Removable or Fixed Dentures? Differences, Pros and Cons

Dentures

A smile is often the first thing people notice. A smile with missing or unattractive teeth can leave people self-conscious, reluctant to smile and sometimes teased when they do. Patients with this problem do not need to feel embarrassed any longer, because dentures can replace missing teeth and give them the confidence to smile fully again. If you want to learn about dentures, or are thinking about getting them but do not yet know the details, this article explains what you need to know about dentures and how they can restore your smile.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures, also called prosthetic teeth, are made to replace natural teeth that have been lost. They also fill the gap and stop the neighboring teeth from tipping or drifting, and they help the upper and lower teeth bite together properly. How many types of dentures are there, which type suits you and what does it take to get them? The next sections answer these questions.

การจัดฟัน(Orthodontics) คือการรักษาทันตกรรมเฉพาะทาง สาขาหนึ่งในการวิเคราะห์วินิจฉัยและวาง แผนป้องกันรักษาความผิดปกติของการ เรียงฟันการสบฟันรวมถึงปัญหาที่เกี่ยวกับขากรรไกรที่จำเป็นต้องสัมพันธ์กับใบหน้า เป็นการรักษาเพื่อให้ มีการสบฟันที่ดีขึ้น การบดเคี้ยว อาหารมีประสิทธิภาพลด ปัจจัยเสี่ยงในการเกิดฟันผุหรือโรคเหงือกอัน เนื่องมาจากฟันเรียงตัวผิดปกติฟัน ซ้อนเกหรือแปรงฟันไม่ทั่วถึงและ หลีกเลี่ยงการเกิดรอยสึกของฟันจาก การ เรียงฟัน หรือการสบฟันที่ไม่เหมาะสม นอกจากนี้การจัดฟันยังช่วยเสริมความ มั่นใจให้กับรอยยิ้มเสริมบุคลิกภาพจาก การที่มี ฟันเรียงกันสวยงาม

How Many Types of Dentures Are There?

In dentistry, there are mainly 2 types of dentures: removable dentures and fixed dentures. Below we look at what each type is, what it looks like and how they differ.

Removable Dentures

Removable dentures rely on clasps to hold the denture and its base in place. They can be taken out and cleaned outside the mouth. They come in flexible plastic and in metal, which is used as a long-term denture.

This type suits patients who have lost some of their teeth or have no teeth left at all. It also suits patients who want easy cleaning and a lower cost, because removable dentures are cheaper than fixed dentures.

Removable dentures start at Start 5,000 THB. Metal removable dentures cost more than plastic ones because they are lighter and stronger and can cover more teeth.

The pros and cons of removable dentures are as follows.

Pros of Removable Dentures

Easy to take out and clean
Lower cost
Quick to make, with a simple process
Little effect on the neighboring teeth

Cons of Removable Dentures

Can be annoying to wear, since they can be taken out or slip loose
Less natural-looking, because they rely on visible clasps
Less efficient for chewing than other types of dentures
Food can get trapped under the denture
The parts that hold the clasps can wear over time, which can make chewing frustrating
The gum ridge can shrink under the pressure of the denture base

2. Fixed Dentures

Fixed dentures are anchored to natural teeth. The supporting teeth are trimmed down so crowns can be fitted to them and joined to the replacement tooth.

Fixed dentures are made to replace a small number of missing teeth, such as a single tooth, or in some cases all the teeth in the mouth. There are 2 types of fixed dentures.

Fixed dentures supported by a dental bridge, commonly called a fixed bridge.
Fixed dentures supported by dental implants, which mimic natural teeth. This type suits patients who want replacement teeth that are close to natural teeth, who want confidence and who want to chew well without the teeth coming loose. Implants can replace a single tooth or the whole mouth. They are harder to clean than removable dentures, and they cost more than removable dentures.

The pros and cons of fixed dentures are as follows.

Pros of Fixed Dentures

Look attractive and close to natural teeth
Strong and durable, and not easily broken
Chewing efficiency close to that of natural teeth
Usually comfortable to chew with

Cons of Fixed Dentures

Fairly expensive
If not cleaned well, decay can develop under the crowns
Treatment takes a lot of time, with complex steps

If you are now wondering whether dentures are right for you, our dentists can explain who needs dentures and what can happen when missing teeth are not replaced.

Differences Between Removable and Fixed Dentures

By now you know how removable and fixed dentures came about, what they look like and what their pros and cons are.

Still, many readers may be left with one question: “So how exactly do these two types differ?” Here is a short summary.

In short, removable and fixed dentures differ to some degree in cleaning, in how well they work and in price. Patients who are thinking about dentures can compare these points and choose what suits them best.

Denture FAQs

Q: Which type of denture should I choose?

It depends on what suits each patient and what they want. If we had to recommend one, fixed dentures would be the better choice, because they come closer to natural teeth in both chewing efficiency and tooth color. They also take away the worry and annoyance of dentures slipping or moving while you eat.

Q: Can I get braces if I have dentures?

It depends on the type of denture. In general, braces are possible as normal if you have a crown or a dental bridge.

Q: Do dentures hurt?

There may be some soreness or irritation at first, but it usually goes away on its own.

If you have a crown or a bridge and want more information about braces:
Read about the different options here: 4 Types of Braces and What Patients Need to Know
Everyone would like a smile they feel good about. Patients with missing teeth do not need to worry, because dentures can help. They can smile with confidence again, without having to put up with teasing.

Before getting dentures, though, it is important to choose the type that suits you, whether removable or fixed, based on your needs and budget. Above all, choose a reputable clinic or hospital with skilled, qualified dentists. Otherwise you may end up with more problems than before.