Removable partial dentures are for patients who are missing some of their teeth on a particular arch. Fixed partial dentures, also known as "crown and bridge" dentures, are made from crowns that are fitted on the remaining teeth. They act as abutments and pontics and are made from materials resembling the missing teeth. Fixed bridges are more expensive than removable appliances but are more stable.
The front office has been great in terms of explaining processes, scheduling, and billing. I've also had to coordinate paratransit to get my mom to the office, and they've worked with me on times to make sure everything lines up right. Something you can probably only appreciate if you've been in a similar situation. They've also worked with us on fixing issues and missed appointments due to unforeseeable circumstances. Not only did they not scold us for missing an appointment, but they worked with me to resolve the problem that caused it- my mom's assisted living facility biffed it and didn't give her pain medicine after her surgery. :/ But, like I said, this office came through and helped- always making her care the top priority.
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth. Unlike dental implants and dental bridges, which are more or less permanently affixed to the bone, dentures are prosthetic teeth attached to a supporting structure. Dentures can be removed at night, for cleaning, or whenever desired. The most affordable dentures are those made with traditional plastic prosthetic teeth, but even more expensive porcelain cosmetic dentures usually cost less than implants.
This type of denture is made to be placed in the mouth immediately after you have all your natural teeth extracted. This allows you to leave the office without the embarrassment of having no teeth while the gums heal from the extraction. The denture is made to conform to your mouth at the moment impressions were taken. Your gums will change drastically over the next few months and it is possible that the dentures will rub against the gums causing some soreness until the denture is adjusted. Most patients will require a realignment of their denture within the first few months due to the gums shrinking from the extraction of teeth. Another benefit of immediate dentures is the fact that the dentures act as a bandage to the extraction sites which covers the tooth sockets and prevents them from becoming irritated. Just remember, never remove the denture yourself, even for a brief moment unless your dentist has instructed you to. The gums have a tendency to swell when uncovered at first; and if you are without your dentures for a little while, they may never go back in.
After six months you receive the final denture, which locks into place, making it a long-lasting smile solution that will restore not just your smile, but a higher quality of life. From there, you’ll worry no more about smiling, eating or speaking, meaning you can focus on simply maintaining good oral hygiene to ensure the dentures last for many years to come.
Price: Dentures tend to be the least costly solution for replacing missing teeth. Alternative treatment options such as dental bridges or implants are generally more expensive and require more extensive treatment. However, dental bridges and implants do offer a better fit, increased comfort, better chewing ability, and a more natural appearance. For these reasons, dentures-wearers may want to ask their dentists about these alternative treatment options. Your dentist can let you know if you are a good candidate for dentures, dental bridges, or implants, and let you know the cost of these options.
New dentures may feel a little odd or loose for a few weeks until the muscles of the cheeks and tongue learn to keep them in place and you get comfortable inserting and removing them. Also, it is not unusual for minor irritation or soreness to occur and for saliva flow to increase when you first start wearing dentures, but these problems will diminish as the mouth adjusts.
Getting dentures can be an intimidating process. The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) answers the most popular questions regarding denture costs. Read more about denture adhesives here.How much do dentures cost?Answer: That is a really good question that has a range of answers. The cost of dentures is dependent upon the conditions within your mouth, the types of materials being used, the techniques used by the dentist or prosthodontist, as well as the location and general operating costs of the dental office. Denture care is an ongoing service to maintain a healthy mouth. What many patients don't realize is that there is a service aspect connected to complete denture care, which includes modification of dentures over time to eliminate "sore spots" or to improve how the teeth fit for chewing, and correcting the look of or adjusting the dentures to make them more comfortable and stable. The conditions of your mouth make your treatment easier or harder and therefore may result in different costs. If cost is your primary concern, you might want to locate a dental school in your community for treatment. Keep in mind, low-cost treatment is of limited value if you have to have the treatment done over again in a short time. To locate a prosthodontist near you,visit www.gotoapro.org. Read more about denture adhesive creams here. Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists. Back to top
