Permanent Dentures

Permanent Dentures

For centuries, removable dentures have been used to solve the problem of missing teeth. First created out of wood, ivory, and even animal teeth, the science of dentures has come a long way, but the fact remains that they are often skill awkward and uncomfortable in the mouth. Those that use conventional removable dentures typically complain that they feel big and bulky in their mouth, that they slide around at the most inopportune moments, and that they just don’t function as well as their natural teeth did. Bite force is reduced, as is one’s ability to enjoy a wide range of foods.

For those seeking an alternative to removable dentures, rest assured: there is a better way. The modern alternative? Permanent dentures.

Main Differences Between Permanent Dentures and Removable Dentures

The key difference between permanent dentures and removable dentures is that is permanent dentures are physically installed into the structures of the mouth where they remain. In contrast to the bulky acrylic bases with rows of prosthetic teeth that removable dentures are composed of, which are designed to sit on top of the gumline and as such tend to move around more than desired, permanent dentures are anchored firmly in place with assistance from a small number of strategically placed dental implants.

As such, permanent dentures require some degree of surgical intervention whereas removable dentures do not. Conventional removable dentures are created in a lab using previously taken impressions of one’s oral cavity and gumline; permanent dentures rely on structural support from dental implants that are installed directly into the patient’s mouth in a two- to three-step process. While the dentures that these implants then retain can be made to be removable or fixed (i.e. permanent) as desired, the implants themselves are a permanent addition to the oral structure.

Installation of Dental Implants

Dental implants, most commonly made of titanium and, in some cases, zirconia, are typically installed in a three-part procedure. While dental implants can also be used to support a single implant crown, in this case, as few as two or as many as six or eight implants can be used to support an entire arch of dental implants. A common number of implants to support permanent dentures is four, hence the term “all-on-four” dentures (a full arch of dentures on just four implants).

First, a small, thin post called a dental implant fixture is surgically embedded into the jawbone below the surface of the gums, where it remains completely hidden from site. The implant fixture is the piece of the dental implant that plays the part of the dental root; it provides deep structural support at the same time that it stimulates and preserves bone health. After placement, the implant fixture must remain protected from the application of force for two to six months so that it can fuse with the jaw and become an integrated part of that bone mass.

Once the implant fixture has become thoroughly embedded, the connecting piece – called an abutment – is attached to the implant fixture. This is done in a dentist’s office as the only surgical procedure is the installation of the implant fixtures.

It is to this connecting piece that the denture is then attached. This can be done using a small bar attachment or a simple ball and socket system; this is determined based upon patient preference as well as dentist expertise.

Benefits of Permanent Dentures

The primary benefit of permanent dentures is that they are anchored firmly in place with the deep support of the dental implants that support them. Because they are held in place with support that extends all the way into the jaw, as one’s natural teeth are, permanent dentures stay exactly where they are supposed to without the awkward slipping and sliding that is all too often part of using removable dentures.

Furthermore, because they are anchored with the help of dental implants, they don’t require the bulky wrap-around acrylic base that removable dentures rely upon for support, which makes permanent dentures far more streamlined and comfortable to wear. This lack of movement and lack of contact with the gums also means increased comfort at the gumline, where removable dentures can sometimes create sores and even superficial infections as the constant rubbing of the acrylic base along the gumline can abrade the delicate tissues.

With the structural support provided by dental implants, permanent dentures are able to handle a larger amount of bite pressure, which means an increased ability to enjoy a wide range of foods.

Finally, permanent dentures have an aesthetic advantage, looking more natural and attractive in one’s mouth than removable dentures do. They can also contribute to a more youthful facial appearance, as they better support the muscles and structures that surround the mouth. These aesthetic benefits can contribute to increased confidence and, as such, a better quality of life.

Drawbacks of Permanent Dentures

While permanent dentures offer numerous benefits and increased function in contrast to conventional removable dentures, there are also some drawbacks. For starters, permanent dentures take more time and money to create, partly because of the initial surgical intervention required to install the implant fixtures. They are typically not covered by dental or health insurance, making them a costly investment that not everyone can afford.

Eligibility for Permanent Dentures

Happily, most adults are eligible for permanent dentures, though some considerations must be discussed with your dentist and oral surgeon to ensure good candidacy. While there is no age limit on permanent dentures, there is minimum age required, as those who have not yet reached skeletal maturity should not have their bone growth impeded by any sort of dental appliance. Generally, one must be over the age of 18 or 20 to have dental implants installed, and X-rays are also taken to ensure that any potential candidate for implants has a suitable amount of healthy bone mass available. If not, it might still be possible to use thinner profile dental implants to support the dentures, or else bone grafting is another option to overcome this problem.

Finally, good baseline health is always a factor to take into consideration for any sort of surgical intervention. When consulting with your dentist and oral surgeon, she or he will ask about any underlying health conditions you might manage. This is mostly to ensure that you’re a good candidate for the surgical portion of the dental implant placement, though some conditions and medications can also have an impact on bone and soft tissue health.

For more information on how permanent dentures could work for you, call our office today!