Permanent dentures
In the past, dentures or false teeth tended to slip, slide and fall out at the most inopportune moments. Today however, permanent dentures are doing away with embarrassing slips and slides. Dentures in the past needed suction or clips to hold them in place. Permanent dentures make wearing them much easier and are much better for new denture wearers learning to chew with their newly found false teeth.
In order to fit you for permanent dentures, your dentist will need to perform several steps. Your gum tissue and the ridges in your mouth will need to be examined to ensure that they are in the right shape for supporting your dentures. If they are not, surgical reshaping will need to be performed. If no reshaping is needed, your dentist will make an impression of your upper and lower jaws that will be used to create your dentures. Once your dentures are completed and you have approved of them, you will undergo a final fitting to ensure that they fit into your mouth correctly and are comfortable for you to wear. This is your permanent mounting.
There are actually several ways that permanent dentures can be mounted into your mouth. Partial denture ridges can be mounted to natural teeth that are still in your mouth. This method is typically chosen for partial dentures and is quite effective in holding partials in place. Implantation can also be done to hold your permanent dentures in place and provide a much more effective result, particularly if you are concerned about your remaining natural teeth decaying.
An implanted permanent denture involves a surgical process whereby titanium rods are inserted directly into bone tissue that is located in your gums. These titanium rods are positioned by the shape and the location of your dentures. They will either point up or down from your jaw or face outward. Once your gums have healed from the surgical procedure, the dentures will be permanently cemented into the posts that are left exposed and this will securely hold your dentures into place. Implanted dentures look and feel much more natural than standard dentures.
Permanent dentures are typically chosen to replace natural teeth that have been lost due to poor oral conditions and/or injuries. They help to maintain the health of the oral tissues as well as any remaining natural teeth. Many people choose permanent dentures because they look so much more natural and because they have no risk of loosening or moving while eating or talking.
It is important to understand however that while others around you may not know that you have dentures, you will be able to tell the difference. You will need to allow yourself time to get used to wearing these teeth. It can often take from two to six weeks before you get completely used to your new dentures. Even if you have traditional dentures, permanent ones will take some time before they feel natural. You may feel that they are coming loose or have an excessive amount of saliva. Many patients have difficulty pronouncing certain words as well as a bit of soreness after their permanent dentures have been implanted. These feelings will subside once you become accustomed to wearing your permanent dentures.
You should also note that just because they are considered permanent, these dentures are not designed to last indefinitely. You should have them rechecked every year particularly if you notice any clicking, slipping or whistling or if you experience any pain, problems chewing or sore spots in your mouth. Permanent dentures are made to fit comfortably and firmly in your jaw, but it is important to understand that your jaw may change from year to year. The typical denture wearer will lose approximately 1/3 of their bone height each year so you should visit your dentist on a yearly basis to refit your permanent dentures or to make a new set when needed. Most patients have new dentures made every five to seven years.
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