How to Choose the Right Dentures

Sooner or later, you might be told that your best option for dental care is to get dentures. This is a big, intimidating step to take, and you’re sure to have a lot of questions going through your head. Luckily, there are plenty of great options these days for dentures, and all of your questions and concerns can be answered by talking with your dentist. In the end, the ultimate decision on which dentures are right for you comes down to your situation and preferences. You are the only one who can make that final decision, and it needs to be one that you’ll be comfortable with in the years to come. Below, Flintlock Dental will go over a few factors you should consider as you make the decision of which dentures to choose.

Types of Dentures

There are many types of dentures out there for you to choose from, and based on your situation, there’s bound to be a perfect fit for you. Here are a few types of dentures that your dentist may offer to you:

  • Full Dentures – These replace the full upper and lower set of teeth. Dental bridges are fixed to any existing teeth, and the dentures are set on top of the gums.
  • Partial Dentures – These are affixed to existing teeth and are removable. They also help set other teeth and eliminate further dental problems.
  • Custom Dentures – These are made to specially fit your smile, mouth, and preference. Because they are so specialized to your mouth, they are more expensive than most other kinds of dentures.
  • Snap-In Dentures – These offer a lot of convenience, as they snap onto existing teeth and dental structure.
  • Immediate Dentures – These are placed over your gums immediately after all of your teeth have been removed. With other types of dentures, you would usually have to wait 8 to 12 weeks for the dentures to be placed after extraction.
  • Economy Dentures – These are the most affordable option, but often fit loosely and don’t stay in a place as well. They are often used if money is an issue or the person needs a temporary fix before getting a more permanent solution.

Choosing the Right Dentures

The types listed above are the most common options you have to choose from when purchasing dentures. While the type of dentures you choose is an important one, there can be some other factors to consider when you look into getting your teeth replaced. These factors could also help in your decision when choosing the type of dentures you get:

Cost – There are times when patients just don’t have the insurance and/or money needed to get the right dentures. This can greatly affect someone’s decision. If money is tight, you should speak with your dentist and see if the office offers finance or payment options for getting you the dentures you need.

Comfort – Dentures can be made from several types of materials, and some may be more comfortable in your mouth than others. Dentures can also be set in your mouth or be removable. Your comfort needs to be considered when choosing your dentures, since you’ll be wearing them daily.

Requirements – Your situation may call for special requirements to optimize your dental health with dentures. Your dentist will go over all the details of the factors involved with you and your mouth, and if he or she is unable to help you, they may refer you to a dentures specialist. Once you know what your dental needs are, you’ll be able to make a good, informed decision about dentures.

Picking the dentures that are the best for you is a complex issue, and you need to discuss it with your dentist. Once you know your requirements, the type that you want, and what you’re able to afford, you’ll know that the decision you made is the right one.

If you want more information on dental health issues, check out Flintlock Dental’s other blogs, such as this one that goes over bruxism, or teeth grinding!

Dr. Wolfgang Schaller

Dr. Wolfgang Schaller was born in Germany, but he moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1975 and has been here ever since. He loves this area! After graduating from Rockhurst High School, he went on to pursue extensive higher education. Dr. Schaller really values continuing education and training because that’s how he is able to be the most qualified that he can to care for you and your family’s dental needs!

Dr. Schaller completed his undergraduate studies at Kansas State University. He then obtained both an MS degree in biochemistry and his DDS degree at the University of Iowa. Dr. Schaller has worked as a DDS in a group office in Kansas and a solo practitioner in Independence for almost 10 years.

Studying at the University of Iowa was a great experience not only for education, but that’s also where Dr. Schaller met his wonderful wife, Monika. They moved to theNorthland area of Kansas City after graduation, where they now live with their two beautiful daughters, Natalie and Gabrielle. Monika Schaller works at North Kansas City Hospital as an oncology pharmacist.

In addition to dentistry and spending time with his family, Dr. Schaller’s other interests include gardening and photography. He looks forward to getting to know you and your family, too!