Blog Post

The Pros and Cons of Getting Dentures

Dr. Garland K. Davis • Dec 18, 2022
dentures, dentist in laurel MD

Are you wondering if dentures are right for you? Here are the pros and cons of getting dentures to help you decide.

Approximately one in five people wear some sort of denture - more than you might think!


If you're considering dentures, it might be tough to figure out whether or not they're right for you. Luckily, we can help.



Read on to find out about the pros and cons of getting dentures from a dentist in Laurel, MD.

The Pros of Getting Dentures

The most obvious benefit of getting dentures is the aesthetic appeal. The right dentist can get you dentures that look just like having natural teeth.


You won't have to worry about how you look when you're out in public, or be concerned about strangers judging you.


So, feel free to smile at whoever you like - it'll look the same as when you used to have a mouth full of teeth.


Because dentures fill out your mouth, they'll help support your jaw. This will look better cosmetically, but it could also have health benefits.


Weak muscles can struggle as you age, but you'll have better support once you get dentures.


This is also helpful if you're struggling with your self-esteem due to your oral health issues. Having better self-esteem improves your overall mental health, which will give you a better quality of life.


And you'll improve the experience of the people around you, since they won't be bogged down by your negative energy. 


They'll feel like natural teeth, too. You won't have to contend with unnatural textures in your mouth, wires sticking out, or glue in weird places.


You don't need to be missing all your teeth to get dentures. Many people get partial dentures.


Dentures are a lot simpler than other options to maintain. At night or when you're otherwise not wearing them, you can just stick them in a clean glass of water.


After each meal, make sure you rinse them out to get rid of any bacteria that can cause problems for your overall oral health. 



And, regardless of what shape your teeth (and mouth) are in, dentures could still be an option for you. That makes dentures a lot more flexible than other teeth replacements since they work for such a wide range of people. 

The Cons of Getting Dentures

There are also some downsides to having dentures you should keep in mind. The process of getting dentures made can be long and annoying, not dissimilar to getting braces.


Your dentist will have to ensure that your dentures fit properly. This means that they'll need to take molds of your mouth, to ensure they'll stay put.


It also means that once they are made, your dentist will have to check them regularly to ensure that they're still fitting properly.


You don't want your dentures falling out of your mouth or digging into your gums, after all. That could cause further dental health problems down the line.


Dentures do need to be replaced regularly since they can wear down with use. And, it can take a while to get used to them.


It is a little bit like walking around with a mouthpiece, which can be a bit uncomfortable at first. But just like with braces, you'll slowly get more used to them.


And since dentures can be removed, they can cause problems. If you're not using the right dental adhesive - or enough adhesive - they can get loose.


This can also lead to you requiring more regular replacements. The same is true if the suction for your dentures isn't working correctly. 


One of the main cons of dentures is that they need to be taken out. That means you don't wear them overnight. So when there's an emergency, you'll need to remember to grab your dentures.



This can also be a major issue for people with sleep disorders like insomnia. It can also be a problem for people who like to be out on the town at all hours of the night.

Types of Dentures

When you're deciding whether or not to get dentures, you also need to think about what your options when it comes to dentures actually are. Some of the different types of dentures include:


  • Economy dentures
  • Immediate dentures
  • Implant-supported dentures
  • Fixed total dentures
  • Removable partial dentures
  • Fixed partial dentures
  • Removable partial dentures
  • Snap dentures
  • Overdentures


In some cases, there are better options for your dental situation than dentures.



That's why it's always important to sit down with your dentist and talk the situation out. That way, you'll come up with the right solution for your needs.

Consider Your Healthcare Finances

Of course, there are also financial considerations to take into consideration when you're thinking about dentures. You might think you're committed to getting dentures but your dental insurance might refuse to cover the cost of getting dentures. If you have the money to pay for them on your own, that will be an annoyance - but not a dealbreaker.


Otherwise, you'll have to start by appealing to your insurance provider. If that doesn't work, there are legal options for you - or, you and your dentist can come up with an alternate plan.



It all depends on what your situation is and what can help your oral healthcare needs the most going forward.

Getting Dentures: Decide Today

Ultimately, getting dentures is a personal healthcare choice between you and your dentist. Make an appointment with a dentist in Laurel, MD, and discuss the pros and cons thoroughly.



Are you thinking about getting dentures? Contact us at Garland K. Davis DDS Family Dentistry today.

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