Is it time for dentures, and are they covered by your insurance?

Some people’s teeth won’t last for their entire lifetime. Oral-health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease can lead to tooth loss. There are also some medical conditions, such as diabetes and cancer treatments, that can cause tooth loss.

Fortunately, dentures exist, meaning people can still chew well and smile beautifully without a full set of teeth. Dentures are a common method dentists can use to replace your teeth, according to Kevin Varley, D.D.S. He is a dentist with Stonebrook Family Dental in Aurora, Colorado. “They are most commonly used by adults ages 65 and older, as this age group is more likely to have lost natural teeth,” he says.

Dentures can be fitted by a dentist, or by a specialist called a prosthodontist. If you think it may be time to discuss dentures with an oral-health professional, here’s what you should know.

Thinking about dentures and need a dental plan? Call a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990 to talk about available plans, or browse your options today.

Are dentures covered by insurance or Medicare?

Whether your insurance covers dentures has a lot to do with what type of insurance you have. Here’s what it might look like:

• Let’s say you fall in the shower, lose some teeth, and need partial dentures. A supplemental dental plan may offer some denture benefits, but it’s always a good idea to check with your provider first.
• If you have Original Medicare — that’s Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) — most dental care, including dentures, won’t be covered. However, Original Medicare may pay for some dental services if they’re closely related to another covered medical service.
• If you have Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), some plans offer dental benefits. But you’ll want to talk to your insurance company about what’s covered and what isn’t.
• If you’re on Medicaid, a federal- and state-run health program for lower income people, you may have dental options available to you. “But it is best to check with your provider to see what coverage is available to you,” says Dr. Varley.

How do I know if I need dentures?

If you’ve lost several teeth due to age or other factors, you may want to consider getting dentures. “You should talk to your dentist about your options and learn about the benefits of wearing dentures,” says Dr. Varley. “Your dentist can also help determine if this is the right option for you.”

What are the different types of dentures?

If you’re thinking about getting dentures, the first thing to know is that there are 2 main types:

1. Complete. This type replaces all teeth and their nearby tissue.
2. Partial. This type is used to replace some, but not all, teeth.

Sometimes, to place dentures, your dentist may need to remove some or all of your teeth. And depending on whether you get partial or complete dentures, they may place your dentures after removing your teeth and letting your gums heal. That normally takes about 4 to 8 weeks.

In other cases, your dentist may place your dentures right after removing your teeth. But you may need further adjustments after your mouth heals.

How do dentures stay in my mouth?

Most of the time, properly fitted dentures will stay in place on their own. But dental adhesives, which can be pastes, powders or pads, can help them stay put. These products fill gaps that can be caused by shrinking bone and changes in your gums, giving you temporary relief from loose dentures.

Start by using just a small amount of adhesive. If it oozes off the denture into your mouth, you’re probably using too much. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a 2.4-ounce tube of denture adhesive should last 7 to 8 weeks if you wear both upper and lower dentures.

The FDA makes these recommendations about denture adhesive products:

• Do not use more adhesive than recommended. Some adhesives contain zinc and could have harmful effects, such as nerve damage, if overused. (Manufacturers might not always list their product’s ingredients.)
• Follow the instructions on the label. If they’re unclear, talk to your dentist or specialist.
• Stop using the denture adhesive and talk to your dentist or specialist if you feel numbness or tingling sensations in your hands or feet.
• Speak to your dentist or specialist if your dentures don’t fit properly.

How can I adjust to wearing dentures?

Dentures might feel a little strange when you first start wearing them. And you may need to make more frequent visits to your dentist to make sure that they fit well. That’s because your gums can change shape over time, so your dentures may need to be adjusted or even replaced.

Dentures may make it more difficult to notice certain sensations in your mouth. You might not feel hot foods and beverages as much since dentures sit on top of your gums. It may also be harder to know if there are bones in your food when you are chewing.

When learning to eat with dentures, try these tips from the National Institute on Aging:

• Start with soft, non-sticky foods such as soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt or scrambled eggs.
• Cut your food into small pieces so it’s easier to chew.
• Chew your food slowly, using both sides of your mouth.
• Avoid small, crunchy foods that can get trapped under the dentures and injure your gums.

How do I keep my dentures clean?

Treat your dentures like you would your teeth. You’ll start by rinsing your dentures to remove food and other debris. The American Dental Association then recommends these additional cleaning tips:

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a nonabrasive cleanser to gently brush all the surfaces of the dentures. (You can find these at any retail or grocery store, or your local pharmacy.) This will help keep them from getting scratched.
• Clean your entire mouth with a toothbrush too. That includes your gums, cheeks, the roof of your mouth and tongue. It can remove plaque, keep your breath fresh and help keep your mouth from feeling irritated. (Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on your dentures and has bacteria in it.)

Want to talk to someone about dental coverage that includes dentures? Call a licensed insurance agent at (800) 827-9990 to talk about plan options, or browse your options online today.