Removable dentures are a pain — they fit poorly. They’re wobbly and often come out of place when you chew.
This can take the pleasure out of eating: It’s not as easy as it once was, nor as enjoyable. And that’s too bad because eating should be one of our great joys in life, whether or not you’re missing teeth.
Not only that, but removable dentures have to be taken out while you sleep at night. You also need to clean them with special denture cleaning products.
The good news is there is an alternative — permanent dentures attached with dental implants, also known as fixed dentures. Unlike removable dentures, these dentures are a row of prosthetic teeth connected to a framework held in position by dental implants.
The beauty of permanent dentures is they are held in place like your natural teeth — you can eat, chew, bite and smile with no fear of your dentures falling out. This saves you embarrassment, but it also makes the little things in life natural and easy. It’s like you have your original teeth again, as good as new!
What to Expect from Permanent Dentures
We’ll start with an oral examination of your dentition — the unique arrangement of teeth in your mouth. Then we’ll scan the jawbone to determine the precise locations for dental implants, typically two in the anterior region and two at the back of the jawbone.
Once we’ve established these dental implants and allowed them to heal, we’ll permanently attach dentures to the implants so they are fixed in place. This will allow the implants to biologically fuse to the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration.
When your permanent dentures are new, your mouth may produce more saliva than usual. Your body is reacting to the dentures as a new and foreign object. This will go away with time as you get used to them.
Permanent dentures aren’t quite as perfect as your natural teeth — but they’re the next best thing!
Advantages of Permanent Dentures
Like we said, permanent dentures will allow you to eat and speak more comfortably with no fear of them coming out. They help you enjoy meals and feel more natural. They are easy to maintain with little fuss, no need for removal. You’ll also have more even distribution of biting force with fewer irregularities.
They are more affordable than reconstructing your full mouth with dental implants because you need fewer implants. The necessary surgery is also simpler and less invasive with faster recovery times.
As their name implies, permanent dentures are long-lasting and durable.
Caring for Permanent Dentures
Unlike removable dentures, you don’t need special cleaning products for permanent dentures because you don’t take them out at night. You brush them with the same toothpaste you use for your regular teeth. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. Continue to see your family dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings just as you do with your teeth.
Compared to other alternatives, permanent dentures are a dream come true. They aren’t your original teeth, but they are pretty darn close!
