Smiles are priceless, but for those dealing with missing teeth, maintaining confidence and functionality in their smile can often be costly, especially when considering partial dentures.
The discomfort, self-consciousness, and challenges with eating and speaking that often accompany tooth loss can significantly impact one’s self-esteem and overall well-being.
Partial dentures, however, offer a promising solution. They can be a transformative investment in oral health and quality of life, restoring the ability to enjoy favorite foods, speak clearly, and confidently smile.
Yet, like any significant investment, understanding the associated expenses is essential for making informed decisions.
What are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures replace multiple missing teeth in either the upper or lower portion of your mouth. They provide both cosmetic and functional benefits such as enhancing chewing and speaking. Partial dentures also preserve the placement of your remaining natural teeth, which can shift over time as a result of the missing spaces.
Partial dentures are usually removable, creating concerns over their appearance and fit compared to permanent dentures. In addition, they aren’t intended to be worn around the clock, so dentists usually recommend removing them each night to clean them. This practice not only keeps partial dentures clean but it also allows you to brush around your natural teeth.
Why Choose Partial Dentures?
The general reason for choosing partial dentures is the loss of multiple teeth in either the top or bottom row. The most common reasons for this are decay, injury and extraction by a dentist. It’s important for your remaining teeth to stay healthy, regardless of the reason for losing some natural teeth.
If you lose too many teeth, your dentist may recommend extracting the remaining ones and using full dentures instead.
How Long Do Partial Dentures Last?
A 2017 review found that about 39 percent of removable partial dentures were no longer used after five years of manufacture. This result doesn’t necessarily mean that the dentures wore out. The results only show that people stopped using them. Partial dentures can last up to 15 years, depending on various factors, such as how well patients care for them.
Your mouth naturally changes over time, so you need to ensure that your partial dentures continue to fit properly. Dentists typically recommend that patients get their partial dentures checked at least once a year or sooner if they experience irritation or other signs that their dentures may need adjustment. Partial dentures may also require replacement when they become discolored, which will normally happen over time. Depending on the degree of change in your mouth or the wear on your dentures, your dentist has several options for repairing your dentures. These possibilities include replacing the lining, making a new base or making a completely new set of dentures.
Pros and Cons of Partial Dentures
If you’re thinking about getting partial dentures, you need to consider both their pros and cons.
Pros
- Stability: they are stable and secure, providing better functionality for activities like chewing and speaking
- Long-term solution: with proper care, they can last for many years
- Customization: can be customized to match the color and shape of existing teeth, which gives them a natural and seamless appearance
Cons
- Cost: can be more expensive than dental flippers
- Adjustment period: some people report difficulty getting used to partial dentures
- Maintenance: require regular cleaning and upkeep
How Much Do Partial Dentures Cost?
The factors that affect the cost of partial dentures include the following:
- Location in the mouth
- Manufacturing method
- Materials used
- Number of teeth replaced
In addition to the cost of the partial dentures themselves, they often require adjustment after they’re made. Some patients also require dental care before the dentist can take the impressions needed to make the partials.
Dentist
Starting at $950
Dental Lab Direct
Starting at $330
Partial Dentures Are Within Reach
Getting affordable dentures is possible. Dental Lab Direct offers customized partial dentures that fit your unique needs.
Our prices are up to 70% lower than traditional dental offices and all our products use FDA-approved materials!
Ready to get started? Getting your dentures starts with completing our simple, 3-step ordering process.
Step 1: Request a dental impression kit from their website
Step 2: When the kit arrives, create impressions of your teeth following the instructions.
Step 3: Mail the impressions back and your customized dental appliance will be delivered within 2-3 weeks.
If you’re unhappy with the fit. We offer a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.