One of the most common conditions faced by adults in the United States is tooth loss. Millions are missing most or all of their natural teeth. This is caused by a variety of factors and can cause a lot of oral and overall health issues. The good news is that Vital Dental Center offers tooth replacement options. One of the most popular options is dentures. This article explains what you need to know about denture.
Who Needs Dentures?
Dentures are recommended for patients who are missing some or all of their natural teeth
The Denture Fitting Process
There are several steps involved in the denture fitting process that take place over several different appointments:
- Initial Consultation: During this visit, the dentist will evaluate your oral health and your eligibility for getting denture. The dentist will also discuss your options:Â full/partial, traditional/fixed, etc.
- Primary Impressions: The dentist will take impressions of your gums/bite for the dental lab to use in the fabrication of your dentures.
- Mouth Preparation: If you require additional procedures, such as gum disease treatment or tooth extraction, these will need to be done first
- Secondary Impressions: after your gums heal from tooth extraction or other procedures, a second set of impressions will be taken.
- Wax Trial: The dentist will create a wax version of your dentures to give you an idea of how they will look and feel
- Denture Delivery: Once it is ready, the dentist will check to ensure they fit properly.
Common Denture Concerns and Solutions
While dentures are an effective solution for missing teeth, patients will face some challenges when they first start wearing them. Below are some of the most common challenges and how to deal with them:
Soreness
Dentures sit on top of the gums, so soreness/irritation is common. Also, without the stimulation from tooth roots, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate over time, changing the shape of your jaw- which can lead to soreness/irritation. You can manage this discomfort with OTC pain relievers, a warm saltwater rinse, or topical anesthetics. If the soreness is due to changes in jawbone shape or the pain is significant or persistent, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Speaking
Speaking is often difficult for patients when they first start wearing it- but will eventually resolve on its own. Take time to practice speaking alone and try speaking slowly and deliberately. Eventually, you will be able to enunciate your words. If your dentures are sliding around on your gums, you should visit the dentist for an adjustment.
Eating
Many patients also find eating difficult when they first start wearing dentures. Start with soft foods, cut food into smaller bites, and chew slowly and evenly with both sides of your mouth. You may also consider using a drink to help you swallow.
Slipping/Sliding
Since dentures are not attached to the gums, slipping/sliding often occurs- which causes the issues mentioned above. In some cases, denture adhesive may prevent this from happening- but it could be an indication that they don’t fit properly. Therefore, you may wish to schedule an appointment to have the fit checked.
Dentures vs Other Dental Solutions
| Dentures | Dental Implants | Dental Bridges |
| Removable or fixed | Fixed to jawbone | Fixed to adjacent natural teeth |
| Ranges from around $650 to $4,000 | Average of $5,000 per tooth | Ranges from $2,000 to $5,000+ |
| Insurance usually covers a portion of treatment | Insurance may or may not cover a portion of treatment | Insurance usually covers a portion of treatment |
| Takes several appointments over several months | Takes several months to a year or more from start to finish | Takes several appointments over several months |
Cost of Dentures
The cost of denture ranges from around $650 to $4,000 per arch depending on several factors. The primary factors that determine denture cost include:
- Partial versus full
- Material used to make dentures
- Insurance coverage
Many dental insurance providers will cover a portion of treatment. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover this treatment, our office staff will explain our financing options.
Vital Dental Center Can Help with Your Denture Needs
If you already have dentures or you are considering for it to replace your missing teeth, schedule your appointment with Vital Dental Center today at Margate, FL and Pompano Beach, FL. We offer a variety of options including traditional full and partial denture, fixed dentures, and denture stabilization. Our dentists are equipped to restore your smile and your confidence with our tooth replacement options.
Dentures FAQs
While dentures are one of the most common options for tooth replacement, the team at Vital Dental Center understands that you may have questions. We will be more than happy to address those for you at any time. Below are some of the most common questions that we’ve been asked.
Research shows that most dentures last an average of 5 to 7 years with proper care and maintenance. This is primarily due to changes in jawbone shape due to jawbone deterioration.
When you first get your dentures, you can expect some soreness and irritation. However, this can be managed with warm saltwater rinses, OTC pain relievers, and topical anesthetics. If the pain is unbearable or does not resolve with these treatments, schedule an appointment right away. Â
Dentures should be worn most of the day for the first few days- especially if you just had teeth extracted. This will allow the gums time to heal and help you get used to wearing them. After a few days, you should always remove your dentures for at least 6 to 8 hours a day, usually while sleeping to allow your gums to rest.
Yes, dentures are artificial teeth. Typically, the base is made from acrylic because it is lighter and more comfortable. The teeth are usually made of porcelain or acrylic- each option has its advantages and disadvantages.
Every night before bed, you should remove your dentures for cleaning. Brush them with a denture cleaner and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Then, rinse with cool water and place them in a container of water or denture solution.