DENTURES

Edentulism is a dental condition characterized by missing teeth. There are two types of edentulism:

  • Partial: missing some teeth
  • Complete: missing all teeth

Avery Dental Center in Dublin works with many patients who have edentulism. One of the most popular, and most affordable, treatment options is dentures. We offer several different types of dentures based on your needs and expectations for treatment.

Why Should I Get Dentures?

If you are missing most or all of your natural teeth, dentures may be a good option for you. The dentist will try to salvage your natural teeth when possible with procedures such as dental fillings, root canal treatment, crowns, and other restorative treatments.

Unfortunately, in some cases, teeth are too damaged to be salvaged and tooth replacement becomes necessary. While dental implants are the gold standard, the cost is sometimes a barrier. Dentures are a much more affordable solution.

4 Types of Dentures

There are four primary types of dentures:

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures, also known as full dentures, are designed to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. Some of the advantages of complete dentures are:

  • Restores chewing ability
  • Maintains facial structure
  • Boosts confidence
  • Affordable compared to other options

Fixed Partial Dentures

Fixed partial dentures, also referred to as implant-supported bridges, are designed to replace several missing teeth in a row. This device is supported by a dental implant on each side of the gap and has one or more teeth between. Fixed partial dentures are permanently secured in place, which means they can only be removed by a professional.

The advantages of fixed partial dentures are:

  • Improves appearance
  • Stronger than removable options
  • Better bite/consistent tooth positioning
  • Prosthetic doesn’t move around in the mouth

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are designed to replace some missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They restore the natural look, feel, and function of teeth and can be removed/replaced at any time. Removable partials are often recommended for patients who do not qualify for an implant-supported bridge.

The advantages of removable partial dentures are:

  • Can be easily removed for cleaning
  • Durable, don’t break easily
  • Affordable
  • Prevents adjacent teeth from shifting

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are held in place with dental implants. In most cases, at least 4 implants are used, but this isn’t always the case. An implant-supported denture is more stable and functional than conventional dentures. Implant-supported dentures can be permanently fixed in place or removable.

The advantages of implant-supported dentures are:

  • Won’t slip/slide around when speaking or eating
  • Increased stability due to implants
  • Comfortable, custom-made to fit properly
  • More natural-looking than conventional dentures

Denture Materials

Typically, the denture base is made of pink acrylic to simulate the gums. However, the teeth may be made of porcelain or acrylic resin.

Acrylic resin is lighter and cheaper but tends to wear down quickly and requires frequent replacement.
Porcelain is more expensive but typically lasts longer and can be matched to remaining natural teeth more easily.

Average Cost of Dentures

The cost of dentures depends on several factors including:

  • Type of denture
  • Denture material
  • Experience/expertise of the dentist
  • Location of the dental clinic (larger cities typically cost more than rural areas)
  • Additional procedures required (extractions, bone grafting, etc)
  • Dental insurance coverage

The average cost of each type of denture is:

  • Complete: $1,300 to $3,000 per arch
  • Fixed partial: $1,500 to $6,500 per piece
  • Removable partial: $650 to $2,500 per piece
  • Implant-supported: $1,500 to $4,000 per arch

The good news is that dental insurance will typically cover a portion of treatment. Our office staff will be happy to work with your provider to determine your coverage. We offer a few financing options if you do not have insurance or still need help paying for your dentures. These can be used to cover your treatment upfront and you can make smaller monthly payments that fit your budget.

Life Expectancy of Dentures

According to the American Dental Association, complete dentures last an average of 5 to 10 years and partials can last up to 15 years. Fixed dentures typically last longer than removable ones because they are fixed in place instead of being taken out every day for cleaning. However, no matter what type of denture you have, you can increase the life expectancy by taking proper care of them.

Schedule Your Denture Consultation Today

If you are missing all or most of your teeth and are interested in learning more about your tooth replacement options, schedule your consultation with the team at Avery Dental Center today. Our dentists have the experience and expertise to provide you with a beautiful, flawless smile with a variety of dental restorations and replacements, including dentures.

We are located on Avery Muirfield Drive in Dublin. We are open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday for regular office hours. This office is closed on Thursdays, but open on Saturdays by appointment only. 

Denture FAQs

Dentures are an affordable way to replace your teeth and restore your smile. If you have questions, the team at Avery Dental Center will be glad to address them for you. Below are some of the most common questions that we get about this tooth replacement solution.

If your dentures are fixed in place, you can sleep with them in. However, if your dentures are removable, it is recommended
Yes, you can sleep with dentures. One of the biggest advantages of dentures is that it restores your ability to eat.
Yes, dentures can change your appearance, especially if you’ve been missing teeth for some time. They make your face look fuller and make you appear much younger.
You should visit the dentist every 6 months for an exam and deep cleaning unless you have underlying dental issues that require you to visit more often. The dental team will work with you to determine the best schedule for you.

If your dentures are fixed in place with dental implants, you can simply brush and floss as usual. Experts recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You may also use alcohol-free mouthwash.

If your dentures are removable, you should also be using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. When you first take them out of your mouth, rinse them under cool running water. Then, carefully brush them, making sure to clean them well. Then, rinse under cool running water and place in a container with denture cleanser. Allow to soak overnight. Then, rinse well before putting them back into your mouth the next morning.

Denture adhesive can be messy and hard to clean off of dentures, which is why so many people are looking for an alternative. Some alternatives include:
  • Denture adhesive strips
  • Denture adhesive powder
  • Suction cups
You can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each with the dentist to determine which is best for you.
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