Do you need dentures? If you’ve recently lost a tooth due to an injury or periodontal infection then your dentist might recommend that you get dentures. Naturally, you probably have a few serious questions that need to be answered before you undergo this procedure.
For that reason, we’ve compiled an informative list of frequently asked questions about dentures to help answer your questions or concerns.
1. How much do dentures cost in Ontario?
Depending on the number of missing teeth, the materials used, and the location in the mouth, the cost of dentures ranges from $300 to well over $1,000 in Ontario. The low-end price tag covers one or two teeth and usually cheaper or temporary materials are used whereas the mid-range or high-end price tag can cover a full set of teeth on the upper or lower jaw using better materials.
2. How long do dentures typically last?
Dentures are impermanent fixtures in your mouth, which means that they’ll eventually need to be replaced regardless of how well you care for them. Dentists recommend that you replace your existing dentures at least once every 5 to 8 years. With regular use, dentures are subject to normal wear and tear just like any other dental appliance. Keep in mind that as you get older, the shape of your mouth along with the size, shape and positioning of your teeth as well as gum recession will all change. Dentures need to be updated accordingly.
3. Will dentures change the appearance of my smile?
Absolutely. The whole point of getting dentures installed is to improve your smile and replace missing or damaged teeth. Since dentures are designed to blend into your mouth and look exactly like your other teeth, no one will be able to tell the difference between your real and artificial teeth.
4. Will dentures change the shape of my face?
After wearing dentures for a number of years, facial collapse can occur. As you get older, the amount of bone in your jaw naturally disappears and the dentures can recede causing your face to sag. There’s an easy solution to this problem though. Your dentist can reline the dentures or reinforce the dentures with dental implants to reverse some of the affects of facial collapse.
5. Will dentures affect my ability to eat certain foods?
As with any other dental procedure there’s certainly an adjustment period after having dentures inserted. If you’ve had a gap in your teeth for a long time, then you will need some time to adjust to having that gap filled. It may take about one to two weeks for the dentures to become properly assimilated in their new environment and during that time, you should watch what you eat. Try to stay away from hard, crunchy foods and beverages such as tea or coffee that will stain your teeth. If you do need to drink these beverages, it’s preferable that you use a straw to avoid staining your teeth. Once the dentures are fully assimilated, you can go back to eating and drinking any food of your choice. However, if all your teeth are missing and you have full dentures there may be foods you cannot eat again due to the movement of the dentures.
6. How will dentures affect my speech?
Missing or damaged teeth can have a detrimental effect on your speech, oftentimes causing you to form a lisp. Dentures can actually help correct this issue. It may take time for you to get used to having a where the tooth were missing and it may initially cause a lisp as well but after the adjustment period is over, your speech should go back to normal. Once installed dentures can help correct speech impediments that are caused by missing or damaged teeth.
7. How much time does it take to adjust to my new dentures?
On average it could take anywhere from a few weeks to about 30 days for you to become fully accustomed to your new dentures. Of course, the adjustment period varies depending on a few factors including
- The number of dentures you’ve had installed
- The position of the dentures (upper or lower jaw, front or back of the mouth)
- How well you take care of your dentures
- What you eat and drink during the initial adjustment period
8. How do I keep my dentures clean?
There are several steps you can take to maintain excellent denture care:
- Remove and rinse out your dentures after every meal
- Clean your entire mouth before putting dentures back in place
- Be careful with how you handle your dentures
- Brush your dentures at least once a day
- Remove your dentures and soak them every night in water or a denture cleaning solution
- Clean your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth
- Schedule regular dental appointments and cleaning
- Notify your dentist if your dentures are too loose or too tight
- Don’t use whitening toothpastes, abrasive cleaning solutions, hot water, or bleach on your dentures
9. Does getting dentures hurt?
During the first few weeks after you get your dentures, it’s perfectly normal to experience some pain or discomfort as you adjust to having a foreign object in your mouth. If the pain or discomfort doesn’t subside after a few weeks, then you should schedule a checkup with your dentist as they may need to make some adjustments.
10. Are dentures covered by insurance?
Many employee dental plans cover about 50% of the cost of having dentures installed. If you’re unable to get coverage through work, then you can work out a financial payment plan with your dental office.
11. How much does it cost to repair broken dentures?
The cost of repairing dentures can range anywhere from approximately $300 to $500 or more depending on the nature of the damage and how many dentures need to be repaired. To get a better idea of how much repairs or relines will cost, you need to speak with your dentist.
12. Can I remove my dentures at night?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s recommended that you avoid sleeping with your dentures at night and place them in a mild cleaning solution or lukewarm water to help them retain their moisture.
