When you lose one or several teeth, choosing proper dental prostheses is essential for the daily comfort, aspect and functionality of your teeth. Two main options are fixed and removable dental prostheses, and each of them has its own clear advantages and disadvantages. Let us study these options, in order to make an informed choice.

(Full or partial) removable dental prostheses

Removable dental prostheses are devices that may be removed and put back into the mouth. They may be full (replacing all the teeth) or partial (replacing several missing teeth). Here are certain important aspects that must be considered:

Advantages:

• Lower costs: The removable prostheses are often more accessible, from the financial point of view, if compared to such fixed solutions, as dental implants.
  
  
• Reparability: If a removable prosthesis gets damaged or needs to be adjusted, it may be more easily repaired than a fixed prosthesis.
  
  
• Cleaning easiness: Since you can take this prosthesis out of the mouth, it can be easier cleaned and cared of.

Disadvantages:

• Mobility: Removable prostheses may become instable or uncomfortable in the course of time, so that they will often need adhesions or clamps, in order to hold them in their position.
  
  
• Discomfort and adaptation: At first, you can feel discomfort or sensation of a foreign matter in your mouth, and the adaptation process can last for that or another period of time.
  
  
• Food restrictions: Certain solid or sticking foods can be hardly consumed if you have the removable prostheses.
  
  

Fixed dental prostheses (with implants or dental bridges)

Fixed dental prostheses are permanently anchored in the mouth and cannot be taken out by the patient. They can include the prostheses that are fixed on the dental implants, or dental bridges that are based on the available natural teeth.

Advantages:

• Stability and comfort: The fixed prostheses are more stable and comfortable if compared to removable ones, and they provide a sensation that is closer to the natural teeth.
  
  
• Improved functionality: Such prostheses provide better functionality when chewing or speaking.
  
  
• Natural aspect: The fixed prostheses may be created so that they will fit perfectly other teeth, thus ensuring a natural aspect.
  
  

Disadvantages:

• Higher costs: The fixed dental prostheses, all the more so those ones, which are anchored on the implants, may initially cost more.
  
  
• Surgical procedures: The dental implants need minor surgical procedures, in order to be anchored, but this may frighten certain patients.
  
  
• Need for a special care: The fixed prostheses need proper hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, in order to keep them in good condition.
  

The choice of removable or fixed dental prostheses depends on personal preferences, budget, general state of health and dentist’s recommendations. Talking to a professional is very important for assessing the options and making a right decision, depending on your individual needs. An experienced dentist will help you to choose the prostheses that will provide you with a healthy and pretty smile.