Cheap vs. affordable dentures

It is possible to get good quality dentures at an affordable price. However, as a consumer you need to be informed as to what are affordable dentures and what are cheap. And by cheap, we mean cheaply made dentures. The denturist regulating body has established a fee guide for all denturists to use when quoting fees. Since there are different materials and different methods that can be used to make dentures there is a range as to what a new set of dentures will cost.

You might be surprised to realize that many people just don't understand what the defining line is between cheap and affordable. An affordable denture should be defined as a denture that gives you value for your investment. An affordable denture should still have durability. A cheap denture may seem like a good idea at first, but after paying for three or four repairs down the road; most denture wearers will come to realize that they did not receive value from their investment. That is the difference between an affordable denture and a cheap denture. Although, with that being said, it is still possible to find quality in an affordable denture if you are willing to make a few compromises. Again, these are compromises in custom design, not overall quality.

When a denturist gives a price range for your dentures it usually reflects your choice in teeth selection, the accuracy of impression techniques, along with how precise the equipment used is to determine the dynamics of your bite. A less expensive denture will have lower quality teeth that have less natural characterization. Your denturist may have a very large tooth stock so he/she will first take into account your face shape and tooth tone before selecting a choice of at least 3 shades within that category which will most closely resemble your natural teeth.

When setting up the teeth there is the option of setting the teeth on a fixed or adjustable articulation device. The fixed articulator is often nicknamed "the hinge" as it only gives limited range of your natural biting motion. The adjustable articulator gives the denturist a more accurate indication to your full range of biting motion. The fees for dentures fabricated on fixed articulation are lower than those fabricated on an adjustable articulator. Ask your denturist to demonstrate the difference in bite accuracy of a fixed articulator compared to an adjustable articulator.

As you can see, there are ranges in affordability and a denturist will be able to find a balance that will not only give you a quality denture but one that will fit within your budget. By making a few compromises in either teeth

dentures quality or articulation you can still have a comfortable denture that will give you a beautiful smile and the ability to eat properly.

If you have any denture-related questions or if you'd like to book a free consultation at the Innisfil Denture Clinic, please call 705-436-1886 or email idcdenture@rogers.com. -our newly renovated clinic is located at 958 Innisfil Beach Rd., Alcona (across from the library)