Can you grow new teeth

Posted By Lau.ah.pek (Ang Mo Kio, Singapore) on 11/14/2011

I am 80 years old. I have a few teeth left. It is hard to eat meat and hard food, especially when eating out. I hate ordering porridge and bread only all the time.

Transplant is out of the question, too fussy and astronomically expensive. I am a poor old man. Can I grow new teeth again? I need about 10.

Funny and odd that animals eat a lot, lose their teeth but grow new ones later. We humans also eat a lot but have only 2 sets.

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Replied by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 11/15/2011

Hi Lau. Ah. Pek - Instead of teeth implants (which are very expensive), would you be able to get a set of dentures? Since you are in your 80s, are there any social agencies that could help with the expense? It might take a bit of research but perhaps someone in a dental clinic could lead you in the right direction. Sometimes university dental colleges will give you dentures at a very reduced price because they are part of the training for their students. It's worth a try. I wish you the best of luck. Take care, Bess
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Replied by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 11/15/2011

If you have a friend or family member who is "handy"its quite easy to make your own teeth for a fraction of the price bought ones are sold for. The main trick is getting a perfect impression with the alginate.. From then on after you have poured the mould of your mouth.. The acrylic can be painted on the mould and then sanded down.. Then the teeth are stuck in it. Alginate dental stone (or plaster)Monomer acrylic (self cure) sets of teeth from the internet. Its all on e bay. Then you can say with your hand on your heart.. "I have my own teeth" Which is true since you made them.!
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