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  • Dentures
  • August 15, 2019
  • by lotus

 

A set of false teeth can provide a welcome replacement for missing teeth, but how much do dentures cost, and can you afford them? At Lotus Smiles Dental we are committed to providing our patients with high quality dentures at affordable prices

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are false teeth that can be removed from your mouth. They are used as a replacement for missing teeth and they are created to resemble your natural teeth as closely as possible, even though they are made out of acrylic.

The base, or piece that holds the denture together is called a plate.

The number of teeth that you are missing will determine whether you have full or partial dentures. Complete (or full) dentures replace all the teeth in your lower or upper arch. These dentures are recommended for patients who have lost all of their teeth.

Partial dentures are used when only a few teeth need to be replaced. Partial dentures are fixed by metal clasps that attach to your natural teeth.

Years ago dentures got a bad rap, but modern dentures have improved on design and functionality, ensuring they are more comfortable and authentic looking than in years gone by.

Why Bother With Tooth Replacement?

If your missing teeth are not in an obvious place you might be wondering if it’s worth replacing them at all. And the short answer is yes. If you are missing teeth it impacts on your facial structure, and can cause the muscles in your face to sag sometimes making you look older than you are.

Missing teeth also make chewing and biting food difficult, painful or uncomfortable. Replacing them with dentures ensure you can eat with comfort and enjoy your favourite foods again.

Speaking clearly and confidently without a full set of teeth is also not very easy. Patients with missing teeth find it difficult to pronounce certain words or may hold a hand up in front of their face when they smile. They also find that other people may struggle to understand their pronunciation.

What Is The Cost Of Dentures?

The price of dentures depends on the kind of dentures needed and the material they are created from. Full dentures cost more than partial dentures while a chrome-plated set will be more expensive than an acrylic set.

The best way to determine how much full dentures cost is to consult with your dentist. A custom approach to treatment always produces the best results but if you’d like to prepare yourself for your dental visit, smile.com.au has published some helpful figures that my put the cost into perspective for you.

According to the results of their 2017 National Dental Fee Survey, a complete lower and upper denture can cost as much as $3870. For a single denture (upper or lower) the cost can be up to $2000 each.

Will My Health Insurance Cover The Cost Of My Dentures?

These policies vary between providers. Some dental insurance plans will contribute towards the cost of dentures so you would need to check the details of your particular policy to determine this.

How Long Will My Dentures Last?

On average dentures that are well looked after can be expected to last between five and eight years before they need to be replaced. This is because your mouth will change shape over time and the dentures will wear down. Relining dentures can help them to last for longer. Relining involves remoulding the bottom of the denture so that it fits more comfortably in your mouth.

What Are My Other Tooth Replacement Options?

It is possible to replace an entire arch of teeth using dental implants, however these typically cost more than dentures, and not all patients are candidates for dental implants.

If you are missing some teeth but have some healthy natural teeth remaining, you could be a candidate for a dental bridge.

If you have missing teeth, you will have more options available to you if you seek treatment as soon as possible. If you delay treatment, you can expect some degree of bone loss to occur in your jaw, which limits your tooth replacement options.

To find out more about what full or partial dentures cost and what your tooth replacement options are, please contact our friendly team today: (03) 8737 9359.