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Temporary vs. Permanent Dentures: Pros and Cons

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Temporary vs. Permanent Dentures: Pros and Cons

Thirty-five million Americans have missing teeth. Of those 35 million, 90% wear dentures. If you’re missing teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease, or need to have teeth surgically removed, you’re not alone. These issues can be painful and embarrassing, but with the right help, you can get back a full and healthy smile. But when it comes to temporary vs permanent dentures, which is the right solution for you?

Temporary vs permanent dentures?

Temporary dentures are often used when you are getting ready for oral surgery or other dental procedures. They help to secure the spot for a dental implant and keep other teeth from shifting or crowding the space. These dentures may not always offer the best fit, and may need to be replaced with permanent dentures later. After being fitted for permanent dentures, you may wish to keep your temporary set as a backup.

Permanent dentures offer a better fit and increased comfort than a temporary option, and are designed to be worn for many years, barring any changes to your mouth. Permanent dentures take several office visits to get the perfect custom fit. They’re usually more expensive, but offer better durability and comfort. Permanent dentures are also healthier for your mouth, as they leave less space for bacteria to build up.

Which is better?

Many patients—especially those who have recently undergone tooth extraction surgery—use temporary instead of permanent dentures. However, temporary dentures are made before your surgery, so it’s difficult to know exactly how your mouth will look after your teeth are removed. This can often cause pain, irritation or infection, gum disease, and other serious dental health concerns.

Luckily, that problem doesn’t apply to permanent dentures, which are molded to your gums only after they’ve healed. This makes it easier for your dentist to create a perfect custom fit. So long as you take proper care of them and practice good oral hygiene, you don’t need to worry about permanent dentures causing irritation, infection, or tooth decay. You also won’t need to worry about them shifting around in your mouth, clicking, or rubbing your gums raw. They’re made specifically for you, and unless your mouth undergoes any drastic changes, permanent dentures can last a lifetime.

How do you choose?

Before deciding on either option, speak with your dentist, who can help you weigh the following considerations.

Temporary dentures

Pros:

  • Usually the cheaper option
  • Help maintain your mouth and gum shape before or after oral surgery
  • Can be a full set or just one or two teeth

Cons:

  • As the name suggests, temporary dentures are just that: temporary
  • Usually have a worse fit than permanent dentures
  • More likely to cause issues such as irritation, discomfort, bacteria buildup, bad breath, and difficulty chewing, drinking, or talking

Permanent dentures

Pros:

  • Custom-fitted for your mouth for better comfort and stability
  • With proper care, permanent dentures will last a lifetime
  • Look natural
  • Like temporary dentures, permanent dentures can be removed for easy cleaning

Cons:

  • More expensive
  • Require more time for the ideal fit

We are always happy to book a consultation with you to learn more about your specific oral health needs, including helping you decide on temporary vs permanent dentures. If you’ve been wondering about dentures for a while, don’t wait any longer—contact our office today.

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Dr. Wesley Mullins

Dentist at My Family Dentistry
We're so glad you've found My Family Dentistry, and we want you to get to know us! My Family Dentistry serving Powell and Knoxville, TN practices a uniquely comfortable dentistry approach to dental services.