By Dr. Jon ( Junyi ) Ho Losing teeth can feel overwhelming. Whether it happens due to decay, gum disease, or injury, the experience affects more than just your mouth. It affects how you eat, how you speak, and how you feel about yourself.
Making decisions about tooth replacement can seem daunting. You want to choose wisely. That means knowing your options before sitting in the dental chair. For patients considering dentures in Perth, clinics offer both immediate and conventional options to suit different needs and circumstances.
When comparing immediate dentures vs conventional dentures, there are two main pathways after tooth extraction. Immediate dentures are placed the same day your teeth are removed. Conventional dentures are fitted after your mouth has healed. Each approach has distinct advantages, timelines, and considerations worth exploring.
This guide explains the key differences between these denture types. Our goal is to help you have informed discussions with your dentist. Every person’s situation is different. What works for one patient may not suit another. That’s why professional consultation remains essential for determining your most appropriate option.
Contents Navigation
- 1 Summary of the Content:
- 2 What Are Immediate Dentures?
- 3 What Are Conventional Dentures?
- 4 Key Differences Between Immediate and Conventional Dentures
- 5 Understanding the Advantages of Each Denture Type
- 6 Factors to Consider When Discussing Your Options
- 7 Understanding the Treatment Process
- 8 Adjusting to Your Dentures
- 9 Making Your Decision
- 10 CONCLUSION
Summary of the Content:
- Immediate dentures are placed on the same day as tooth extraction and serve as temporary dentures during the healing period.
- Conventional dentures are custom-fitted after complete healing, which may take 6-12 weeks or longer, depending on individual circumstances.
- The denture adjustment process differs between types, with immediate dentures requiring more frequent modifications during healing.
- Factors such as health status, lifestyle needs, and budget influence which option is most suitable.
- A professional assessment is required to determine individual suitability for either denture type.
- Both immediate and conventional dentures can provide effective tooth replacement when properly fitted and maintained.
What Are Immediate Dentures?
Immediate dentures are prosthetic teeth fabricated before your natural teeth are extracted. They are placed directly into your mouth immediately following the extraction procedure.
You may hear these referred to as same-day dentures or temporary dentures. All these terms describe the same concept. Your dentist takes impressions while your natural teeth are still present. A dental laboratory then creates dentures based on those measurements. On extraction day, the same-day dentures are ready for immediate insertion.
These dentures serve two purposes. They function as tooth replacements. They also act as protective coverings over your healing extraction sites. Immediate dentures can be partial, replacing some teeth, or full, replacing all teeth in an upper or lower arch.
The healing period after extraction may last 6-12 months. During this time, your gums and underlying bone undergo significant reshaping. As these changes occur, your immediate dentures will require multiple adjustments and temporary relines to maintain a reasonable fit.
It’s important to recognise that immediate dentures are transitional appliances. They are not designed for long-term use. After your mouth has fully healed, you will likely need new conventional dentures for ongoing use.
What Are Conventional Dentures?
Conventional dentures are created after your extraction sites have completely healed. Some people refer to them as traditional dentures. Unlike immediate dentures, the fabrication process begins only once your gums have stabilised.
The healing period before impressions can be taken is a minimum of six to eight weeks. For some patients, it extends longer depending on overall health, age, and any complications.
Once healing is complete, the fabrication process involves several key steps:
- You will attend multiple appointments that occur approximately one week apart over about five visits.
- Your dentist will take impressions and record your bite relationship during these visits.
- You will have the opportunity to select tooth shapes and colours with input from your dentist.
- Trial fittings allow for adjustments before the final dentures are completed.
The total timeline from extraction to receiving your final conventional dentures can be 10-12 weeks under favourable conditions. If healing is slow due to infections, health conditions such as diabetes, or bone quality issues, this timeframe may be extended.
With conventional dentures alone, patients are without teeth during the entire healing and fabrication period. Some patients choose immediate dentures as a bridge, then transition to conventional dentures once healing is complete.
Key Differences Between Immediate and Conventional Dentures
When weighing immediate dentures vs conventional dentures, several factors set them apart. The differences extend beyond just timing. They affect fit, comfort, maintenance requirements, and the lifespan of each type. Here is a closer look at the main distinctions.
Timing and Placement
The timing of placement is often the primary factor in patient decision-making. Here is how each type differs:
Immediate dentures:
- Immediate dentures are placed on the same day as extraction, so there is no waiting period without teeth.
- You walk out of the dental appointment with a full set of teeth in place.
Conventional dentures:
- Conventional dentures require a 6-12 week wait after extractions for complete healing.
- Patients are without teeth during this time unless they use immediate dentures as a temporary measure.
- The waiting period allows your mouth to reach its final healed shape, which results in a more precise fit.
Fit and Comfort
Fit quality differs noticeably between the two types. Both require an adaptation period, and individual experiences vary significantly.
Immediate dentures:
Immediate dentures are fabricated before extraction, based on your dentist’s estimate of your mouth shape after the teeth are removed.
- The fit may change as your gums heal, and your bone reshapes over several months.
- You may notice looseness or need frequent adjustments during the first several months of wear.
- The denture adjustment process during this period involves regular visits to your dentist for modifications.
Conventional dentures:
- Conventional dentures are custom-fitted to your fully healed mouth, providing improved initial comfort.
- These dentures are generally more stable and comfortable from the start since your oral tissues have stabilised.
- The denture adjustment process tends to be less intensive, with fewer appointments needed for modifications.
Adjustment and Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance needs differ based on how each denture type functions during oral changes.
Immediate dentures:
- Immediate dentures require multiple soft relines during the healing period, with most patients needing two to four reline appointments.
- Regular adjustment visits are necessary as your mouth continues to change shape during the healing process.
- These dentures are considered transitional appliances, meaning they bridge the gap until you can receive longer-lasting options.
Conventional dentures:
- Conventional dentures often need fewer initial adjustments since they are fitted to a stable, healed mouth.
- These dentures may require relining after several years of wear, as your mouth naturally changes.
Both denture types require regular dental check-ups to maintain function and monitor oral health.
Lifespan and Replacement
Expected functional lifespan varies between the two types.
Immediate dentures:
- Immediate dentures have a shorter functional lifespan due to the significant mouth changes that occur during healing.
- These dentures may serve well for 18-24 months before replacement is needed.
- Immediate dentures are designed to be replaced with conventional dentures that fit your healed oral anatomy.
Conventional dentures:
- Conventional dentures have a longer expected lifespan and may potentially last five to seven years or more with proper care.
- Factors such as oral health, maintenance habits, and individual bone changes influence actual longevity.
All dentures will eventually need replacement. Your mouth structure continues to change throughout life. Regular dental assessments help monitor when replacement may be needed.
Understanding the Advantages of Each Denture Type
Both immediate and conventional dentures offer distinct benefits. The right choice depends on what matters most to you and your individual clinical situation. Here are the advantages associated with each option.
Benefits of Immediate Dentures
Same-day dentures provide several advantages worth considering:
- You will never be without teeth, which helps maintain your appearance and support daily activities from the moment of extraction.
- The dentures protect healing extraction sites by acting as a bandage, shielding tender tissues from trauma and food particles.
- Facial structure support continues during healing, as the cheeks can collapse inward without teeth or dentures.
- Normal daily activities can continue, including work, social events, and family gatherings.
- Gradual adjustment to denture-wearing occurs during healing as you adapt.
- Speech patterns develop naturally, and you do not need to relearn speaking with dentures after a period without teeth.
You can provide feedback on tooth position and colour, which will help inform decisions for your future conventional dentures.
Benefits of Conventional Dentures
Conventional dentures also offer meaningful advantages:
- Custom-fitting to your fully healed mouth improves comfort by matching your oral anatomy.
- Greater stability and security from the start means less slipping or movement during eating and speaking.
- Fewer adjustment appointments are often required, and the process of adjusting to your dentures is often simpler
- More predictable final fit and appearance results from your dentist working with stable, healed tissues.
- These dentures are designed for longer-term use from the time of fabrication, rather than being a transitional appliance.
- The total cost may be lower, since only one set of dentures is made rather than a transitional set followed by a final set.
Your suitability for either option depends on individual circumstances, priorities, and clinical assessment. Discussing these factors with your dentist helps determine which approach may work better for you.
Factors to Consider When Discussing Your Options
Several personal and clinical factors influence which denture type may be suitable for you. Before your consultation, consider these aspects. They will help you have a productive conversation with your dental professional.
Healing Time and Health Considerations
Your body’s healing capacity plays a significant role in denture outcomes.
- Individual healing rates vary significantly, and younger, healthier individuals often heal faster than older patients or those with health conditions.
- Certain health conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, may affect healing time and influence denture success.
- Smoking can affect healing and denture function, so your dentist can discuss this with you.
- Age and overall health influence the rate of bone remodelling after extractions.
- Certain medications may affect healing processes, so share your full medication list with your dentist.
Lifestyle and Social Considerations
Your daily life and personal preferences matter when choosing a denture pathway.
- Work requirements and public-facing roles may affect whether wearing dentures is feasible. Many patients seeking dentures from Perth clinics prioritise maintaining their appearance for professional reasons.
- Upcoming important events such as weddings, graduations, or family gatherings may affect your timeline preferences.
- Personal comfort level with being without teeth during healing varies from person to person.
- The social and emotional impact of tooth loss varies, so consider how you feel about the transition period.
- Having a support system during the adjustment period can help, as family or friends who understand the process may provide assistance.
Financial Considerations
Budget and health fund considerations are practical factors in your decision.
- Immediate dentures cost more than conventional dentures alone because you are paying for both a transitional set and a later final set.
- Some health funds allow only one denture claim per benefit period, which may mean paying out of pocket for one set.
- Payment plan availability should be discussed during your consultation, so ask about options that may help manage costs.
- Consider long-term cost when evaluating both options, as sometimes a higher upfront investment may be worthwhile.
- Health fund policies vary significantly, so check your entitlements before proceeding with treatment.
Clinical Assessment
Your dentist will evaluate several clinical factors during your assessment.
- The number of teeth requiring extraction affects treatment planning and timing.
- The condition of your remaining oral structures, including bone and gum tissue, influences suitability.
- Bone quality and density affect how well dentures may function and how your mouth will heal.
- Previous denture experience, if any, helps your dentist understand what has worked for you before.
- Existing bite and jaw relationships are evaluated to plan for proper function.
Taking time to reflect on these factors before your appointment allows you to ask relevant questions and share important information with your dentist. This collaborative approach helps you and your dental professional work together towards the most suitable denture pathway for your individual needs.
Understanding the Treatment Process
Knowing what to expect helps you prepare for your denture journey. The processes for immediate and conventional dentures differ in their sequencing and timeline. Here is an overview of each pathway.
Immediate Denture Process
The immediate denture process follows these general steps:
- Initial consultation:
Your dentist assesses your mouth, discusses options, and takes impressions while your natural teeth are still present. - Denture fabrication:
A dental laboratory creates your dentures based on the impressions and records provided. - Extraction day:
Your remaining teeth are removed, and your immediate dentures are inserted the same day. - Initial healing (24-48 hours):
Keep the dentures in place to reduce swelling and protect the extraction sites. - Follow-up appointments:
Regular visits allow your dentist to make adjustments and temporary relines as needed. - Healing period (6-12 months):
Multiple soft reline appointments are scheduled to accommodate changes in your mouth as bone and tissue heal. - Final assessment:
Once healing is complete, your dentist evaluates you for conventional dentures to replace the transitional immediate set.
Conventional Denture Process
The conventional denture process involves these steps:
- Tooth extraction:
Remaining teeth are removed by your dentist. For those seeking dentures at Perth dental clinics, guidance on post-extraction care is provided. - Healing period (6-8+ weeks):
Your gums and bone heal and stabilise, with the timeframe varying based on individual healing capacity. - Initial consultation:
Once healing is complete, your dentist assesses your healed mouth and begins the denture process. - Impression appointments:
Multiple visits capture the shape of your mouth and bite relationship. - Try-in appointments:
You check fit, tooth position, colour, and appearance before final fabrication. - Final fitting:
Your completed dentures are delivered with care and adjustment instructions. - Follow-up:
Regular check-ups monitor fit and function over time.
Each treatment pathway requires commitment to attending scheduled appointments and following your dentist’s instructions. Understanding the process ahead of time helps you plan accordingly and sets realistic expectations for your denture journey.
Adjusting to Your Dentures
Whether you receive immediate or conventional dentures, an adjustment period is normal. The denture adjustment process varies from person to person. Here is what you might expect during this time.
Initial Adjustment Period
All dentures feel foreign at first. This is completely normal. Your mouth needs time to adapt to having prosthetic teeth.
- Speech may be affected temporarily, and practising by reading aloud can help you adapt faster.
- Eating may be challenging at first, so start with soft, cut-up foods and gradually reintroduce firmer foods as comfort improves.
- Increased saliva production is common initially, but this usually settles within a few weeks.
- Some soreness is common but should not be severe; contact your dentist if the discomfort is significant.
- Most people adjust within several weeks to a few months, and patience during this period is helpful.
Ongoing Care Requirements
- Clean your dentures daily using an appropriate denture cleaner and a soft brush to maintain hygiene.
- Store dentures properly when not wearing them, which usually means placing them in water or a denture cleanser.
- Attend regular dental check-ups to assess fit and overall oral health.
- Monitor for sore spots or areas that need adjustment, and report them to your dentist promptly.
- Be aware that both denture types may loosen over time as your mouth continues to change.
When to Contact Your Dental Professional
Certain signs indicate you should contact your dentist sooner rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment:
- You should contact your dentist if you experience severe or persistent pain that does not improve with time or minor adjustments.
- Bleeding that continues beyond a reasonable timeframe after extraction warrants a call to your dental professional.
- Difficulty eating or speaking that worsens rather than improves over time should be assessed by your dentist.
- Visible damage to your dentures, such as cracks or broken teeth, requires professional attention to prevent further issues.
- Significant looseness that affects function and daily activities may indicate that your dentures need adjustment or relining.
The adjustment period is temporary, and most patients find that their comfort improves steadily over time. Staying in communication with your dentist throughout this period helps address any concerns promptly and contributes to a more positive denture experience.
Making Your Decision
There is no single “right” choice when deciding between immediate dentures vs conventional dentures. The appropriate option depends entirely on your individual circumstances.
Both approaches are valid methods of tooth replacement. Each has different advantages depending on your priorities. Your dental professional can assess your specific situation and discuss recommendations based on clinical findings.
Consider your health status, lifestyle needs, timeline requirements, and financial situation. Ask questions during your consultation. Understanding what to expect helps you feel prepared for the journey ahead.
Decisions should be based on thorough consultation and clinical assessment. Your individual healing capacity, oral health, and personal circumstances all factor into the recommendation. Either approach can provide effective tooth replacement when properly matched to your needs.
Long-term success depends on proper care, regular checkups, and realistic expectations for what dentures can achieve.
CONCLUSION
Both immediate and conventional dentures offer effective paths to restoring function and appearance after tooth loss. The choice between them comes down to timing, lifestyle priorities, and clinical suitability. Immediate dentures mean you never have to be without teeth during the healing process.
Conventional dentures provide a custom fit to your fully healed mouth from the outset. For patients seeking dentures in Perth, both pathways are available depending on individual needs.
Each approach involves its own process, adjustment period, and maintenance requirements. Your health status, work and social needs, budget, and personal comfort all play a role in determining which option may suit you better. A professional assessment is essential for understanding what each pathway entails in your specific situation.
Darch Dental Centre has been serving Darch, Madeley, Landsdale, and the surrounding Perth communities for over a decade. Our experienced dentists can assess your individual needs and discuss denture options appropriate for your situation.
To learn more about denture options or to schedule a consultation, contact Darch Dental Centre on (08) 9303 9770 or visit our clinic at Shop 2, 30 Kingsway, Darch, WA 6065.
Important Information
A consultation is required to assess your suitability for dentures. Individual circumstances vary, and results may differ between patients. Healing times and outcomes depend on factors including overall health, oral condition, and adherence to care instructions.
This information is provided by Darch Dental Centre, Shop 2, 30 Kingsway, Darch, WA 6065. For appointments or enquiries, contact us on (08) 9303 9770.
Cosmetic Dentistry
General Dentistry
Dental Implants
Emergency Dentist
Orthodontics
Sleep Dentistry