Dentures are used in place of missing teeth for the purpose of proper chewing, protection of the gums, improvement in speech, and for aesthetic reasons. Fixed dentures are permanent replacement teeth anchored by dental implants or by a bridge. Monrovia patients who have lost or missing teeth can restore their smile and the function of natural teeth with either fixed or removable dentures.
How Do Fixed Dentures Work?
Fixed dentures cannot be removed by the patient and are similar to your natural teeth. To achieve the same function as natural teeth, your dentist will need to affix prosthetic teeth to a dental implant. A dental implant is an artificial root that is anchored into your jawbone to mimic your natural root. Two options for fixed dentures are:
- A bridge is used to fill in the space left by a missing tooth by placing a crown on both sides of a prosthetic tooth or teeth.
- Dental implants. Replacement for your natural root, prosthetic teeth are affixed to dental implants to create a smile.
When Monrovia patients lose or need to remove a tooth, a bridge can be attached to a dental implant to fill this area and restore your smile. For those who have multiple injured, diseased, or lost teeth, removable dentures might prove to be the best option.
The Advantages of Fixed Dentures
While not every patient is a good candidate for fixed dentures, there are several advantages to selecting this option including:
- Secure permanent placement.
- Natural smile and function.
- Care for like natural teeth.
However, since fixed dentures cannot be removed, they may become susceptible to inflammation and other oral problems. Furthermore, fixed dentures or implants are quite costly as compared to removable dentures.
For more information on whether fixed dentures are the right option for you, contact Dr. Q’s Monrovia office at 626.599.9819.
