Costs of Dentures: Why Not Getting Them Can Cost More

Smile Stop Dentures and Implants

Dec 15, 20243 min read

A woman with dark hair and skin sits in front of her laptop looking over paperwork. — Smile Stop Dentures & Implants discusses why NOT getting dentures can cost you more.

When it comes to missing teeth, the consequences go beyond just the aesthetics of your smile. Many people delay getting dentures, hoping they can manage without them or avoid the expense. However, waiting too long can lead to serious health and financial issues that make getting dentures even more expensive later on.

If you're considering dentures, or have been putting it off, it's important to understand the hidden costs of waiting. Here's why putting off denture treatment can cost you more in the long run—and why timely action is crucial for both your oral health and your budget.

1. The Effect on Your Jawbone

Losing teeth can cause jawbone loss. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area starts to shrink. This can change your facial appearance and make it harder to wear dentures later on. You might even need expensive procedures to restore the jawbone.

2. Changes in Facial Appearance

Your teeth not only serve a functional purpose—they also play a key role in maintaining the shape of your face. Teeth support the lips, cheeks, and jaw, and when they are missing, the structure of your face changes. Without the support of teeth, the skin around your mouth and cheeks can sag, creating an appearance that makes you look older than you are.

If you wait too long to get dentures, the changes in your face may become more noticeable. This can impact your self-esteem and confidence, as you may feel embarrassed about your appearance. Getting dentures in a timely manner can help restore the structure of your face, giving you a more youthful, fuller look that you’ll be proud to show off.

3. Complicated and Costly Oral Health Issues

Your missing teeth also affect your overall oral health. When a tooth is lost, the remaining teeth often begin to shift or tilt into the empty space. This misalignment can lead to problems with chewing, biting, and speaking properly. It can also cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, which result in jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty moving the jaw.

The longer you wait to replace missing teeth with dentures, the more likely you are to develop these issues. Fixing misaligned teeth or jaw problems can require expensive treatments such as braces, orthodontics, or even jaw surgery. What might have been a simple solution with dentures at the beginning can turn into a more complex and costly treatment later on.

4. Increased Risk of Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

Missing teeth can increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Gaps in your mouth can trap bacteria, leading to infection. This can cause pain, swelling, and even more serious health problems.

As remaining teeth shift, they become harder to clean, increasing the risk of further decay and tooth loss. Delaying treatment can lead to more costly procedures like extractions and deep cleanings.

5. Difficulty Eating and Digesting Properly

Missing teeth can make it hard to chew properly, leading to digestive problems. You might avoid healthy foods, which can affect your overall health. Dentures help you chew better, improving your digestion and overall health.

6. Higher Treatment Costs for Delayed Denture Fitting

When you wait to get dentures, the need for more complex procedures can increase. If bone loss has occurred or misalignment has become severe, your dentist may need to perform additional treatments before they can fit you for dentures. Some of these procedures include:

Bone grafting to restore jawbone density
Soft tissue grafts to repair gum tissue
Implant-supported dentures to provide more stability
Orthodontics or braces to realign teeth

These treatments can add up quickly and make the total cost of dentures much higher than if you had chosen to get them earlier, when your oral health was still in better condition.

7. Missed Opportunities for Financing and Insurance Help

Insurance often covers part of the cost of dentures. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you are to benefit from insurance coverage.

Many dental offices, including Smile Stop, offer flexible payment plans. These plans are easier to access when treatment is straightforward. Delaying treatment can make it harder to get financial assistance.

Final Thoughts

Delaying dentures can actually cost you more in the long run. You could face problems like changes in your facial appearance and more complex dental issues.

At Smile Stop, we want to help you make the right decision for your smile. Don't wait! Contact us today to learn more about dentures and schedule a consultation.