What are dentures made of?

Dentures bases and the artificial teeth are typically made of acrylic resin, a type of plastic or porcelain. - Acrylic resin is strong, adheres well to the base, and is relatively easy to adjust - Porcelain offers a more natural look and potentially longer-lasting durability. However, porcelain can be more prone to chipping or cracking. The base of the denture,...

How do I clean dentures?

- To properly clean dentures, remove them from your mouth daily and rinse under cool or lukewarm water to remove any loose food particles. - Brush all surfaces daily using a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. - Soak in a denture solution overnight to remove stains and bacteria. - Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be...

Dentures: Temporary & Permanent, Costs, Pros & Cons

ADULTS

Dentures: Temporary & Permanent, Costs, Pros & Cons

Last updated 06/25

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

Temporary Dentures: Ideal for immediate use after tooth extractions, offering a temporary solution while your mouth heals.
Permanent Dentures: Provide a long-term, custom-fit solution with a more natural appearance and better comfort.
Costs: Temporary dentures are generally more affordable, but permanent dentures offer better value over time due to their durability and fit.
Decision Factors: Consider your budget, the time you can spend on the fitting process, and your long-term dental health when choosing between temporary and permanent dentures.

What Are Dentures?

Removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues.

Full, or a complete denture, replaces an entire arch of missing teeth. It rests atop your gums and relies on your palate (the roof of your mouth) or lower jawbone ridge for support.

Partial dentures are used if you’re missing several or most of your teeth in one or both jaws. They rely on gums and underlying bone for support. They also have special clasps that hook around remaining teeth, providing additional stability

There are also temporary dentures (also known as immediate) and permanent dentures. Each serves a unique purpose and comes with its own set of benefits and considerations.

What Are Temporary Dentures?

Temporary dentures, or immediate dentures, are designed to be worn right after tooth extraction. They're a short-term solution that allows you to maintain appearance and function while your mouth heals.

What Are Permanent Dentures?

Permanent dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth after it has healed from extractions. They're designed for long-term use and offer a more natural look and feel.

Pros of Permanent Dentures
- Better Fit: Permanent dentures are custom-made to fit your healed gums, which offers improved comfort and stability.
- Natural Appearance: Permanent dentures look more like natural teeth, enhancing your smile and confidence.
- Durability: With proper care, permanent dentures are designed to be very durable and can last for many years, typically between 5 to 10 years, before needing replacement.
Cons of Permanent Dentures
- Higher Cost: Permanent dentures tend to be more expensive due to the customization and materials used.
- Longer Process: The fitting process can take several months, as your mouth needs time to heal.
- Maintenance: Permanent dentures require regular cleaning and occasional adjustments.
- Dental Implants
- Dental implants are another long-term solution that, with proper care and regular dental check-ups, are designed to last for many years. While the implant post itself can last a lifetime, the crown attached to it may need to be repaired or replaced over time due to normal wear.
- Offer better chewing efficiency, stability, and aesthetics.
- More expensive than dentures.

Cost Comparison

The cost of dentures can vary based on materials, customization, and location. Here's a general breakdown:

Temporary Dentures are £240 - £950 per arch
Permanent Dentures are £400 - £2,400+ per arch
Dental Implants cost £2,400 - $£4,800 for a single implant

Note that most people need both upper and lower dentures, so costs can double. Dental insurance may cover part of the cost, and financing options are often available to make dentures more affordable.

Older woman looking at her smile in a mirror in a dentist’s office

Before and After Getting Dentures

Before
- Noticeable gaps in the smile which can affect appearance and confidence
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, and maintaining facial structure
- Individuals may feel self-conscious or uncomfortable due to the appearance of their smile
After
- A natural-looking smile, enhanced facial contours and restored youthfulness
- Ability to chew a wider variety of foods, more clear speech, and a better quality of life
- Greater self-esteem and confidence from a restored smile and improved functionality

Summary

Choosing between temporary and permanent dentures depends on your individual needs, budget, and the state of your oral health. Temporary dentures can provide immediate relief and functionality, while permanent dentures offer a more comfortable and natural-looking solution in the long run.

There are also cost and procedure considerations that can affect your decision. Permanent dentures cost more and require a longer process, but they fit better and last longer. That’s even more true of dental implants, which are the most permanent solution but cost the most and are the most involved.

Consulting with your dentist can help you determine the best option for your oral health and lifestyle.

Dental Procedures: Options for a Strong, More Confident Smile

Modern dentistry can help address concerns, improve appearance, and keep your oral health in check. Support your at-home care following dental procedures with a thorough oral care routine.

Your personalised tooth brushing routine can help support the care of existing dental work and maintain a strong smile:

A personalised at-home hygiene routine of brushing twice daily, and flossing at least once a day, can help support long-term oral care following treatment, for a cleaner, more confident smile.

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FAQs

Dentures bases and the artificial teeth are typically made of acrylic resin, a type of plastic or porcelain.
- Acrylic resin is strong, adheres well to the base, and is relatively easy to adjust
- Porcelain offers a more natural look and potentially longer-lasting durability. However, porcelain can be more prone to chipping or cracking. The base of the denture, which fits onto the gums and supports the teeth, can also be made of acrylic, metal, or even a flexible polymer.
- To properly clean dentures, remove them from your mouth daily and rinse under cool or lukewarm water to remove any loose food particles.
- Brush all surfaces daily using a soft-bristled denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser.
- Soak in a denture solution overnight to remove stains and bacteria.
- Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive.
- Use a denture brush, or a soft toothbrush, to clean all surfaces of the dentures.
- Rinse dentures well after soaking to remove any cleanser residue.

Sources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10900-dentures
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/dental-implants
https://www.healthline.com/health/dentures-vs-implants#complications
https://www.mayoclinic.org/denture-care/expert-answers/faq-20058375#:~:text=Brush%20your%20dentures%20at%20least%20daily.&text=Soak%20and%20brush%20them%20with,rid%20of%20any%20leftover%20adhesive.
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dentures
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene
https://www.dentalhealth.org/pages/category/treatments-and-procedures?take=17&Take=17
https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/protect-my-smile/procedures.html
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/dental-treatments/
Grender, J., et al. (2020). An 8-week randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of a novel oscillating-rotating toothbrush versus a manual toothbrush on plaque and gingivitis. International Dental Journal, 70, S7–S15. https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12571
He, T., et al. (2017). The Case for Stabilized Stannous Fluoride Dentifrice: An Advanced Formulation Designed for Patient Preference. Journal of Clinical Dentistry, 28(4 Spec No B), B1-5. Link to: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29334434/
Kiesow, A., et al (2024). High-Resolution Characterization of Enamel Remineralization Using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Electron Microscopy. Caries Research, 58(4), 407–420. https://doi.org/10.1159/000535979

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