False teeth, commonly referred to as dentures, are synthetic teeth designed to replace missing natural teeth. Facial injuries, gum disease, and tooth decay can all lead to the loss of natural teeth. Some types of dentures are designed to replace a few missing teeth, while others replace all teeth, surrounding tissue, and gums.
Over time, missing teeth can cause the facial muscles to sag. These prosthetic devices can help fill out the facial profile, improving a person’s appearance. But there are many types of dentures to choose from. The type of denture you choose should be based on the number of teeth you’re missing, your dental needs, and your budget. Each type of denture comes with pros and cons, and some may not be covered by certain types of insurance. The cost of higher-end dentures can be steep, but in the end, the ability to smile with confidence and enjoy your favorite foods again makes a new set of dentures worth every penny.
Types of Dentures and Cost
If you’re missing several teeth or you’ve had several teeth removed, you may be a good candidate for dentures. Fortunately, there are many denture options available that can improve your quality of life, and facial appearance, and allow you to enjoy the foods you’ve always loved.
There are many factors to consider before you can determine if dentures are right for you. Denture type and cost will be the most important. An experienced dentist can meet with you to discuss the different options available, explain how each denture is installed, and help you choose dentures that will help you feel more confident, youthful, and allow you to eat foods you have had to avoid in the past, due to dental pain, missing teeth, or sensitive teeth.
There are currently nine different types of dentures to choose from.
Traditional Full Dentures/Complete Dentures
Full dentures also referred to as complete dentures, are removable prosthetic teeth that replace an entire set of teeth. Full dentures are used when a person has no remaining teeth in the lower or upper jaws. These dentures consist of two parts, including the pink-colored base and the artificial teeth. These teeth are typically made out of porcelain or plastic.
Porcelain dentures are very expensive and are considered an upgrade from plastic dentures. The pink or gum-colored plastic base of the denture is designed to mimic the look of natural gum tissue and underlying bone.
Traditional dentures typically cost $1200 to $3,000 per arch.
Removable Partial Dentures
A removable partial denture can replace a few missing teeth in the lower or upper jaw. If a person has some natural teeth remaining, a removable partial is a great choice. This type of denture consists of a plastic, gum-colored base and false teeth made out of acrylics. The base of the denture is attached to two or more plastic or metal clasps that will secure the denture in place. The clasps are made out of flexible plastic or metal.
In many cases, removable dentures are typically used to restore molars and premolars. They can also be used to replace a mixture of front and back teeth or front teeth alone.
The cost of partial dentures ranges from $600 to $2,500 per arch.
Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Bridge
A fixed dental bridge is similar to a partial denture, however, it cannot be removed like a partial denture. A fixed bridge is made up of dental implants that have been surgically placed in the jawbone with metal attachments. Porcelain crowns are then attached to the metal attachments. An implant-supported bridge is a great choice for someone who has three or more missing teeth in a row.
The cost of these dentures is $2,300 to $6,000 per implant.
Immediate Denture
An immediate denture, also called a temporary denture, is placed directly in the mouth after a tooth extraction procedure. The main purpose is to prevent the patient from having to go about their daily life with no teeth like they would have to with traditional dentures. In the beginning, it can be difficult for the patient to speak and chew until their mouth has completely healed from the dental extractions and adapted to the dentures. Once their mouth is healed, these dentures can handle normal chewing and eating pressure for a short time.
This type of denture can be a great choice for a person who has sensitive teeth and gums. It can be worn for a few weeks before replacing it with a permanent denture, allowing for a much smoother transition.
Conventional Dentures Vs. Interim Immediate Dentures
Interim immediate dentures and conventional dentures are the two types of immediate dentures available. Conventional dentures are more natural-looking, compared to interim, which are not as well-made and are designed to only last two to three months, but the cost of conventional dentures is often higher.
The cost of temporary dentures ranges from $1,400 to $3,300 per arch.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures, also called overdentures, are held in place on top of the gums by dental implants. Most types of implant-supported dentures are held in place with a minimum of four implants but can be secured by more or fewer implants. An overdenture can be placed on the lower jaw, upper jaw, or both. This type of denture is removable, natural-looking, and stable. They’re also better for oral health and more comfortable than a traditional denture.
The biggest disadvantage of an implant-supported denture is the expense and the invasive procedure. There’s also a much longer recovery time. However, an overdenture can last up to ten years with proper care.
The three types of overdentures available include:
- Fixed implant-supported dentures
- Implant-retained dentures
- Bar-retained dentures
This style of denture has a cost that ranges from $1,600 to $4,000 per arch.
Snap-In
Snap-in dentures are a type of removable implant-supported denture. These dentures are secured in place by mouth implants that are screwed to the jawbone. Up to ten implants can be inserted, but in many cases, two to four implants are used to secure the denture. Once the implants have been inserted into the jawbone, the snap-in denture is easily installed and can be removed at any time, however, the implants themselves cannot be removed. Denture installation is fast and simple.
The cost for this type of denture ranges from $1,450 to $4,000, per arch.
All On 4
This type of denture will be perfect for a person in need of a complete set of teeth. These dentures replace all of the missing teeth in the lower and/or upper jaws using a total of four implants. The wearer will need the help of a dentist to remove the denture.
This well-fitting denture is said to be the most durable and can stay in place better than a complete denture. They’re also said to be more natural-looking compared to implant-supported dentures since they don’t require the bulkiness or fullness that a traditional denture or overdenture does.
For both the lower and upper jaws the cost can range from $48,000 to $60,000 for both. While these are expensive dentures, it’s more affordable than having dental implants throughout the entire mouth.
Custom
While most types of dental devices are custom-made for each patient, a person can also have their dentures custom-made using higher-end materials.
The biggest benefit of custom dentures is that the patient can determine the type of material used. Cast metal, porcelain, and titanium are the most expensive materials used, while acrylic resin is the most affordable.
Custom dentures can cost $14,000 to $15,000 per arch.
Economy
These dentures are affordable, generic, and premade. They’re not custom-made for a specific patient’s mouth and the replacement teeth do not have a natural appearance. Denture adhesive is needed to secure these dentures in place.
Most dentists don’t recommend economy dentures since they can harm the mouth and lead to poor oral hygiene.
These dentures typically cost $250 to $600 per arch.
Who are Good Candidates for Dentures?
Tooth restorations can be costly, especially if you don’t have dental insurance. If you have several teeth missing or severe tooth decay, high-quality dentures can be the perfect solution. If you’re tired of soft foods, hiding your smile, or you want a permanent solution that will allow you to obtain a more youthful appearance, schedule a dental visit today to determine if you’re a good candidate for dentures. Speaking with a dentist for advice on the type of device that’s right for you will allow you to choose dentures that can improve your appearance, smile, and quality of life.
Contact Stuart Curry Dentistry Today
If you’re missing teeth, it’s time to make a change. With the right type of denture, you can enjoy your favorite foods and smile with confidence. At Stuart Curry Dentistry, an experienced dentist can meet with you to discuss the different denture options available, which type would be right for you, and how we can help. We will walk you through the entire process, discuss aftercare needs, and work with your insurance company to determine which types of dentures are covered and how much, if anything, you will need to pay out of pocket. Contact our facility today to schedule an exam and let the dental professionals at Stuart Curry Dentistry help you find your smile.
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