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In this Article

• Introduction to dentures
• What are complete dentures?
• What are partial dentures?
• Are there alternatives to dentures?
• Does insurance cover the cost of dentures?
• How are dentures made?
• What do new dentures feel like?
• Will dentures make me look different?
• Will eating with new dentures be difficult?
• Will dentures change how I speak?
• Are dentures worn 24 hours a day?
• Should I use a denture adhesive?
• When shouldn't denture adhesives be considered?
• How are denture adhesives applied?
• What are the types of denture adhesives?
• Are denture adhesives safe?
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Dentures Index

Are There Alternatives to Dentures?

Yes, dental implants can be used to support permanently cemented bridges, eliminating the need for a denture. The cost is usually greater, but the implants and bridges more closely resemble the feel of real teeth. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants. Consult your dentist for advice.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dentures?

Most dental insurance providers cover some or all of the cost of dentures. However, contact your company to find out the specifics of what they will cover.

How Are Dentures Made?

The denture development process takes about three weeks to 1.5 months and several appointments. Once your dentist or prosthodontist (a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth) determines what type of appliance is best for you, the general steps are to:

1. Make a series of impressions of your jaw and take measurements of how your jaws relate to one another and how much space is between them.



2. Create models, wax forms, and/or plastic patterns in the exact shape and position of the denture to be made. You will "try in" this model several times and the denture will be assessed for color, shape, and fit before the final denture is cast.



3. Cast a final denture



4. Adjustments will be made as necessary

What Do New Dentures Feel Like?

New dentures may feel a little odd or loose for a few weeks until the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place and you get comfortable inserting and removing them. Also, it is not unusual for minor irritation or soreness to occur and for saliva flow to increase when you first start wearing dentures, but these problems will diminish as your mouth adjusts to the new denture.

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