Should I Get Permanent Dentures?
Are your missing teeth stopping you from accomplishing normal day-to-day tasks such as speaking and eating? It’s time that you explored solutions.
CNS Dental offers a number of restoration dentistry options for patients who are missing one or multiple teeth. For patients who are missing several teeth, permanent dentures are a very popular choice.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of permanent dentures.
What Are Permanent Dentures?
Permanent dentures, also known as implant supported dentures, are a full set of false teeth that are inserted into your mouth. As opposed to removable temporary dentures, permanent dentures are affixed to dental implants – small metal posts surgically implanted along your gum line – to stabilize the dentures and prevent them from shifting or falling out unexpectedly.
How Long Do Permanent Dentures Last?
If properly cared for, permanent dentures can last around 10 years. After that, your dentures will likely need to be replaced to account for the shifting of your gums and the natural wear of the denture over time.
Benefits of Permanent Dentures
Permanent dentures have a great many benefits, which is why they’re such a popular option for teeth replacement.
Pros
- Function and look like normal teeth
- Don’t move around (or slip) when eating or talking
- Rarely need replacement or adjustment
- Easy to clean
- Custom fit to your mouth
Cons
- Surgery is required to install dental implants
- More costly than other options
- Can cause gum inflammation if not properly cleaned and cared for
Other Options
While permanent dentures are a strong choice for tooth replacement, they’re not the only option. Your dentist will determine the best plan for you based on your individual circumstance, including how many teeth you’re missing and your overall oral health.
Here are some other options your dentist may recommend.
Hybrid Dentures
As opposed to implant-supported dentures, hybrid dentures are secured to the jaw by screws instead of implants and can only be removed by the dentist.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are ideal for patients with otherwise strong oral health who have experienced some level of tooth decay on a single tooth or who are missing just one tooth in an area of their mouth. Depending on the circumstance of the patient, the crown – a tooth-shaped object often made from porcelain or resin – is placed on top of a shaved-down existing tooth or dental implant. This restores the look and function of the tooth.
Dental Bridges
For people missing multiple teeth in a row, dental bridges can “bridge” the gap and provide you with prosthetic teeth that look and function like natural teeth. There are multiple types of dental bridges, but the common factor is that they are anchored by a dental crown on one or both sides to cover up for missing teeth.
Permanent Dentures in Arlington, VA
If you have one or multiple missing teeth, consider setting up an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Schantz. We’ll do a full examination of your oral health and provide you with a comprehensive plan based on your needs, letting you know whether you should get permanent dentures or if a different option is better for you.