What Are Permanent Dentures?

Most people think of denture paste and removable trays when they think of dentures. While this is one solution for treating teeth loss, dentures actually come in two forms — removable and permanent. Removable dentures, as the name suggests, can be put in and taken out easily and are attached to the gums using an adhesive. They are the most common type of denture available.

Permanent dentures, however, often hold significant benefits for the user over the removable version. These dentures are permanently secured to the jaw during a surgical procedure. After, they stay in the mouth 24/7 and do not require adhesive.

What Material Are Permanent Dentures Made Of?

Like removable dentures, the teeth and gum of permanent dentures are usually constructed from acrylic resin or porcelain. Recent years have seen a shift from a preference for porcelain to acrylic resin. In the case of permanent dentures, you also have the addition of titanium posts to consider.

Instead of using a temporary adhesive, as is used with traditional dentures, the permanent denture implants are mounted on these titanium posts. Installing the posts is the first part of the process. Once your mouth has time to heal around these implants, a dentist will apply the permanent dentures and use sutures to keep them in place as they heal into your gumline. This process can take months to complete, but once your dentures are in place, you have 10 years or more of not having to think about your dentures.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Permanent Dentures

In most cases, permanent dentures offer these benefits over traditional dentures:

• Improved fit: Because the dentures are custom-made and surgically implanted, they’re designed to fit your mouth as naturally as your original teeth, reducing irritation and discomfort.
• Enhanced strength: Implants offer better stability, so you can eat all the foods you love and talk for hours without thinking about your dentures falling out or getting cracked.
• A healthier mouth: With removable dentures, your remaining teeth typically shift over time and cause other issues with the mouth, lips and cheeks. Since permanent dentures stay in place at all times, you can better prevent tooth shift, decay and gum disease.

With all these benefits, many people wonder what the disadvantages of permanent dentures are. The primary downside these dentures have over traditional ones is surgery and healing time. Unlike removable dentures, which you can start using as soon as you get them, it takes time for the surgical implants to heal. Once you get past this initial barrier, though, it’s understandable why so many are making the switch!

Talk to Dr. Nahel Yanni About Permanent Dentures Today

If you are exploring options for dentures for yourself or a loved one in East Brunswick, New Jersey, Dr. Nahel Yanni wants to help. Learn more about how permanent dentures differ from removable ones and make an appointment to see which option is right for you. We’ll give you the chance to ask your most pressing questions in a comfortable, accepting environment and ensure you have all the facts before making a decision.