Removable Appliances After Tooth Extraction

Removable appliances for teeth after tooth extraction can be a practical solution for those who want to cover a gap in their smile right away and need more time and savings before exploring a more permanent option.

Before we proceed, let’s take a look at some more real questions from users:

• What is a removable dental appliance?
• How much does it cost to close a gap teeth?
• What are the types of removable appliance for teeth?

Flippers

For a single missing tooth, a dental “flipper” can be created to hold a false tooth in place for cosmetic purposes at a low cost of $300-$700. Flippers are supported by the palate (roof of the mouth), the gums, or the teeth, using acrylic or metal hooks.

Complete Retainers

Complete retainers are also used to hold false teeth in the position of a gap for a similar $300-$700 fee. Much like the Invisalign concept, these clear retainers cover the full arch, which keeps the palate open and applies less pressure than appliances using individual anchor teeth.  Though safer than the flippers, the retainers are not as discrete since they cover the front of the teeth. Both types of appliances must be removed for eating and alterations to speech can be a problem.

Partial Dentures

An appliance intended to be more long-term is the partial denture, which includes one or more sections of false teeth fabricated into pink plastic designed to resemble the gums. These appliances are delivered to improve cosmetics as well as chewing function.

The cost of a partial denture depends on the quality of materials and experience of the doctor. The most basic, standard-size partial denture can cost as little as $300, and a custom-fit appliance made with premium materials by a board-certified prosthodontist can cost over $6,000. The more you spend, the better your chances are to receive a partial denture you’ll be able to tolerate. Upper jaw appliances tend to be more tolerable because they move less than lower jaw appliances.

Some partial denture wearers use adhesives in order to keep appliances from falling out, though others prefer to avoid the bad taste and upset stomach. Adhesives often need to be reapplied after every meal which can be frustrating and time consuming. Those who are not able to chew with their partial dentures learn how to chew on their front teeth or mash the food against their gums. Many prefer this way of eating over the discomfort of sharp food particles pinching their gums when the appliance moves and food shifts underneath.

Much like the cemented bridges, the increased dependence on surrounding natural teeth accelerates tooth loss and shortens the lifespan of the treatment. Even though the anchor teeth are not filed into pegs the way the cemented bridge anchors are, the hooks and clasps rub against the enamel and can cause teeth to chip and decay. Sometimes an additional crown can be added to an existing appliance when another tooth is lost, but typically a whole new appliance must be made when this occurs.

Replace the Tooth with a Dental Implant

The only way to replace the complete tooth and avoid causing harm to the surrounding natural teeth is to replace the tooth with a dental implant. The most traditional implants for teeth typically involve three stages.

The first step is the tooth extraction, usually accompanied by the placement of a bone graft to prevent the jaw from shrinking in the area that will be restored. After a few months of healing, the small tooth implant is surgically drilled into the bone beneath the space of the missing tooth. The implant restores the original tooth root and preserves the bone around it, preventing the bone loss and shifting that is so common with all other treatments.  The tooth implant is hidden beneath the gums and allowed to heal for several months before the crown is secured, which is the final treatment step.

With this type of traditional implant treatment, typically a removable appliance is used to temporarily cover the space during the healing period. Since the implant and implant-crown do not rely on other teeth and are not susceptible to decay, a dental implant restoration can be safely assumed to last throughout a patient’s lifetime. While many patients are deterred by the additional time and cost involved with this treatment, others find it to hold the most value because it avoids additional time and cost down the road.

The combined cost of a tooth implant procedure and implant-supported crown ranges from $3,500 to $5,000 for a traditional treatment timeline. In some instances, dental implants may be placed at the time the tooth is extracted. The tooth implant cost is typically $500-$1500 more for same-day treatment. Many opt for the traditional timeline in order to receive more affordable dental implants.

Same-Day Dental Implants in Chicago and Milwaukee

Now that you know all about removable appliances after tooth extraction, do remember that Same-day implant treatments often include the delivery of a non-removable temporary crown. This makes the treatment even faster and more convenient than a dental appliance or cemented bridge. Same-day tooth implants should only be handled by highly-qualified doctors in all-inclusive settings with readily available CT and lab equipment. Fees are roughly $500-$1500 more for the immediate services.

Comparing tooth by tooth, $5,000 per restoration is far out of budget for most of those who are in need of several tooth replacements. Thankfully, dental implants are “super roots”- twice as strong as a natural root system and much more capable of supporting bridged restorations. A popular treatment involving an implant-bridge system is the All-on-4 treatment. This treatment uses four implants to hold a full jaw of 12 fused teeth at a cost of $18,000-$26,000. The restorations are essentially implant supported dentures that are thin, comfortable, natural-looking, and non-removable. Within the dental implant option, there are varying types of implants and implant placement techniques. Hope now you all about removable appliances for teeth after tooth extraction.