Are you considering your denture options? Permanent dentures can offer a permanent solution to tooth loss, but it is important to weigh this option’s pros and cons to ensure it’s the right choice for you. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what permanent dentures are, how they differ from traditional dentures, and their benefits and potential drawbacks. We will also provide guidance on deciding if they’re an appropriate fit for your lifestyle and oral health needs. Read on to learn more!
Reasons to Consider Permanent Dentures
Missing Teeth/Dental Health Issues/Appearance
Missing teeth can have a significant impact on dental health and appearance. Not only can gaps in your smile make it difficult to chew and speak, but they can also lead to more serious dental health issues, such as gum disease and bone loss. Permanent dentures may be the answer for those looking for a long-term solution. Unlike traditional dentures, permanent ones are fixed in place, offering a more natural look and feel. Additionally, permanent dentures can help prevent further dental health issues by stabilizing the remaining teeth and supporting the jawbone. Considering permanent dentures can improve dental health and appearance, making them an option worth considering.
Improved Eating Habits
Losing teeth can be embarrassing and have a major impact on the aesthetics of your smile. Not having enough teeth can interfere with your ability to chew or speak properly. If you are dealing with missing teeth, it is important to explore all available options to restore your dental health and overall appearance. Permanent dentures, also called implant-supported prostheses, are an increasingly popular choice as they will give you instant and permanent results that look just like natural teeth. These dentures are designed to work with your existing bone structure and provide a secure fit that won’t slip out of place during everyday activities like eating or talking. Additionally, these dentures require far less maintenance than traditional removable ones, making them an excellent long-term solution for restoring dental health and improving your confidence in the appearance of your smile.
Enhaced Dental Hygiene
Maintaining proper dental hygiene is essential for overall health, yet it can be challenging for some individuals to perform adequately. Permanent dentures offer a practical solution for those struggling with traditional dental care. Not only do they assist in maintaining excellent oral hygiene, but they also offer a comfortable fit and a natural-looking appearance. With extensive dental advancements, permanent dentures have become more prevalent and a viable option for individuals of all ages. Compared to traditional dentures, permanent dentures eliminate the need for adhesive creams and are an excellent choice for those struggling with gum disease or tooth decay. Investing in permanent dentures can greatly enhance dental hygiene, leading to a healthier and happier life.
Decision-Making Process
Evaluate Financial Situation
When considering whether permanent dentures are the right choice, it is important to evaluate your financial situation and your insurance coverage. If you will be paying out-of-pocket for your treatment plan, it is important to ensure you can afford the cost of any necessary procedures. Additionally, many dental insurance providers do not cover the full cost of permanent dentures or related expenses such as extractions and implants. Be sure to discuss these with your dentist.
Consult with a Dentist
Once you have evaluated your financial situation and assessed any potential insurance coverage, consult with your dentist regarding possible issues or risks associated with permanent dentures. Your dentist can provide you with a more detailed explanation of the risks and benefits associated with this treatment plan, as well as any other information that may help you make an informed decision.
Consider Alternatives to Permanent Dentures
Several alternatives and options are available for those looking for a tooth replacement option besides permanent dentures. These include partial dentures, dental implants, bridges, or even leaving the missing tooth space unfilled. It is important to consider all available options to ensure you have chosen the best solution for your individual needs.
Discuss the Cost of the Treatment Plan
After considering all potential solutions, including the cost, discussing your proposed treatment plan with your dentist is essential. Your dentist can provide you with an estimate of the cost of the procedure and any necessary extractions or implants, as well as answer any questions you may have about the process. Be sure to ask for a written estimate before proceeding with the treatment so there are no surprises along the way.
Advantages of Permanent Dentures
Long-Term Investment in Health and Appearance
Permanent dentures are designed to last a long time, providing patients with a secure and comfortable fit that won’t need to be replaced over the years. These dentures also offer an improved aesthetic look and feel, restoring natural facial contours and giving patients the confidence to smile with pride.
Reduced Risk of Decay/Infection
Unlike traditional dentures or partial plates, permanent dentures are permanently affixed, eliminating the risk of oral decay or infection due to shifting or improper placement. This significantly reduces the patient’s dental maintenance costs over time by reducing the frequency of visits for check-ups and cleanings.
Natural Look & Feel for Patient
Permanent dentures are designed to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, providing patients with an attractive, long-lasting solution that requires minimal upkeep. In addition, they conform to the contours of the jawline and gums to fit securely in place, creating a comfortable yet aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Disadvantages of Permanent Dentures
Expense: Upfront Costs may be high
Upfront Cost may be High: The cost of getting permanent dentures can be expensive compared to traditional dentures or partial plates, as it requires intricate labor and specialized materials that add up quickly. For this reason, many patients opt for traditional removable dentures until they can afford the more expensive permanent dentures.
Maintenance: Regular Visits to Required
While permanent dentures require less maintenance than traditional removable ones, they still need to be checked for proper fit and cleaned at least once a year by a dentist. This can add up over time in terms of money and time spent in the office.
Discomfort/Complications
While designed to fit perfectly, permanent dentures may not always do so due to changes in the patient’s jaw bone or gums. In this case, regular visits to the dentist are even more important as it allows them to adjust the fit accordingly so that it is comfortable and secure for the patient. They may also cause sore spots in the gums due to the presence of the metal screws used to secure them in place.
Conclusion
Communicating your dental health needs to a professional at an accredited dental clinic such as Sunset Dental Centre is the first step to reclaiming and maintaining better oral health. Much like any other tooth replacement option, permanent dentures can enhance your daily life if properly cared for. With the help of a specialized and experienced dentist, you can make an informed choice about potentially choosing permanent dentures based on personal factors such as oral strength, lifestyle methodology, and current finances.
In the end, among various possible options for replacing missing teeth, permanent dentures go far beyond improving one’s facial features- it also improves food digestion, speech clarity, and overall general health through improved nutrition values. Book your assessment now with Sunset Dental Centre to discuss if these options might be right for you! Call us now!