 countries, approximately 19% or 1 in 5 people wear dentures. Dentures are a great option to replace missing teeth so that you can continue to enjoy the foods you love, speak properly, and maintain the appearance of your smile.

Dentures are extremely durable, and can last on average between 5 and 10 years if taken care of properly. In this article we will discuss all you need to know about dentures.

What are Dentures?

So, what are dentures? Dentures are artificial teeth or synthetic replacements that replace natural teeth that have been lost. Dentures can replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch of missing teeth on either the top or bottom arches. Dentures are custom-fit your mouth and will naturally preserve your facial structure, improve overall smile appearance, and restore chewing and speech function. The team of dental professionals at Great Lakes Family Dental provide quality and affordable full and partial dentures to replace your missing teeth.

Dentures vs Implants

Below is a description of dentures vs implants:

Feature	Dentures	Dental Implants
Nature	Can replace one or more missing teeth: partial or full denture	Can replace one or more missing teeth: single tooth implant, implant-supported bridge, implant denture,
Material	Acrylic resin base cast metal frame	Titanium base
Procedure	Dental impression of mouth, preliminary set of dentures created by lab, necessary adjustments made, final permanent dentures fit	Placement of titanium post, abutment after healing, and dental crown attaches to abutment
Suitability	Weaker jawbone support	Good jawbone support
Longevity	5-10 years	>30 years
Aesthetics	Made to appear like natural gums and teeth	Made to appear like natural teeth
Comfort & Functionality	Removable Improve aesthetics, speech, chewing, and support facial muscles Can promote jawbone deterioration	Fixed to the jawbone Often provides greater comfort than dentures Improve aesthetics, speech, chewing, and support facial muscles Prevents jawbone deterioration

Types of Dentures Available

There are several different types of dentures. This can include complete dentures, partial dentures, implant-supported dentures, and economy dentures. Continue reading to learn more.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are indicated for individuals who are missing a complete set of teeth on the top, bottom, or both arches. Complete dentures can be easily removed from the mouth, and are made to appear and function like your natural teeth.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are a treatment option for individuals who are missing one or a few teeth. Partial dentures help restore the missing spaces and are secured to your natural teeth to prevent it from falling out of place. Like complete dentures, partial dentures can be removed from the mouth. They are a great option for those who are unable to have dental implant surgery due to medical reasons or inadequate jawbone support.

Fixed Partial Dentures (Implant-Supported Bridges)

Permanent dentures are a great option for individuals who want a dental restoration that they do not have to take on and off. A fixed partial denture, also referred to as a fixed bridge, is a type of permanent denture that is anchored to the jawbone to replace one to a few missing teeth. Implant-supported bridges can help prevent your jawbone from deteriorating and they do not compromise healthy adjacent teeth. These restorations also have a long lifespan with proper care.

Implant-Retained Dentures (Overdentures)

Implant-retained dentures, also referred to as overdentures, are another permanent denture option that is anchored to your jawbone. Overdentures can replace a complete missing set of teeth. Overdentures also help preserve bone where the teeth were missing, they eliminate the need for dental adhesives like with traditional complete dentures, and can help improve comfort, digestion, and appearance.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures, sometimes called same day dentures, can be used as a temporary dental restoration after having teeth extracted. When teeth are extracted, an immediate denture is placed during the healing process to protect your gums and to prepare you for the permanent denture. The healing process usually takes about 6 months until the permanent denture is ready to be placed.

All-On-4 Implant Dentures

All-on-4 implant dentures are another type of fixed denture that uses four implants placed within the jawbone to secure the denture. All-on-4 implant dentures can be placed in the upper and lower jaw when you are missing all teeth. Individuals require sufficient bone density for the placement of the dental implants. As with traditional dentures, all-on-4 implant dentures will restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably.

Economy Dentures

Economy dentures are cost-effective dentures. These dentures can cost less than traditional dentures, but also typically don’t fit as well and are less comfortable. If their fit is inadequate fit, this may require multiple adjustments and the denture may not last as long.

How are Dentures Made?

The first step in the denture creation process involves taking dental impressions. Your dentist will take a mold of your upper and lower jaws, which will be used to help fabricate your custom-made denture. The trained dental technician will set the artificial teeth into a wax registration, which will be tried into your mouth to ensure that the upper and lower teeth fit together appropriately. The final dentures are typically fabricated by a dental lab out of acrylic resin. Some partial dentures require a metal cast to help support the denture. Lastly, your finished denture will be tried in the mouth during a denture fitting appointment. Your dental professional will polish the denture and ensure proper fit.

Reasons for Getting Dentures

There are many common reasons why people need dentures. One of the most common reasons is tooth loss as a result of various factors. These factors include poor oral hygiene, extensive tooth decay, advanced gum disease (periodontal disease), and lack of routine dental care.

How to Take Care of Your Dentures?

Taking care of your dentures is key to maintaining good oral health and to ensure its’ longevity. No matter the type of denture that you have, cleaning your dentures daily is essential. This helps to remove bacteria, food debris, and calculus from building up on them and on your gums and oral tissues. It is recommended to use a soft toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner daily to keep your dentures clean. A denture repair kit can be used to temporarily fix cracks or breaks in dentures while waiting to see your dental professional.

Are there Alternatives to Dentures?

The main alternatives to dentures include dental implants and bridges. Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular, as they are very esthetic, fixed to the jawbone, can last a lifetime when taken care of properly, and can also help preserve your jawbone from deteriorating. Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth.

Similarly, dental bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. However, this procedure involves preparing neighboring teeth with dental crowns that connect to an artificial tooth/teeth (pontics) to bridge the gap. Dental bridges can be supported by crowns on natural teeth or dental implants.

Cost of Dentures and Insurance Coverage

An important factor to consider when determining if dentures are ideal for your smile is the dentures cost. Many dental insurance plans offer some coverage for an affordable denture. Check out the table below to determine the average temporary (immediate) denture and permanent dentures cost.

Type of Denture	Average Cost Without Insurance
Complete Denture	$1,000 to $3,000
Temporary (Immediate) Denture	$900
Partial Removable Denture	$1,400 to $1,800
Implant-Retained Denture (Overdenture)	$5,000 to $30,000
Snap-in Denture	$8,000 – $12,000

Conclusion

Your smile before and after dentures can show life-changing results! There are many types of dentures available to help replace missing teeth. Traditional dentures are removable and rely on adhering to oral soft tissues or natural teeth. There are also implant-supported fixed dentures, which are secured to the jawbone helping preserve your natural bone. Our team of dentists are here to help you choose the best type of denture that is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Correct Toothpaste for Dentures?

In general, traditional toothpaste is considered too abrasive for cleaning dentures and can cause them damage. It is best to speak with your dental professional about their best recommendation on denture cleansers. They will offer the best guidance on a gentle toothpaste to clean your dentures.

Does Medicare Cover Dentures?

In general, Medicare does not cover partial or complete dentures. However, some Medicare plans may offer some coverage for common dental services like dentures. It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine what your plan covers.

How to Clean Dentures?

It’s important to clean your dentures daily to prevent accumulation of oral bacteria and debris that can damage your oral tissues. Remove and rinse off your dentures after eating. Before going to sleep, gently brush your dentures with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser following the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning and soaking.

Cost of Full Dentures Without Insurance?

Full dentures on average cost between $1,000 to $3,000. The price of full dentures can vary based on the denture material, dental practice location, and additional procedures that may be necessary prior to denture placement.

How Long Does It Take to Get Dentures?

The process of getting dentures can take on average between six weeks to three months. It often involves multiple appointments, starting with dental impressions and the extraction of any necessary teeth, a visit to check your bite, and delivery of the denture.

What Are Dentures Made Of?

Dentures are commonly made of an acrylic resin. Some dentures are made out of porcelain, which tends to be more expensive and last longer than dentures made out of acrylic.

When Is Denture Adhesive Necessary?

Denture adhesive may be necessary if your denture does not seem to adhere onto your gums on its own. Denture adhesive can make your denture fit more stably allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.