Do you avoid smiling in public because you’re embarrassed about your teeth? Do you want to replace and adjust cheap dentures every few months or years? If so, it may be time to look into a lasting solution: permanent dentures. Permanent dentures are an investment that can last decades, unlocking a lifetime of beautiful smiles available whenever and wherever needed. In this article, we’ll look at why permanent dentures can be the best dental solution for people trying to maintain better oral hygiene. From cost analysis and overall construction quality to their custom design capabilities, we will dissect what makes permanent dentures such an appealing choice on several levels!
Definition of Permanent Dentures
Permanent dentures, fixed implant dentures, or permanent dentures are dental prosthetics used to replace missing teeth. The prosthetic consists of an artificial tooth mounted onto a metal bar or frame, then attached to two or more implants surgically placed into the jawbone. This provided stability and support, allowing for increased function and improved aesthetics compared to traditional removable dentures.
Benefits of Permanent Dentures
Permanent dentures offer many benefits compared to traditional removable dentures, such as improved oral health, increased self-confidence, improved facial structure and appearance, more comfort and stability, and better chewing capabilities when eating food. They can also help to prevent jawbone deterioration, which can occur with traditional removable dentures if not properly fitted.
Reasons for Getting Permanent Dentures
Some of the common reasons people choose to get permanent dentures are because they have lost multiple or all of their teeth due to decay, trauma, disease, or natural aging; they are unhappy with the fit and look of their traditional removable dentures; they need a prosthetic that provides more stability and improved function; or simply as an aesthetic choice.
Types of Permanent Dentures
Full Denture
A full denture is a complete set of artificial teeth placed on the upper or lower jaw to replace all the missing teeth. It has two parts—the acrylic part, which acts as the base for the false teeth, and the metal framework, which holds it in place. Before designing a denture specifically tailored to fit your oral cavity, the dentist will take impressions and dimensions of your mouth.
Partial Denture
A partial denture is used if some natural teeth remain in your mouth. It comprises an acrylic base and metal framework, with gaps or spaces left to accommodate existing natural teeth. This type of denture can be easily removed and adjusted to fit your changing mouth shape.
Implant-Supported Denture
An implant-supported denture is a permanent denture in which dental implants securely hold artificial teeth in place. The false teeth are attached to the implant, which serves as an anchor, providing a snug and stable fit that feels like real teeth.
Preparing for Permanent Dentures
Discussing the Procedure with your Dentist
A full conversation about all aspects of the therapy, including any dangers or consequences from surgery and the necessary recovery time, should be had with your dentist before undertaking any type of permanent denture procedure. Your dentist will also advise you on the ideal denture type for your requirements and expectations.
Cost and Payment Options
The cost of dentures can vary depending on the specific procedure and its complexity. It is important to discuss the associated costs with your dentist, who can provide you with a detailed breakdown and guide you through available payment options. These options may include insurance coverage or financing plans to make the cost more manageable for you.
Scheduling Appointments and Treatment Placement
The dentist will schedule appointments for your pre-operative evaluation and step-by-step sessions for the placement of the permanent denture. During these visits, your dentist will assess your medical history, take impressions to make a custom fit for your mouth, apply anesthetic to minimize discomfort during surgery, and place the denture.
Pre-Surgery Instructions
Before undergoing any surgery, your dentist will provide you with instructions to ensure that the procedure is safe and successful. These may include steps for reducing swelling after surgery, taking certain medications as prescribed, avoiding strenuous activities, and eating soft foods only for some time.
Post-Surgery Care Immediately Following Surgery
It’s crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene after receiving permanent dentures by brushing and flossing more frequently. Your dentist will also give you further guidelines for caring for your denture and schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor progress.
Long-Term Aftercare
As your mouth shape changes, permanent dentures may require repairs or adjustments. Regular dental appointments will ensure that your denture fits securely and comfortably, giving you a smile that looks natural.
Establishing a Maintenance Schedule
Establishing a regular maintenance schedule for cleaning and checking permanent dentures is important. Your dentist will advise on an appropriate routine for brushing, flossing, and rinsing the denture or implants daily to keep them looking good and prolong their life expectancy.
Advantages of Permanent Dentures
Improved Oral Health
By filling up the spaces left by lost teeth and regaining mouth function, permanent dentures can enhance your dental health. The denture helps maintain correct bite and alignment of remaining teeth, prevent gum disease, and restore confidence in speaking, chewing, and smiling.
Increased Self-Confidence
Permanent dentures can help boost your self-confidence by improving the appearance of your smile. Missing teeth can make you self-conscious in social situations; permanent dentures can give you back a beautiful smile, making you more confident when interacting with others.
Improved Appearance and Facial Structure
Dental implants are integrated into the jawbone, providing greater stability than traditional dentures that only rest on top of the gums. This gives a more natural look as they replicate the shape of your existing teeth and help maintain the natural contour of your face.
More Comfort and Stability
Unlike traditional dentures, permanent dentures are securely attached to dental implants, making them much more comfortable and stable than removable ones. This helps restore basic functions such as speaking, eating, and smiling confidently while preventing irritating movement or slippage of the denture in your mouth.
Conclusion
Permanent dentures can provide an effective solution for those who have experienced tooth loss. With permanent dentures, you can obtain natural-looking, comfortable teeth without the need to remove and clean them as with traditional designs. Many patients report no significant difference between the feel of their new teeth and the feel of their remaining natural teeth. To maximize your satisfaction and ensure a lifetime of dental health, consult a qualified dental prosthetic specialist when deciding if permanent dentures are right for you. At The Smile clinics, located near you in CA, we specialize in helping people comfortably transition to permanent dentures. Our team has helped over one hundred thousand patients find personalized solutions that best meet their needs. Let us help you discover a lifetime of smiles! Contact us now to learn more.