Your mouth needs certain structures and support to function properly. Missing teeth can change the shape and composition of your jawbones, shifting them out of alignment and making basic oral functions like speaking, chewing, breathing, and biting difficult. Poor alignment of your jaws and gums can also put added strain any remaining teeth and on your facial muscles, causing pain, headaches, and fatigue.
Dentures are a restorative dentistry option that helps your mouth retain its normal function. They support the structures around the cheeks and lips.
Partial dentures are designed to replace just a few missing teeth. Mounted on a metal frame that attaches to remaining natural teeth, partial dentures are a removable alternative to bridges. However, crowns may still be placed on the nearby natural teeth as anchors for the dentures.
A partial denture prevents remaining natural teeth from shifting, helping your jaw maintain the proper alignment. They may be used in place of other tooth replacement options like bridges if the surrounding natural teeth are not strong enough.
Compete (or full) dentures are used when all of your natural teeth have been removed. A flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums, with the upper part covering the roof of your mouth (palate) and the lower part shaped like a horseshoe to fit over your bottom gums while leaving room for your tongue. Full dentures are held in place by either an oral adhesive or simple suction.
Conventional full dentures are placed after your gum tissue has healed from removing any remaining teeth. You may be without teeth for the several months it takes for your gums to heal.
Immediate full dentures are placed immediately after remaining teeth are removed, without waiting for the gums to fully heal. They are an intermediate solution for teeth while your mouth is healing. Because your jawbones while shift and reshape as they heal from the teeth removal, these immediate dentures may become loose and will need to be relined in a few months to account for the changing shape of your jaw and gums.
If traditional dentures are simply too uncomfortable or if you only have a few natural teeth left, your dentist may recommend overdentures, which either rest on dental implants or on top of the roots of your remaining teeth.
Dentures are custom made to fit your mouth comfortable and securely. After your dentist or prosthodontist determine which type of dentures is best for you, they will take a series of impressions of your jaw—either with a mold or a 3D scanner—to measure the relationship and space between your jaws. Several “trial” models or forms will be made from these impressions for you to try on so the doctor can adjust your dentures for color, shape, and fit. You will receive a final denture cast and final fitting for any more adjustments.
Dentures are not a permanent solution and will require readjustments over time due to normal wear and tear as well as the natural changes in your mouth and jaw as you age. Modern dentures are typically made from a hard resin which is more fragile than natural teeth and wears down more quickly. They may need to be rebased, which installs a new base while retaining the existing denture teeth; relined, for a better, more secure fit; or remade, as the artificial teeth are worn down over time.
Most dentures will need to be replaced about every five years. However, just like natural teeth, you can help extend the life of your dentures with proper routine and oral care, such as:
The cost of dentures varies by the type and material of the appliance. A full set of standard dentures typically averages about $1800, although some low-cost options can be found for between $300 and $500 while more premium dentures can cost upwards of $2,000 to $8,000.
However, most dental insurance plans will cover some or all of the cost of dentures. Be sure to check with your insurance provider and your dentist to find out what your plan covers.
At Dental Depot DFW, we are proud to offer comprehensive dental care for everyone in your family at every stage of life. Our diverse team of experienced professionals includes a dedicated prosthodontist who specializes in teeth replacement and restoration, including dentures. This allows us to care for all of your dental needs—from cleanings and checkups to restorative dentistry—at one convenient location. You can choose the one closest to you in Dallas, Lewisville, Aubrey, The Colony, McKinney, Arlington, and Highland Village. To find out more about our restorative dentistry options or to schedule a consultation, request an appointment.
If you are missing multiple teeth, we encourage you to set up a consultation with a Dental Depot dentist to discuss your tooth replacement options.
Request an appointment online today and let us help you get your smile back!
Dr. Kana is dedicated in providing the highest level of care. He and the staff are committed to education and expanding knowledge. He has completed over 1,000 hours of continuing education. Dr. Kana hopes that being accessible to all of his patients, strong community feel and values, and strong patient/customer service is what will help our practice and community grow.
