What You Need To Know About Immediate Dentures

If your teeth are unhealthy and can no longer get the job done, it's a good idea to consider getting dentures. Nobody wants to spend time without teeth, however, so you may be considering immediate dentures. If so, check out these three important facts you should know about immediate dentures, so you can determine if they really are the best choice for your smile.

They Are Crafted Before the Teeth Are Removed

Conventional dentures are crafted after your teeth are removed, but immediate dentures are made first, so they're ready to go as soon as you need them. You don't even have to wait for your gums to heal before you can wear them. This means you don't have to go a day with the embarrassment or difficulties that come with having missing teeth. In some cases, your dentist may pull your back teeth, so the jaw can heal a little before the dentures are placed.

On the downside, however, since they are placed right after the teeth are pulled, they may not fit right for long. With your teeth gone, your jaw adjusts and shrinks. The immediate dentures will become too big, making it more difficult to eat and talk. This is why immediate dentures are usually just a temporary solution, so you don't have to struggle with missing teeth. Once the immediate dentures no longer fit right, most people have them replaced with conventional dentures.  

Relines Are a Possibility

Another alternative to replacing your immediate dentures with conventional dentures is to get relines. Relines are often used on both immediate and conventional dentures to improve the fit as your jaw continues to shrink. They can be made from a hard or soft material. The softer material is less durable than the harder material, but it is better for people with sensitive gums. They basically thicken the fake gum portion of the dentures, so they fit better.

Relines can be done right in the dentist office or in the laboratory. If done in the office, the dentist places the liquid material into the denture. The denture is placed back in your mouth while the material hardens, perfectly re-capturing the shape of your mouth. If done in a lab, the dentist must take an impression of your gums, which is sent to the lab to craft a reline. In-office relines are faster, but they are also less durable than laboratory relines.

They Cost More Than Conventional Dentures

It may seem like immediate dentures should be cheaper than conventional dentures, but that isn't the case. They aren't inferior to conventional dentures. In fact, they look just as good, but more effort and time goes into crafting immediate dentures. As a result, they cost more than conventional dentures. Conventional dentures cost between $1,275 and $2,750, and immediate dentures cost between $1,475 and $3,150.

There are additional costs to consider with immediate dentures. Because they won't fit right after a few short months, you'll have to pay additional money to correct the fit. This may mean paying nearly twice as much to switch to conventional dentures. At the very least, it means paying for the previously mentioned relines, which cost between $270 and $470 for an upper or lower. Getting immediate dentures means the comfort of immediately having teeth, but you definitely pay for this benefit.

Nobody wants to be toothless, which is why immediate dentures are so great, despite their higher cost. If you think dentures are the right solution for your smile, contact a dentist in your area. Schedule a consultation at a cosmetic dentistry clinic and determine which type of denture is best for your situation.