Tooth loss can affect more than just your ability to eat or speak—it can impact your self-esteem, oral health, and overall quality of life. While traditional removable dentures have long been a go-to solution, advances in dental technology now offer a more secure, comfortable, and natural-looking alternative: fixed dentures. Also known as implant-supported dentures, these permanent prosthetics are revolutionising restorative dentistry by providing patients with a stable and long-term option that closely mimics the look and function of natural teeth.
In this article, we explore what fixed dentures are, how they work, and why they may be the right choice for those seeking a lasting smile restoration: 
What is a fixed denture?
A fixed denture is a non-removable dental prosthesis used to replace multiple missing teeth. Unlike traditional removable dentures, fixed dentures are securely anchored in the mouth, usually by dental implants or natural teeth, and cannot be taken out by the patient.
The types of Fixed Dentures
Bar retained dentures
In this case, which involves the usage of clips, dentists fix partial dentures. Partial dentures become necessary if some teeth are missing from the dental arch, thus a minor gap needs to be bridged. Such partial dentures have many benefits. Firstly, they restore the ability to chew. Secondly, they prevent the remaining teeth from moving towards the those parts of the jawbone where there is no tooth left. Furthermore, they improve the facial aesthetics of patients, especially in the case of the front teeth.
During the procedure the dentist places the false teeth on a metal bar, the two edge of which ends in clips. Then he fixes the clips on the remaining teeth. The advantage of this technique is that the denture is firmly fixed in the mouth, keeping the false teeth tightly in their place. Its disadvantage is that the clips are visible, which does not provide a really aesthetic sight. Another disadvantage is that the clips put a strain on the healthy teeth they are connected with and thus erode them.
Dental bridges
Dental bridges are modern and widespread tools for making fixed dentures. They have many different types, ranging from bridges that use porcelain-metal crowns, to pressed ceramic bridges, and zirconia bridges.
When using this method, the specialist grinds the unhurt teeth on each side of the gap. This happens to an extent necessary to fix the bridges safely on the teeth. Each of the two units on the ends of the structure functioning as a bridge over the missing teeth is a crown, and these crowns are fitted on the ground tooth abutments. The false teeth, which serve as a replacement for the missing teeth, are fixed between the tooth abutments.
This method is perfect for bridging larger gaps by replacing more than one missing tooth at once. Its disadvantage is that the dentist must grind down the tooth abutments. This means the removal of a greater or smaller part from the material of entire unhurt teeth as a preparation for the procedure.
For bridging larger gaps metal bridge frameworks or extremely hard zirconia bridges are the best solution. The pressed ceramic (solely porcelain) bridges containing no metal are not suitable for such purposes, as they cannot withstand the bending force present.
There is also an intermediate solution for replacing two teeth at most. In this case the dentist does not need to grind the unhurt teeth holding the bridge, just makes a but a tiny niche in their surface. The two outer formulas at the ends of the bridge are fixed into these niches as dental inlays.
Fixed implant supported dentures
Nowadays, implant-supported dentures are the most modern procedure. A great advantage of this technique is that it spares the unhurt teeth. The structure forming a bridge over the absence of teeth (the bridge) sits on the jawbone’s implants instead of on ground teeth. Just two well ossified false roots are enough to provide adequate stability to bridges of normal length.
If many or all of the teeth are missing, dentists use more than one implants to fix the bridges. This way, they can replace even entire lower or upper dental arches in the long run.
The slight disadvantage of this method is that it takes a long a time. Getting a fixed denture with the traditional way (the grinding of tooth abutments) usually only takes a few weeks. But the fixed implant supported denture can be placed after about half a year. This is the amount of time necessary for the supporting false root to heal and ossify. The patient has to bear a minor dental surgical procedure as well. The long-term advantages, however, amply compensate the patient for the inconveniences. For those who have lost their teeth, All-On-4 dentures are a revolutionary and stable solution.
Complete fixed dentures
Implants may also grant a better quality of life to those who have removable complete dentures. In the completely edentulous mouth, the adhesive forces, the muscle tone, and the force of gravity hold the denture in its place. Even when combined, these forces cannot provide enough support for the process of chewing and speaking. However, two lower and four upper implants can provide great stability to the removable dentures. Chewing and speaking become more firm, the confidence of the individual increases. Patients who can receive implants may also consider a replacement. This means that by having a bit more implants, their completely removable dentures could be replaced with more convenient solutions of fixed bridges. How do I choose: dental bridge or implant?
Which is better, fixed or removable dentures?
Fixed Dentures
- Stability: Securely anchored with implants or dental crown; does not shift or move.
- Comfort: Feels more like natural teeth; less irritation to gums.
- Function: Better chewing efficiency and speech clarity.
- Aesthetics: More natural appearance due to custom fitting and integration.
- Maintenance: Cleaned like natural teeth but may require professional check-ups.
- Longevity: Can last many years or even decades with proper care.
- Cost: More expensive due to surgery and materials.
Removable Dentures
- Stability: May slip or move, especially while eating or speaking.
- Comfort: May cause sore spots or discomfort over time.
- Function: Less effective in chewing and may affect speech.
- Aesthetics: Can look natural, but may not match the realism of fixed options.
- Maintenance: Must be removed and cleaned daily.
- Longevity: May need replacement or adjustment every 5–10 years.
- Cost: More affordable initially, making them accessible for more patients.
What Are the Disadvantages of Fixed Dentures?
- High Initial cost: Fixed dentures, especially implant-supported types, require significant investment due to surgery, materials, and lab work.
- Surgical Procedure Required: Dental implants involve surgery, which may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with health issues.
- Long Treatment Time: The process from consultation to final placement can take several months.
- Not Reversible: Once placed, implants or altered teeth cannot be restored to their original state.
- Risk of complications: Though rare, risks include infection, implant failure, or bone loss over time.
How Long Do Fixed Dentures Last?
- Implant-supported dentures: Can last **15–25 years or more**, with the implants themselves often lasting a lifetime if properly cared
- The prosthetic (denture) part: May need replacement or adjustments every 10–15 years, depending on wear, bone changes, and hygiene.
Why Are Fixed Dentures So Expensive?
- Surgical Expertise: Placement requires skilled oral surgeons or implantologists.
- High-Quality Materials: Titanium implants, ceramic or zirconia teeth, and custom prosthetics are costly to produce.
- Advanced Technology: CT scans, 3D modelling, and digital planning tools add to the cost.
- Labour-Intensive Process: Multiple appointments, lab work, and precision fittings require time and effort.
Can You Sleep with Fixed Dentures?
Yes. Unlike removable dentures, fixed dentures are designed to stay in place 24/7, including while you sleep. However, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial to prevent infections or gum inflammation around the implants or supporting structures.
Can You Eat with Fixed Dentures?
Absolutely. Fixed dentures are stable and allow you to eat a wide variety of foods, including chewy and crunchy items. They function much like natural teeth and do not move or shift during chewing. Patients are usually advised to avoid extremely hard foods (like ice or hard candy) to protect the prosthetic teeth. Check our dental implants before and after reviews.
