Cosmetic Dentistry > Dentures
Dentures
Table of Contents
Overview
If teeth are lost or must be extracted, dentures provide an easily removable replacement that can be fashioned to look very much like natural teeth. Dental implants are the fixed alternative to full dentures.
New advancements in dentistry have led dentures to become more comfortable and fitted to your gum. Your dental specialist will carefully position the denture, and construct it so that it fits properly on your gum and against your other teeth when you bite down. “Neuromuscularly” fitted dentures provide the most comfort.
Dentures are made of resins and porcelain.
Life Span of Dentures
Full dentures typically last ten to fifteen years.
Procedure
New technology has allowed dental practitioners make new improvements in the construction of dentures. “Neuromuscularly” fit dentures are slightly more expensive, but are more carefully fitted to your mouth. Their design takes into account the way that your jaw moves, and the structure of your jaw and muscle tissue. A more extensive exam is needed for this variety of denture.
After your initial exam, and a consultation determining that dentures are the best option, the dentist will take an impression of your gum or teeth using a wax substance. This mold allows them to determine the dimensions and the optimal position for the denture. Next, a temporary denture is constructed in a dental laboratory.
After the initial denture is constructed, it is fitted to your mouth, allowing you and your practitioner to determine any size or color modifications that need to be made for the final denture.
A description of these changes then accompanies the temporary denture back to a dental laboratory where the final denture is made.
Cost
Dentures typically cost between $800 and $1,500 per full row of teeth.
Neuromuscularly fitted dentures range from $5,000 to $7,500, but are greatly preferred by patients due to their comfort.