Permanent Dentures: What They Are and Who They Suit

Permanent dentures are fixed, implant-supported full-arch teeth that are screwed or attached to dental implants and can’t be removed at home. They are also called hybrid dentures, and in the UK they are usually a private treatment.

The phrase is a little misleading. “Permanent” here means fixed in place rather than lasting forever: the teeth are attached to implants, so you don’t take them out to clean them, but they still need maintenance and may eventually need replacing. This guide explains how they compare with removable options and what to ask before committing.

What exactly are permanent dentures?

Cleveland Clinic describes implant-supported dentures, also called permanent dentures or hybrid dentures, as non-removable. They differ from implant-retained dentures, which snap onto implants but can still be taken out. Cleveland Clinic says a full arch is usually supported by four to six implants, and can be fixed or removable.

Why do people choose fixed dentures?

The main reason is stability. Cleveland Clinic notes that traditional removable dentures can shift, wobble or slip when you talk or chew. Fixed teeth avoid that. Cleveland Clinic also explains that after tooth loss the jawbone can shrink, which can lead to a sunken look in the face, while the FDA lists helping to prevent jawbone shrinkage among the benefits of implants.

What are the drawbacks?

• Surgery and time. Implants need to fuse with the jawbone, which Cleveland Clinic says takes three to nine months. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust says implant treatment can take 6 to 12 months overall.
• Bone requirements. You need enough healthy jawbone, or a bone graft first.
• Cleaning. Cleveland Clinic says non-removable implant-supported dentures need more thorough daily cleaning, including flossing underneath.
• Cost and NHS availability. The NHS says implants are usually only available privately, though sometimes provided for patients who cannot wear dentures for certain reasons.
• Not truly permanent. Guy’s and St Thomas’ notes parts can loosen or wear out over time and need attention.

Who might be suitable?

Suitability is assessed individually. Sources point to these factors:

1. Enough jawbone, or willingness to have a bone graft (Cleveland Clinic)
2. Healthy gums, with gum disease treated first (Cleveland Clinic)
3. Not smoking, since Guy’s and St Thomas’ says smokers have a higher risk of implants not joining with the bone
4. General health, including well-controlled diabetes (FDA)
5. Ability to clean carefully around the fixed teeth every day

How do you look after permanent dentures?

The Oral Health Foundation advises cleaning implants much as you would natural teeth: brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning around implants daily with interdental brushes, and keeping regular dental and hygiene appointments. It warns that plaque build-up around implants can cause peri-implantitis, with signs such as red, swollen or bleeding gums and loosening.

Questions to ask before you commit

• How many implants will support each arch?
• Will I have temporary teeth while the implants heal?
• What are the fixed teeth made of, and how are they repaired if they chip?
• How often will they need to be removed and cleaned professionally?
• Which implant system will you use? (The FDA suggests keeping a record.)

For specific full-arch approaches, read All-on-4 dental implants explained and All-on-6 dental implants. For UK pricing, see our full mouth dental implants price breakdown.

Sources

• Cleveland Clinic, Dentures
• Cleveland Clinic, Dental Implants
• US Food and Drug Administration, Dental Implants: What You Should Know
• Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Dental implants
• NHS, Dental treatments
• Oral Health Foundation, Dental implants

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist.