Dentures have been a reliable treatment option for centuries. With advancements in newer materials and designs, you have more denture options than ever before. They can even be anchored on top of dental implants for added stability, making you more confident in the fit of your dentures.
Denture Options for Every Budget
Acrylic dentures are one of the easiest to afford treatments for replacing missing teeth. As such, it’s easier to fit them into just about any budget whether or not you have dental insurance.
If your budget allows, you can also choose to have higher-end dentures designed of quality porcelain materials or a hybrid/Hybridge option that is more like an extended bridge on top of dental implants. Thanks to advancements in modern technology, there have never been so many designs of dentures available for you to choose from.
Replace All Your Teeth at One Time
For people planning to undergo full mouth rehabilitation, the process can sometimes be complex and daunting. Multiple appointments spread out over the course of months or even years could mean that you don’t have a “new” smile for quite some time.
Full dentures cover the entire upper or lower arch, meaning that they replace all of the teeth on that arch with a single treatment. If taking time off for multiple appointments isn’t an option, or you just need to delay another option until you’ve had a chance to save up for it, dentures may be the best choice for your smile.
Faster Results Than Dental Implants
With a denture, the process is straightforward. Any diseased teeth are extracted and your new denture is designed for a custom fit. Once your prosthesis is delivered, no more treatments are necessary. The entire process takes just a couple of visits, with possible follow-ups to adjust your denture for a comfortable fit. Compared to dental implants, dentures can be a very simple process — which is why so many people get them!
If extractions aren’t needed, all your dentist needs to get started is to take an impression of your mouth. The model is sent to the lab where your new denture is made, and it’s ready for a try-in about two weeks later.
Partial Dentures
Maybe you don’t need to replace all your teeth, but just certain ones. Using your healthy teeth, a partial denture can snap into place around your existing smile. This allows you to fill the open areas without unnecessary dental extractions.
Add Fullness to Your Face
Missing teeth can cause resorption or shrinking of your jawbone. During this process, it can make your face look “sunken in” or older than you really are.
By design, dentures add some fullness back to your jaw and thus fill out your facial structures. Some designs even claim to offer an artificial “facelift” in the process. If you’re concerned about having sunken-in cheeks or lips due to changes in your bone anatomy and missing teeth, a denture can provide some relief.
Interim Prosthesis During Implant Therapy
If you’re considering dental implants are approaching your surgery date, you’ll likely wonder what type of tooth replacement option is available while your implant sites heal for three to six months. An interim denture can be worn until you’re fitted with your permanent prosthesis after the implant abutments are installed.
Easy Maintenance
Caring for your dentures is easy. Remove it each night and soak it in a denture cleanser to loosen any debris or stains. In the morning, brush it thoroughly with a denture brush and then rinse it clean. Before putting your denture back in, clean your gums with a wet washcloth or soft toothbrush.
Be sure to see your dentist regularly for maintenance visits. During your exam, he or she will assess your denture for a proper fit, good seal, and examine your soft tissues for any signs of unhealthy tissue.
They Can be Repaired and Relined
How long can a denture last? If you’re caring for yours properly, removable prosthetics can last for 5-8 years or perhaps longer. Over time, your jaw structure will likely change, requiring you to get new dentures. Depending on the type of “wear and tear” that your denture goes through, they can sometimes be repaired or relined to keep them fitting properly without having to replace them entirely.
Is a Denture Right for You?
Are you struggling with poor dental health or a mile-long list of treatment that includes extractions, implants, or bridges? A full or partial denture could be an inexpensive and faster way to replace your missing teeth. But it’s not for everyone. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss both the short and long-term benefits compared to other treatments that might be available.
To get quality dentures at discounted prices, get dental insurance or a dental savings plan from Aetna. Why wait for a great new smile? Join an Aetna dental plan today!