Costs of dentures...what is the good, the bad, the ugly?

[alfie]

My dentist has said that I need to have my upper teeth pulled and replaced with dentures. I completely agree...they are in terrible shape. However, she says my temporary dentures (upper only) will cost $1400. That seems high to me. I don't want cheap ones that will not last or will crumble or discolor etc. But is there something in between that is reliable? In a year they will "hard line" those dentures for another $400 to make them permanent. What are your experiences with dentures as far as cost vs quality?

[TexasTowelie]

1. The quote you received seems reasonable.

I don't know where you are located, but I paid around $1,900 through my top of the line dentist in Irving. I doubt that you would be able to find a good denture for less than $1,000.

It's been over a year since I had all of my teeth pulled (upper -- June 2012; lower -- Nov. 2012) and I can tell you that while losing your teeth bites (groan), it is better to lose the upper teeth than the lower since the upper denture has the plate that provides suction against the palate which helps to hold it in place. I haven't had much difficulty with the upper denture. The price that your dentist quoted for hard-lining the denture is the same as what my dentist quoted to me.

The lower denture is an entirely different matter. It never remains in place since it rests entirely on the mandible. Most dentists advise getting a couple of implants to help hold the denture in place. Those implants run about $3,000 each and the denture runs in the $1,500 to $2,000 range.

BTW, while the dentist was talking about the dentures did he also mention the $2,000-$2,500 bill for the oral surgeon to extract those upper teeth? Needless to say, it's debatable as to whether the extraction of the teeth is more painful than the extraction of the cash from the wallet.

The biggest problem with wearing dentures is slippage and the loss of chewing power. I miss the sensation of biting into an apple or an ear of corn. I tend to eat more soft foods and slice my food up finely so in turn I am a slow eater out in public.

Finally, denture paste sucks. I suggest keeping extra paper towels to wipe the dentures and the roof of your mouth.

Good luck with the oral surgery and feel free to contact me if you have questions. You'll need someone to be at the surgery clinic during the procedure and to pick you up to go home. The first couple of days after the procedure are rough, but I've dealt with worse pain in my life. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks after the operation for stitches along the gum lines to come loose to be removed. It usually is around the 8 week mark when they make temporary lining adjustments to the denture and to allow for the swelling to dissipate along the gumline.

[alfie]

2. Thanks for all that detail!

My dentist is going to do the tooth extractions. Most of my teeth are loose so not that hard to pull. She pulled 5 today, had to work on digging one out, but the others went fairly well. I am a bit tender tonight, but not much. I hate the numbness more than the tenderness. My lower canines are in good enough shape to attach the bottom partials, so I won't have to have full lower dentures. She described exactly what you said about bottom ones not staying in place.

I'm glad you mentioned the sensations being different with dentures. I had wondered about that. Chewing seems to be part of enjoying the taste and texture of food. I am dreading that a bit. I don't eat a lot of meat, so maybe that makes a difference.

She also gave me a full printout detailing what all of this will cost. We have agreed to do the upper portion, then wait until I can afford the higher priced caps with attached plates on the lower. You are making me feel better about her prices too .

Thanks!

[fadedrose]

3. Don't know

I never heard of temporary ones....they make molds you try on and then they pull teeth and they are inserted the same day, and they are permanent - they get taken in and out to clean....


One tip, when I had work done, my dentist had an application for GE Care Credit, and if the sum was paid in 6 months, there was no interest. Worth checking into....

[RebelOne]

6. I have Care Credit, but very few dentists in my area take it.

The dentist I go to only accepts insurance.

[Little Star]

4. They have these places all over the country I think...

If you need to watch your pennies & need dentures (extractions are done also) this company may be what you need.

I've known people who have used them at the Greenville, RI franchise & they are happy.

The franchises are in most states in the US. Just thought I'd share.

http://www.affordabledentures.com/

[alfie]

5. Thanks for the input, folks

I am trying to pay as I go with this. My only debt now is my mortgage and I like it that way. I have looked up the Affordable Denture sites and they are a lot cheaper, both the extractions and the dentures, but I am afraid I would get what I paid for. I am also 2 hours away from the nearest office. I live in the north Georgia mountains in a small town. I like keeping my business local. I just wish she maybe had two levels of dentures. I asked if we could find a Honda version instead of a Cadillac one but she stuck to her guns. I have read some very negative reviews about the cheaper ones just not holding up.