Do you need dentures?
You’re not alone.
About 27% of Americans over the age of 65 don’t have any remaining teeth. The impact of not having a full set of teeth affects your overall health, and of course your self-esteem. However, with the right set of dentures, you can once again smile out loud!
The best part is that medical advancements mean you no longer have to opt for temporary dentures. Instead, you can invest in realistic looking, permanent dentures. However, before you make the jump, it’s important to know all of the pros and cons of the procedure.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about fixed dentures.
Table of Contents
How Are Permanent Different Than Temporary Dentures?
What are permanent dentures exactly? Unlike removable dentures, permanent ones stay in your mouth at all times. To hold the dentures in place, the prosthodontist will surgically place 2 or more dental implants in your mouth. The dental implants will then make your dentures stable, so you can chew, smile, and talk more freely than you could with temporary dentures.
Difference Between Dental Implants and Dentures
Dental implants are a surgical component that attaches to your jaw or skull. It’s the dental implant’s job to fully support a prosthesis, such as fixed dentures, a crown, or a bridge. If taken care of correctly, dental implants can last a lifetime, if you’re keeping up with your dentist appointments.
What Is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist specializes in handling dental issues that involve restoring missing teeth. Prosthodontists undergo advanced training, so they’re capable of performing complex restorative procedures.
You’ll find that a lot of prosthodontists, like Dr. Goetz at Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics, offer multiple options for transforming your smile. For instance, they can offer fixed dentures, full mouth reconstruction, and all on 4 dental implants.
Advantages of Getting Fixed Dentures
One of the biggest advantages of getting permanent dentures is that they’ll provide a more natural fit. On top of feeling more like your regular teeth, your smile will also look more natural. Another advantage of fixed dentures is that you can eat whatever you want, without having to worry about biting into something too hard.
Next, the natural fit of fixed dentures helps prevent bone loss in your jaw, even though you’re lacking healthy teeth. Your gums will also benefit from fixed dentures since the natural fit helps control bleeding in your gums, as well as swelling.
Fixed dentures also provide optimal comfort, since they won’t be shifting in your mouth. When temporary dentures shift and fall out of place, uncomfortable misalignments can happen.
Moving on, fixed dentures use smaller implants for the arch, which makes it easier to recover after oral surgery. You’ll also find that your fixed dentures are easier to care for than temporary ones.
Another advantage you’ll be able to enjoy is that fixed dentures help you maintain the shape of your face. Whereas temporary dentures can create a sunken-in appearance since they’re not a natural fit.
Life-Expectancy of Fixed Dentures
Fixed dentures are incredibly durable and can potentially last a lifetime. However, you’ll likely need some sort of adjustment over the years. The moment you’re teeth are removed for the dentures, your jaw bone will shrink.
The shrinkage causes your jaw to change shape. The more your jaw shape changes, the more likely it’ll become that you need an adjustment for your fixed dentures.
The Downside of Fixed Dentures
Now, let’s look at the things you should take into consideration that are possible cons for fixed dentures. For starters, although fixed dentures are considered safe, you will have to undergo a surgical procedure.
While unlikely, it’s possible that after the surgery you’ll have inflammation, or even have to deal with an infection. However, as long as you follow the prosthodontist and dentist’s instructions, it’s easy to avoid infections.
Next, you have to consider the cost of permanent dentures. The surgery and the prosthetic arch replacement are expensive, so you’ll want to find out how much your insurance can cover.
You’ll also have to stay up to date on your dental cleanings, since fixed dentures aren’t something you can remove and clean on your own. Finally, if you don’t go to a skilled prosthodontist, your teeth won’t have the natural look you’re going for, and it’ll be harder to correct.
How Dentures Are Installed Permanently
The first step in getting fixed dentures is to have an oral examination. The examination will evaluate your dentition, and it’ll also include a scan of your jawbone.
During the examination, the prosthodontist will also be able to determine your level of dental health and identify anything that could cause issues with the dentures later on. For instance, if you have excess flabby tissue on your gums, this could affect the way your dentures fit. Your prosthodontist may suggest removing the excess flabby tissue, to help the false teeth fit properly.
After looking at the jaw bone scan, the prosthodontist can then determine the best locations for the implant placements. You’ll need 2 implants in the back of the jawbone, and 2 implants in the anterior region.
Moving on, you’ll create an imprint of your gums, using a poured plaster. Before you leave your first appointment, you’ll also discuss how you want your new smile to look. For instance, you’ll get a chance to talk about the shape, shading, and size of your new teeth.
During the 2nd and 3rd visits, you’ll go through different steps to help determine if the new teeth will fit properly in your mouth. Finally, you’ll schedule the surgery date to have the implants put in place.
Are Permanent Dentures Are Right for You?
After reading this article, do you think permanent dentures are right for you? While they do cost more, they come with all sorts of benefits.
If you’re still not sure what choice is right for you, call a prosthodontist in your area to schedule an oral examination. By getting the details about all of your options, you’ll be able to make the right choice for your smile! For more ways to invest in yourself, explore the rest of this site.
