Dentures are a type of removable prosthetic used to replace missing teeth. They are a good option for people who have lost a lot of teeth, and perhaps are unable to afford the high costs of dental implants or bridges.
Unlike dental implants, dentures can be removed at night, cleaned, and stored, allowing you to sleep without the artificial teeth in your mouth. There are some affordable kinds of dentures too, like those made with plastic, in addition to the pricier porcelain dentures which have a more cosmetically appealing appearance. Both of these types of dentures are for a more affordable than dental implants.
Denture Pricing
Dentures may be designed to replace all of your teeth, the lower jaw, the upper jaw, or your whole mouth. Partial dentures are available as well, for those who have lost only a few teeth, and are looking for more affordable alternative to a dental bridge.
How much you pay for dentures is going to depend on the quality and type of dentures you choose, as well as their appearance and the experience level of the dentist who installs them.
Top-Of-The-Line Dentures
Top-of-the-line dentures typically are created with a great deal of craftsmanship and artistry and take advantage of materials that emulate the normal look and color of your natural teeth and gums as closely as possible. The teeth are usually made from a composite acrylic resin and are intended to last a very long time. They typically include a warranty against normal wear and tear, cracking, and chipping. These top-of-the-line dentures can cost anywhere from $1000 to $5000 for a full upper and lower set. You can compare this to the $4500 to $5000 typically paid for even a single tooth dental implant!
Mid-Range Dentures
Mid-range dentures employ many of the same characteristics but are sometimes less perfect in craftsmanship and have a more limited warranty. You can expect to pay somewhere in the ballpark of $1000 for a full set of middle of the line dentures. Theoretically you can save up to $4000 by going with mid-range dentures versus top-of-the-line dentures.
Basic Dentures
Basic or lower end dentures may cost around $300, which is astonishingly cheap compared to the other types of dentures. However, you may wish to think twice about purchasing these basic dentures, as there are a lot of trade-offs involved. Generally, these basic dentures are less comfortable, less durable, and don’t look as nice as their more expensive counterparts. If you are just seeking a short-term solution to hold you over until you can afford some more expensive dentures or implants, these basic dentures may provide a nice stopgap that could save some money.
Financing Options For Dentures
If you are thinking about getting dentures, there is a chance your dentist will offer financing options. A payment plan could be a convenient way to get some nice mid-range or high-end dentures right away while paying them off in installments over a longer time frame. Many people prefer to go with this option rather than having to pay the full amount up front.
What Are the Benefits of Dentures?
Essentially, if you lose your teeth, you’re going to need to replace them with something. This is because your teeth provide both aesthetic and functional value which you’re going to miss if you don’t solve this issue.
Dentures will allow you to eat the foods you want and to speak normally for a period of at least 5 to 10 years from the time of purchase. Of course, you’ll need some time to get used to them after you first get them, but once you become accustomed to wearing them, you should be able to eat and speak normally.
The aesthetic benefits that dentures provide should be relatively obvious. No one wants awkward gaps in their teeth, or to smile and reveal a lot of missing teeth. These issues can lead to decreased self-confidence and problems with eating and speaking.
When considering whether to go with dentures, dental implants or bridges, be sure to consider all of the pros and cons of each option. Sometimes it can be worth it to spend the extra money.
Explore Your Treatment Options.
When deciding whether or not to go with dentures, be sure to talk to your dentist about all of the dental treatment options available to you. Is very important to make an educated and informed decision when making such a major change to the functionality and appearance of your mouth.
Whatever option you choose, we hope that your dental treatment is successful and that you can find a solution that gives you the self-confidence you deserve!
Have you or a loved one experienced missing teeth, or had dentures made? Share your experiences in the comments below!