What are fixed dental implants?
If you have lost all or most of your teeth, implant-supported dentures are the best option for replacing them. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are attached to your jaw just like natural teeth, which gives them more stability and prevents bone loss. Instead of replacing each missing tooth with its own single dental implant, an implant-supported denture allows us to strategically place multiple dental implants on an arch to support an entire set of replacement teeth. Aside from complete or partial dentures, there are two other main categories for implant-supported dentures: fixed or removable. Here’s the difference.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures
A fixed implant-supported denture is not meant to be taken out and put back in every day; instead, these dentures are permanently attached to your dental implants. Implant-supported fixed dentures are more like real teeth. To care for them, simply brush your teeth, don’t have to take your dentures out every night before going to bed, and don’t use cleaning solutions. Many patients favor this type of implant because it allows them to forget they have dentures.
One of the downsides of implant-supported fixed dentures is that they require more bone and tissue support than removable implant-supported dentures. If you don’t have the bone mass needed for fixed implant-supported dentures, you should either choose a removable option or you may be a candidate for an alternative procedure, the All-on-4 full-arch restoration.
Implant-supported removable dentures
Implant-supported removable dentures (also known as impact dentures) are more like traditional dentures. The main difference is that instead of using glue to hold the denture in place, dental implants are used.
Implant-supported removable dentures are not only a better option for patients who lack the bone mass to support fixed dentures, but also for patients who are used to wearing traditional dentures and don’t mind taking their dentures out for cleaning at the end of the day. Some patients may even prefer this option because they find it easier to clean. Implant-supported removable dentures are also more affordable.
Fixed Dental Implants
Characteristics of Fixed Dental Implants vs. Removable Dental Implants
As you can see, each of the implant-supported denture options has its advantages and disadvantages. Fixed implant-supported dentures look more like your natural teeth, but they are also more expensive, and not all patients have the bone graft needed to support them. Implant-supported removable dentures are easier to clean and cost less, but many patients don’t like the fact that they feel as close to the experience of having traditional dentures.
Ultimately, the best way to decide what is right for you is to visit Dr. Hashemi’s office or other specialists for a consultation. We will review your dental history, talk to you about your lifestyle, perform an examination, and discuss your treatment goals. Taking all of these into consideration will help us determine the dental implant solution that best meets your needs.
