22 Jul Permanent vs. Removable Dentures: Which Option Is Right for You?
When it comes to replacing missing teeth with dentures, there are now two options: removable or permanent. Traditional removable dentures have to be glued into place every morning, and they take a bit of extra care. Permanent dentures act more like natural teeth, but they do require dental implant surgery.
Either type of denture can raise your confidence and improve your ability to eat and speak if you have missing teeth. Let’s compare the pros and cons of permanent vs. removable dentures, so you can decide which type is best for you.
Permanent Dentures
A hybrid type of dental implant, permanent dentures are held in place by anchors that have been surgically implanted in the jaw bone. Permanent dentures are screwed onto these implants and can only be removed in a dentist’s office. This makes them more akin to natural teeth, and even helps keep your jaw strong.
Pros:
- There are no worries about the dentures slipping throughout the day, so you can eat and speak normally.
- Many say these dentures look more natural than removable dentures.
- They can last more than ten years with proper care.
- The implant posts can help your jaw retain bone density. When a person bites down, the impact goes down through the tooth root and puts pressure on the jaw, which signals the body to keep strengthening that bone. Missing teeth often cause bone loss that changes the shape of the face. Implants prevent bone loss by mirroring the function of a tooth root.
Cons:
- It can take several days or even weeks to complete the procedure. This is because surgery is required to implant the anchors, and the surgical site must be completely healed before the permanent dentures can be fitted into place.
- There is a higher cost up front, because surgery is required. The cost of implanted dentures also depends on the shape of your mouth, the number of remaining teeth, and several other factors.
- Since these dentures are fixed, you cannot remove them. Getting used to the new dentures could take a week to several months.
Removable Dentures
You are most likely already familiar with this type of denture. Removable dentures are created from an imprint of your mouth and need to be secured to your gums with a denture adhesive. Since they are glued into place, they do not require surgery, and you can leave with a temporary set the same day.
Pros
- Removable dentures do not require any surgeries.
- They are cost-effective. While the price may vary depending on your mouth, remaining teeth, and the type of removable denture that you choose, it is typically less than implant dentures.
- They are easy to modify and adjust as needed.
- Since they can be removed, you are able to take them out while you get used to wearing them.
Cons
- They require special cleaning and care outside of your mouth, leading to an increased risk of damage.
- They do not last as long as permanent dentures, and typically need to be replaced every 8-10 years or sooner if damaged.
- Your bone density and remaining teeth may continue to deteriorate, leading to the need for new sets of dentures, and also limiting your options for tooth replacement in the future.
Dentures Available in Prescott, Arizona
Teeth are important for more than just chewing, which is why no matter which type of dentures you choose, you should always choose a dentist that cares. Here at Hicks Dental Group, we know the importance of being able to smile, which is why we provide the best dentures—both permanent and removable—here in Prescott, Arizona. If you have questions about permanent vs. removable dentures and which type would be best for you, contact us today to book an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/21/24). Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash.