If you are comparing immediate dentures vs permanent dentures, the main difference is timing. Immediate dentures are made before planned tooth extractions and are inserted shortly after the teeth are removed, while conventional or final dentures are generally made after the gums and jaw tissues have had time to heal.
The term “permanent dentures” is commonly used by patients, but conventional or final dentures is usually a more accurate description. These dentures are still removable, and they may eventually need adjustments, relining, repairs or replacement as the mouth changes over time.
The right option depends on your remaining teeth, oral health, healing needs, treatment goals and the type of denture being planned. A dental assessment is required before deciding whether an immediate denture, conventional denture or another tooth-replacement option should be considered.
| Comparison | Immediate vs Conventional Dentures |
| When They Are Made | Immediate dentures are prepared before the planned extractions. Conventional dentures are generally made after the gums and jaw tissues have healed. |
| When They Are Inserted | Immediate dentures are inserted shortly after the teeth are removed. Conventional dentures are inserted after the healing period and fabrication process. |
| Teeth During Healing | Immediate dentures can provide replacement teeth during the healing period. With a conventional-denture approach, there may be a period after extraction before the final denture is ready. |
| Fit During Healing | Immediate dentures may become looser as the gums and jaw tissues change after extractions. Adjustments, tissue conditioning or relining may be required. |
| Long-Term Use | Conventional dentures are made after more healing has occurred, but no removable denture should be considered permanent or maintenance-free. |
| Best Option | Neither option is automatically better for everyone. The appropriate treatment depends on the condition of your mouth, planned extractions, healing, preferences and treatment plan. |
What Is the Difference Between Immediate and Permanent Dentures?
The most important difference is when the denture is made in relation to tooth extraction.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, immediate dentures are made before the teeth are removed. Measurements and models are prepared in advance so the denture can be inserted once the planned teeth have been extracted.
Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gums and jaw tissues have healed. Because more healing has occurred before the final measurements and fabrication stages, the denture is made for the shape of the mouth at that later stage.
What Are Immediate Dentures?
Immediate dentures are removable replacement teeth that are planned and fabricated before the remaining teeth are extracted. They are inserted shortly after the planned extractions so the patient has replacement teeth during the initial healing period.
One advantage is that the patient does not necessarily need to spend the early healing period without teeth. Immediate dentures can also help establish the general appearance of replacement teeth while the mouth is healing.
However, the gums and underlying bone change after teeth are removed. The Canadian Dental Association notes that healing can take several months and that immediate dentures may require relining as the gums and bone change. For this reason, the fit at the time of insertion should not be assumed to remain unchanged throughout healing.
What Are Permanent or Conventional Dentures?
What patients often call permanent dentures are generally conventional or final dentures made after extraction sites and surrounding tissues have had time to heal.
The word “permanent” can be misleading. Conventional dentures remain removable and the mouth continues to change over time. A denture that fits well when it is first inserted may later need adjustment, relining, repair or eventual replacement. Regular dental examinations are still important even when no natural teeth remain.
How Immediate Denture Treatment Typically Works
Immediate denture treatment requires planning before the teeth are removed. The exact process varies according to the number and position of the remaining teeth, the condition of the gums and jaw, and the design of the planned denture.
Step 1: Dental Assessment and Treatment Planning
The dentist examines the remaining teeth, gums, bite and other relevant oral conditions. Dental X-rays or other diagnostic information may be recommended when clinically appropriate. The treatment plan identifies which teeth are being removed and whether an immediate denture is an appropriate option.
Step 2: Measurements and Denture Fabrication
Measurements, impressions, scans or models may be used to plan the denture before the extractions take place. Because some natural teeth are still present during this stage, the dental laboratory must design the immediate denture in anticipation of the planned extractions.
Step 3: Tooth Extraction and Denture Insertion
On the planned extraction date, the identified teeth are removed and the immediate denture is inserted. The dentist will provide instructions for the early healing period and explain when the denture should be reviewed.
Step 4: Healing and Adjustments
As the extraction sites heal, the shape of the gums and supporting tissues changes. Areas of pressure, looseness or changes in the bite may require professional adjustment. Tissue conditioning or relining may also be considered depending on the denture and stage of healing.
Step 5: Long-Term Denture Planning
After healing has progressed, the dentist can reassess the fit and condition of the denture and discuss the appropriate long-term plan. Depending on the individual situation, this may involve continuing with the existing denture after appropriate adjustment or relining, or discussing another denture when clinically appropriate and permitted by applicable coverage rules.
What Happens While Your Mouth Is Healing?
The gums and jaw tissues do not remain the same shape after teeth are removed. Healing and remodelling occur over time, which is why an immediate denture that fits at the extraction appointment can become less stable as healing progresses.
Follow the instructions provided by your dental team regarding denture wear, cleaning and oral hygiene. Contact the dental office if the denture causes persistent sore areas, becomes difficult to wear, feels significantly looser, breaks or develops another problem rather than attempting to adjust it yourself.
How Long Before You Can Get Permanent Dentures?
There is no single waiting period that applies to every patient. The rate of healing varies, and the dentist needs to assess the condition of the tissues before determining the appropriate next step.
The Canadian Dental Association notes that the healing period following extractions can take up to approximately six months. During that time, the gums and bone can change enough that an immediate denture may need adjustment or relining.
Clinical timing and insurance or CDCP eligibility are separate issues. Even when the mouth is clinically ready for another denture, a dental benefit plan may have frequency limitations that affect when another denture is eligible for coverage.
Considering Dentures in Orangeville?
Contact U Smile Dentistry to request a denture assessment. The dental team can examine your oral health, discuss the tooth-replacement options that may be appropriate and explain the expected treatment stages and fees for your individual treatment plan.
What Can Affect the Denture Treatment Timeline?
The sequence and timing of denture treatment may depend on several factors, including:
- The number and location of teeth being removed
- The condition of the gums and supporting bone
- How the extraction sites heal
- Changes in the fit of an immediate denture during healing
- Whether adjustments, tissue conditioning or relining are required
- The type of denture being planned and applicable dental-plan or CDCP frequency limitations
Your dentist can explain the expected treatment sequence after examining your mouth and reviewing the planned extractions, denture design and other relevant clinical information.
Immediate Dentures vs Permanent Dentures: Cost Considerations
The cost of denture treatment depends on the type of denture, the number of teeth being replaced, laboratory work, tooth extractions, materials and any additional treatment or follow-up care that may be required.
Immediate dentures may involve additional follow-up during healing because the fit can change as the gums and jaw tissues remodel. Adjustments, tissue conditioning or relining may represent separate treatment stages depending on the denture and treatment plan. A written estimate should explain what is included and which services may involve additional fees.
Private dental insurance and Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage depend on eligibility and the rules of the applicable plan. Under the current CDCP Dental Benefits Guide, complete immediate dentures are subject to specific frequency limitations, and coverage rules for later dentures may be affected when an immediate denture has already been claimed. Confirm current eligibility and expected patient costs before treatment.
Immediate and Conventional Dentures in Orangeville
U Smile Dentistry provides denture care in Orangeville for patients who need to replace missing teeth. The appropriate treatment depends on the number of missing or remaining teeth, the condition of the gums and supporting tissues, and the patient’s individual treatment needs.
If tooth removal is being considered, the dental team can explain which denture options are available through the clinic, how treatment may be sequenced and what follow-up care could be required during healing.
Contact U Smile Dentistry at (519) 307-6300 or request an appointment online.
FAQs About Immediate and Permanent Dentures
What is the difference between immediate dentures and permanent dentures?
Immediate dentures are made before planned tooth extractions and are inserted shortly after the teeth are removed. What patients often call permanent dentures are usually conventional or final dentures made after the gums and jaw tissues have had more time to heal. Conventional dentures are still removable and may require maintenance or replacement over time.
Can you get dentures the same day your teeth are removed?
Immediate dentures can be prepared before planned extractions and inserted shortly after the teeth are removed. They are not manufactured from start to finish on the extraction day; measurements and fabrication need to be completed in advance. Whether an immediate denture is appropriate depends on the individual treatment plan.
How long do you wear immediate dentures before getting permanent dentures?
There is no single timeline that applies to every patient. The gums and jaw tissues change during healing, which may take several months. The dentist needs to reassess the denture and oral tissues before recommending the appropriate long-term plan. Dental-plan or CDCP frequency limitations may also affect coverage for another denture.
Do immediate dentures need to be adjusted?
They often require follow-up because the gums and supporting tissues change after teeth are removed. Depending on the fit and stage of healing, professional adjustments, tissue conditioning or relining may be considered. The exact follow-up needs vary from patient to patient.
Does the CDCP cover immediate dentures?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan includes certain removable complete and partial denture services, including immediate dentures, subject to eligibility, frequency limitations and other program rules. Under the current 2026 CDCP Dental Benefits Guide, complete immediate dentures have specific lifetime and replacement-frequency rules. Patients should confirm current coverage and expected costs before treatment.
