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When you first loose your teeth you will be provided with immediate dentures which will help you through those early months when shrinkage and changes in your bone structure and gums will occur. Your main denture plates will be created approximately 9-15 months after your teeth have been extracted and the relatively stable structure of your bone and gums can be used to create the mould.

It can sometimes prove difficult to keep lower jaw dentures in place in which case your dentist may advise the use of mini implants to help keep your denture in place. Mini implants are much less invasive as full tooth implants and can usually be placed into the jaw within an hour allowing you to walk out with your dentures safely snapped into place.

Don’t make the mistake of many and assume that dentures last for life. Even if you have a full plate you will still need dental care. Cosmetic dentures aren’t designed to last for ever and the American Dental Association recommends that you replace your dentures every 4 – 7 years. Dentures wear out and can become loose and ill fitting. Old dentures can cause gum irritation, facial pain, reduced ability to chew, digestive problems and in some instance can cause pre-cancerous mouth and gum lesions. If you have worn the same dentures for a long period of time your denture problems can’t always be completely fixed so always go down the safe route and get your dentures checked on a regular basis.

Unlike some other cosmetic dentistry procedures your new dentures should be covered by your dental insurance. The cost of dentures is significantly less than many other cosmetic dentistry procedures with the prosthetic plates costing as little as $500 with an upper limit of around $2,000 - $3,000. In addition to the cost of the denture you will also have to pay your dental fees which are likely to range between $400 and $1200 per plate.

Author: Terry Ross

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