Dentures Your questions answered.
While it’s true that the modern denture is more durable than ever before, you can still break a tooth or the denture. Even with painstaking care, denture teeth can lose their natural appearance and chewing ability due to the cumulative effects of chewing, brushing and age. Plus, your mouth changes over time. These gradual changes explain why you should visit your dental professional regularly. You can expect them to recommend replacing or refitting your dentures every 5 to 7 years.
The cost of dentures in the US covers a large price range since there are so many variables involved. Go to AuthorityDental.org for more information.
In most U.S. states, only a dental professional is qualified to provide denture services.1 Before prescribing a denture, a dental professional will preform an oral exam and provide options for your specific needs. Materials selection will drive the cost of a finished denture.
Dental services and dentures may be covered by Medicaid in your state. Medicaid programs are state-run, and individual states are free to expand their programs beyond federal guidelines. Dental care and dentures are optional benefits, so not every state covers them. If you have limited income and qualify for Medicaid, contact your state's Medicaid department to learn if dentures are covered.
To find a dentist that accepts Medicaid, contact your local dental society or dental referral service.
No one has to know you’re wearing dentures.
No one wants a denture that looks like a "denture." Unlike old-fashioned dentures, which may look unnatural, today’s denture are made just for you, allowing you to look and feel more confident without anyone knowing why. Dental professionals use their experience and knowledge to select and arrange teeth in a manner that creates the warm, natural smile you seek. Dentures help you to lose that sunken look in your lower face, as well as the wrinkles around your mouth. You’ll likely look younger and smile more often.
Even if your dentures fit perfectly, you should still see a dental professional annually.
Why? Mouth tissues can reveal signs of diseases, such as diabetes, that first manifest themselves in the mouth. Besides checking your dentures, dental professionals will also check for signs of oral cancer and other diseases, and examine your gum ridges, tongue and jaw joints.
Denture wearers can eat more normally.
In many cases, denture-wearers discover they can once again eat the foods they love. While not all denture wearers can eat everything they would like, many have few restrictions in their diets. Moreover, they chew more thoroughly, leading to improved digestion and nutrition. And properly fitting dentures may actually encourage you to eat a more varied and well-balanced diet, further improving your overall health.
Denture wearers can speak more clearly.
The ability to speak clearly depends on subtle interactions involving your tongue, teeth, lips, cheeks and the roof of your mouth. A denture that’s properly fitted allows all five components to work together properly.
Dentures are made to fit precisely and usually do not require regular use of an adhesive for comfort. That said, even people with properly fitting dentures may find an adhesive product provides extra security and peace of mind, especially for important occasions. And many people assert that adhesives increase the performance of even the best-fitting dentures. However, if your dentures begin to feel loose or cause pronounced discomfort, see your dental professional immediately.
Some patients have extensive bone loss (ridge shrinkage) and consider themselves "dental cripples." These patients may need to use adhesives daily with their dentures. Denture hygiene plays an extremely important role in preventing problems in this situation.
Drugs can affect denture fit and wearability. For example, certain medications can reduce the supply of saliva in your mouth, making it difficult to swallow or to chew. Be sure to let your dental professional know of any medications you may be taking regularly – or even occasionally.
Do not try to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Denture self-repair can cause irreparable damage and may result in the need for a new denture. Even do-it-yourself reliners can be bulky, causing increased pressure on the jaw and more rapid loss of jawbone, and they can irritate the soft tissues of your mouth.
Contact your dentist to discuss a treatment plan. If you do not have a dentist, go to Dentistry.com to find one near you.
1 - In Canada and some U.S. states, licensed denturists may provide denture services.