How to Buy Dentures

If you have periodontal disease or tooth damage, you might need a set of dentures. These false teeth sit on top of your gums and allow you to eat, drink, and talk normally. To get your perfect set of dentures, start by finding a dentist specializing in implants. Talk with them about your denture options and compare the costs and benefits of each. After you’ve received your new dentures, keep them in good shape with daily cleanings and professional repairs.[1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Sorting Out the Purchase Details

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    Choose a dentist with experience in dentures. Not all dentists are comfortable with fitting and repairing dentures. Ask your current dentist or primary practice doctor for recommendations. Then, ask potential dentists about how frequently they fit dentures and about their professional training.
    • A dentist who specializes in dental prosthetics, including dentures, is called a prosthodontist. You can locate a prosthodontist in your area by going to the website for the American College of Prosthodontists at https://www.gotoapro.org/why-see-a-prosthodontist/.
    • It’s also a good idea to choose a dentist who is relatively near you, as fitting your dentures may require multiple visits.
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    Ask about the total cost in advance of any denture procedure. Your dentist should be able to provide you with a written estimate showing exactly what your insurance will cover and what you will owe out-of-pocket for each visit. Depending on your insurance coverage or lack thereof, be prepared to pay upwards of $2,000 for complete dentures. Make sure to ask if adjustment fittings are covered in the total fee.[2]
    • It might be tempting to go with the cheapest option for dentures, but this can cause problems in the long run. Dentures that fit poorly or are produced cheaply can leave you with sores or even jaw problems.
    • Talk with your insurance company beforehand about what they will and won’t cover. Make sure that the coverage percentages that they give you match what your dentist is estimating.
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    Discuss the timeframe from impressions to fitting. In order to create your dentures, a dentist will need to take full measurements of your mouth. They may also digitally map your mouth using photo technology. Then, they will use the information to craft a set of dentures to your unique specifications. Talk with your dentist in advance about how long this process will take, as it could be days or weeks.[3]
    • In many cases, a dentist will fit you with a temporary set of dentures while your final set is being created. Make sure to let your dentist know if the temporary set is uncomfortable or ill-fitting.
    • Some dentists will create an impression of your mouth, which will then be used to mold your dentures.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Choosing a Denture or Bridge Type

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    Get a tooth-supported fixed bridge for a single-tooth replacement. Your dentist will attach 2 crowns to the teeth on either side of the gap. Then, a single replacement tooth is created and anchored to these crowns. The crowns will hold the single-tooth bridge in place.[4]
    • A downside to a single-tooth fixed bridge is that it can wear down the supporting teeth over time. This is especially the case if you have difficulty flossing around the bridge.
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    Go with removable partial dentures for multiple teeth. This type of partial denture involves 2 or more replacement teeth being connected to surrounding, healthy teeth by precision attachments. In some cases, your supporting teeth may need to be ground down or capped. In other cases, the attachments can connect directly to the teeth.[5]
    • While removable partial dentures are a great way to preserve your natural teeth, they can move around a bit in your mouth. This movement can make eating or talking more of a challenge.
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    Purchase a Maryland Bridge to replace front teeth. This is a type of denture that is a porcelain tooth with 2 metal wings attached to the back. The wings then connect to the interior surface of the surrounding teeth to secure them. This type of replacement has a tendency to last a while due to its more permanent nature.[6]
    • Since the bridge is attached with metal, these attachments can sometimes be slightly visible through your natural teeth.
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    Get a removable complete denture to replace all the teeth on your lower or upper jaw. This is a good option if all of your teeth are damaged or rotten at the top or bottom of your mouth. Your teeth will be removed and the denture will sit directly on your gums, mimicking the look and positioning of your natural teeth. Many people end up moving to complete dentures after having a set of partial ones.[7]
    • One of the downsides of a complete denture is that it can be uncomfortable until you learn to eat and talk with it in.
    • Most complete dentures last between 7-15 years.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Your Dentures

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    Take your dentures in for an adjustment if they are ill-fitting. If your dentures tend to shift around in your mouth to the point at which you can’t talk or eat, then it’s time to take them in for an evaluation. Similarly, your dentures should not inflame you gums or be painful to wear.[8] It’s important to act quickly if you believe your dentures are poorly fitting because this can lead to gum infections.[9]
    • You can expect some discomfort in your first week or so wearing new dentures. But, it should never be severe enough to stop you from eating or keep you up at night.
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    Brush your removable dentures every day. Start by taking your dentures out of your mouth. Then, use a specialty denture brush available from your dentist. Add a drop of mild dishwashing liquid to the brush’s bristles and firmly scrub your dentures. Try to dislodge any food or plaque that you see on the surface. Rinse your dentures off with water when you are finished.[10] [11]
    • This is in addition to any ultrasonic cleaning that you might do.
    • Ask your dentist if there is a specific way that you should clean your particular type of dentures. Some dentures last longer with particular cleaning solutions.
    • It’s also a good idea to remove and rinse your dentures off with water after every time you eat.
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    Never attempt to adjust or repair your dentures on your own. You can easily find denture repair kits or glues online. However, these repair methods can damage your dentures beyond repair and might even cause you harm via dangerous chemicals. Instead, contact your dentist right away if your dentures are damaged.[12]
    • Most repairs can be made in a day or so. However, in the case of more serious damage, your dentures may need to be repaired by an off-site lab.
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Warnings

  • Failure to carefully clean your dentures can cause them to develop a foul odor over time. Talk with your dentist if this happens.
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  • Never expose your dentures to high temperatures, as this can damage the internal components and lead to breakage.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dentures/
  2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10900-dentures
  3. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dentures/
  4. ↑ https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/implants-vs-dentures-and-bridges/
  5. ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures-partial
  6. ↑ https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/implants-vs-dentures-and-bridges/
  7. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abq3964
  8. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
  9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10900-dentures
  1. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
  2. ↑ http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/procedures/bridges_dentures/dentures.asp
  3. ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures-partial

About This Article

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Co-authored by:
Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
This article was co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a board certified dentist who runs her private practice, Tu's Dental, in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. This article has been viewed 14,035 times.
28 votes - 87%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: August 2, 2022
Views: 14,035
Categories: Dentures

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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