Dentures are removable oral appliances designed to replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissues. Tooth loss, often a consequence of aging, disease, or injury, can significantly affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, and smile. This guide explains the criteria for obtaining dentures and the different options available.
Determining Eligibility
The decision to receive dentures is based on a professional evaluation of your oral health and the condition of your mouth. Dentures are necessary when teeth are lost or damaged beyond repair by other restorative treatments. Common reasons include severe periodontal disease, extensive tooth decay, or physical trauma resulting in multiple missing or non-restorable teeth.
A dentist or prosthodontist must assess your remaining jawbone structure, as this bone provides the foundation for the appliance’s stability. The health of your gum tissue is also a determining factor, since traditional dentures rest directly on the soft tissue. If you have lost significant jawbone density, a bone graft may be required to create a more stable base.
Understanding Your Options
Once eligibility is confirmed, the first differentiation is between full and partial dentures. Full, or complete, dentures are used when all teeth in a single arch—either the upper or lower jaw—are missing. Partial dentures are used when a patient still retains some healthy natural teeth, attaching to them via clasps to fill the gaps.
Within the category of full dentures, a choice must be made between conventional and immediate types. A conventional denture is fabricated after any necessary teeth have been removed and the gum tissues have fully healed, a process that typically takes eight to twelve weeks. In contrast, an immediate denture is pre-made and inserted immediately following tooth removal, allowing the patient to avoid being without teeth during the healing period. Immediate dentures require frequent adjustments or a relining procedure because the gums and bone shrink considerably as they heal.
A more stable option is the implant-supported denture. This type is secured by small titanium posts, known as dental implants, that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures are often removable for cleaning, but they provide greater stability and function, feeling much more like natural teeth. Candidates for this option must possess sufficient jawbone density to successfully anchor the posts.
The Preparation and Fitting Process
The journey to receiving dentures begins with a detailed initial consultation and examination. During this appointment, the dental professional reviews your medical history, assesses your oral condition, and takes X-rays to check the health of your jawbone. If extractions are part of the treatment plan, that procedure is completed before the denture fabrication begins.
Next, precise impressions of your mouth are taken using special dental putty or advanced digital scanning technology. These impressions serve as the mold to create a study cast, which is a detailed replica of your gums and any remaining teeth. The lab uses this model to create customized wax rims that help the dentist determine the correct bite alignment and vertical dimensions for your new teeth.
A wax try-in model, where the prosthetic teeth are set in wax, is then presented to you for approval of the fit, appearance, and function. This is an opportunity to make aesthetic changes before the final denture is processed in hard acrylic. The final fitting appointment involves inserting the completed denture, checking for comfortable stability, and making minor adjustments to eliminate pressure points.
Practical Considerations and Affordability
The cost of dentures is influenced by the type of appliance chosen, the materials used, and your geographic location. Full and partial dentures are generally the most affordable options, while implant-supported dentures represent a higher investment due to the surgical procedures and materials involved. It is important to obtain a detailed, customized treatment plan outlining all associated costs before proceeding.
Dental insurance coverage for dentures varies widely and typically falls under the “major services” category, which often involves a waiting period and only partial coverage. Many plans cover around 50% of the cost for major procedures after a deductible is met, so patients should check their specific policy details and annual maximums. Understanding your insurance benefits before starting treatment is necessary to budget for your out-of-pocket expenses.
Denture ownership involves a commitment to essential daily care, including cleaning the appliance and soaking it overnight to maintain hygiene and give the gum tissues a rest. Over time, the contours of your jawbone naturally change, causing the denture to fit less securely. Dentures typically have a lifespan of about seven to ten years, and they will require periodic relining, rebasing, or complete replacement to maintain a proper, comfortable fit.