temporary dentures vs permanent
Published On: November 17th, 2021Categories: Dentures4 min readViews: 1027

Temporary Dentures vs. Permanent Dentures: 5 Things To Know

By David Hudnall, DMD

Many terms are used in various ways to categorize dental-related procedures that can mean different things to different people. A few examples include permanent dentures vs. temporary dentures, transitional dentures vs. replacement dentures, and immediate dentures vs. conventional dentures.

We can all agree that there are purposes for dentures based upon their intended use. Let’s talk in more detail about the comparison between permanent dentures vs. temporary dentures.

What Is the Difference Between Temporary Dentures and Permanent Dentures?

Which is better to get: temporary dentures or permanent dentures? If you have had teeth removed and dentures immediately placed or you have had teeth extracted for only a short period of time, temporary dentures are the first dentures that you will wear. They are designed to allow you to have a full complement of teeth while healing from your treatment.

Permanent dentures are also known as replacement dentures. They are designed and fabricated to replace either previous permanent dentures or temporary dentures. Permanent dentures are fabricated for gums that have healed and are no longer expected to change or shrink at a rapid rate.

Are Temporary Dentures Made from the Same Material as Permanent Dentures?

Most temporary and permanent dentures are made from some form of polymethyl methacrylate resin. While it is possible to make temporary dentures from the same quality material as permanent dentures, this is generally a waste of money. Because of their disposable nature, it makes more sense to choose temporary dentures made from basic materials and save money for permanent dentures made from high-quality resin. Permanent dentures offer better longevity and durability.

Are Permanent Dentures Thinner Than Temporary Dentures?

Temporary dentures are known for being thick and bulky. Some of the mass can be attributed to the fact that dentures are a foreign object and they feel quite thick because you have never experienced wearing dentures before. Often the fit and thickness of temporary dentures are not ideal because they were made prior to your teeth being extracted.

Doing this involves guesswork and makes it difficult to determine the exact shape of your mouth once the teeth have been removed. It is not uncommon for patients to have their temporary dentures relined a few weeks after delivery to improve the fit while still allowing their mouth to heal longer before investing in permanent dentures.

temporary dentures vs permanent

Which Are More Expensive? Temporary Dentures vs. Permanent

A good set of high-quality permanent dentures is an investment and does cost more than its temporary counterpart.

Many times, patients will falsely conclude that temporary dentures are the more expensive option because they have added the cost of surgery, extractions, relines, and other treatment into the cost of their temporary dentures.

This is like comparing apples with oranges. If you are to compare the cost of the actual dentures alone, permanent dentures almost always command a higher price.

Cost of Temporary Dentures

Dentures made specifically to be immediate dentures or temporary dentures are usually more cost-effective because they are made from basic stock materials that don’t always produce the absolute best aesthetic results possible. Expect to spend about $600 per denture or more for temporary dentures.

Cost of Permanent Dentures

Most dentures in the premium price range are made with materials that offer the most durability and lifelike appearance. A well-made set of superior-quality dentures will cause people to be surprised that you wear dentures because they look so natural

Prices for premium dentures start at more than $1,200 per arch and can go up from there. The cost of the best dentures may be higher depending on your specific geographic location or the complexity of your case.

How Long Do Temporary Dentures vs. Permanent Dentures Last?

When considering temporary dentures vs. permanent dentures many wonder how long they last. Read on to find out the timeline for temporary and permanent dentures.

How Long Do Temporary Dentures Last?

The short answer is until your gums shrink and fully heal. Typically, this takes anywhere between 6 and 12 months for most people, depending on your age, your general health, and the number of teeth that were removed prior to receiving dentures.

If you are wearing temporary dentures for more than a year after dental surgery, chances are they no longer fit correctly and can actually contribute to additional dental problems.

How Long Do Permanent Dentures Last?

The name “permanent dentures” is a really misnomer because the term “permanent” implies something that remains unchanged or lasts indefinitely. Dentures don’t last forever.

In addition to them wearing out with time, the gum tissue and bone that supports your dentures change shape as you age. Expect to replace your permanent dentures every 5 to 10 years.

temporary dentures vs permanent

A Denture for All Uses

European Denture Center offers a variety of denture options appropriate for many uses and budgets. Whether you are having teeth extracted and dentures placed, replacing existing dentures, or stabilizing dentures with dental implants, we can create and customize the perfect solution for you.

Our caring denturists and staff will guide you to the best way to restore your beautiful smile at a price point that will also make you smile!

See the complete line of European Denture Center’s offerings online and call us today at 866-428-0505!