DENTAL
PROCEDURES Dentures
Tooth
loss may result from
periodontal disease,
tooth decay, or traumatic
injury. It is very
important to replace
missing teeth. The ill
effects of not doing
so can be a shift in
remaining
teeth, an inability
to bite and chew properly,
as well as a sagging
facial appearance, which
makes one appear older
than they are.
The
beauty of dentures today
is that they are designed
to be comfortable and
functional. They
are very similar in
appearance to natural
teeth, and can improve
a smile or facial appearance.
Selecting a Dentist for Dentures
It
is important to inquire
about the dentist's
training and experience
when investigating the
denture procedure. For
example, many general
dentists perform the
denture procedure. Yet,
prosthodontists receive
three years of advanced
training in restorative
dentistry. The American
College of Prosthodontists
offers additional resource
information about the
training of
prosthodontists in the
U.S.
Denture
Costs
Storing your dentures
in cold water can help
remove food particles.
The cost of dentures depends on several factors, including:
. The
possible requirement
of an additional procedure
such as extractions
of remaining
teeth or oral surgery
to refine bony ridges.
. A prosthodontist
specializes in crafting
dentures and may charge
more for his services.
. The location
of the dentist.
. The type of
dental insurance you
have.
. The complexity
of the removable denture
that is required.
. Dental materials
selected by the patient
and the dentist. For
example, highly cross-linked
polymer
denture teeth are more esthetic
and do not wear as much
as conventional plastic
teeth and are more expensive.
There are different
metals that can be used
in removable
partial dentures that
may also increase the
cost.
. The type of
warranty offered. Some
warranties may be for
one to two years, while
others
may run up to 10 years.
. Complete
dentures can range in
price from $ to $. The
difference in cost is
related to the
fabrication
time, cost of dental materials,
and the experience of the
dentist. An experienced
dentist may take
15 hours and five to
six appointments to
complete the process
of making
complete dentures. The
cost range does not
include fees associated
with possible oral
surgery or tooth extraction.
Depending on the type
of dental insurance
you have, insurance
companies may offer
a 15 percent reimbursement
or up to a 50 percent
absorption of the
total procedure costs.
For more information visit our FAQ page.