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Step 1
Meet with a dentist to discuss your dental options. In order to find alternatives to dentures, you must first meet with a prosthodontist (a dentist who specializes in restoring and replacing teeth). Your dentist evaluates your teeth and gums and helps you select an appropriate alternative to dentures.
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Step 2
Discuss your options with the dentist. Your dentist may begin by providing you with information about the most common alternative to dentures, which are dental implants. Dental implants are permanent, they look more realistic than dentures and they are more hygienic. Getting dental implants involves a two-step process (placement of the anchor and implanting the tooth).
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Step 3
Inquire about additional alternatives to dentures. Depending on your situation, your dentist may also choose to inform you about other alternatives such as porcelain veneers (thin slices of porcelain bonded to the tooth), crowns (metal cap that is placed over a repaired tooth) and permanent denture bridges (resembles a partial denture but is cemented between the natural teeth).
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Step 4
Choose an alternative based on the information you receive. Your dentist goes over all of the details with you about the advantages, disadvantages, prices, risks and the steps involved for each dental procedure. She helps you choose an alternative that best suits your needs.
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Step 5
Schedule your next appointment and prepare for the dental procedure. Your dentist lets you know when you should return for your next visit. She also lets you know how you to prepare for the process.
