Dentures for Elderly: Types, Costs, and Care Tips for Seniors
Table of Contents
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are fake teeth. They help old people eat and smile. You can take them out and put them back in.
Many seniors need dentures when they lose teeth. Tooth loss is big for old people. Look at these facts:
- 15% of US people age 65-74 have no teeth
- 22% of US people age 75+ have no teeth
- In Brazil, 54.7% of seniors age 65-74 have no teeth
Types of Dentures for Elderly
Full Dentures
Full dentures replace all teeth. They sit on your gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) says they help many seniors.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are for when you still have some teeth. They clip to your real teeth. Affordable Dentures & Implants makes these for elderly people.
Implant-Supported Dentures
These dentures attach to dental implants for seniors. Nobel Biocare makes good ones. They stay put better.
Fact: 92% of people like implant-supported dentures vs. 68% for regular ones.
Immediate Dentures
You get these right after teeth come out. The Denture Center can make them fast.
Flexible Dentures for Elderly
Flexible dentures bend and feel soft. Brands like Valplast make them for seniors.
Learn about flexible denture options for seniors who need comfort.
Cost of Dentures for Elderly
Dentures for seniors cost different amounts:
| Type of Denture | Cost Range | Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Dentures | $300-$1,000 | 1-2 years |
| Mid-Range Dentures | $1,000-$3,000 | 5-7 years |
| Premium Dentures | $3,000-$8,000 | 7-10 years |
| Implant-Supported | $6,000-$30,000 | 10-15 years |
Insurance Help
Medicare does not pay for dentures for elderly. But these might help:
- Medicaid (in some states)
- Delta Dental plans
- Aetna Dental Insurance
- AARP Dental Insurance Plans
Money Help
- CareCredit lets you pay over time
- LendingClub Patient Solutions has loans
- Aspen Dental has payment plans
Getting Dentures: What Seniors Can Expect
- First Visit: The dentist looks at your mouth
- Making Models: They take molds of your mouth
- Try-In: You try the dentures before they’re done
- Final Fit: You get your new teeth!
It takes 3-6 weeks to get dentures for seniors. You may need to go back for fixes.
Denture Care Tips for Seniors
Daily Cleaning
- Take out dentures and rinse
- Brush with soft brush
- Use Polident or Dentu-Creme to clean
- Soak at night in water
Don’t: Use hot water, hard brushes, or toothpaste on dentures.
Fixing Problems
- Cracks: See a denture repair lab
- Loose fit: Get a reline every 1-2 years
- Stains: Soak in denture cleaning solutions
Find out how to properly care for and maintain dentures for seniors.
Common Problems with Dentures for Elderly
Many seniors have denture problems:
- 30% of elderly have pain or can’t chew well
- 40% avoid friends due to denture issues
Problem 1: Slipping
Dentures that move make it hard to eat and talk.
Fix: Use Fixodent or Sea Bond Denture Adhesive. Or get implant-supported dentures.
Problem 2: Sore Spots
Dentures can hurt your gums.
Fix: See your dentist for fits. Try Cushion Grip.
Problem 3: Hard to Eat
65% of seniors need denture fixes in the first year.
Fix:
- Cut food in small bits
- Chew on both sides
- Start with soft foods
Problem 4: Talking Issues
New dentures make some words hard to say.
Fix: Read out loud to practice. Be patient.
Food Tips for Denture Wearers
Best foods:
- Eggs
- Fish
- Soft fruits
- Cooked veggies
- Oatmeal
- Yogurt
Hard foods:
- Nuts
- Raw carrots
- Corn on the cob
- Hard candy
- Tough meat
19% of denture wearers eat less healthy due to chewing problems.
Different Brands of Dentures for Seniors
| Brand | Best For | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Aspen Dental | Full sets | Same-day service |
| Affordable Dentures & Implants | Budget | Many locations |
| Dentsply Sirona | Quality | Long-lasting |
| BPS Dentures | Custom fit | Better chewing |
| Valplast | Partials | No metal clasps |
Denture Adhesives
Denture adhesives help keep dentures in place.
Top Brands:
- Fixodent by Procter & Gamble
- Super Poligrip by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Sea Bond
- Cushion Grip
How to use:
- Clean and dry dentures
- Put small dots of adhesive
- Press dentures in place
- Wait 30 seconds before eating
A 2.4-ounce tube lasts 7-8 weeks for both top and bottom dentures.
Get expert advice on choosing complete dentures that last longer for elderly patients.
Alternatives to Dentures
Dental Implants for Seniors
Dental implants are posts in your jaw that hold new teeth. Zimmer Biomet and Straumann Group make good ones.
Benefits:
- Feel like real teeth
- Let you eat anything
- Last a long time
- Stop bone loss
Downsides:
- Cost $3,000-$5,000 per tooth
- Need bone to hold them
- Take months to heal
- Not covered by Medicare
Discover implant-supported denture options specifically designed for seniors.
Fixed Bridges
Fixed bridges fill gaps with fake teeth. They attach to your real teeth.
How to Know if Dentures Need Replacing
Get new dentures for elderly if:
- They hurt
- They look worn
- Your face sags
- You can’t chew well
- They’re over 7 years old
- They break a lot
FAQs About Dentures for Elderly
How long do dentures last?
Dentures last 5-10 years with good care. BPS Dentures may last longer.
Can I sleep with dentures in?
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) says no. Take them out at night to let your gums rest.
Will dentures change how I look?
Yes, in a good way! Dentures for seniors fill out your face and help you look younger.
How do I get used to new dentures?
Start with soft foods. Talk a lot to practice. Use adhesive if needed. It takes 2-4 weeks to feel normal.
Can I fix broken dentures myself?
No! Only let a denture repair lab fix breaks. Home fixes can ruin your dentures.
Conclusion
Dentures for elderly help seniors eat, talk, and smile. With many types and brands like Affordable Dentures & Implants, Nobel Biocare, and Valplast, you can find what works for you.
Care for your dentures with products from Polident and Fixodent. See your dentist twice a year for checks.
Remember, good dentures help you stay healthy and happy as you age!
Get More Help
The American College of Prosthodontists can help find a denture expert near you.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) may know about programs to help pay.
