Dentures are removable teeth that are designed to fit just like the original teeth. They work as a good replacement for the missing teeth. Your dentist will guide you about the types of dentures and if you need one. Depending on the number of teeth you need to replace, you will have to go for a complete or partial replacement. The cost, treatment, healing time and the time to get adjusted to the new teeth depends on the type of dentures you have opted for!
If you are lucky to have an insurance policy covering the entire treatment then you are safe to go forward with it, but there is no escape from this treatment even if you are not covered. So, if you have not come across the situation yet, it is better to retrieve your insurance coverage. Apart from insurance, there are many other things that you may want to know before opting for this extensive dental treatment.
Choosing the right dentist
Choosing your dentist right should be the first and one of the most important steps in this treatment. Though the steps for the treatment may be almost the same, the results could differ. The experienced hand will be more precise in the measurements and the same will result in better fitting dentures. If you have an option of a prosthodontist then it is better to opt for that one! These are the dentists who are extensively trained for dental prosthetics. Your treatment will be more successful when carried out by such a trained professional.
Location of the clinic
If the dentist, you have selected has multiple clinics then it is always better to opt for a location near your home or office. If the clinic is very far from either place, then it is better to weigh your selection once again. This is not a one-time treatment that you will be able to manage somehow. It requires multiple visits starting from the first consultation to the regular follow-ups thereafter. The measurements, fitting, and any sores arising due to adjustment issues will call for frequent visits to the clinic. It is vital for you to manage these multiple visits to the clinic.
The real need analysis
Getting dentures by removing your teeth would sound very easy compared to the lengthy correction treatment like root canal treatment. A complete replacement of teeth with dentures instead of individual implants would be easier and cheaper. The alignment of teeth would at times look better than your natural teeth. This sounds good initially, but with time it brings in issues like defective chewing capacity, loss of the sense of taste, replacing it every five years, and so on. In order to make the correct decision, it is important to consult a good dentist who will undertake a real need analysis for your dental problem. This will help you in the long run.
Go for the repairs where possible
If you have already undergone this treatment then you know that it is time-consuming and adjustment takes time. The same can be avoided by opting for repairs wherever possible. Your old dentures can be repaired to fit in again. You can’t do it on your own but you can always get it done by your dentist. This will save you money and effort to a great extent. Better not attempt the repairs at home as you will end up damaging it forever.
Nothing fits as well as the natural teeth. It is therefore recommended that you look for a good dentist for regular checkups to avoid permanent loss of teeth.