Denture FAQs

If you are missing one or many teeth and you’re finding daily life a struggle, it might be time to consider dentures. People who have trouble eating, speaking, or are experiencing bone loss in their jaws are all candidates for dentures and are likely to see a huge improvement in their lives upon receiving new teeth.

When you leave gaps in your teeth, you will see movement in the rest of your healthy teeth and as that gap goes untreated you will experience pain and bone loss as the gum starts to deteriorate. This loss of bone can make you look like you are aging faster and it can weaken the teeth and jaw that you have left.

There are many different options to speak to your dentist about, whether you’re missing one tooth or an entire row, we are here to help.

• Complete/Full dentures
• Partial dentures
• Immediate or Temporary dentures
• Snap-on dentures
• Economy dentures
• Permanent dentures
• Implant supported dentures

Each of these dentures can be made from different materials like metal, resin, or acrylic. Consult with your dentist to determine which type of denture is right for you.

If you are suffering from tooth pain or discomfort, the dentist will likely take an X-ray of your mouth. After reviewing the X-ray, the dentist will consult with you regarding a recommended course of treatment.

You may require tooth extractions before the placement of a new denture. For the sake of appearance following extractions, most people want a temporary denture, called an Immediate Denture. Your immediate denture not only helps you feel more comfortable with your appearance, but also helps in the healing process of your gums.

We encourage you to wear your new denture immediately after extractions to control bleeding and minimize discomfort as the swelling subsides. When you have had extractions, remember that the healing process takes time– often at least six months, and sometimes more. Each person’s physical health and oral conditions are unique, and the healing process will vary from patient to patient.

During healing, it is common for the gum tissue to change and shrink. These changes often result in space between the gum tissue and the denture. The immediate denture may not fit as well as when it was first inserted. You may need a reline and/or a new denture following the shrinkage of your gums, for which standard fees will be charged. The New Denture Wearer Package is available for first-time denture wearers and offers a significant savings. For one package payment, you will receive an immediate denture, a final denture and all the other services needed to help you adjust to wearing dentures for the first time. Your practice staff will be glad to explain the details of the package and the related savings that you will enjoy.

The timespan varies. The good news is that you control many of the variables.

The first variable is the initial quality and fit of the dentures. A prosthodontist has expert training and the most advanced technology in fabricating natural-looking, securely-fitting dentures, ensuring you begin with the most functional, durable product.

The second variable is maintaining your dentures and oral health. With fixed dentures, this means brushing twice-a-day and flossing. With removable dentures, follow your dentist’s instructions and keep to regular hygiene appointments so your dentures can be professionally cleaned and relined, as their fit will naturally change with time.

It also depends on what type of denture you get. Some dentures, like temporary or immediate dentures, are only meant to last 6-8 weeks, while others that may be used with implants, may last 15-20 years.

Participating practices perform adjustments at no charge during the first 100 days after you receive your denture as part of our Denture Satisfaction Guarantee. After the first 100 days, adjustments are available at a nominal fee. An adjustment helps alleviate soreness due to high spots where the denture rests upon your gums. A reline may provide a solution to a loose-fitting denture. Your denture will be refit to your gums by way of a new impression. There are two types of repairs: simple repairs and repairs with impressions. Different fees apply. The dentist will need to see the denture to determine the extent of the repair required, or if the denture even can be repaired. It may not be possible to repair an older denture that has experienced considerable wear. Please do not try to repair a denture yourself. This may result in the need for a new denture for which standard charges will apply. Also, note that you will need to be present in the office the day a repair is being performed on your dentures. Please visit your local practice page to see what is covered, as well as how to use the Guarantee.

No, it is best to take your dentures out of your mouth overnight and soak them in water or a denture cleanser.  This allows your oral tissues to rest from the daily wearing of the dentures.

Yes! There is always an adjustment period when you first get your dentures that can be awkward and uncomfortable, but it will get better. It is important to start out eating soft foods and taking small bites until you get more used to the new feeling in your mouth.

Dental implants are often the best solution for eating the foods that you want as they are the most secure and durable type of denture solution.

Yes, it is important for denture wearers to continue to visit the dentist even though they are without teeth. The dentist evaluates the fit of the dentures and the overall appearance of the oral tissues that support the denture (those that are under the denture). Ill-fitting dentures can cause sores in the mouth and make chewing and speaking very difficult. Dentures should fit well and be evaluated yearly by a dental professional.

There are many different types of dentures and plenty of different options for what they can be made out of. You can consult with your dentist about what material and fit is going to make you the most comfortable and confident in your new smile.

The patient is able to evaluate how their face looks while wearing the trial denture in the office.  If they feel like their lips 'stick out,' then often the denture can be adjusted to a more pleasing look before the final processing takes place. This way the patient will know what to expect when they go home with their new dentures.

The proper care instructions will vary depending on what type of denture you choose, but it is always a good practice to make sure you are visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

For most dentures, you will want to brush them carefully with a soft bristled brush and make sure you are removing them to soak in water overnight. Always make sure to clean your mouth before putting your dentures in and after removing them.

Over time, the shape of the jaw, both bone and gum tissue, change shape and a denture will not fit as well as it once did.  If the change is minor and the denture is in good condition, the denture can be adjusted to fit better.

You may also qualify for relines to modify your denture to fit your changing mouth.

If the change is great and there is very little ridge left, getting a successful result becomes more difficult.  New dentures may improve things somewhat.  Dental implants may also bring you significant improvement in your comfort and function. A thorough dental evaluation can determine which option is right for you.

At most Affordable Dentures & Implants practices, we can get our patients their dentures on the same day as their initial appointment.

The affiliated practices at Affordable Dentures & Implants  want you to know what fees will be charged before you come to the practice.  You can get fee information 3 ways:

• You can call the practice directly.
• You can call 1-800-DENTURE and they will give you fee information over the phone ... and they will mail you an information brochure with practice fee information at no charge.
• You can visit the Locations button on this web site and you will see the fee schedule for the practice you would like to visit.

We show each practice’s fees so you can have a reasonable estimate of the cost of the services you will need. (For clinical reasons, additional fees may need to be charged in some cases.)

• Having an on-site denture lab eliminates the added markup that is charged by outside commercial dental labs. We eliminate the “middleman” and pass that savings on to patients.
• With so many affiliated Affordable Dentures & Implants practices we have cost saving “volume buying power” for all our clinical supplies and materials.
• Only serving denture patients allows us to standardize our treatment plans and denture fabrication.  The practices operate very cost effectively.
• Our practices are comfortable but not luxurious ... this helps keep our fees low!

If you have dental insurance, your local Affordable Dentures & Implants practice will help you to file a dental insurance claim with any insurance company by providing an appropriate dental statement of services.  While most practices do not directly file insurance claims, you can still save money by filing the claim yourself.

Since our fees are so low, the total cost for the services you will receive is frequently less than the 50% copay you are required to pay to your insurance carrier if you go to another dental practice.  The practice staff can help you calculate the costs so you can make the best decision.