The process of getting dentures can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months. How long it will take you to get dentures will depend upon two key elements.  First, what type of dentures you choose will affect how long the process takes. For instance, traditional dentures take less time to completion than implant-supported dentures do.  Second, the condition of any of your remaining teeth plays a role. To explain, if you have unhealthy teeth in your mouth, your dentist will want to treat them or remove them before fitting you for dentures.  Of course, the more dental work needed before the denture fitting can begin adds time to the entire process. To get the best answer for your situation, you’ll need to consult with your dentist. They will be able to assess your unique situation and give you a timeline from there.

Absolutely not!  Patients often put off getting dentures for fear they will have to report to work or social events without teeth!  Dentists can fit you with temporary dentures if needed after extractions (this will give your mouth time to heal before getting the permanent dentures), so you don’t have to be without teeth!  

Usually, people might notice that something about you looks new, brighter, or even younger! Loved ones–people who know your smile the best–are the ones most likely to notice a change if it’s very different.  Some patients welcome a completely new smile when it’s time to get dentures, while others want just a subtle improvement. At Munroe Falls Family Dentistry, we recommend patients ask a close friend or relative accompany them during the denture selection process to ensure the best results.  A trusted opinion from someone who knows and loves your smile can help you pick the most natural color and shape for your smile. Of course, for some, creating a new improved smile with dentures that everyone will notice is a welcomed perk!

Dentures that fit properly in jaws with good bone support stay put.  In fact, if your dentures fit well and your have the bone structure necessary to support them, you should not need dental adhesives.  If your dentures slip and fall out, you should see your dentist right away. Your dentures may need an alignment and/or your bone support may need to be evaluated.  Either way, your dentist will be able to assess the fit and help make the necessary adjustments.

Many of today’s denture wearers can eat corn on the cob.  However, if your jaws suffer from bone issues, you may need implant supported dentures in order to support a denture correctly..  At first, it may take a little practice to get used to the different feel of the bite, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy most foods.  Typically dentists recommend denture wearers use caution with hard nuts and candies because they can break or chip your dentures. These foods can break or chip natural teeth, though, so the advice really isn’t any different. 

Yes, denture wearers still need annual dental check ups.  Your dentist will want to assess your gum health and denture fit.  Without natural teeth or implants, your jaw bone can start to resorb.  As a result, dentures fit more loosely and need regular adjustments. Properly fitted dentures can help slow this deterioration, so regular dental check ups remain a must!

No, whitening toothpastes and whitening strips should not be used on your dentures.  These products contain chemicals that can weaken your dentures and/or tarnish and corrode any metal portions.  Instead, ask your dentist to recommend a non-abrasive denture cleaner that’s right for your style of dentures. For deeper stains, your dentist may suggest some professional products or recommend changing out the full denture to choose the tooth shade you want.

First, be sure to brush your dentures every day with a soft, denture-safe toothbrush and non-abrasive cleaner.  Second, brush and rinse soon after eating foods known for their staining properties. Common offenders include berries, coffee, tomato sauce, and red wine.  The longer these remain on your dentures, the more likely they are to stain them.     

The quality of your dentures will determine how long they last.  Also, your gum and bone health can impact how long your dentures fit properly in your mouth.  Finally, the quality of care you give your dentures impacts their longevity. As a general rule, most denture wearers need to relign their dentures every 3 to 5 years to maintain the best fit, function, and appearance.  

With so many options available today, you can get dentures to fit most budgets.  Keep in mind, too, that different types of dentures will last different amounts of time.  Thus, some dentures may cost less up front, but they may require more frequent replacement or religning.  On average, for a fully custom-fit set up upper dentures, you should expect to pay anywhere between $1,400 – $1800.  A full custom-fit of upper and lower dentures, then, range from $2800-$3600. If you select implant-supported dentures, the cost goes up depending on the number and placement of implants.  Implant supported dentures, though, tend to last longer and fit more securely. As a result, they also may require fewer fittings and adjustments. Finally, to determine the full cost of your dentures, be sure to ask your dentist what the price includes.  Some dentists include unlimited fittings and adjustments into the cost, while others charge an office visit for each one. Thus, it’s important to gather all that information to get a total price for your dentures and to compare apples to apples.