If you are missing teeth, you can choose between fixed and removable tooth replacement. As the name implies, fixed teeth are attached and stay in place at all times. Only the dentist can remove them. Removable teeth can be taken out at any time. Look at the differences between the two, so you can decide the option you want.
Comparing removable and fixed tooth replacement
Fixed tooth replacement consists of dental bridges or implants. Dental bridges are affixed to the surrounding teeth while implants are placed in the jawbone. Then a crown is attached. Dentures are a top removable tooth replacement option. Dentures typically sit on the jawbone and can be removed at any time.
Stability of the teeth
Tooth stability is a serious concern for people who need to replace teeth. Removable teeth are typically unstable. When teeth sit on the gums, it is easy for them to slide out of place. That makes it difficult to eat and speak. In fact, many people have to practice eating and talking after getting removable dentures.
Fixed teeth are stable. These teeth are bonded in place and do not move when people eat or talk. The stability makes it easier to engage in normal activities. Patients do not have to worry about slipping teeth and holding them back.
Bone health
Most fixed tooth replacement options include implants. The implants stimulate the jawbone, so it does not lose density. Strong bones hold all the teeth in place and prevent the face from sagging. Removable teeth usually do not include implants. This option does not stimulate bone growth, so patients lose density over time.
Appearance
Many people are concerned about the appearance of replacement teeth. They want the teeth to look and feel like natural teeth. Fixed teeth do just that. The teeth are made of porcelain or another tooth-like material and appear very natural. Removable teeth often include pink acrylic to match the gum tissue. This usually does not look as natural as a fixed tooth replacement.
Cleaning
People who have fixed teeth clean them just as they would the natural teeth. Fixed teeth can be brushed and flossed, so patients do not have to learn a new oral hygiene routine. Removable teeth have to be taken out and cleaned daily. While some people prefer taking the teeth out to clean, most like to simply brush and floss as if they had never lost any teeth.
Getting the teeth
It is also important to consider the process of getting removable or fixed teeth. In both cases, the dentist must prepare the mouth and take impressions. The replacement is fabricated in a dental laboratory. People who get a fixed replacement with implants must go through additional steps as well. Implant surgery is needed to place the implants. Then a second procedure is necessary to attach the abutment and a third visit is required to place the crown.
Choosing a tooth replacement option
Fixed and removable tooth replacement options have key differences. Consider the stability of the teeth, bone health, appearance and cleaning needed. Also, think about the procedures for getting the teeth. If you are still unsure which option is the right one for you, speak to your dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://beniciadentist.com or call Southampton Dental Care at (707) 887-5075 for an appointment in our Benicia office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Dental crowns are the most popular way to restore teeth that are in bad shape due to decay, injury or other imperfections. Modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of many different material choices, all of which offer their own pros and cons. Keep reading to learn about three options that general dentists recommend. Outlined below…
Invisalign® is a teeth-straightening treatment that entails wearing sets of custom-made transparent aligners over the teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces that use wires and brackets, the aligners are removable, which means wearers can take them off when they want to eat or brush their teeth. Learn about these clear aligners and how they are used to…
An article by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare states that more than 18 million people wear partial dentures. Anyone who has been considering getting partials to improve their speech, ability to chew, and even their appearance is not alone. It helps to have the proper information beforehand, though. Partials are created from a wide variety of materials, each…
A smile makeover often leads to increased self-esteem and confidence. Having a radiant, healthy smile also gives you increased success during professional and personal interactions. People with great smiles are often perceived as attractive and successful, while those with unsightly smiles are sometimes viewed as unclean and unsuccessful. A smile makeover is a combination of…