If you’re missing multiple teeth, or due to periodontal disease multiple teeth have to be removed dentures may be an excellent option. Dentures give you a natural-looking smile and make it possible to adapt and enjoy your favorite foods. There are several types of dentures on the market. The ideal solution for you will depend on your oral health status, bone quality, and financial commitment you wish to make
What Are Dentures?
A denture is a replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Dentures are designed to fit snugly with the shape and size of your jaws and sit across the gums, replacing the missing teeth and restoring your smile. Regardless of what kind of dentures you may need, they will be custom-designed to fit your mouth and visually match your existing teeth. The doctors will even request old pictures and have multiple shapes, shades, and lengths of teeth in order to re-create a natural smile.
Types of Dentures
Upper and Lower Complete Dentures: These dentures are replacements for entire sets of teeth and are often the last option after all other tooth restorations are deemed ineffective. Traditional dentures are typically placed within 8-12 weeks after the teeth have been removed and usually cost $1,300-$2500 per set. These dentures over time can be relined for a lab fee in order to restore the suction and comfort.
Immediate Dentures: These are temporary dentures that can be fitted right after removing your teeth. They are usually recommended as an immediate solution so you can carry on as usual while waiting for your new conventional dentures to be fitted, which can take 6-8 weeks. Because they aren’t molded to your gums, immediate dentures require more upkeep like denture adhesive and aren’t as natural-looking as custom dentures. It is however an accepted treatment and most patients get the chance to test drive the teeth and make changes if needed towards their final set.
Partial Dentures: This type of denture is used when a patient still has some of their natural teeth, such as when one or more teeth remain in the upper and lower jaw. A partial set of dentures is usually removable and clips onto some of your natural teeth via metal clasps, which hold them securely in place in your mouth. Removable partial dentures fill in the spaces left by the missing teeth and prevent other teeth from changing position. They cost $650-$2,500 per set. The dentists will make sure prior to finalizing a partial denture, that the rest of the teeth are free of caries, the tissues are healthy and the teeth are not periodontally involved. In other words, the foundation needs to be healthy.
Implant-Supported Dentures: As the name suggests, these are dentures that are anchored by dental implants. This type of denture restores one or more missing teeth in a row when strong natural teeth are present on both sides of the missing ones. A good candidate for dental implants has good overall health and an absence of gum disease. Once the healing process is done, permanent dentures adhere to the implants which is the most retentive approach. This method minimizes any suction issues, gives patients security while eating, and can be less bulky compared to the traditional denture. They also reduce bone loss, which typically occurs when you lose your teeth. Cost ranges from $1,500-$4,000 per set.
Overdentures: Overdentures are a set of complete dentures that fit over a small number of your remaining teeth. It can be placed on the upper or the lower jaw, depending on your needs. Because your natural teeth are part of your jawbone, they provide stability and support for the denture. Overdentures cost $1,500-$4,000 per set.
If you are looking for a dentist in Waterville or Winthrop, Maine who specializes in multiple denture types and can best address your specific needs, please contact us today. We can help you decide which type of denture is best for you.