A confident smile is more than just aesthetics; it builds confidence and reflects an individual’s well-being. With aging, injury, or dental conditions, teeth might eventually fall out, affecting oral functions and health. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers reliable solutions for tooth replacement, ensuring comfort and functionality.
Dentures are popular among patients for restoration. However, choosing between temporary dentures vs permanent dentures can be challenging. Understanding their differences, benefits, and disadvantages will help you make the right decision for your dental needs.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-fabricate prosthetic tooth replacement trays that cover the gums, ridges, and palate and can be remove from the mouth by the patient. There are three types of dentures, depending on the number of teeth missing:
- Full Dentures: Used for patients with no remaining natural teeth. Custom-made after extractions and healing.
- Partial Dentures: Designed for individuals missing only a few teeth. These dentures rely on a metal framework for stability.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: These attach to dental implants, providing better support, function, and comfort.
Insights about Permanent Dentures vs. Temporary Dentures
Traditionally, dentures are use to restore your natural teeth’s aesthetics, form, and function. When your dentist tells you to get dentures, you must ask the right questions to determine what you’re in for.
Permanent Dentures vs. Temporary Dentures
- Temporary Dentures: Temporary dentures are replacement teeth that can be worn immediately after tooth extraction, which is why they are also called immediate dentures. They’re a good option for individuals with sensitive teeth. Quick dentures are usually worn for two or three months after tooth removal.
- Permanent Dentures: Permanent Dentures allow people with missing teeth to eat and speak properly. Before using permanent dentures, the dentist will provide temporary dentures to help the mouth adjust before applying permanent dentures. Getting permanent dentures may take up to 3-7 weeks after the immediate ones.
The Process of Getting Permanent Dentures
Getting permanent dentures requires several meetings with your dentist, and it may take about 3-6 weeks to get your final set of dentures. Visiting your dentist for permanent dentures will involve the following steps:
- Consultation & Taking Impressions: When you visit your dentist for complete dentures, he will take several images of your jaw and measure the space in your mouth.
- Models: After taking the impressions, your dentist will make a wax or plastic mold of the exact shape of the denture. You can try it out first and ask for any color, shape, and adjustments before the actual dentures are ready.
- Implantation: After taking impressions and trying out different models, your dentist will fix the final dentures in your mouth and make the necessary adjustments.
Permanent Dentures vs. Temporary Dentures: Key Differences
Both temporary and permanent dentures play a crucial role in oral rehabilitation. Key differences between the temporary and permanent dentures are:
Purpose:
- Temporary Dentures: Serve as protective prostheses for the short term after extractions or implants to allow the healing of the gums and prevent infection or trauma.
- Permanent Dentures: These offer durable long-term solutions for missing teeth and are placed after the complete recovery post extraction.
Durability:
- Temporary dentures: They are made from less durable material and are intended for short-term use.
- Permanent dentures: They are made with high-quality acrylic resin to ensure they last for numerous years.
Treatment Timeline:
- Immediate Dentures or Temporary Dentures: They require minimal prep time as they are place immediately after extraction.
- Permanent Dentures: Require healing before treatment can be started. They also require elaborate measurements and evaluation of oral structures to ensure an accurate fit. The patient must visit the dental office at least four to five times before the prosthetic is ready.
Costs:
- Temporary Dentures: Cost less because of the quality of the material used for fabrication.
- Permanent Dentures: They are more expensive because of their premium material, durability, and customization.
Fit and comfort:
- Temporary Dentures: These may require adjustments as they are not custom-fitted and can feel less comfortable.
- Permanent Dentures: Provide a precise fit and require only minor adjustments. They offer a more secure fit than temporary dentures for comfortable chewing and speaking.
Aesthetic appeal:
- Temporary Dentures: They are not as natural-looking as permanent dentures.
- Permanent Dentures: Designed to match the facial structure and gumline, providing a more natural appearance
Cost Comparison: Permanent Vs. Temporary Dentures
The cost difference between the two options is significant because it considers the timeline for which they are use. Temporary dentures cost less than permanent dentures.
Permanent dentures have higher upfront costs, and the expenses can increase with additional treatments like dental implants. Permanent denture costs are, however, justified with better comfort, durability, and a natural look. With premium quality materials, they do not irritate the gums and adapt perfectly to the oral structures.
Consultation Process: Temporary vs. Permanent Dentures
1: Initial Consultation & Impressions
- The dentist takes images and impressions to assess oral structure.
2: Trial Models & Adjustments
- Patients try wax or plastic molds before final dentures are create.
3: Final Denture Placement
- Permanent dentures are custom-fit for optimal function and aesthetics.
Can Immediate Dentures Be Permanent?
Immediate dentures, known as temporary dentures, are not design for long-term use. While they provide immediate tooth replacement, they are not built to resist the long-term wear and pressure that permanent dentures can handle.
For durability, comfort, and long-term oral health, it is advise that you switch to permanent dentures.
Final Thoughts
Both temporary and permanent dentures serve vital roles in dental restoration. If you need an immediate solution after tooth extraction, temporary dentures provide short-term functionality. Also, permanent dentures are the preferred option for long-term comfort, and a natural look. The right choice relies on your oral health needs, lifestyle, and budget.
If you’re unsure which option best suits you, consult a professional dentist.
Consult Our Expert Dentists at Stillwater, MN
If you want to make the right choice, seek help from our highly qualified dental professionals at Valley Ridge Dental to choose the right option for you and regain the confidence for a better life.
Book an appointment with us at (651) 439-0322 or visit us at 12425 55th St N Suite B, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
