Dentures are a removable artificial replacement for missing teeth that can improve your smile and help you chew and speak more easily. They are often made of plastic (acrylic) or metal and are shaped to fit over your gums.
They are an affordable option to replace missing teeth and help maintain your oral health.
Your dentist will work with you to decide what type of denture will best suit your needs. This may be a complete set, which replaces all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or a partial denture which fills in the spaces left by missing teeth.
Complete and partial dentures are both designed to replace all your teeth, but they differ in how well they function. A complete denture is more effective at replacing all your teeth and will allow you to eat and talk normally while a partial will only replace the teeth that have been lost.
A prosthodontist is a dental specialist trained in tooth replacement and restoration who will be able to design and craft dentures that are appropriate for your unique mouth.
They will also be able to explain how to take care of your dentures. The dentures should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque from the gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, which can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and fungus infections.
The dentures should be cleaned in a fizzy denture-cleaning solution that helps remove bacteria and stains. Brushing can also help prevent the formation of tartar and plaque, which can cause gum disease and other problems.
Wearing dentures is a gradual process that takes time to get used to. It can be difficult to eat properly and speak with them at first, but it gets easier with practice. Initially, you will find that they may cause sores in your mouth or irritation, which is normal and will subside as you become more comfortable wearing them.
You will also need to take care of your remaining teeth, and visit the dentist regularly to have them checked for any signs of damage. Regular checkups will also help your dentist determine whether you need a new set of dentures or not.
Cost of Dentures
The cost of dentures depends on the type of material used to make them, as well as the size and shape of your mouth. The more complex and durable a denture is, the higher its price will be.
Typically, complete dentures are more expensive than partials. They can range from $2,000 to $4000 per denture, or from $4000 to $8000 for a set of full dentures.
Porcelain dentures can be more costly than acrylic ones, but they last longer and require less maintenance. They are also more attractive and can be made to resemble natural teeth.
Stability of the Denture Base
The stability of a denture base is a major concern in patients who have missing teeth. Fortunately, advances in technology have made it possible to improve this area of denture-making.