What Kinds of Permanent Dentures Are There?

Dental options have come a long way since George Washington's wooden dentures. Modern dentistry allows for a number of options based on considerations such as overall dental health, patient age and short-term or long-term solution. One such option is a permanent denture solution. Depending upon the overall state of your teeth, however, there are options in permanent dentures, namely partial permanent dentures and complete permanent dentures.

Partial Permanent Dentures

• Partial permanent dentures are ideal for patients who are missing only a few teeth. The denturist first assesses the condition of the remaining natural teeth to see if a partial permanent denture is an option. Natural teeth need to be in good condition as they affect the longevity of the permanent denture, as it is bonded to the natural teeth. Tooth decay or injuries to the natural teeth may be cause for the permanent dentures to be replaced.

Complete Permanent Dentures

• Implanted permanent dentures can be an option for patients missing a few teeth or for patients who need full sets of dentures. The denturist will first assess the condition of the gum line to ensure the gums are healthy and capable of holding them. This type of denture requires that titanium rods be screwed into the gum line and anchored in to the bone. Once the gums have healed properly, the permanent denture is then cemented on to the titanium rods.

Advantages of Permanent Dentures

• Permanent dentures give the denture wearer more confidence and freedom as she no longer has to worry about removing the dentures at night for her gums to "breathe" as with removable dentures. She will no longer have to soak her dentures in cleaning solution overnight or resort to using denture adhesives to keep them in place. Permanent dentures cannot get misplaced or broken as they do not leave the mouth.

Denture Care

• First time denture wearers must allow a period of adjustment to the new dentures. They may find they salivate more than usual and the feeling of the dentures in the mouth will take some getting used to. Permanent dentures are easier to care for as they do not have to be removed for cleaning. They can be cleaned with a soft bristled toothbrush and mild non-abrasive toothpaste. Regular dental appointments are still necessary to keep your permanent dentures in proper working condition and to maintain the health of your gums and overall mouth health.