These days, an increasing number of Americans are suffering from severe tooth loss. As a result, many people are considering dentures as an excellent solution to the problem of missing teeth. If you’ve lost your teeth to decay, gum disease, or trauma/accident, you must have searched for “Permanent Dentures vs. Temporary Dentures” on Google to find out which option is best for you.
Missing teeth can diminish your appearance and also result in the loss of functionality and confidence. People with tooth loss mainly tend to search about different types of dentures, their costs, benefits, etc.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth and their surrounding tissues. There are mainly two types of dentures –
- Complete Dentures
- Partial Dentures
Complete Dentures are used if a person is missing a complete set of teeth, whereas Partial Dentures are recommended when some natural teeth are left in the mouth.
Whether your dentist recommends you to get complete or partial dentures, there are still two types of dentures, which can be fitted inside your mouth to replace missing teeth, namely –
- Temporary Dentures
- Permanent Dentures
Both have their pros & cons and serve different purposes. This blog will answer all your questions about the key differences between permanent and temporary dentures.
Insights about Permanent Dentures vs. Temporary Dentures
Traditionally, dentures have been used to restore your natural teeth’ aesthetics, form, and function. When your dentist suggests you get dentures, you need to ask the right questions to figure out 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; this is why temporary dentures are also called immediate dentures. They’re a good option for people with sensitive teeth. Immediate dentures are usually worn for two or three months after teeth removal.
- Permanent Dentures: Permanent Dentures give people with missing teeth the ability to eat and speak properly. Before applying permanent dentures, the dentist will provide temporary ones to help your mouth adjust. Getting permanent dentures may take up to 3-7 weeks after getting 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 below-mentioned 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 mold of wax or plastic in 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
- Temporary Dentures: Temporary Dentures are used before oral surgery or any other dental procedure. The main objective of temporary dentures is to secure a spot for permanent dentures. They prevent your teeth from crowding and shifting. These dentures are called “temporary” because they eventually need to be replaced with permanent ones. They do not always provide the most accurate fit. Your temporary partials can be kept as a backup after receiving permanent dentures.
- Permanent Dentures: If you want a custom fit and overall comfort, you will have to wait until you receive your permanent dentures. These are created to be worn for years unless your mouth experiences significant changes. You may visit your dentist frequently to get the perfect fit for your mouth. Even though permanent dentures may seem expensive, they provide comfort and durability. Since they have less room for bacteria to thrive, they’re considered much healthier.
Permanent Dentures vs. Temporary Dentures: Pros & Cons
After your dentist suggests getting dentures, you must carefully consider the pros and cons of Permanent Dentures vs. Temporary Dentures. Like everything else, permanent & temporary dentures have their merits and demerits.
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Pros of Temporary Dentures
There’s a reason why these dentures are called “temporary”; they’re created in advance and are supposed to be worn during the adjustment period before you finally get permanent ones.
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Immediately Fill Gaps
Temporary dentures are used to fill the gaps left behind after tooth extraction.
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Protect Gums
These dentures protect the gums during the healing process after tooth extraction surgery and help minimize bleeding gum problems.
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Available for One or Two Full Sets
Another advantage of having temporary dentures is that they can be prepared and fitted for a single tooth, two teeth, or a complete mouth set.
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Cons of Temporary Dentures
Temporary dentures also have their problems. For instance, they may not be a good fit for your mouth, or perhaps they don’t feel like natural teeth, and you have to wear them for four to six months until your permanent dentures arrive.
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Doesn’t Fit Properly
Temporary dentures are made in advance, so they don’t fit perfectly in your mouth. There are chances that you may feel soreness until your mouth adjusts to the dentures.
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Doesn’t Feel like Natural Teeth
A big drawback about temporary dentures is that they don’t give the feel of natural teeth; also, they lack the sharpness of permanent dentures, making chewing harder for some people.
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Pros of Permanent Dentures
People feel that permanent dentures are more convenient and pleasant. With permanent dentures, you don’t need to worry about your artificial teeth moving.
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Permanent Solution
Permanent Dentures are long-lasting for people with missing teeth. They enable them to feel like they’re eating and performing their daily routine with their natural teeth.
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Natural Look
Unlike temporary dentures, permanent dentures give a more natural look to your teeth.
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Offer a Better Fit
When you visit your dentist to get permanent dentures, your dentist designs permanent dentures to fit perfectly in your mouth, while temporary ones may cause changes in your facial expressions.
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Lasts Longer
With proper care, permanent dentures can last longer than other options.
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Cons of Permanent Dentures
The main disadvantage of having permanent dentures is that they require surgery. The procedure is safe, yet the healing process can be long and uncomfortable.
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Costly
Permanent Dentures are expensive compared to temporary ones or other options. The cost of surgery and implants are included in the overall price of permanent dentures.
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Complex Cleaning Process
Due to additional components like implants, cleaning permanent dentures is tough.
Permanent Dentures vs. Temporary Dentures? Are You Still Unable to Decide? Contact Valley Ridge Dental Now!
Are you still searching for Permanent Dentures vs. Temporary Dentures online? If yes, call us at (651) 439-0322 or visit our website and fill out the appointment form.
You can also visit our office at 12425 55th Street North, Lake Elmo, MN, 55042. Our office is open from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm from Monday to Thursday.
At Valley Ridge Dental, we believe in treating all our patients like friends and family, addressing their concerns immediately. If you’re exploring different ways to replace your missing or decayed teeth, request an appointment today!
