While some people are gifted with near-perfect teeth, others are not, unfortunately. Missing, crooked, or chipped teeth are some of the many dental flaws people have. These flaws can considerably lower a person's confidence and affect the quality of their lives. 

However, if you have such flaws, your fate is not sealed. You can improve the appearance of your teeth using fake teeth, thanks to advancements in dentistry and technology in general. 

Whether you have missing or damaged teeth due to an illness or accident, you can get these teeth and achieve that perfect smile you have always desired. Below is everything you need to know about fake teeth. 

What Are Fake Teeth?

Fake teeth are artificial replacements for missing or damaged natural teeth. Some fake teeth are designed to replace only the missing teeth, while others replace the teeth and the surrounding tissue. 

These teeth improve a person's appearance and make it easy to chew and talk. There are several types of fake teeth. These include dental implants, veneers, dentures, and bridges. 

Fake teeth are made of various materials, the most common ones being metal, acrylic, porcelain, and nylon. They can be used to replace a single tooth, several of them, or the entire teeth. 

How Much Do Fake Teeth Cost?

The cost of fake teeth varies, depending on the type of teeth. Below are the average prices of specific fake teeth. 

Dentures

On average, dentures cost $500-1,500 per denture. That translates to $1,000-$3,000 for a complete set. If you go for the highest quality or customized dentures, the cost is around $2,000-$4,000 for a denture or $4,000-$8,000 for a complete set. However, prices are dependent on several factors such as:

• Preparatory dental work
• Denture material
• Follow-up appointments
  
  

Dental Implants

A single dental implant costs $3,000-$4,500 on average. These prices include the cost of the implant and surgery. A complete set of implants cost an average of $60,000-$90,000.

 However, there is no one-size-fits-all since the price depends on several factors, such as the preparatory services needed and a person's oral health. 

Porcelain Veneers

The price range of porcelain veneers is $925-$2,500, which is around $1,500 on average for a single tooth. Prices for porcelain veneers also depend on factors such as the technology used to design them. The cost of these veneers may also go higher if contouring is needed before placement. 

Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges, and they have different costs. Costs vary on factors like the bridge material. A traditional bridge costs an average of $500-$1,500. A bonded bridge costs $2,300, while an implant-supported bridge costs $5,000-$15,000 on average.

Snap-On Veneers

Snap-on veneers are way more affordable than traditional veneers. They cost an average of $470-$600, depending on where you buy them and the customization levels. One thing that makes these teeth more affordable is that they don't require enamel removal before placement. They are also removable. 

TruSmile Snap-On Veneers

TruSmile Snap-On Veneers cost an average of $470. They don't require fitting by a dentist, which saves you from appointment costs. 

Do Fake Teeth Look Real?

Thanks to advancements in dental technology, fake teeth can be designed to look like your natural teeth. Additionally, since some of these teeth require fitting by a dentist, you will get teeth that match your natural teeth's shape, color, and size. This makes them look real, and it's sometimes impossible to differentiate them from natural teeth at a glance. 

Apart from appearing real, these teeth also feel like your natural teeth. You may have an uncomfortable feeling during the initial days, but the feeling often goes away when you get used to them. 

 How Long Do Fake Teeth Last?

Most fake teeth, including dentures and veneers, will last for 3-10 years. How long these teeth last depend on factors such as:

Materials Used to Make Them

Some materials used to make fake teeth are more durable than others and will last longer. For example, porcelain dentures are more durable than acrylic ones, while metal dentures are the most durable. 

Maintenance Levels

Properly maintained fake teeth will last longer than neglected ones. Since the mouth is full of bacteria, these teeth require proper maintenance, just like natural teeth. 

Your dentist will advise you on the best way to maintain them to increase their longevity and prevent infections. This includes specifying the solutions you should use when cleaning the teeth and how to handle them to avoid damage. 

Some fake teeth, such as dental implants, are usually designed to last a lifetime. Only the crown needs replacement after 15-20 years.

 However, these implants can fail to last permanently when not properly maintained. Other factors such as smoking, certain health conditions, medications, and improper implant placement can reduce the lifespan of these teeth and interfere with their effectiveness.

You might also need to visit your dentist regularly when having these teeth. One of the reasons for these visits is that you will need realignment. The size of the mouth and the jawbone can change over time, affecting the alignment of fake teeth. 

What Are the Advantages of Fake Teeth?

Some of the advantages of fake teeth include:

• They improve the appearance of a person, which, in turn, boosts their confidence
• They reduce the risk of bone loss
• They prevent the drifting and loss of adjacent teeth
• They prevent premature aging and sagging face caused by missing teeth
• They help a person speak naturally and easily 
• They enable a person to chew food properly
  
  

What Are the Disadvantages of Fake Teeth?

As much as fake teeth have several advantages, they also have some disadvantages. These include:

• They can be costly
• The placement procedure can be painful or uncomfortable
• They may require special maintenance 

You don't deserve to hide your smile, feel ashamed, or experience difficulties speaking or eating due to flaws in your teeth. Take advantage of fake teeth and get a long-lasting solution to your problems. As seen above, there are so many options to choose from. You only need to consider factors like your specific teeth problems, preference, and budget to select the most suitable fake teeth.