If cared for properly, dentures should last a minimum of 5 years. Over time, the bone shrinks and causes the denture to become loose. The rate that this happens varies with each individual, but can be controlled by visiting a dentist regularly to ensure that the denture is fitting properly. An ill-fitting denture causes the bone to shrink more rapidly. To prolong the life of a denture, a dentist will often use a denture liner to refit the internal surface of the denture to the oral tissues.
Stability is the principle that describes how well the denture base is prevented from moving in a horizontal plane, and thus sliding from side to side or front to back. The more the denture base (pink material) is in smooth and continuous contact with the edentulous ridge (the hill upon which the teeth used to reside, but now only residual alveolar bone with overlying mucosa), the better the stability. Of course, the higher and broader the ridge, the better the stability will be, but this is usually a result of patient anatomy, barring surgical intervention (bone grafts, etc.).
Removable complete denture. This denture sits on top of the gums where the missing teeth were. It can be uncomfortable, affect your ability to experience the full taste of food, cause sore gums, and shift and click in your mouth when you speak, eat, smile, yawn or cough. While the initial costs are low, they only last an average of 7 to 15 years, and the replacement costs can be significant over the long term. They need to be removed regularly for cleaning, which can be a time-consuming hassle. Also, as with a partial denture, the natural bone underneath a complete denture may deteriorate over time, permanently changing the appearance of your smile and face.
What do Dentures Cost in Houston, TX
Throughout your lifetime, dentures will need to be replaced and adjusted which can become time consuming and expensive. It is a simple fact that dentures start to become loose and can break through normal activities such as talking, eating, etc. If a denture arch breaks, it may be possible to repair but in some cases it will need to be replaced entirely.
It is extremely important to practice healthy dental hygiene when wearing dentures. There is an increased risk of developing a more serious medical condition should oral irritation result from improper dental hygiene. These conditions include, but are not limited to, periodontal disease, leukoplakia (thickened white, potentially precancerous patches on the mucous membranes, also called smoker’s tongue) and fungal (denture stomatitis) infections.
On the cheap or “discount denture” end, you get units with premade fits that often look artificial. Less expensive sets are generally made with lower quality materials and their warranties reflect that. In the end, cheap dentures lack the desired lifelike look, are more prone to crack or break outright, may have poor bite alignment, and are typically less comfortable.
Your dentist or prosthodontist will instruct you as to how long to wear dentures and when to remove them. During the first several days after receiving your denture, you may be asked to wear it all the time, including while you sleep. Although this may be temporarily uncomfortable, it is the quickest way to identify the areas on the denture that may need adjustment. Once adjustments are made, you should remove dentures before going to bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and allows normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. The denture can be put back in the mouth in the morning.
Partial dentures, or partials, are dentures that replace only a few missing teeth in the patient’s mouth. Partials rest on a metal framework that will be latched onto the patient’s natural teeth for support. If the patient’s existing teeth are insufficient, dental crowns are usually used to augment the natural teeth and serve as more stable anchors for the partial dentures.
Two to six dental implants that support a removable denture plate can cost $3,500-$30,000 or more depending on the number and type of implants (mini-implants are less expensive), denture materials (in some cases an existing denture plate can be adapted for use with implants) and any other procedures needed. A full set (upper and lower) of implants and dentures can cost $7,000-$90,000 or more.
I've had the immediate dentures for a year now and the office has been great the whole time. I've had a number of relines as my gums healed. I'm excited to get my permanent set. To be honest, when I first got the immediates placed, I didn't like them. Something seemed “off” and I couldn't put my finger on it. Looking back, it was just odd seeing myself with different teeth. I soon loved them. They look great and function like they should.
As of now I essentially have no teeth and won't until at least 2-3 months later when I am supposed to return for my "permanent denture". It is incredibly humiliating having to go out in public with no teeth. I returned to ask what they could do and they wanted around 300 bucks for a reline but recommended I just get a new denture made (which they of course wanted to charge me around 600 bucks for). I couldn't believe what I was hearing. They made an awful denture and refused to fix it. Suddenly all of the nightmare stories began to make sense. I kindly told them to screw off and that I would just wait a few months.
Having a complete set of bright and well-aligned teeth can give you a beautiful smile. When a person loses his or her teeth to disease, injury, accidents or age, the gaps in the smile are usually enough reasons to warrant a dental solution. Of course, the reasons for treating missing teeth goes beyond aesthetic reasons and extends into the realms of health, such as personal well-being and simply feeling good about oneself.
In either case, as you are making the decision between dentures versus bridges, it is very important to speak with your dental professional. Contact Arkansas Family Dental if you have questions about dentures or bridges. You can also schedule an appointment with either Dr. Nichols or Dr. Mascagni for help deciding between your tooth replacement options.
