A removable denture is pretty self-explanatory. You can take your denture out at any time, typically to clean it after eating or at night to give your gums a break. A permanent denture also seems to have an obvious definition. When combined with dental implants, the denture is anchored to your jawbone and never comes out. But what are semi-permanent dentures? How can a restoration both be permanent and removable?
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we offer semi-permanent dentures that combine the stability of a permanent restoration with the convenience of a removable one.
What Are Semi-Permanent Dentures?
Semi-permanent dentures are held in place with dental implants. These titanium screws anchor in your jawbone, taking the place of missing tooth roots to keep your jaw healthy and create a strong foundation for denture restorations.
However, during regular dental visits, we will remove your denture for routine maintenance. So while you never remove your denture prosthetic, we will!
This is made possible thanks to the special O-rings inside the housings of your denture. O-rings are small rubber rings that fit inside the openings in your denture. These rings fit snugly around your implants when on, creating retention that keeps your prosthetic in place.
To remove the denture, we will push against the prosthetic until it “snaps” off your denture. However, we wouldn’t recommend trying to remove your own denture at home. Unlike a removable implant denture that you take out whenever you please, these O-rings are very tight. Only a dental professional can safely remove the prosthetic without causing damage.
Our Semi-Permanent Dentures
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we offer one semi-permanent denture. The prosthetic is a semi-permanent (or semi-removable) roundhouse bridge.
A roundhouse bridge is similar to a denture, in that it replaces a full arch of missing teeth. But rather than using a bulky denture base that covers your upper palate and feels large in your mouth, this prosthetic has a much sleeker design.
Roundhouse bridges resemble a dental bridge, used to replace multiple missing teeth. But rather than a row of a few artificial teeth, a roundhouse bridge is an entire arch of artificial teeth. These arches often have a bit of a gum base underneath them to fill out your lips (especially after jawbone loss), but they can also resemble a natural arch of teeth.
Each tooth is bonded together, and underneath the prosthetic there are dental housings. These spaces have O-rings inside them that fit perfectly over your implants when your denture is in place. For a semi-permanent roundhouse bridge, we typically use mini dental implants.
These titanium posts are smaller than traditional implants, but just as successful. Their smaller size allows more patients to restore their smiles, even after bone loss. Additionally, we can fit more small-diameter implants in your jaw than traditional implants, offering extra support that keeps your denture secure.
Each implant is spread out along your jaw to evenly distribute the pressure of your bite. And once in place, your denture will be able to chew all the foods you love without trouble.
Which Denture Option Is Right for You?
If semi-permanent dentures are the combination of removable and permanent dentures, which option is right for you?
To learn which denture suits your needs and budget, we recommend booking a free consultation with us in East Longmeadow, MA!
There, we will assess your jawbone and discuss which denture suits your lifestyle. If you would prefer to have full control over your denture, we may supply you with a removable prosthetic. If you want to get as close as possible to having your natural teeth back, we offer permanent denture options.
But for those who want an option that is both removable and feels permanent, we offer semi-permanent roundhouse bridges!
Once we determine you have sufficient jawbone to support a full arch of mini implants, we will begin planning your treatment. This also involves reviewing your insurance coverage and discussing financing. In most cases, insurance won’t cover dental implants. However, some insurance plans will cover a part of the treatment, and most will cover the restoration itself.
And, for those without insurance, we offer flexible financing to split your costs into manageable monthly payments. To learn what your denture treatment may look like, schedule a free consultation at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center.
Learn if Semi-Permanent Dentures Are the Right Choice for You
Semi-permanent dentures provide a beautiful and stable smile that combines the convenience of a removable denture and the stability of a permanent denture. Schedule a free consultation at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center today to discover if you’re eligible for mini dental implant treatment.
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