A Guide to Dentures: What You Need to Know

How Dentures Work

Dentures are removable oral appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. In 2020, there were about 41 million U.S. citizens wearing dentures. That figure is expected to rise to over 42 million by the end of 2025.1

Dental technicians craft modern dentures from materials such as acrylic, resin, nylon, metal and porcelain to create natural-looking replacements that restore both aesthetics and function, such as chewing.

The goal of dentures goes beyond filling gaps in your smile. They help maintain facial structure, improve speech clarity and restore the ability to chew. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the average number of remaining teeth among adults ages 50 to 64 is 23.4, compared to 25.5 for people ages 35 to 49.2 That statistic helps explain why dentures have become such an essential solution for older adults.

Types of Dentures: Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs

Complete (Full) Dentures

Complete dentures replace all missing teeth in the upper jaw, lower jaw or both. They rest directly on your gums and rely on suction, muscle control and sometimes denture adhesive to stay in place. Many people associate dentures with old age, but some dentists report that the average age of denture-wearing patients is around 45.3

Benefits:

• Replace all missing teeth for comprehensive restoration
• Noninvasive procedure with no surgery required
• Relatively quick process from initial consultation to final fitting
• Most affordable option for full-mouth tooth replacement

Partial Dentures

When some natural teeth remain healthy, partial dentures can fill the gaps. They feature replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored base, sometimes connected by a metal framework. Special clasps hook around your remaining teeth for additional stability.

Benefits:

• Preserve remaining healthy teeth
• Prevent teeth from shifting into gaps
• More stable than complete dentures due to natural tooth anchoring
• Typically easier to adjust to than complete dentures

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures offer the best of both worlds: the solid feel of dental implants and the practicality of regular dentures. You’ll find that dental implants typically cost more initially, but that’s because they use higher-quality materials and require a surgical procedure. They can last anywhere from 10 years to multiple decades.4

The systems use dental implants as anchors, reducing the possibility of dentures slipping and gum irritation. The “all-on-four” technique uses four implants to support a full arch of teeth, providing stability while minimizing surgical procedures. The downsides

Benefits:

• Superior stability and comfort
• Help preserve jawbone structure
• More natural chewing ability compared to traditional dentures

Immediate (or Temporary) Dentures

Sometimes called “same-day” dentures, these are placed immediately after tooth extraction. They’re convenient, but they typically require more adjustments as your gums heal and change shape. Many patients receive immediate dentures as a temporary solution before getting their final, custom-fitted dentures.

Benefits:

• Fill the gaps in your mouth following teeth extraction
• Help preserve muscle tissue before permanent dentures
• Can continue eating and speaking easily during the healing process

The Denture Creation Process: What to Expect

We’ve found that the process of getting dentures typically involves several appointments over four to eight weeks. Understanding each step can help reduce anxiety and ensure the best possible outcome.

Initial Consultation and Impressions

Your dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays and discuss your options. During this visit, they’ll take preliminary impressions of your mouth to create custom impression trays. We always advise our clients to come to this meeting with a list of questions and concerns about the process.

Final Impressions and Measurements

Using the custom trays, your dentist takes precise final impressions. This step is crucial for ensuring proper fit and comfort. Your dentist will also record how your upper and lower jaws relate to each other when biting down.

Try-In Appointment

At this appointment, the dentist will have you try on the prototype to ensure that the dentures fit your gumline. This is your chance to ask for any tweaks to the color, shape or how they sit. Be sure to speak up if something doesn’t feel or look quite right, because it’s much simpler to make changes during this phase.

Final Delivery and Adjustments

Once you receive your completed dentures, your dentist will check the fit and make initial adjustments. Follow-up appointments are normal and necessary to fine-tune the fit as your mouth adjusts to the new dentures. Your dentist can make subtle adjustments to create a naturalistic appearance.

Adjusting to Life With Dentures

Speaking Clearly With Dentures

Initially, dentures may affect your speech, particularly with S and F sounds. Practice reading aloud, speaking slowly and pronouncing difficult words in front of a mirror. With consistent practice, most people adapt within two to four weeks.

Tips for better speech:

• Practice speaking slowly and deliberately
• Read aloud daily to build confidence
• Give your mouth time to adapt

Eating With Dentures

Begin with soft foods such as soups, smoothies, eggs and cooked vegetables. Gradually introduce firmer foods as you become more comfortable. Cut food into smaller pieces and chew using both sides of your mouth simultaneously to prevent dentures from shifting.

Foods to eat gradually:

• Sticky foods, such as caramel and gummy candy
• Hard foods, such as nuts and raw carrots
• Tough meats
• Foods that require a strong bite force

Daily Care and Maintenance

Proper care extends dentures’ lifespan and maintains your oral health. You should remove dentures nightly and brush them with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild soap or denture cleaner. Avoid abrasive toothpaste, which can scratch the surface of the dentures, allowing bacteria to more easily form on them.

Daily care routine:

• Rinse your dentures after every meal.
• Brush them daily using a cleaner specifically designed for dentures.
• Let your dentures soak in a denture solution overnight.
• Gently brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush.
• Always handle your dentures with care to prevent accidental drops.

You should store dentures in water or denture solution when you’re not wearing them to prevent warping. Regular dental checkups remain essential to monitor oral health and denture fit, even with dentures.

Common Problems and Solutions

Poor Fit Issues

As your mouth changes over time, dentures may become loose or uncomfortable. This is normal; your dentist can reline or adjust them to restore proper fit. Don’t use over-the-counter adhesives as a long-term solution for poorly fitting dentures.

Sore Spots and Irritation

Initial soreness is common as your mouth adjusts. If sore spots persist beyond the first week, contact your dentist for adjustments. You should never attempt to adjust your dentures yourself, because it can cause damage that requires expensive repairs.

Denture Repairs

Typically, you can expect dentures to last between five and seven years before you need to consider replacing them.6 Accidents happen, however. See your dentist promptly if your dentures crack, chip or break. Temporary repair kits exist, but they should be used only until you can get professional repair.

Dentures vs. Bridges

When you’re missing only one or two teeth, dental bridges are a common nonsurgical solution. They need healthy teeth nearby to support them though. If you’re missing more teeth, or if your remaining teeth aren’t strong enough for a bridge, dentures may be a better fit.

Dentures offer several advantages over bridges. They can replace many missing teeth (even all of them) with just one appliance, and, unlike bridges, they don’t require any changes to your healthy teeth. If you’ve lost a lot of teeth, dentures can also be a more budget-friendly option. Plus, you can take them out for easy and thorough cleaning.

Bridges, however, are fixed in your mouth, so you don’t have to worry about taking them out. Most people find that bridges feel more natural when they chew and talk. They’re usually a better option if you’re missing minimal teeth, and, unlike upper dentures, they won’t cover the roof of your mouth. If you take good care of them, bridges can last just as long as — if not longer than — dentures.

Insurance Coverage and Costs

Medicare and Dentures

In most cases, Medicare doesn’t cover dental services such as routine cleanings, fillings or tooth extractions, or items such as dentures and implants. That limitation often surprises seniors who assume their Medicare coverage includes dental care.

There are exceptions, however. Many Medicare Advantage plans provide dental coverage that includes routine cleanings, extractions and potentially dentures. Coverage varies widely by plan, and benefits may include annual limits, waiting periods or copayments that reduce how much coverage you actually receive.

Medicare Part A may cover dental services only if they are required as part of inpatient hospital care (such as jaw surgery or complicated extractions), but it does not cover dentures themselves.

>>Read more: What Is Medicare Advantage? 

Alternative Coverage Options

Since Original Medicare typically doesn’t cover dentures, consider these alternatives:

Medicare Advantage plans: These private plans offer equal coverage to Original Medicare and potentially additional coverage for dental, vision and hearing health. Coverage for dentures is not guaranteed and varies by plan.

Stand-alone dental insurance: Companies such as Cigna, Aetna and Humana offer separate dental policies. Depending on your needs, they could be more cost effective than a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicaid: Some states provide dental coverage, including for dentures, for income-qualified seniors. Coverage varies significantly by state, so check with your local Medicaid agency.

Dental discount plans: These membership programs offer discounts on dental procedures, including dentures, for an annual fee.

Medigap (Medicare supplement): Medigap plans do not cover dental care, including dentures. The policies only help pay costs such as deductibles and coinsurance for Medicare-covered services.

For comprehensive information about your coverage options, explore our guide to affordable dental insurance.

>>Read more: The Best Dental Insurance for Seniors

Cost Breakdown

Without insurance, dentures can cost as much as $8,000 — or more, if you get implant-supported dentures.

Typical denture costs:

• Basic dentures: $300 to $500 per plate
• Midrange dentures: $1,000 to $3,000
• Premium dentures: $4,000 to $8,000
• Implant-supported dentures: $20,000 to $45,000

Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the most economical in the long term. Higher-quality dentures typically last longer, fit better and require fewer adjustments.

Tips for Choosing the Right Dentist

Finding the right dental provider is crucial for denture success. Look for:

• Experience with denture patients
• Positive reviews from older adults
• Clear communication about costs and procedures
• Willingness to make adjustments as needed
• Modern equipment and techniques

We always recommend visiting potential dentists for consultations before making decisions. Ask about their experience with your specific denture type and request to see before-and-after photos of their work.

When to Replace Your Dentures

Even well-maintained dentures don’t last forever. Signs it’s time for a replacement include:

• Chronic looseness despite adjustments
• Visible wear or damage
• Changes in your facial appearance
• Difficulty eating or speaking
• Frequent sore spots or irritation

Don’t wait until dentures become unwearable. Planning ahead allows time to research options and budget for replacement costs. We recommend bringing your dentures to your regular dental check-ups or cleanings.

Making the Decision: Are Dentures Right for You?

Dentures can dramatically improve the quality of life for older adults with missing teeth. They restore the ability to eat favorite foods, speak clearly and smile confidently. Modern dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than previous generations, making them an excellent option for many seniors.

Consider dentures if you:

• Have multiple missing teeth affecting eating or speaking
• Want a non-surgical tooth-replacement option
• Need an affordable solution for extensive tooth loss
• Prefer removable appliances for easier cleaning

Denture success hinges on realistic expectations, a qualified dentist and a commitment to proper care. With this approach, dentures can offer years of comfortable function and help you maintain an active, confident lifestyle.

For additional information about dental coverage options, explore our comprehensive guide to dental insurance to make informed decisions about your oral health care needs.

Remember: Everyone’s situation is unique. What works best for one person may not be ideal for another. Take time to research your options, ask questions and work closely with dental professionals to find the solution that best meets your individual needs and circumstances.