Dentures: Facts, Figures and Friendly Advice for Seniors

Permanent Or Removable? Deciding What Type Of Dentures To Go With

9 February 2015

Herman Kim

If you have teeth loss, getting a set of dentures is a great way to improve your teeth function. Dentures also help to re-align your facial muscles, restore speech pronunciation and improve your looks as well. As you plan how to get your new dentures, you'll have to decide whether to get permanent or removable ones. Read on to learn what to expect from both so that you can make a more informed decision.

Removable dentures

Removable dentures are the most common dentures around. This is mostly due to the fact that the technology that has been around the longest. Removable dentures simply feature a molded plastic prosthetic that fits onto your gums. Removable dentures can be complete or partial depending on your teeth loss.

When it comes to daily use, removable dentures make it easy to clean or remove when you choose to. They are ideal for patients seeking to cover up damaged teeth. This is because, should your natural teeth need removal or examination, it will be effortless to remove the dentures. They are also much cheaper compared to the permanent alternative.

However, part of the cons is that they do not feel completely natural, as they may move about when eating. This calls for periodic refitting and realigning by a denturist. Removable dentures are also prone to damage especially if they fall. This may require replacement or specialised repair from your denturist.

Permanent dentures

Permanent dentures are the newer concept of wearing dentures. Basically, the prosthetics used in permanent dentures are similar to the ones used in removable dentures. The main difference lies with the how they are worn. With permanent dentures, socket holes are drilled into the jaw through the gum, the same way dental implants are fitted. The prosthetics are then either fitted by being screwed in place or by being locked in place via a ball joint.

Permanent dentures, once installed, can go for years without you needing to remove them. This eases maintenance and reduces cases of accidental falls and damage. They are ideal where total teeth loss has occurred. Permanent dentures also provide better grip which improves their feel, and offers better bone support for a more natural look. They are also highly durable and can last many years without needing any replacement.

The only cons to permanent dentures are that they are expensive; although, this is neutralized by their durability and maintenance-free use. They are also intrusive during installation, as they have to be drilled into the jaws.

Visit your dentist or denturist, such as those found at The Denture Centre, for a personal consultation. They will be in a position to offer detailed advice after an examination, depending on the state of your teeth and what you hope to achieve.

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