DENTURES

DENTURES: AN OPTIMUM SOLUTION TO LOST OR MISSING TEETH

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be removed and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some time to get used to and will never feel exactly the same as your natural teeth, dentures today are more natural-looking and comfortable than ever before.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF PLACING DENTURES?

After performing a full assessment of your mouth, including digital X-rays, the dentist can accurately evaluate the bone height, ridge form, and shape, allowing them to give you the best possible fit for your dentures.

Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory according to the impressions (molds) taken of your mouth. There may be as many as 5–6 appointments before your dentures are completed.

These steps help ensure that your dentures will be well-fitted, functional, and natural-looking. It is best to make upper and lower dentures simultaneously to ensure they fit together properly.

SYMPTOMS THAT INDICATE THAT YOU MIGHT NEED DENTURES

Dentures are more prevalent than you think and can fix several dental issues. Moreover, denture services are not only limited to senior citizens—they can address oral issues in people of all age groups and effectively restore their smiles.

Various factors indicate that you might need dentures, including:

  • Missing or gapped teeth
  • Chronic and persistent toothache
  • Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
  • Indigestion due to poor chewing
  • Loose or dislocated teeth

If you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, seek professional dental help as soon as possible to minimize the risks of severe dental consequences. In Toronto, if you are considering denture services, Balsam Dental can prove to be the best choice for you, as we have a team of well-trained and experienced dentists who are well aware of all dental issues and provide the most appropriate treatment based on your oral condition.

Moreover, we aim to provide all dental treatments to our clients at the most affordable rates, often covered by dental insurance—so make the right choice. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

TYPES OF DENTURES:

1. COMPLETE

With complete dentures, a pink-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper dentures covers the area of the palate (the roof of your mouth), while the lower dentures are shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.

2. PARTIAL

A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Your natural teeth serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures are more convenient to wear and offer a removable alternative to dental bridges.

3. ALL-ON-4 IMPLANT DENTURES

When a person has multiple missing or lost teeth, all-on-4 implant dentures prove to be the safest and best option. These implant dentures replace all missing teeth in the upper and lower jaws.

These dentures are more durable than traditional ones and provide a more natural-looking smile. All-on-4 implants are only removed by the dentist and are slightly more expensive than conventional dentures.

HOW DO NEW DENTURES FEEL?

New dentures may feel slightly uncomfortable during the first few weeks or months. Dentures take a little practice when eating or speaking. A loose feeling is not uncommon while your tongue and cheek muscles learn to hold your dentures in place. A sensation that the tongue does not have adequate room, excessive saliva flow, and minor irritations or swelling are also not unusual.

Dentures may require several adjustments before a comfortable fit is achieved. Even though you no longer have your natural teeth, it is still important to see your dentist annually. It is normal for the tissues in your mouth to change; as these changes occur, your dentures may no longer fit properly.

An ill-fitting denture is a major irritant in the mouth and does not permit proper speaking or chewing. The dentist needs to examine you annually to evaluate the fit and condition of your dentures. The hard and soft tissues of your mouth will also be checked for early signs of oral cancer or other abnormalities.

WHEN IS IT NECESSARY TO REPLACE DENTURES?

Your jawbones shrink up to 0.8 mm each year when teeth are missing. Unfortunately, this is one of the main disadvantages of dentures. Because of this shrinkage, over time your dentures will need to be relined and eventually replaced.

Dentures are made of plastic which, over time, wears down; therefore, dentures should be replaced every 7–10 years. Dental implants can also be used to support complete dentures. Conventional removable dentures attach to the jaw with a suction effect. Over time, the jawbone may deteriorate, causing inadequate support and retention.

Consequently, the denture will no longer fit properly and will move around. The placement of dental implants provides a stable foundation for the removable denture while helping preserve the jawbone. The dentures snap into place over the implants and can easily be removed for cleaning.

APPROXIMATE COSTS OF DENTURES

The estimated costs of dentures depend on various factors, including their type and quality, the extent of your oral complications, your region, and the experience of your dentist. However, on average, dentures can cost around $1,000 to $3,000.

Moreover, the dentist might recommend a complete set of dentures if you have multiple missing teeth in the upper and lower jaws. The approximate cost of a complete set of dentures ranges between $2,000 and $20,000.

FAQs:

Dentures are usually composed of acrylic resins, metal, or porcelain material. However, dentures made from acrylic resins are the most widely preferred as they are less expensive than other types, lighter in weight, more comfortable to wear, and appear almost invisible—giving people a natural-looking smile.
Wearing dentures while sleeping is always a bad idea, as it can cause several oral health issues. If you want to keep your mouth bacteria-free, your bones strong and unaltered, and your gums healthier, you should always remove your dentures before going to bed.