What are the differences between fixed and removable dentures?
The two groups differ most significantly in chewing ability, warranty period, and cost: fixed dentures are more secure and have a longer warranty, while removable dentures are cheaper and usually do not require surgery. The table below uses current data from Dental Fam:
| Criteria | Removable Dentures | Fixed Dentures (porcelain bridges, implants) |
| Cost | From 500,000 VND per tooth, plus base cost from 0 to 2,500,000 VND | DDBio porcelain crowns from 4,000,000 VND per tooth; Dentium implant up to 18,000,000 VND per implant |
| Surgery | Usually not necessary. Minor surgery to grind down the protruding or pointed bone if it causes pressure, not mandatory. | Yes, with implants |
| Completion time | Usually about 1 week, 3 appointments | Porcelain crowns usually take about 24 hours thanks to the clinic's laboratory; Implants are indicated by the doctor. |
| Chewing | Difficulty chewing, uncertainty | High stability, eating feels almost like natural teeth |
| Warranty | 6 months to 3 years depending on the type of tooth | 7 to 19 years with porcelain crowns, 10 to 15 years with implants |
| Jawbone | Bone may continue to resorb because there is no tooth root or implant to stimulate bone resorption | Implants have a post embedded in the bone, thus stimulating bone resorption |
If you lean towards fixed teeth, the following section explains when that's appropriate.
When should you choose fixed teeth?
You should choose fixed teeth when conditions allow, as dentists always prioritize fixed teeth such as dental bridges or implants for people who have lost teeth.
The conditions here are the jawbone and adjacent teeth. Dental bridges are not suitable when bone loss has occurred or adjacent teeth are too weak to act as abutments. When a bridge is not feasible, the dentist will evaluate other options, including implants, before considering removable dentures.
Fixed teeth are especially suitable if you need strong chewing ability or have high aesthetic demands. The clearest example is losing a molar: removable dentures only fill the gap and cannot be used for chewing, so you should consider fixed teeth. You can view pricing on the page for dental crowns, fixed bridges, and complete implant packages.
However, not everyone has the means or budget for fixed teeth.
When is removable denture a reasonable choice?
Removable dentures are a reasonable choice when you don't have enough funds or resources for fixed dentures, or when you don't want surgery.
With removable dentures, you usually don't need surgery and the process takes about a week. You can find an overview on the removable dentures page. If you choose this option, you should also read the article on which type of removable denture is best to choose the appropriate base and type of teeth.
Removable dentures also have limitations you need to know beforehand. They don't provide the same chewing strength as fixed dentures, and can easily mislead users into thinking they can chew normally. Therefore, if your chewing or aesthetic requirements are too high and you insist on removable dentures, your dentist may refuse to avoid unsatisfactory results.
Is a removable denture on implants a middle ground option?
In terms of construction, yes, it's still a removable denture, but it attaches to two implant posts instead of the jawbone, and the cost is 60,000,000 VND per denture.
This option is for people with significant jawbone loss, especially in the lower jaw, which often causes the denture to lose its grip. Some people also choose it when their finances are a bit better and they accept the cost of two posts. However, it's still a removable denture, and dentists still prioritize fixed dentures when your conditions allow.
If you still have some concerns when choosing, the section below may help you.
Frequently Asked Questions When Choosing Removable or Fixed Dentures
What does the dentist base their choice on?
The dentist bases their decision on your budget, bone structure, and the condition of your mouth.
In all cases, the dentist always prioritizes fixed dentures, while removable dentures are considered as a last resort.
What should I do if I lose a single molar?
Generally, you should consider fixed dentures, as Dental Fam usually doesn't make removable dentures for a single molar.
A single-molar removable denture is less stable and only fills the gap; it doesn't allow for proper chewing, easily leading you to mistakenly believe you can eat normally. You can read more about the case of losing a single tooth in the article on single removable dentures.
Should Older Adults Choose Removable or Fixed Dentures?
The indications don't differ by age: young or older adults who have lost teeth choose based on budget, bone structure, and oral condition.
The difference is that older adults often have difficulty ensuring proper hygiene and maintenance of their dentures. With removable dentures, you need to remove them for cleaning after each meal and before going to sleep; this is a mandatory requirement.
Fixed dentures are always the best option when teeth are lost, while removable dentures are a last resort when budget, jawbone structure, or adjacent teeth are not yet available. Fixed dentures offer better chewing stability and have a warranty of 7 to 19 years for porcelain crowns and 10 to 15 years for implants, while removable dentures are cheaper and usually don't require surgery. If there is significant bone loss, removable dentures on implants may be considered.
All dentists at Dental Fam can perform both removable and fixed denture procedures. The content of this article is based on the current price list and consultations with the clinic's dentists.
Since the choice of treatment depends on each individual's jawbone and adjacent teeth, the most reliable way is to have a dentist examine you. You can schedule an appointment and consultation at Dental Fam; the 100,000 VND consultation fee is waived if you book immediately.
Dental Fam - Family Clinic
- Address: NOTT 28, 29, 30, Phuoc Long A Urban Area, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
- Hotline: +84 582 582 345 / +84 983 001 768
- Email: info@dentalfam.vn