Permanent Dentures
You might remember your parents or grandparents struggling with the inconvenience of removable dentures, or maybe you’ve even dealt with dentures yourself. More than half of denture wearers find that dentures interfere with their wellbeing for one reason or another, but they opt for dentures because they’re a cost-effective choice for replacing missing teeth. Dentures are prone to loosening and shifting as the shape of the mouth changes, rubbing against the gums and causing painful sores. While denture adhesives can hold the dentures mostly in place, these adhesives taste foul and aren’t always effective; when combined with ill-fitting dentures, it can be incredibly difficult to speak clearly, eat comfortably, and smile confidently. Because the jawbone diminishes in the absence of natural tooth roots, and because removable dentures rest on the jawbone ridge, many denture wearers find that their jaws diminish even more, leading to a sunken appearance in the lower face that could make you look far older than you are. While removable dentures may seem cost-effective, their drawbacks add up, making many denture wearers long for another option for replacing multiple missing teeth. Thankfully, permanent dentures can combine the affordability and convenience of dentures with the stability and durability of dental implants. While permanent dentures aren’t an option for everyone, your dentist can evaluate your situation to see if you’re a good candidate. It’s definitely worth a phone call!
What Are Permanent Dentures?
You’ve probably heard of dental implants, as they continue to increase in popularity with each passing year. When they first arrived on the restoration dentistry scene, dental implants were used to replace missing tooth roots, with each implant supporting a single prosthetic tooth, called a crown. Dental implants are tiny posts that are surgically implanted in the jawbone while the patient is anesthetized. Depending on the health of the patient, the design of the restoration, and the patient’s clinical needs, other surgical procedures, like bone grafts, may precede the dental implant surgery. Once the implants are placed, they are given time to heal; once they’ve healed, they support a dental prosthetic. As the field of implant dentistry has advanced, thanks to emerging technology, clinical research, and dedicated implant dentists, implant treatments can now use a single dental implant to support multiple teeth. This means that your dentist may be able to permanently affix an entire row of teeth – a denture – with as few as two or four dental implants, resulting in a less invasive, less costly implant procedure. Dental implants are surgically placed directly in the jawbone, developing a permanent bond as the bone heals around the implant and making an implant-supported denture permanent. With a properly planned and executed procedure, there is no risk of friction on the gums, and the dentures can’t slip or fall out. They also don’t need to be removed for cleaning or soaking, making permanent dentures more convenient and more natural; you never have to worry about being seen without your teeth in, and you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence and gusto.
Are Permanent Dentures Right For Me?
If you have adequate bone in your jaw and are in generally good overall health, you might be a good candidate for permanent dentures, though only your dentist can tell you for sure. In your initial consultation, your dentist will review your complete medical history, noting any medical conditions you may have or medications you might take. They will also perform a thorough dental exam, making sure there’s no gum disease present and evaluating the health and structure of the bone with x-rays. Patients should also demonstrate the ability and desire to follow dentist’s instructions for aftercare and for continued attention to oral hygiene for the lifetime of the dental implants, to prevent the devastation of dental implant failure and maintain the function and appearance of the permanent denture. It’s important to remember, too, that permanent dentures, and all dental implant restorations, require surgery, which comes with some level of risk no matter how routine and safe the procedure may be. While dental implants have exceedingly high success rates, there are some potential risks, though many of these can be mitigated with good cleaning habits and routine visits to the dentist. Dental implants do cost more than removable dentures, but, because fewer implants are needed, costs can be more manageable, and many permanent denture wearers agree that these costs are a small price to pay for the experience. In some cases, your implant dentist may even be able to retrofit your existing denture with attachment abutments that allow it to affix to dental implants, further reducing the overall cost of the procedure. This isn’t always possible, but it’s worth it to ask your dentist if it will work for you.
What Are the Benefits of Permanent Dentures?
- No more painful sores and irritation on the gums from removable dentures
- No messy, sticky chemical denture adhesives in your mouth
- Better support for the lower face, with no sunken appearance or premature wrinkles
- Eating and enjoying a variety of healthy, crunchy, chewy, delicious foods and comfortably maintaining a nutritious diet
- Never worry about being seen without your teeth in
- Shorter surgical and healing times than individual implant crowns
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Beneficial to the strength and integrity of the facial and oral tissues
- Can be customized to fit the mouth comfortably
Ultimately, only your dentist can tell you if permanent dentures are a possibility for you, and only you can decide if you want them. Gathering as much information as you can could help with your decision, so don’t be afraid to bring a list of questions to your dental implant consultation, and know that no question is invalid; your dentist will address each of your concerns and provide understandable answers. While some aspects of dental implant treatment may seem daunting, there are disconcerting concerns associated with removable dentures, too. If you’re going to replace multiple missing teeth, permanent dentures could combine the multiple advantages of dental implants with some of the affordability and convenience of removable dentures. For many satisfied permanent denture wearers, they’re the perfect compromise. Make an appointment with your dentist to learn more about your options and begin the investment in your healthy, confident future.