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What are Dentures?
If you are interested in replacing missing teeth at an affordable rate, you need dentures. They are gum-coloured plates with fake teeth attached to them. While they may seem like devices of torture, dentures are a way to enhance your self-esteem by filling in the gaps between your existing teeth. As we all know, a beautiful smile can knock down barriers.
Types of Dentures Available in Singapore
Dental clinics place both fixed and removable dentures. The latter can be popped in and out of the mouth, while the former is removed by a dentist only. Here are the different subtypes.
Complete dentures (traditional). These cover the entire mouth because there are no teeth left on the upper jaw and lower jaw. They have a solid base that resembles the colour of the natural gums plus a set of fake teeth on top. What materials are involved? Mostly acrylic resins and porcelain. Now, traditional dentures should be replaced after 6-7 years of use. They are easy to remove.
Removable partial denture. If you still have healthy teeth remaining, partial dentures will be employed. They act by replacing missing teeth, usually at the back of the mouth. The gum-resembling acrylic base is made of two parts that are joined together with metal clasps. Once partial dentures are inserted in the mouth, these clasps remain hidden behind the teeth and gum tissue. The strongest appliances are cobalt chrome dentures; however, they might present a risk in people with metal allergies.
Temporary dentures. They can fulfil the function of transition teeth before a permanent denture is fixed to the teeth. The purpose is to have the patient get used to the artificial teeth. Furthermore, they can help people with sensitive teeth and gums handle chewing and eating for a short while. And last but not least, temporary dentures remove the gap between the "no teeth" stage and the "permanent denture" stage, ensuring no wait period for denture wearers.
Dental bridge with dental implants. Sometimes, teeth replacement is achieved via a dental bridge. For this purpose, the adjacent teeth are filed down so they can accommodate the crowns. However, if those teeth are lacking, dental implants will be employed instead. They are surgically inserted into the jaw, therefore not removable.
Who is a Good Candidate for Partial or Full Dentures?
Only some people should get fixed or removable denture treatment. Ideally, this is someone who has lost more than 4-5 teeth but still has remaining jaw bone and gum tissue that would support the dentures. Individuals who are lacking in one or two teeth don’t need dentures. They will benefit more from dental crowns, implants or a bridge. Our team can examine your teeth and recommend the most appropriate option during your dental check-ups.
How Much do Dentures Cost in Singapore?
Getting false teeth is not cheap. In general, Singapore patients pay about $550.00 to $850.00 per arch. Thus, a full set of dentures will set you back some $1,600 upwards. When it comes to partial dentures, the cost runs between $220.00 and $460.00per arch.
It’s worth noting the price of dentures varies from one clinic to the next and there is a difference between the private and public sectors. Some facilities will charge as much as $2,000 per single arch.
What Is the Treatment Process Like?
Step 1:Initial consultation and primary impressions. The process starts with an initial exam where one of our dentist specialists will examine your gum tissues and determine if you need partial or full dentures. They will proceed to make dental impressions of your mouth, after which you will be able to go home. Everything will resolve within a few visits.
Step 2: Master impressions. You will have to come back to our office for yet another assessment and impression of your mouth. The more accurate the calculations are, the better the new dentures will fit.
Step 3:Try-in of denture teeth. The next step is to try the pieces. You will test either a wax model or a metal skeleton. The item will be secured to your gums and adjustments will be made accordingly. Once the proper fit has been achieved, the dentist will send the casting to a lab to have the dentures constructed. You can now choose the shade and shape of your false teeth. This will be followed by another try-in.
Step 4: Final denture and review. Once you agree on the size and fit, the dentures will be fabricated and delivered. If they fit well, you can finally move on with your life. It's important you practice eating with them by introducing soft foods the first few days. Repeated dental visits are still necessary to stay on top of your oral health.
Benefits of Wearing Dentures When You’ve Lost Most of Your Natural Teeth
You can eat whatever you want, both hard and soft foods. Your dentist might still advise you to forgo on certain foods so as not to damage your appliances.
Dentures can protect your existing teeth from wear and tear since the entire mouth will now be engaged in chewing the food you eat. This means the pressure will be distributed evenly.
They also protect your bone from decomposing.
Your speech will not be impacted anymore. When you don’t have many teeth, or any at all, you are not able to pronounce words well and dentures can fix that problem.
Missing teeth will sooner or later impact your facial muscles. Without adequate support, they will begin to droop over time. When you have full dentures in place, they will act as the missing support.
Dentures are similar to real teeth. They come in various colours and materials to mimic your pearly whites as closely as possible.
Plus, modern restoration appliances are much better than the tools that were used in the past. Patients begin to feel comfortable wearing them pretty quickly.
When the gaps in your teeth are gone, your self-esteem will skyrocket. Your smile will look gorgeous.
Why Choose Pristine Dentalworks?
At Pristine Dentalworks, we have a clear understanding of patients’ fears and concerns thanks to our ongoing work with people of all ages. Our team will ensure that you feel no pain during your appointments and we'll also go above and beyond to cater to your dental needs. Your dentures will be planned and fitted with minimal adjustments so that you can get back on track as soon as possible.
FAQs on Replacing Missing Teeth
Can dentures cause slurred speech?
In the beginning, the devices will feel uncomfortable. You may get excessive salivation and slurred speech. This is a normal thing to happen and it will go away soon. At times, dentures may use that extra adjustment so they are a better fit.
How long does it take to get used to wearing dentures?
It's different for everyone. Most professionals will tell you that it takes about a month to get adjusted to the new dentures. You need to be patient.
What is the cheapest way to get dentures?
The best way to lower the price of your dentures, or any other dental treatment for that matter, is to have the work completed at a dental school. Of course, this has its advantages and disadvantages. Most often, your case will be tackled by a student. They will work under the guidance of experienced dentists and you will be in safe hands, so don’t worry about it.
Can I use MediSave for dentures?
Unfortunately, MediSave doesn’t cover either upper or lower denture treatment. It cannot be used for braces, bridges and dental crowns. This means you have to pay for the dental work out of pocket.
How long does it take to make dentures in Singapore?
Traditional dentures will take about 2-4 weeks to make overall. The process will depend on certain factors. For a more specific answer, feel free to ask your dentist.
Why replace missing teeth?
It may seem difficult to imagine but every single tooth in your mouth helps the rest stay in place and support the structure of your face. When one or more pearly whites are missing, this will affect the bones, resulting in sagging muscles. Eventually, this will alter the shape of your face. Not to mention, when you are missing natural teeth, you aren’t capable of eating and speaking like you normally do.
How long do dentures last? How often should I replace them?
High-quality dentures can last as long as 7-10 years as long as good oral care is practiced. Still, you may have to replace them sooner than that.
How to take care of basic dentures?
Wash food particles from the dentures after eating and clean your mouth before you place them back in. Make it a point to brush your appliances once a day using a soft-bristled brush. There are specialised denture cleansers for this purpose. It helps you to keep everything spotless without affecting the quality of the material. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Before you go to bed, remember to take out your dentures and submerge them in special solution or plain water. If you are hesitant about any of the steps, we at Pristine Dentalworks can show you how to do the trick. And finally, ensure you see your dentist regularly. They will have a say on the frequency of appointments you need.
Why opt for complete or partial dentures in lieu of dental implants?
Dentures are more affordable than implants and there is no risk that the body will reject them. What is more, it takes several visits to obtain dentures and return to normalcy. By contrast, the dental implant restoration happens over the course of a few months and the process is overwhelming. Both treatments serve to fill the empty spaces and support the natural teeth remaining.
Can I get teeth extraction and dentures in one appointment at a dental clinic?
Yes, it is possible to use an immediate denture on the same day. This is a temporary device that will help you eat and talk until you have your permanent dentures placed. It comes in handy when the patient is missing their front teeth and are concerned about aesthetics. In such cases, immediate dentures are created before extraction.
How painful is getting dentures?
Whether you need a partial denture or a complete denture, there will be minor irritation and discomfort but you aren't likely to experience severe pain. A few weeks will go by before you get accustomed to the devices.
What can't you eat with dentures?
No matter what types of dentures you wear, there are some foods it’s best to steer clear of or eat in moderation. For example, avoid sticky foods and tough meats. You may also want to cut down on hard foods.
What is a denture reline?
A denture relining is altering your original dentures so that they can fit comfortably. It consists of adding more material to the inside of the device to adjust its size and shape. There is soft and hard relining. The former employs a porous material and works best for sensitive gums. It can be completed in one appointment. A hard reline employs that sturdy acrylic material that was used initially to produce the dentures. The difference is that it has to be manufactured in a lab.
How much are false teeth?
On average, S$550.00 to S$850.00 per arch. But as we mentioned above, the price varies for each person. There are many factors at play so the price will vary from patient to patient. Call us or visit our clinic for an examination and to discuss what the exact price for you is.