Dentures are one of the most popular choices for treating tooth loss. They are relatively cheaper than other alternatives, easy to use and maintain, and widely available in many dental clinics. My Local Dentists offers removable dentures to replace a few missing teeth or an entire arch of missing teeth.
When it comes to treatment with dentures, there are many things that patients should consider. This is where the question, “are dentures permanent” comes in. Carry on reading to learn more about denture treatment and other teeth replacement services.
Are dentures permanent?
The short answer is dentures are not permanent. Removable dentures are made of pink acrylic resin that simulates the gums and artificial teeth that fill in the spaces caused by tooth loss. These are placed over the existing bone, which supports the dentures.
Over time, several biological changes will occur to your bones and gums, resulting in ill-fitting and worn-out dentures. It helps to talk to your dentist about this, as it significantly affects your dentures and oral health.
What You Should Consider with Dentures?
Now that you know the answer to “are dentures permanent?” there are other factors that you should consider before deciding on getting removable dentures.
Bone loss can be expected
Tooth roots typically stimulate the jawbone encouraging the growth of new cells to keep the jawbone healthy and dense and to anchor the teeth in place. Unfortunately, with tooth loss, the bone will naturally remodel over time because of the lack of stimulation from the missing tooth roots. Since dentures only sit on the bony ridge, they fail to provide the necessary stimulation and may even exacerbate bone loss.
Your dentures will loosen over time
As the bone continues to recede, dentures will loosen as the jaw changes shape. Consequently, they may be more prone to slippage over time, compromising comfort and cosmetic appeal. As a result, your dentist will need to adjust the dentures regularly and even reline them for a better fit. Eventually, after around 7 to 10 years on average, they will need replacing. For this reason, dentures are not a permanent solution to tooth loss.
Dentures require removal for cleaning
Unlike fixed tooth replacement alternatives, removable dentures must be taken out of the mouth to clean them properly and rest the gums. They must be thoroughly brushed and rinsed to prevent bacteria and plaque build-up. Proper care will ensure good oral health with daily denture use.
Denture wear and tear may occur
Even with optimal oral health, it’s natural for dentures to look worn down and discoloured over time. After all, they are used every day for chewing and biting.
Enjoy A Permanent Smile with Dental Implants
Now that you know dentures are not permanent, what are your other alternatives? Our dentist may recommend getting dental implants. An implant provides a stable and strong foundation to replace missing teeth permanently.
With this alternative solution, a titanium implant screw is surgically placed in the jawbone to simulate a tooth root. This preserves the bone height while providing permanent placement for a false tooth. The cost for dental implants may be higher, but they have the potential to last for several decades, making them highly cost-effective.
Conclusion
While dentures are not permanent, they are designed to last and are an excellent choice to replace your missing teeth. With the right dentist to help you through the process and the time taken to adjust to using them, you may find dentures to be a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, you can always ask our dentist for other available restorative options.
Find out if Dentures are Right for You
Dentures restore bite functionality, revitalise the smile’s beauty, and reinforce oral health. So, contact our team at My Local Dentists for a comprehensive dental examination if you’re considering removable dentures. We will examine the health of your remaining mouth structures to determine the best option for you.
References
Colgate – What Are Dentures Made Of?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dentures/what-are-dentures-made-of
Colgate – Bone Resorption: Why It Happens And What To Do Next
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/bone-resorption-why-it-happens-and-what-to-do-next
Scielo – Alveolar Bone Resorption Following Tooth Extraction Characteristically Illustrated
http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0011-85162021000900004
PubMed Central – Alveolar ridge resorption after tooth extraction: A consequence of a fundamental principle of bone physiology
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3425398/
Mayo Clinic – Denture care: How do I clean dentures?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/denture-care/expert-answers/faq-20058375#:~:text=Remove%20and%20gently%20clean%20your,to%20remove%20any%20remaining%20adhesive.
Colgate – Dental Implants: A Permanent Tooth Replacement to Consider
https://www.colgate.com/en-ph/oral-health/implants/dental-implants-a-permanent-tooth-replacement-0413