Full dentures are made in a process very similar to partial dentures with the exception that you may not have any natural healthy teeth to help guide the making of the denture. This then requires skill and an eye for aesthetics by the dentist.
Our goal when creating a full denture is NOT to create the perfect set of teeth. Rather, it is to recreate a NATURAL set of teeth. The greatest compliment our patients receive is that no one really realizes they had a set of dentures made, at least in the first impression. If the new teeth jump out at someone as seeming too unreal, we have not done our job well.
If you believe that you might be a candidate for a full denture and don’t have a denture now that you will be replacing, relax. We can make the new denture and have it ready to put in your mouth at the tooth removal appointment. So you will never be running around without all of your teeth.
One thing I will tell you having worked with hundreds of denture patients is that lower dentures are very difficult to wear. If you have any opportunity to hold on to some lower teeth for any significant amount of time, do it.
Think about it. The upper jaw is part of the skull. It doesn’t move and therefore is an easy base on which to build a denture that can be comfortable and highly functional. The lower jaw is just the opposite. It moves and the tongue is also moving, adding to the difficulty with keeping the denture solidly in place.
If you are thinking, “If I’m going to place several implants why not just have it all done that way?” then you are asking the right questions.
The short answer is, if you can handle the financial aspect, then by all means get your arch rebuilt with implants. It is the best way to go. If, however, you find the price tag (often in the $25,000 to $30,000 range) a bit rich for you, getting the implants and then spending only around $1,500 or so on the denture will chop that cost by 75% or even more.
It’s your mouth and your wallet. We offer all the options. We will make recommendations. You must be the one to decide.
Dr. Dean Dietrich founded Pleasant Dental® with the vision of serving his community by providing high-value comfortable care. Dr. D. has over 30 years of expertise and continues to be very passionate about his work. He and team enjoy caring for fearful patients and providing care in a unique upbeat, even fun way.
Call us at (708) 576-1900 or Request an Appointment
for a denture evaluation.
It’s completely free.