Low-Cost Dentures Abroad
Dentures are a convenient and cost-effective way to replace missing or damaged teeth. They improve the quality of life by restoring the aesthetics and function of your mouth.
- Dentures are prosthetic dental devices made of artificial teeth. They are designed to replace missing teeth, cover gaps, and help you chew properly again.
- Dentures are custom designed to fit your mouth, and visually matched to your natural teeth.
- Dentures can either be removable or fixed. They can also be divided into full or partial categories.
- Replace all upper or lower teeth.
- Decayed, unhealthy teeth with be extracted.
- Have no wire/metal components.
- Can be removed for cleaning.
- Replace a few missing teeth.
- Remaining teeth don’t need to be modified.
- Metal clasps provide retention.
- Don’t always need to be removed for simple cleaning.
Advantages of Dentures
Dentures are one of the most popular treatment options for missing teeth due to their wide range of benefits.
- Restore Functionality: Dentures function just like your natural teeth. You will be able to bite, chew, and speak properly after receiving dentures.
- Have No Dietary Restrictions: With a set of dentures, you can eat most of your favorite solid foods once more.
- Improve Speech: With missing teeth, you might find it difficult to pronounce certain words correctly. Dentures will help you enunciate better and restore your usual manner of speaking.
- Improve Appearance: Dentures help restore the aesthetics of your smile. They also keep the structure of the mouth sound by supporting the areas around the cheeks and lips.
Disadvantages of Dentures
- Extended denture use leads to accelerated bone loss. The jaw bone begins to shrink with time as the dentures put onto the jaw bone.
- Dentures shrink and become loose over time. They will need to be re-aligned as your gums and jaw structure change with age.
- Partial dentures for front teeth may also affect speech and function, as much of the roof of the mouth gets covered.
- The taste buds found on the roof of the mouth are affected by dentures, reducing your ability to taste food.
- Dentures make you more prone to mouth infections.
- Ill-fitting dentures can fall out of your mouth, causing embarrassment in social settings.
Different Types Of Dentures
- Conventional dentures can either be fixed or removable. Further, they can be full or partial. Acrylic is a standard material used for making dentures. Acrylic dentures have a pink plastic base.
- Another type is the implant overdentures. Implant-supported dentures can either be fixed or removable (snap-on).
Comparing Different Types of Dentures
Conventional Dentures
- Types: Full and partial.
- Procedure: Mold of mouth is taken after tooth extractions and healing process.
- Require a 6-8 week waiting period while the dentures are made.
- Advantages: Long-lasting replacement for teeth.
- This fit is quite accurate.
- Disadvantage: The bone underneath may deteriorate over time, changing the appearance of your smile.
Immediate Dentures
- Types: Full and partial.
- Procedure: Mold of mouth is taken before teeth extraction.
- Given immediately following tooth extractions.
- Advantage: The patient’s appearance is maintained as there is no edentulous period.
- Disadvantage: Fit is not as accurate.
Overdentures
- Types: Fixed and removable (snap-in).
- Procedure: Implants are placed in the upper and/or lower jaw.
- After a healing period of several months, the dentures are secured to your implants through attachments fixed into the denture.
- Advantage: You don’t need to worry about these dentures slipping or falling out.
- Disadvantage: Higher in cost.
Dentures Versus Dental Implants
Gone are the days when dentures used to be the only option for people who experienced tooth loss. Dental implants are fast becoming popular due to the stability and durability they provide.
Let us take a look at the main differences between the two dental solutions:
FIT AND SLIPPAGE
Dentures: Denture adhesive or paste is commonly used to keep the dentures in place. Without this adhesive, they can slip out of their proper place while speaking and eating, and this can result in considerable embarrassment.
Dental Implants: Since the implants are embedded into your jaw, there is no need for adhesives, which ensures no gum irritation. There is also no danger of these slipping or falling out.
JAWBONE HEALTH
Dentures: The bone underneath may deteriorate over time, changing the appearance of your smile. Dentures cause bone resorption.
Dental Implants: According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), implants are the only dental restorations that encourage bone growth and prevent bone loss.
Dentures: Simple prostheses which do not require any minimum amount of jawbone to be fitted.
Dental Implants: You need adequate, healthy bone to get implants. You will require a bone graft if you do not have enough bone left.
There are certain implant types, however, such as All-on-4 which do not require a bone graft.
DURABILITY
Dentures: The materials used to make replacement teeth are more fragile than natural teeth and can easily chip or crack.
This material wears down much quicker than natural teeth and needs to be replaced with a new set of dentures every 5 to 10 years. The investigation by Purcell et al., recorded that dentures last an average of around 8 years.
Dental Implants: With proper care, these can last a lifetime. The crown that goes on top may need replacing after 10 to 15 years through wear and tear. However, proper care can make even crowns last longer.
COST
Dentures: While the upfront costs are less, you will need to replace them every few years.
Dental Implants: These cost more upfront. However, if you consider the additional costs that come with dentures, including cleaning solutions, denture adhesives, and replacements, dental implants emerge to be a better financial solution in the long term.
Cost of Dentures
The prices of dentures vary depending on the materials used and the type of dentures you opt for.
| Denture Type | Mexico | Canada | U.S.A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Dentures | $350-480 | $300-5,000 | $300-5,000 |
| Full Dentures (Per Arch) | $250-600 | $1,275-2,950 | $300-5,000 |
| Overdentures (Per Arch) | $8,765-13,945 | $3,500-30,000 | $3,500-30,000 |
As you can see, the prices of dentures in the U.S. and Canada are far higher than what you would have to pay in Mexico.
While you can get a cheap quality denture at around $300 in the U.S., if you are looking for better quality and materials, the cost can go up as high as $5,000.
Getting dentures without insurance is going to burn a big hole in your pockets. In a dental tourism destination like Mexico, you can get the best quality denture for just $500.
| Denture Type | Thailand | New Zealand | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Dentures | $377-500 | $500-2,695 | $740-1,300 |
| Full Dentures (Per Arch) | $438-500 | $890-1,950 | $1,000-1,750 |
| Overdentures (Per Arch) | $5,319 | $5,400 | $17,500-20,000 |
Dental tourists from Australia and New Zealand head to Thailand to get their budget dentures. Thailand is a great option for those of you looking to get cheap dentures. Learn more about our options for low-cost dentures in Los Algodones, Tijuana, Bangkok, and other dental tourism destinations in the world.
Maintenance Tips for Dentures
- Since dentures are delicate, stand over a folded towel or basin of water while handling them.
- Dentures may change shape if they get dry. When not in use, place the dentures in a cleanser soaking solution or plain water.
- Don’t use hot water as it can cause dentures to warp.
- Brush your dentures daily to remove food deposits and plaque.
- Brush your gums and tongue daily with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. Brushing stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
- Get your mouth and dentures examined by a dentist every six months.