Are you looking for the right dentures? Well, you have two options to choose from. One is fixed dentures and the other is removable dentures.

In this blog post, we have discussed both in detail. We also have listed the advantages and disadvantages of each. Read on to know more about the two types of dentures.

Fixed Dentures Vs Removable Dentures: Which One Is Right for You?

Fixed dentures

Fixed dentures, also known as fixed implant-supported dentures, are dental devices that are permanently attached to your dental implants. After wearing fixed dentures, you don’t need to remove them before going to be or clean them. They look, function, and feel exactly like natural teeth.

Normally, fixed dentures need more jaw bone for support compared to removable dentures, which made them unsuitable for people who’ve bone loss.

If you choose fixed dentures then you would need to brush them as you’d do with natural teeth. You also can use floss threaders, oral irrigators or water flossers, and small interproximal brushes to remove plaque between the teeth.

Pros of fixed dentures

Being a recent innovation, fixed dentures score many brownie points over removable dentures. Let’s take a look at some of them.

1. More stable and secure: Compared to removable dentures, fixed dentures are more stable and secure. That enables them to deliver even distribution of biting force and make the users feel more comfortable while eating and speaking.
2. Look natural and aesthetically pleasant: Fixed dentures look just like natural teeth and support facial features, playing a huge role in enhancing the smile and confidence. Their natural appearance makes them extremely popular among people who want to look youthful and natural.
3. Robust and durable: Fixed dentures are far more robust and durable than removable dentures. The tough build makes average fixed dentures last at least five to seven years more than average removable dentures.
4. Low maintenance: Fixed dentures need lower maintenance compared to removable dentures. As they don’t need to be removed, they can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth.
5. Customized fitting: Fixed dentures are customized and fitted to provide optimum comfort. They are far more precise and better fitting compared to removable dentures.

Cons of fixed dentures

No doubt fixed dentures have several advantages. But they also have some disadvantages that make them unsuitable for certain people. Let’s discuss some of the demerits.

1. Invasive: Even though customized fitting is one of their biggest strengths, fixed dentures are fitted after a relatively invasive procedure. It may not be suitable for many patients who’ve weak jaw bones.
2. Prone to infections: As fixed dentures cannot be cleaned as perfectly and efficiently as one can clean removable dentures, they may increase the chances of plaque buildup between teeth and can raise the risk of dental infections and inflammations.
3. Bit expensive: Fixed dentures are usually a little more expensive than removable dentures.

Removable dentures

Removable dentures, also known as removable implant-supported dentures, are dental devices, which can be removed from teeth before going to bed or cleaning.

Removable dentures are usually made of plastic material with metal clasps that latch onto the teeth. These come in three major types:

Cast metal removable dentures: This type of removable denture has a metal base, usually made up of cobalt-chromium alloy, which enables it to latch onto the natural teeth. These dentures are normally noticeable.

Acrylic flippers: This type of denture is made from a pink-colored material that’s known as acrylic dental-grade resin. These dentures are suitable for people who’ve advanced periodontal diseases and they may lose all of their teeth over a period. These dentures serve as temporary dentures until the patients get a set of permanent dentures.

Flexible dentures: These are extremely lightweight and more aesthetically pleasing dentures. These are made of a material known as Valplast. Although a dentist doesn’t need to adjust the existing teeth to fit this denture, the dental device stains easily and is extremely hard to repair.

Pros of removable dentures

Removable dentures are the oldest type of dentures and they’re commonly used for their wide range of benefits. Some of them are.

1. Simple and less invasive: Removable dentures are extremely simple and less invasive compared to other tooth replacement options. People with more than one missing tooth can get removable dentures without scheduling multiple appointments and invasive surgeries.
2. Cost-effective and value for money: Removable dentures are extremely cost-effective and more value for money than fixed dentures. As these dentures are removed before going to bed and cleaning, the chance of wear and tear due to nighttime grinding and clenching is minimized.
3. Suitable for people with weak jawbones: People with weak jawbones and people experiencing bone loss are not suitable candidates for fixed dentures. Removable dentures can replace missing teeth and help them to lead a normal life.
4. Facilitates good dental hygiene and care: As removable dentures are taken out before going to bed and cleaning the mouth, they facilitate good dental hygiene and oral care. While brushing fixed dentures, the bristles can’t reach hard-to-clean areas such as below the gum lines. But every nook and cranny of removable dentures can be cleaned easily.
5. Easy to use and adapt: Removable dentures are far easier to use and adapt than fixed dentures. Most people can easily adapt to removable dentures than fixed dentures as the latter may feel uncomfortable as they latch onto the natural teeth permanently.

Cons of removable dentures

Even though removable dentures have many benefits, they also have some drawbacks. Here are a few disadvantages of removable dentures.

1. They must be removed and put on at least once daily: As the name suggests, removable dentures must be removed before going to bed or cleaning. That means in a day, they must be put on and removed at least once. It can be a hassle for a busy person.
2. May not function as well as fixed dentures: As removable dentures are removed at least once daily, they may not function as consistently as fixed dentures if they are not placed properly.
3. Lack of secure connection: Unlike fixed dentures, removable dentures don’t have a secure connection. The lack of a secure connection can cause them to move and shift and can result in instability while chewing and biting.

Taking everything into consideration,

When it comes to choosing between fixed and removable dentures, you need to take a lot of things into consideration such as the strength of your jawbone, your overall dental health, and your conditions. A dentist is the best person to recommend the right dentures after performing a thorough examination. At TruCare Dentistry, we have an excellent track record of prescribing the right dentures for our patients.

If you’re looking for the best dentist in Roswell, GA, or neighboring areas such as Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Marietta, Milton, Sandy Springs, or Woodstock, consider TruCare Dentistry. Call (678) 321-7575 to book an appointment today.