Dentures, sometimes known as false teeth, are dental prosthetic devices that are used by patients who have lost teeth due to age, accident, or other circumstances. Dentures help with speaking, eating, and are fully removable. While they can be a great help to people who have lost teeth, there are some things that you need to take into consideration before you get dentures:

1. Full vs. partial dentures
When people think of dentures, most of the time they think of a full set. However, there are also partial dentures as well for patients who haven’t lost all of their teeth. Whether a person should get full dentures or partial dentures comes down to several factors. In most cases, partial dentures are used when a person has most of their teeth remaining. This can be used to improve the aesthetic of a person’s smile and help them to protect their remaining teeth. Full dentures are used in cases in which a person has lost all of their teeth. This is usually because the teeth were decayed or infected beyond repair, and needed to be removed.

2. Dentures don’t feel like teeth
Something to keep in mind is that dentures don’t feel like your natural teeth. Unlike natural teeth that are made of cementum, pulp, enamel, and dentin, dentures are made of a variety of materials such as nylon, porcelain, metal, resin, and acrylic. This means that there will be a noticeable difference in how dentures feel compared to your natural teeth, and that can take some getting used to.

3. Dentures require a cleaning routine
Just because dentures are made of synthetic materials doesn’t mean that they can’t become unsanitary. A big part of having dentures is keeping them clean, which means that you’ll need to sanitize them often. Dentures are cleaned in a way similar to natural teeth, but it is done after you take them out. You’ll need to gently brush the dentures with a soft bristle brush, and nonabrasive cleaner. After that, you can soak them in cool water with a denture cleaning solution when you’re not wearing them.

4. Cost of dentures
The cost of dentures can vary greatly. Basic models can cost as low as $300 USD per plate, while midrange dentures may get up to around $3,000 USD for a full set. Ultra high-end dentures can cost up to $15,000 USD. The thing to keep in mind when you’re thinking about getting affordable dentures is the fact that the cost is almost always justified because of how much dentures will change your life for the better. That said, having a strict budget is always a good idea as well.

5. Dentures vs. implants
The main difference between dentures and implants is the fact that implants are semi-permanent fixtures while dentures are removable. Implants will last longer than dentures in most cases, which can save you money in the long run, though they will almost always cost more upfront. That said, you also don’t have to worry about implants falling out when talking or laughing.

If you’re thinking about getting dentures, it pays to know as much as possible before making a purchasing decision. Speaking to a dental professional can clear up misconceptions, and steer you towards a smart purchase that you’ll be comfortable with.