Options can be overwhelming. I mean, do we actually need 27 different kinds of cereals and 14 types of bread?
Whatever the case, we have tons of options, especially when it comes to the different types of dentures. Choosing your new teeth can be paralyzing.
But with dentures, having so many options is actually a good thing. Every mouth is different and every person is in their own situation.
And in this article, we’re going to give you an overview of each type of denture so you can more easily pick the one for you.
Full / Complete Dentures
Full or complete dentures are exactly what you’d think — the dentist removes any of your remaining teeth in order to give you a full set of new teeth.
Let’s look at the difference between conventional and immediate dentures.
Conventional vs. Immediate Dentures
A conventional full replacement is a procedure where, after all of your remaining teeth have been removed, you go several months without teeth so your gums can heal.
On the other hand, immediate full replacements are inserted right after your teeth are removed. During the prior visit, your dentist will have taken measurements of you mouth in order to get the replacement so quickly.
Immediate dentures are convenient because you are not without teeth, but your dentist will need to reline them several months after being inserted. This is because the bone reshapes as it heals.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are an option you and your dentist can consider if one or some of your remaining natural teeth are still healthy and intact.
When you get a partial replacement, the dentures are usually attached to a gum-colored base, often connected by a metal frame. This holds the dentures in place.
Then a fixed bridge replaces one or more of your teeth via crowns on your teeth on either side of the space, attaching artificial teeth to them. This allows the partial denture to fill the spaces of missing teeth and prevents other teeth from moving.
There’s also a removable option called a precision partial denture that has clasps that attach to and detach from the crowns.
Flipper Tooth
A flipper tooth is a type of removable partial denture that dentists use as a temporary replacement for missing teeth. Basically, it fills any visible spaces where your teeth are missing while you wait for the permanent replacement option.
A flipper tooth is often made from gum-colored acrylic, and may have clasps that can fit around your natural teeth for support. It’s an easy process for the patient and the tooth can be removed for cleaning without any trouble.
This type of temporary replacement is a great option because it’s lightweight, easy to insert, and is tough enough to allow you to eat like normal.
Price Of The Different Types Of Dentures
First, there are many factors that can affect how much your dentures cost, and it’s a good idea keep them in mind:
- What your dental insurance will cover
- Type of dentures (see below)
- Other related but necessary procedures, like tooth extractions or surgery (anywhere from $75 to $650)
- The materials used in the dentures
- What the warranty provides
That being said, generally, basic dentures can range anywhere from $300-500 for an upper or lower, and twice that for both upper and lower. And obviously, if you wanted to get higher quality replacements, you can end up spending as much as several thousand dollars.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect when it comes to the different types of dentures:
- Basic dentures: $600 to $1000
- Mid-range dentures: $1000 to $2000
- Premium dentures: $4000 to $8000
- Partial dentures: $700 to $1800
- Implant-supported dentures: $30000 to $50000
Don’t let these numbers scare you away. After you talk with your dentist to see what replacement you actually need, contact your insurance company and see what warranties you can get. The total cost may not be so bad after all.
Talk With Your Dentist
When it comes to getting dentures, you clearly have many different options to choose from.
All of this may seem overwhelming, but once you speak with your dentist about what you need and what you’re options are, it will be less scary. Guaranteed.
And don’t forget about alternative options to dentures, like dental bridges, overdentures, and implants (some of which we mentioned above). The latter of those options is a simple way to permanently replace missing teeth with custom-designed natural-looking substitutes.
Leaving a missing space empty is the worst thing you can do not only for oral health, but it has also been linked to heart disease, malnutrition, liver damage, and more. Put your health first and make the right decision.