Fixed vs removable dentures: How to choose?
Getting a dental bridge is a good solution to anyone that lost multiple tooth and want to get back their chewing comfort as well as their smile. However, it might be hard to understand the difference between fixed vs removable dentures.
Below, you can find all the information needed about each solution, and learn what are their respective pros and cons.
What is a fixed dental bridge?
A fixed dental bridge is a non-removable dental bridge. It is a great option to replace one or several missing teeth. Different types of dental bridges exist and it relies on your dentists to determine the most convenient one for you, according to your condition and your needs. The most commonly used type of dental bridge is the traditional dental bridge.
A dental bridge is a durable and long-lasting solution, as it’s lifespan goes from 10 to 20 years. It replaces missing teeth with natural looking ones, and all together, they play the same function as the patient’s natural teeth.
Fixed dental bridge procedure
As previously mentioned, a dental bridge replace missing teeth with natural-looking fixed artificial teeth. It is a procedure that varies according to the type of bridge choosen.
The dentist will start by doing an X-ray and examine the patient’s mouth to check the presence of any decay or gum disease to treat it.
The dentist will then fill down the two healthy tooth surrounding the gap created by the missing teeth or tooth. They both acte as a support for the bridge. After that, the dentist will take impressions and send them to the laboratory to make a customised dental bridge. While waiting for the dental bridge, the dentist will place a temporary bridge over the two shaped tooth and the gap.
If the surrounding tooth aren’t strong enough to support the bridge, the dentist will need to use two dental implants. The two dental implants will be placed to serve as a support for the bridge.
Once the final prothesis of the dental bridge is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary one, clean the patient’s teeth and then place the new bridge. Afterwards the dentists will check if the bridge is correctly placed, if it fits the patient’s gum and teeth color. Lastly, sealing paste will be used to permanently seal the bridge onto the patient’s support teeth.
Fixed dental bridge cost
On average the price of a dental bridge in the UK starts at 2 213 € (£1,900), and in France starts at 1 950 € (this price does not include the preliminary dental examination nor the x-ray).
In Spain, the cost of dental bridges is well below the ones in the UK or in France as the cost of living is lower. However, be reassured that the treatment is carried out with the same quality.
At the EL CEDRO Barcelona clinic in Spain, the cost of a dental bridge start at 1 110 € (£993). As an example, this price includes the X-ray and the primilinary dental examination.
Find out more about dental bridge cost at the EL CEDRO Barcelona clinic.
However, getting a fixed dental bridge is not the only solution available to you if you lost multiple tooth. You can also get a removable dental bridge. But what is the difference between fixed vs removable dentures? Is a removable dental bridge as long lasting as a fixed one?
Here is everything you nee to know about fixed vs removable dentures!
What is a removable dental bridge?
A removable dental bridge can replace one or multiple missing tooth. As its name indicates, this type of bridge isn’t a fixed solution. Removable dental bridge consists of artificial teeth connected to a resin-based gum tissue replacement piece, this type of bridge does not act or look exactly like a natural one.
Removable dental bridge procedure
The first step is to take several impressions to accurately record the position of the gums, tongue, lips and cheeks. Your dentist will then send the impressions to the dental technician who will make a plaster model of your mouth.
After a period that can last up to a few weeks, the patient receive the dental bridge.
Removable dental bridge cost
On average the price of a removable dental bridge per arch in the UK starts at 698 € (£600), when some dentists can charge up to 1 164 € (£1,000) per arch.
In Spain, the cost of dental bridges is below the UK ones as the cost of living is lower. However, be reassured that the treatment is carried out with the same quality. The average price of a denture in Spain is between 400 € (£343) and 700 € (£600) per arch.
At the EL CEDRO Barcelona clinic, we only do fixed dental bridge solutions as it is for us the most practical one for each of our patient regarding the chewing comfort but also the aesthetic.
Fixed vs removable dentures: pros and cons
Differences
A fixed dental bridge, as its name indicates, isn’t removable so cannot move while the patient is eating for example. In the contrary, a removable bridge can easily move while the patient is eating.
Additionally, a patient with removable dentures will have to take them off twice a day while brushing their teeth and take good care of them. It is recommended to brush them, soak them in a denture cleaning solution and brush them again. This can be time consuming and incovenient. This is why a fixed denture is an easier solution for many people.
The second difference is the appearance of each bridge, a fixed dental bridge is made to look as natural as natural teeth would, in the other hand, a removable dental bridge doesn’t give the exact same result of natural looking teeth.
A removable denture is however more affordable than a fixed one, which can sound appealing.
Similarities
The only similarity with fixed and removable dental bridge is that they both are really helpful when you need to replace one or many missing teeth.
Fixed vs removable dentures: which solution is best?
There is no best solution regarding the choice of dental bridge. It is up to each patient’s personal situation to determine, which the dentist will help with.
For example, if the the jaw bone is already lost, removable dentures are strongly advised. They indeed require less support than fixed ones.
If you still have a decent jaw bone, it is then advise to look at a fixed solution if you can afford it. It is a permanent solution offering a high level of comfort.
Q&A
Are fixed bridges removable?
Fixed dental bridges can fall out if the patient doesn’t take care of the bridge properly. Your dental hygienist will make sure that you are aware of all the hygiene tips you need to know. As natural teeth, a bridge can be damaged too. So any hard food as nuts can demage them.
Who can get dental bridges?
Anyone above 18 years old with one or multiple missing tooth is able to get dental bridges.
