Dentures are also called false teeth dentures. With the advancements in the field, dentures have played an important role in the lives of patients who have lost their teeth. A denture helps you get the ability to speak, eat and smile. Dentures fill the missing teeth with artificial teeth.
What are dentures?
Dentures are dental appliances that are used to replace missing teeth from the mouth. It helps to maintain regular oral function and smile. Dentures can be for complete upper and lower missing teeth or for a few missing teeth.
There are mainly two types of dentures
Complete denture
Complete dentures are for patients who have missing teeth in their upper and lower jaw. The denture is placed on the arch. Dentures look like gums with artificial teeth on them. This helps the patient to maintain all the functions of the mouth and improves the smile. False teeth provide the best alternate option for completely missing teeth.
Partial denture
Partial dentures are used in cases where only a few to some teeth are missing. These dentures are stable on the arch with the support of other teeth. Regular modifications are done to maintain proper fit and function.
The process of denture preparation
- Examination-Initially, the dentist examines the mouth of the patient. This helps the dentist review the condition of the gums, jawbone, and any remaining teeth. This examination helps give options for treatment plans.
- Impression– In this step, the impression of the arch is taken. It helps in creating the mould to make the custom denture.
- Checking the fitting– Once the custom denture is made, it is tried on the patient’s mouth. You might be asked to make a few visits to the clinic. During these visits, the denture is checked for its fit and comfort of the patient.
- Getting used to dentures– Being comfortable with the new denture in your mouth might take some time. You might experience some difficulty in speaking and some pain initially. Your dentist will help you to guide you through this.
How to maintain the dentures
Proper cleaning– You should clean the dentures every day with a soft bristle brush and denture cleaner. Cleaning of the denture is done to avoid any plaque buildup or food lodged in the denture. Avoid using toothpaste for cleaning as it is abrasive in nature, which may affect the denture.
Soaking– To maintain the denture’s hygiene and shape, you should keep the denture overnight in the cleaning solution. Avoid using hot water for cleaning, as it may affect the shape of the denture.
Regular visit to the dentist– To avoid any fit issues, wear, and any other teeth and gums issues, regular checkups by the dentist are required.
Denture Implants
Dentures supported by implants are placed surgically on the jawbone. Denture implants provide more stability as this is attached to the jawbone, unlike traditional dentures that are placed on the gums.
How are implants done
There are tiny rods of titanium, which are placed in the jawbone and function as roots of teeth. With time, the rods get fused with the bone around them, giving them support and strength for teeth function. Once the implant is attached to the bone, the custom-made denture is fixed to it. The implant dentures are more stable than traditional dentures as they are fixed in the jawbone.
All on 4 dentures are common choices for implants. In this process, the dentist places four titanium screws into the jawbone. The screws are placed to provide maximum support and strength to the denture. This method avoids too many bone procedures and gives a natural look to the denture.
Denture vs Implants
Dentures are removable appliances that provide a solution to full or partial missing teeth. They involve no surgery during the process. False tooth dentures are more cost-effective, but they may need a few adjustments and attachments over time to fit the arch properly.
Denture implants involve placing small rods in the arch of the mouth. Implants are more stable, give a natural feel and prevent bone loss. It has a surgical approach and takes longer healing time.
Cost of dentures
The cost of dentures in Australia depends on many factors, such as whether they are full-mouth dentures or partial dentures, whether single tooth dentures or denture bridge cost. The cost mainly depends on the type of denture, the material used and the complexity of the case. The average denture price ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, but it’s always better to check the price list before making an appointment.
The denture price for a complete denture that replaces all the missing teeth for the upper and lower jaw will range from $2,000 to $4,000. For a partial denture that replaces a few missing teeth will range from $1,500 to $3,000.
For denture-based implants that involve surgical procedures will range from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the number of implants and the complexity of the case.