Flexible dentures valplas

When we say “dentures,” we are usually talking about a replacement for teeth that is removable. There are two kinds that are referred to, full and partial.

Full or complete dentures should be a treatment of last resort. After the patient has lost any desire to save his or her teeth, they give up on them, get them extracted, and have a complete set of false teeth made.

Flexible dentures

Some patients view this as a matter of economics-they can’t afford to maintain their teeth any more. I once calculated the cost of a complete set of false teeth, upper and lower, including the cost of the tooth extraction surgery and the additional surgery required to prepare the patient’s mouth for the denture. Instead of getting the dentures, if the patient were to put all that money into a mutual fund that earned a modest 8% annual return, they could have routine checkups and cleanings and a filling or two every year on the dividends. At the end of ten years they would still have their own teeth and still have the full original value of the mutual fund.

However, in cases where the teeth need extensive work otherwise, complete dentures will likely be more economical. And if finances are limited, they may be the only option. But it is a compromise treatment.

A lower denture just rests on the bony ridge. Gravity holds it in place, and it tends to move around during use

It is a fallacy to think that complete dentures mean the end to troubles with your teeth. Surveys show that about three-fourths of the people who have lower dentures are unhappy with them. They usually aren’t as vocal as the people who are happy with their dentures, which can give you a false picture. About half of those with upper dentures are unhappy with them. They may not complain much to their friends because they may feel embarrassed that they made such a poor decision.

Flexible dentures