False Teeth - Some general information about dentures
For some of us, the only thing we know about false teeth are that our grandparents have them. When I was a child, I remember how strange, and somewhat disturbing it was to see my grandmother pop hers out of her mouth. Unfortunately, as we age, false teeth is something we may have to consider and look into.
In recent decades, people generally take care of their pearly whites much better than generations before. We were taught and we teach our own kids to brush regularly each day, floss, see a dentist twice a year, and to cut back on sugar and sweets. By taking care of our teeth, we can greatly reduce the need for false teeth when we get older.
However, there are certain conditions, illnesses, or even injuries that may require us to have false teeth. So, what should be known about false teeth or dentures, as they are also called?
First, there are different types of false teeth. Complete dentures replace both the upper and lower arches. Immediate dentures are placed all at once and may require additional adjustments after the patient has healed. Upper dentures are made for only the upper arch. Over dentures are similar to complete dentures; however, they don’t require each tooth to be pulled. Over dentures usually cost more and require more dental appointments until the procedure is complete. Partial dentures correct gaps in your smile if only some of your pearly whites are missing. Metal attachments are used to anchor the false teeth to each tooth that you have. Partial dentures can help to prevent more tooth loss and decay. All dentures are properly fitted to your mouth.
One of the advantages to getting false teeth is that it gives you back a great smile and makes you look natural. They also correct speech problems and chewing and eating problems that patients may experience. One disadvantage to dentures is that they take some time to get used to. You will have to get used to eating and chewing with the dentures, although over time, this will improve. You may experience sores in your mouth, although this can be related to poor oral hygiene. It is always important to remove the dentures when needed. Another disadvantage is that over time your mouth may change, which will require a replacement set of dentures.
Another thing to consider before getting dentures is the cost. In general, prices range between $500 and $2,500 per upper or lower arch. The fees for a cosmetic dentist range from $300 to $1,200 per arch. Although it is costly, most insurance companies will cover the cost of dentures.
For more information about false teeth, consult with your dentist to find out if they are for you.