The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that over 36 million Americans are edentulous, meaning they’ve lost all their teeth, and approximately 15% of that group have a set of dentures made each year. But with so many different types of dentures available, you may wonder which is right for you. If you’re looking for dentures that offer maximum stability and functionality, permanent dentures may be the ideal solution.
What Are Permanent Dentures?
Permanent dentures are a secure, non-removable type of implant denture designed for maximum stability. Instead of a bulky traditional denture, we permanently cement a beautiful zirconia or Zantex™ roundhouse bridge to the implants. By anchoring the roundhouse bridge to 10-12 mini dental implants, we can fully restore your upper or lower teeth with exceptional strength and function. Our trusted lab customizes each denture to match your unique bone structure and facial shape, ensuring a natural look and feel. With this level of precision and support, permanent dentures provide the closest experience to having natural teeth again. That’s why we call them the “Cadillac of dentures.”
The Issues With Traditional Dentures
The old-fashioned dentures you picture sitting on your grandparent’s nightstand have served their purpose for many years, but they have several limitations. For starters, they’re much bigger and bulkier than permanent dentures, affecting your comfort. The upper denture also covers your palate, impacting your ability to taste your food. And while they do bring back a full smile, these artificial teeth don’t pack the same biting power as your natural ones, making some foods difficult—or impossible—to eat. Because denture teeth are made out of plastic instead of high-end materials like zirconia, they don’t provide the same aesthetic appeal or function.
Traditional dentures can also become frustratingly unstable. They need to rest snugly against your gums for support. This means that, over time, they will need periodic professional readjustments to maintain their tight fit. Why? While using traditional dentures, your jawbone deteriorates as a natural consequence of tooth loss. These bone changes, plus factors like weight fluctuation, illness, medication use, and regular denture wear and tear, can affect the fit. After a while, the dentures will feel loose and begin to move in your mouth—something we call “floating dentures.” This instability can cause your teeth to shift or fall out, leading to embarrassing moments while eating, speaking, or laughing.
The Benefits of Permanent Dentures
At the Utah Denture and Implant Center, we want all our patients to enjoy the benefits of a secure, functional smile. We often recommend permanent dentures because of their many advantages:
- Superior stability: We use a series of mini implants positioned throughout the jaw, creating a remarkably stable foundation for your roundhouse bridge.
- Most natural look and feel: Old-fashioned dentures can be bulky, uncomfortable, and unnatural looking. With permanent dentures, people will only know those aren’t your natural teeth if you let them in on the secret.
- Excellent durability: The zirconia material used to make the bridge is ten times stronger than natural tooth enamel. As a result, permanent dentures supported by sturdy titanium implants are made to last.
- Minimally invasive procedure: Mini implants provide the foundation for your denture, and placing them in your jaw is simple. Dr. Tillmann uses a gentle, minimally invasive technique that doesn’t require traditional surgical techniques like incisions and stitches. In just 1-2 hours, Dr. Tillmann can place the implants and attach new teeth.
- No more fuss: Perhaps the best part of choosing permanent dentures is peace of mind. Imagine not having to worry about your dentures slipping, the need for frequent removal and cleaning, the mess from using adhesives for extra stability, or the risk of losing or damaging them when taken out. If you’re exploring your denture options, these are all issues that permanent dentures can help you avoid.
Permanent dentures function like natural teeth, and you’ll care for them in a similar way. While the artificial teeth are stain-resistant and won’t develop cavities, a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential because healthy gums are critical for denture support. Regular home care—brushing, flossing with a WaterPik, rinsing—and dental checkups with Dr. Tillmann will help your implants and prosthetic last a lifetime.
How Much Do Implant Dentures Cost?
Permanent implant dentures are an investment in your health and the lifestyle you want to live. At the Utah Denture and Implant Center, we strive to make quality dental care affordable for everyone. This commitment starts with a free implant denture consultation to determine if implant dentures are right for you. At this visit, we’ll take a 3D scan of your mouth and jaw, discuss your needs, and make recommendations—with no obligation to move forward.
Many patients wonder if dental insurance will help cover the cost of permanent dentures. While most insurance plans provide some coverage—typically between $1,000 and $3,000—this amount often falls short of the total cost. That’s because our permanent dentures are highly personalized, use the best quality materials, and are customized by leading dental labs. This precision and craftsmanship ensures the best fit, function, and aesthetics, making them a worthwhile investment in your long-term oral health.
To help manage out-of-pocket costs, we offer flexible financing options through third-party providers. These options allow you to manage costs in a way that works for your budget.
It’s important to note that when you invest in fixed dentures with us, your treatment includes more than just the procedure itself. We cover maintenance and follow-ups for three to five years to ensure everything remains in top condition. This includes necessary adjustments, relines, and even additional implants if needed. As long as you maintain regular cleanings and checkups, your dentures are backed by our guarantee, giving you peace of mind in your investment!
Discover if Permanent Dentures Right for You
Losing your natural teeth can impact your confidence and quality of life, but permanent dentures offer a reliable solution. Designed for comfort, stability, and a natural appearance, they restore your smile while making everyday activities like eating and speaking easier.
Dr. Tillmann and his experienced team are here to help you love your smile again. If you’re considering permanent dentures or have questions, we encourage you to schedule a free implant denture consultation.
