Patients undergoing restorative dental procedures may require prostheses, of which there are several different types. Prosthetic structures, such as dentures or bridges, can be either permanent or removable depending on the patient’s preference. Although there are advantages and disadvantages to both, many patients like the convenience and flexibility of removable prostheses.

Removable prosthetic devices include:

• Full or partial dentures
• Dental bridges
• Implant restorations
• Restorative structures

These devices are often more affordable and convenient than permanent fixed structures, and offer nearly the same support and reliability. Removable dental prostheses are easier to clean and service, and can be constructed and implanted more quickly than permanent prosthetic devices.

Some patients may not be eligible for fixed dental prostheses because they lack sufficient bone and tissue to support them. Many of these people can restore their smiles using removable devices.

The benefits of removable versus permanent devices should be discussed with a dentist or prosthodontist prior to treatment.

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Additional Resources

• Mouth Healthy
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
• Medline Plus
• National Institutes of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• WebMD