If you’re weighing your options for dental restoration after total tooth loosing one jaw or both, two of the more commonly offered alternatives are permanent, implant-supported dentures and traditional, removable ones. Of the two, permanent dentures are the option that are generally recommended by dental professionals, since implant-based restoration offers a number of important benefits that removable dentures cannot. Here are the top 5 advantages of permanent dentures vs. removable dentures.

1. Dental Implants: Preserve The Jawbone

Bone loss in the jaw is an unfortunate consequence of tooth loss – or more accurately, the loss of tooth roots. Like muscles, bones need a little daily stress to stimulate growth and repair, and in the jawbone, that stress is provided by tooth roots as you bite and chew. A jawbone that lacks that stimulation will shrink – a process called bone resorption. Permanent dentures, since they replace tooth roots with dental implants, provide the stimulation the jawbone needs to maintain its size, strength and density. Removable dentures, on the other hand, only replace the crown portion of the teeth, which does nothing to prevent bone loss. In fact, the pressure they place on the gum ridge and underlying bone tends to accelerate the process.

2. Permanent Dentures: Provide Greater Comfort

Among the more troublesome issues common with removable dentures are changes in denture fit. This occurs as the gum ridge shrinks and changes shape as the jawbone beneath it melts away, undermining the support removable dentures need for adequate retention. The result is denture slippage as a person eats, speaks or laughs. Since permanent dentures better preserve the jawbone and are anchored securely to it with dental implants, their fit will not deteriorate over time like that of removable dentures, so you won’t suffer the hassles and embarrassment of ill-fitting dentures.

3. Better Oral Health And Function

The superior fit and retention of permanent dentures offer significant advantages in oral health and function over removable ones. Since permanent, implant-supported dentures will not loosen and slip, they will not cause the friction-related gum pain and mouth sores that can be an issue with removable dentures. Additionally, since permanent dentures are firmly anchored to the jawbone like natural teeth, they feel and function like them, offering comparable bite force and chewing efficiency. That means you won’t have the trouble eating that people wearing removable dentures do, so you’ll still be able to enjoy corn on the cob or biting into a nice, juicy apple.

4. Permanent Dentures: Last Longer

Permanent dentures offer greater longevity than removable dentures. To maintain proper fit and function, removable dentures must be relined or replaced every 5 to 7 years. Permanent dentures, since dental implants have an average lifespan of 25 years, can last for decades – even a lifetime with careful oral hygiene and regular dental care.

5. Permanent Dentures Vs. Removable Dentures: The Aesthetic Differences

Permanent dentures offer better, more natural-looking aesthetic outcomes than removable dentures. In terms of your immediate dental restoration results, you can expect your permanent dentures to be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth in appearance. In terms of long-term appearance, the protection against bone loss that implants offer preserves facial structure, so you won’t develop that look of premature aging that can occur as bone loss erodes support for facial features, a common problem with removable denture use.

Given the many advantages of permanent dentures vs. removable dentures, it just makes sense to see your oral surgeon for a consultation. Why settle for less than the best when it comes to your oral health, comfort and appearance?

For more information on permanent dentures or dental implants, contact our office at (202) 386-7100.