Tooth loss is common and happens for various reasons including genetics, improper oral hygiene habits, lack of access to dental care, and more. When you start to lose your natural teeth, it becomes harder to eat, speak, and you may even lose your self-confidence.
Many people choose to replace their teeth with conventional dentures because they are the most affordable option. The good news is that these can restore your confidence and allow you to eat, speak, and smile. However, they also have the tendency to move around and may even fall out.
Diamond Dental offers another option: permanent dentures. In this article, we’ll explain more about permanent dentures and why this may be a better option.
What are Permanent Dentures?
Permanent dentures are artificial teeth that are permanently secured to the jaw with dental implants. This makes the dentures more stable, allowing patients to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Permanent dentures are designed to look, feel, and function more like natural teeth. You don’t have to worry that they will shift or fall out, and you won’t accidentally misplace them.
They can be made of acrylic, resin, metal, nylon, or porcelain. There are several different types of permanent dentures from partial to full.
How is a Permanent Denture Implanted into the Jawbone?
Permanent dentures are held in place with 4 to 8 dental implants, depending on your condition. They may only be removed by a dentist for exams and cleanings.
Benefits of Permanent Dentures
There are several benefits associated with permanent dentures, including:
- Budget-friendly compared to replacing each tooth with a dental implant
- Looks, feels, and functions more like natural teeth
- Prevents jawbone deterioration
- Permanent, lifelong solution
- More comfortable than conventional dentures
Permanent Dentures Life Expectancy
Research has proven that dental implants can last a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. This includes proper oral hygiene habits and visits to the dentist every 6 months. Depending on your oral care practices, the overdenture lasts an average of 15 to 20 years.
Cost of Permanent Dentures
The cost of permanent dentures ranges from a low of around $700 for a partial denture to a high of around $30,000 for a full arch with 4 dental implants. Your dentist will work with you to determine the best option for you. Depending on your insurance coverage, your provider may cover a portion of the treatment. Our office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage.
If your provider does not cover any of the treatment or only covers a portion, we will be happy to explain our financing options as well. We will work with you to find a treatment plan that you can afford because we believe that everyone deserves a confident smile.
Proper Care and Maintenance of Permanent Dentures
Unlike conventional dentures, permanent dentures do not require any special care. You simply need to brush and floss as usual. If you use mouthwash, make sure it is alcohol-free. Avoid chewing on anything that is not food.
Who Qualifies for Permanent Dentures?
In order to qualify for permanent dentures, patients must qualify for dental implants. This means that patients must:
- Have good oral/overall health
- Not have active gum disease
- Be able to undergo oral surgery
- Be a non-smoker, or willing to quit during the procedure and recovery
- Practice proper oral hygiene habits
Schedule Your Consultation at Diamond Dental Today
If you already have dentures or think you may need dentures, schedule your consultation with the team at Diamond Dental today. We have two convenient locations to serve you, Mount Vernon and Bellingham. Our dentists are highly skilled in tooth restoration and can help you determine the best solution for your situation.
Permanent Dentures FAQs
Permanent dentures are a permanent solution for tooth loss. This combines the affordability of conventional dentures with the stability of dental implants. Below are some of the most common questions we get at Diamond Dental about permanent dentures.
Are permanent dentures thinner than temporary dentures?
Yes, permanent dentures are much thinner than temporary dentures. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and look more like natural teeth. Temporary dentures are typically one-size and often look artificial.
Can regular dentures be permanently attached?
Yes, it is possible to convert regular dentures into permanent dentures.
What are permanent dentures made of?
Permanent dentures may be made of acrylic, resin, nylon, porcelain, or metal. Porcelain is the most popular choice because they look more like natural teeth.
Are permanent dentures painful?
You will be given local anesthesia prior to dental implant placement. This will keep you from feeling pain during the procedure. If necessary, we do offer sedation to help you relax. You may have some minor discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, and as you get used to having dentures. However, you should never be in pain. If you are, schedule a visit as soon as possible, as you may be experiencing complications.
Can you sleep with permanent dentures?
Permanent dentures are secured in place with dental implants and can only be removed by a dentist for exams and cleanings. Therefore, you can sleep and do everything else with permanent dentures that you would do with natural teeth.
Do permanent dentures look fake?
No, permanent dentures are designed to look more like natural teeth. Since they are secured in place, they can be much thinner.
