Dentures (cont.)
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Cast a final denture
- 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.
Next: Will dentures make me look different? »
- Dental Crowns - Get information about types of dental crowns (permanent, temporary, porcelain), problems (cap falls out, pain, broken or loose crown) and procedure cost.
- Thrush - Read about thrush, a candida mouth infection that occurs most often in babies, children and those with HIV or cancer. Learn symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
- Dental Implants - Get information on dental implants, replacement tooth roots that provide anchors for replacement teeth. Learn about costs and the pros and cons of the procedure.
Latest Medical News
Oral Health RSS