Upper False Teeth Options
Patients that need to replace missing teeth have several options to choose from. Read on to learn more about the various tooth replacement options available to edentulous patients.
Traditional Complete Full Denture
A complete set of traditional dentures are used when a patient needs to replace all of their upper or lower teeth. Whereas dental bridges are anchored to the adjacent natural teeth, traditional dentures rest on the patient’s gums. Dentures are crafted based on impressions and x-rays the prosthodontist takes of the patient’s mouth. Once any remaining teeth are removed, a set of traditional dentures are typically placed 8 to 12 weeks later.
Since they lack direct interaction with adjacent teeth or the jawbone, traditional dentures can shift out of place when the patient chews or speaks. This can cause functional issues as well as discomfort. Traditional dentures have a lifespan of about 10 years and will need periodic adjustments by the dentist to ensure they continue to fit properly. Cost will vary based on insurance coverage, the number of teeth in need of replacement, and the quality of denture used but in general, patients can expect to pay between $1,000 to $8,000.
Partial Dentures
In cases where the patient has teeth remaining in their upper or lower jaw, a partial denture may be used. These devices have pink bases which attach to a piece of metal to hold the denture in the patient’s mouth. As a removable option, partial dentures offer the wearer the convenience of being able to take the device out as needed while also preventing other teeth from shifting. The average cost of a partial denture for the upper or lower jaw generally runs from $650 to $2,500.
Custom Dentures
Using more expensive prosthetic teeth which are customized to the specifications of the patient’s smile, custom dentures tend to be a more costly denture option but offer a more natural appearance. Before they are manufactured, patients can see what the new denture will look like and tailor it to their exact needs. A set of high-quality custom dentures will cost between $3,500 to $15,000 on average.
Immediate Dentures
Roughly the same cost as permanent dentures, immediate dentures may be placed the same day as tooth extraction. Immediate dentures differ from traditional dentures in that they are temporary and typically worn for about six months while awaiting a permanent replacement. And unlike permanent dentures, immediate dentures are not customized to the patient’s mouth and as such, do not always fit properly. Patients should note that not everyone is a candidate for this type of denture.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges utilize prosthetic teeth that are held on each side by crowns or dental implants. There are four types of dental bridge including traditional, Maryland, cantilever, and implant-supported. When compared to dentures, dental bridges are not prone to the risk of moving out of place when smiling, eating, or talking. One negative of using dental bridges to restore missing teeth is the fact that adjacent healthy teeth may have to be extracted to place the device. Cost varies based on the type of bridge system used with traditional, cantilever, and Marland bridges costing around $1,500 while implant-supported bridges cost up to $15,000.
Dental Implants
Widely considered the industry standard treatment option for replacing missing teeth, dental implants have grown in popularity as an effective alternative to dentures due to their convenience and longevity. Dental implants use small metal rods or posts that are surgically placed in the patient’s jawbone. These posts act as replacement tooth roots and because of the direct interaction with the jawbone, create a stronger, sturdier restoration compared to dental bridges or dentures.
Dental implants are suitable for replacing a single tooth or an entire upper or lower set of teeth. Once the metal posts have been placed in the jaw, patients will require three to six months for the implants to fuse with the jawbone completely. Dental implants are permanent and unlike dentures, they cannot be removed, and patients do not have to alter their normal cleaning routines. To be a candidate for dental implants, patients need to have good oral health as well as sufficient jawbone area necessary to support the device.
Because surgery is required and several dentist visits may be necessary, dental implants tend to have a higher initial cost than other treatment options. Factors such as the number of teeth being replaced, geographic location, materials used, and doctor performing the procedure, can influence cost but on average, a single dental implant can cost $1,500 to $2,000. If replacing all the patient’s teeth, cost could easily top $30,000.
Implant-Supported Dentures
These dentures rely on a dental implant for support. With their direct interaction with the jawbone, the dental implant provides support for the denture and holds it in place. Implant-supported dentures tend to provide a more natural look while also being long lasting. Surgery is required to place the implants and since sufficient jawbone area is one requirement for the procedure, not all patients will be candidates for these restorations and instead seek non-surgical options.
Snap-In Dentures
Snap-in dentures offer effective stability when compared to other options. These dentures can be held in place via dental implants or by anchoring them to the patient’s remaining natural teeth. The attachment mechanisms employed by the denture offer patients the convenience and removability associated with partial dentures.
Overdentures
Resting atop the gumline, overdentures are held in position via dental implants. Based on the patient’s needs, overdentures can be placed in either the upper or lower jaw. The devices are also removable for patient convenience.
Economy Dentures
For some patients, cost is the deciding factor when evaluating treatment options. In those instances, economy dentures may be the most preferable restoration. These dentures are generic rather than specifically customized for the patient. Because of this, they do not offer the same degree of comfort, security, or appearance compared to other restorations. Economy dentures are held in place using dental adhesives which can necessitate modifications to the patient’s cleaning routine.