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Are you considering permanent dentures? Whether you’ve had to have all your teeth removed or are just looking for a long-term solution to replace missing teeth, permanent dentures may be the right choice. Here are five things that you should know before making a decision:
You’ve looked into dentures before, but always thought that it wasn’t right for you. Well, maybe you’ll be convinced after learning more about permanent dentures!
A toothless smile can leave anyone to feel embarrassed and a misfit in society. It can deprive an individual from enjoying the simple pleasures in life, making him feel depressed and miserable. If you one of such people, it’s high time that you lead and enjoy a normal life and restore your winning smile by using permanent dentures. To know about permanent dentures, take a look at this interesting guide listed below.
Dentures: Temporary & Permanent, Costs, Pros & Cons
1. What are permanent dentures?
Permanent dentures also known as fixed dentures are a kind of dental prosthesis that are either fixed or are firmly attached into the mouth with the help of dental implants. These types of dentures are generally used to replace a full dental bridge, several teeth or a missing tooth. The surgical procedure involves placing dental implants made of titanium screws into the jawbone. This help serves as an anchor for a bridge to replace several teeth or a crown to replace a missing tooth. The dentures are then snapped tightly in place or secured firmly using cement. However, before opting for fixed dentures, taking the advice of your dentist to know if they are the right choice for you can help you attain positive results.
2. What does a permanent denture procedure involve?
Getting your fixed dentures may require you to visit your dentist a few times. On your dental visit, the health of your oral tissues is examined by the dentist. If satisfactory, an impression of your mouth is taken by the dentist using a dough like material that set to a rubbery consistency over time. During your second visit, the color and size of your tooth will be selected. In addition, to register your jaw positions, the dentist may ask you to bite on a wax mold. The third visit is the “try- in” stage where you are required to take a trail of the waxed model of your dentures. The dentist can make minor or major adjustments at this stage to ensure a proper fit. The fitting of dentures is done in the fourth and final visit.
3. What are benefits of permanent dentures?
Permanent dentures are one of the best options to replace natural teeth lost due to poor oral conditions or injury. While elderly people prefer these dentures to restore aesthetics, speaking and chewing functions, these types of dentures can help younger patients stop the shrinkage of the jawbone and stop continual bone loss. Listed below are some of the benefits of permanent dentures –
Helps counteract bone loss: When implants are placed into the jaw, new bone is formed around the implant, helping secure the implant in place as well as strengthening the jaw. This helps counteract bone loss caused due to factors like osteoporosis, age or natural bone loss due to tooth removal. In addition, the protection against bone loss provided by the implants helps preserve facial structure and prevent that look of premature aging.
Better oral health: Wearing removal dentures can often cause sore spots and rubber area beneath the prosthesis, especially if it is not fitted properly. However, since permanent dentures are directly anchored onto the implants, the risk of the denture shifting from its place and rubbing against gum tissues when you chew, talk or bite is minimal. This reduces the chances of developing sore spots, gum pain or infection like thrush or yeast while wearing the dentures.
Comfortable: One of the most common problems when wearing removal dentures are changes in dental fit. Improper dental fit can cause the denture to slip when the person speaks, eats or laughs. However, since permanent dentures are anchored firmly to the jawbone with dental implants, their fit does not deteriorate with time, preventing all the hassles and suffering caused due to ill- fitted dentures.
4. What are the disadvantages of fixed dentures?
Costly: Getting implants to help keep the dentures in place is an expensive procedure and may not be quite affordable to many patients. Depending upon the missing teeth, the amount of screws required for the procedure can cause the total price to exceed five figures. In addition, since most dental insurance does not pay for these types of procedures, getting fixed dentures could prove to be a costly affair.
Takes time for you to get used to the dentures: Although permanent dentures can look exactly like your own natural teeth, they may not exactly feel the same initially. Wearing the dentures initially can make you feel quite uncomfortable for about first two to six weeks. Most patients who have got dentures fixed often experience a loose or bulky feeling, lost of eating sensation, excessive saliva flow, soreness or difficulty in pronouncing words during the initial days. However, with time and practice, you become accustomed to your dentures and feel comfortable with them in your mouth.
5. Do permanent dentures last a lifetime?
Unlike removable dentures, permanent dentures do offer greater longevity. Generally, fixed dentures can last for decades or even a lifetime if you follow good oral hygiene and regular dental care. However, if you are wearing them, it is important that you get them checked annually, especially when your dentures slip, click or whistle or are causing chewing problems, pain or sore spots. In general, 1/3 mm of bone height is lost every year. Therefore, although permanent dentures are made to fit firmly to your jaw, dentists suggest their patients make a new denture in every five to seven years. It is highly recommended that you do not repair or adjust your dentures on your own to prevent causing more damage to it.
Permanent dentures are one of the best solutions to replace your missing teeth. Apart from providing oral health care benefits, these types’ dentures help promote overall well- being. Since these dentures function like normal teeth, it makes it easier for individual with less or no teeth to chew, bite and consume nutrient-rich foods, thereby boosting his immune system and physical well-being In short, getting permanent dentures to replace your lost teeth will not only give you a perfect reason to smile more, but will also help keep you stay fit and healthy for life.
6. Permanent Dentures Procedure:
Permanent, complete dentures take about three to six weeks. The process of making dentures involves many dental appointments and these steps are followed:
Impressions: Impression is the first step that your dentist takes several impressions of your jaw and measures space in your mouth.
Models: Your dentist makes a mold of wax or plastic in the exact shape of the denture so you can try it and make any adjustments to the color, shape, and fit before the permanent dentures are made.
Cast: Now the final dentures are cast, and then adjusted according to the gum.
When you first get your permanent dentures, your dentist may recommend that you wear them 24 hours a day, even at bedtime, as the easiest and quickest way to determine if there is a spot that Adjustment required. It is important to ensure a good fit, as poorly fitting dentures can irritate the gums. Once you adjust the dentures, you can remove them at night to allow for normal stimulation of the gum tissues by the tongue and saliva, which helps keep your gum tissue healthy.
7. How much do permanent dentures cost?
As mentioned, the starting cost may be quoted around $1,000 (often, these costs approach the $4,000 to $5,000, for a single tooth). To receive implants, patients must have healthy gums & enough bone to support the implant.
8. Clean the false teeth (denture, bridge, and implant)
After removing the denture, use a single-tuft toothbrush to clean around the abutment of the implant. The cleaning method for the denture is the same as for conventional dentures. Use soft toothbrush and detergent to clean every part of the denture. Then rinse with water and immerse it in a glass of water overnight.
FAQ
How long do permanent dentures last?
Are there dentures that are permanent?
How much are upper permanent dentures?
How much are dentures that screw in?
Can dentures be permanently glued in?
How much are all on 4 dentures?
Can you have too much bone loss for dentures?
How expensive are permanent dentures?
Benefits of Permanent Dentures: Explore the advantages of permanent dentures, such as improved appearance, comfort, confidence, and oral health. Moreover, you can also mention the potential drawbacks such as cost, adjustment, and getting used to a new dental situation
Have you ever struggled with teeth that are damaged or missing? If so, you may have considered wearing dentures as a solution. While traditional dentures have been a popular option for several years, permanent dentures offer many advantages. First and foremost, they can significantly improve your appearance. With permanent dentures, you can enjoy a more beautiful and natural-looking smile. They can help with facial structure, increase lip support, and minimize wrinkles around the mouth.
In addition to appearance, permanent dentures provide improved comfort compared to traditional dentures. They are custom-fit to match the exact shape of your mouth, making them more comfortable and easier to wear. You won’t have to worry about them slipping or causing discomfort as you would with traditional dentures. And unlike removable dentures, you never have to worry about misplacing them.
Another significant benefit of permanent dentures is that they can improve your oral health. They can help prevent further tooth loss and protect your gums and jawbone, which can deteriorate when teeth are missing. In addition to preserving your oral health, permanent dentures can help you feel more confident in social settings. You won’t have to worry about feeling embarrassed or self-conscious about your smile in public, which can reduce anxiety and improve your mental health.
Of course, like any dental procedure, permanent dentures do have potential drawbacks. One of the most significant drawbacks is their cost. They are typically more expensive than traditional dentures and may not be covered by insurance, forcing patients to pay out-of-pocket. Adjusting to permanent dentures can also be a challenge, and you may need some time to get used to wearing them. Additionally, you’ll need to exercise proper care and maintenance to ensure they last as long as possible.
Overall, the benefits of permanent dentures far outweigh the potential drawbacks. If you’re considering dentures, it’s worth exploring the option of permanent dentures to see if they’re right for you. They can help you look and feel your best, and ultimately, improve your oral and mental health.
Dear Dr. Olson! Could you please answer which is the best denture, a fixed or removable?
Hi Shirley! Thank you for your question.
– Fixed dentures are false teeth attached to teeth and/or implants.
– Removable dentures are false teeth that can be taken out.
Both have their respective pluses and minuses.
Fixed dentures
– Solidly retained, you can chew and eat normally, feels most natural.
– Expensive to make, and expensive to repair if fracture occurs or wear and tear replacement.
Removable denture
– Wobbles around, can range from slightly to very unstable, especially in the lower jaw.
– Can affect speech, harder to eat and chew.
– Cheaper to make, and cheaper to repair.
Which is better for dentures, getting temporary then permanent or getting permanent ones right away?
Hi Carolyn! The best denture result is achieved by using a temporary denture while you are healing from tooth extractions and then taking impressions for the permanent denture after about 6 weeks of healing. Waiting for the bony ridge to heal will result in the best fit and function of the denture. Getting the permanent denture at the time of extractions is called an immediate denture. It is a solution for people who do not want to go without teeth, but the fit is largely an estimation by the lab, and it will need to be relined and adjusted later as healing proceeds. Hope this helps 🙂
Looking into permanent options after a lifetime of dental work that’s about to cost a lot more time and money. What are the downsides, and is there a lifespan I should be worried about granted I’m only 22?
Dentures are not a suitable replacement for teeth. They are an option for when you have no teeth. You will be miserable in dentures. Your chewing will not resemble what it is now. Furthermore, the bone in your jaws will slowly recede over time once the teeth are gone, meaning your dentures will gradually get worse (over years) until you have to replace them. The bottom dentures will always fit like socks on a rooster. By the time you’re 50 you’ll be banging down the door of a dentist to place 10k worth of implants to make your dentures stay put.
If the current treatment plan is overwhelming or doesn’t fit your goals, have an honest chat with your dentist and see if there are alternative options. If he/she has already payed out a 20k plan with you, then they should expect that you will have some questions and will want to discuss it further before committing.
I’m a veteran looking for some dental work