Toothless - can't afford dentures - Dental Health Message Board

Toothless Wonder · 11-03-2005, 03:45 AM

A couple of weeks ago I had an accident on the softball field where I got a ball smack on my mouth. To my horror both by upper and bottom dentures were smashed beyond repair. I don't unfortunately have a spare set and will have to remain toothless until such time that I can afford to replace them. My son was ill with glandular fever a few months back and all the treatment he received pretty much exhausted my medical aid. I can therefore only have new dentures made in July next year when the new medical aid year kicks in. What a bomber. I work in a client services environment so I have to speak to customers everyday. The strange looks I've received is comical to say the least. My colleagues have pretty much gotten used to my toothless state. I have a long wait ahead of me for a new set of falsies so I have resigned myself to gumming away until then.

springflowers · 11-03-2005, 04:49 AM

you know, i could loan u mine...haha just kidding...anyhow, i thought i would let u know, some denturists do work for low-income ppl, or people that have to wait for those reasons..but its by a income level, and you can make payments ect. youde have to check in the area your living in, but im sure that theyre will be some that do small cash payments, or can even refer you to dshs for medical assistance ect...anyhow, other than that i'd hate to say it but **** to the rescue lol...i know its a bit discuraging to go through, as i had to for almost a year (Waiting for mine)...so i know about the self esteem thing, but keep telling yourself as im sure its true, they arn't looking at whats there, they are looking at me and how i am..ect.

Toothless Wonder · 11-03-2005, 04:57 AM

Thanks for the encouragement, but I earn a fairly good salary which will definitely rule me out as far as any aid is concerned. The unfortunate thing is that my medical aid has expired so I will have to do the waiting game. I waited for my gums to heal post extractions and have a very good understanding of what lies ahead. I've gotten used to people staring and passing nasty comments. I have no choice but to go about my life as usual and that's all I'm concentrating on right now. I lead an active social life and being toothless is certainly not going to impact on that negatively. I still love softball and will continue to play. In fact I have the advantage, as soon as the opposing team pitcher sees my big gummy smile it throws her to the point where she is barely able to deliver a ball. Sorry, I haven't lost my humour and that's ultimately what will see me through the next many months.

Cheers
Charmaine

[Please refrain from using cuss/slang words. Words like "nasty" or "horrible" etc. are preferred. Thanks - Well-come Moderator.]

springflowers · 11-03-2005, 05:02 AM

well at least we both have a similar sense of humor lol...(glad for that too)..anyhow, i hope things get better for you, (when something bad happens most of the time something really good happens down the line)... anyhow, i dont know what i would do without mine, (Exept for have that same humor lol).. i quit playing dodgeball ect growing up and glad your still keeping at it, (quit for the reason the school i was at didnt have very soft balls and a couple got knocked out here and there)... anyhow.. guess thats it, talk to you later and hope all is well.

-CvC- · 11-04-2005, 05:02 AM

The cost of dentures varies greatly. Mine cost about $350. Some people go to dentists that have no consciences or moral bearings and they charge about $10,000. The price can be anything in between.