Derya Dental Clinic Logo

Blog

Fixed vs Removable Dentures: A Complete Guide to Tooth Replacement

Mustafa Ufuk Sancılı, DDS
Mustafa Ufuk Sancılı, DDS

Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry

6 min read
Updated: April 19, 2026
Fixed and removable dentures — Derya Dental Clinic Maltepe

Did You Know?

A dental prosthesis is the general term for artificial restorations that replace missing or severely damaged teeth. Fixed prostheses (crowns and bridges) cannot be removed from the mouth and feel closest to natural teeth. Removable prosthes...

01

Comparison of Prosthesis Types

FeatureFixed ProsthesisRemovable ProsthesisImplant-Supported Prosthesis
RemovableNoYesVaries (fixed or removable)
Natural feelVery goodModerateExcellent
AestheticsVery goodModerateExcellent
Longevity10–15 years5–8 years15–20+ years
PriceModerate–highLow–moderateHigh
Bone preservationPartialBone loss continuesBone is stimulated
CareNormal brushingDaily removal and cleaningNormal brushing
02

Types of Fixed Prosthesis

1. Crown

A restoration that covers a whole tooth. A crown is used when at least 60% of the tooth is damaged or after root canal treatment.

Material options:

  • Zirconium — metal-free, natural appearance
  • Metal-ceramic — durable, good for back teeth
  • Full ceramic (E-max) — excellent aesthetics, ideal for front teeth

2. Bridge

One or more missing teeth are replaced by anchoring the bridge to the adjacent teeth. The neighbouring teeth are prepared as bridge abutments.

Advantages:

  • Fixed, non-removable
  • Faster than an implant (2–3 weeks)
  • More affordable than implants

Disadvantages:

  • Healthy neighbouring teeth must be reduced
  • Bone loss continues under the bridge
  • Slightly increased decay risk on abutment teeth

3. Implant-Supported Crown

A single crown placed on a dental implant. The neighbouring teeth are left completely untouched.

03

Types of Removable Prosthesis

1. Complete Denture

Used when all of the teeth in a jaw are missing. The denture rests on the palate and gums.

Advantages:

  • The most economical whole-arch solution
  • No surgery required

Disadvantages:

  • Risk of slipping or dropping out
  • Lower chewing efficiency (30–40% of a natural dentition)
  • Palatal coverage reduces taste sensation
  • Fit worsens over time as bone resorbs

2. Partial Denture

For a few missing teeth — clasped to the remaining natural teeth. Removable.

Advantages:

  • An alternative when fixed work is not possible
  • Affordable

Disadvantages:

  • Metal clasps can show
  • Clasps can strain the anchor teeth

3. Implant-Supported Removable Denture

A denture that clips onto 2–4 implants and can still be removed. Considerably more stable than a conventional complete denture.

04

Which Prosthesis Suits Which Patient?

SituationRecommended
Single missing toothImplant-supported crown or bridge
2–3 missing teethImplant or bridge
Multiple missing teethImplant-supported fixed prosthesis (All-on-4)
All teeth missing, implants possibleAll-on-4 or implant-supported removable
All teeth missing, implants not possibleComplete denture
Very limited budgetRemovable denture (interim solution)
Temporary periodProvisional prosthesis
05

Prosthesis Care

Fixed Prosthesis

  • Normal toothbrushing plus floss
  • Super floss or interdental brush under bridges
  • Check-up every 6 months

Removable Prosthesis

  • Rinse after each meal with the denture removed
  • Once a day: brush plus a denture cleaning tablet
  • Remove at night and store in water
  • Annual fit review (a rebase may be needed)
06

2026 Denture Prices

TypePrice Range (2026)Longevity
Complete denture5,000 – 12,000 TL (per arch)5–8 years
Partial denture4,000 – 10,000 TL5–8 years
Precision-attachment denture8,000 – 18,000 TL8–12 years
Crown (single tooth)3,000 – 12,000 TL10–15 years
Bridge (3-unit)9,000 – 36,000 TL10–15 years
Implant-supported denture40,000 – 80,000 TL (per arch)15–20+ years
All-on-4 fixed prosthesis80,000 – 150,000 TL (per arch)15–20+ years

Clinical note: Prices vary with the material. Zirconium crown/bridge work is more expensive than metal-ceramic.


07

Related Treatment Pages

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a specialist for decisions about your oral and dental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Fixed or removable dentures — which is better?
In general, a fixed prosthesis is more comfortable and functional. However, budget, the condition of the remaining teeth and overall health can all make a removable denture the right choice in specific cases.
Is having a denture fitted painful?
Preparation of teeth for crowns and bridges is carried out under local anaesthesia, so it is painless. A removable denture does not require any surgery at all.
Can I have a bridge instead of an implant?
Yes, but a bridge requires the neighbouring teeth to be prepared. If those teeth are healthy, a dental implant is a more conservative long-term option.
How long do dentures last?
Fixed prostheses (crowns and bridges) last 10–15 years, removable dentures 5–8 years, and implant-supported prostheses 15–20+ years.
Can I eat comfortably with a complete denture?
The upper denture is held in place by palatal suction, but chewing efficiency is only 30–40% that of natural teeth. An implant-supported denture raises this figure to 80–90%.
Denture or implant — which should I choose?
An implant is the closest replacement to a natural tooth and it preserves the jaw bone. A denture is the more economical option. If the bone quality is adequate, implant treatment is usually the better long-term investment.
Can gum inflammation develop under a denture?
Yes, if hygiene is neglected. The denture should be removed and cleaned daily and the gums brushed. Regular check-ups allow early intervention.
What do dentures cost in 2026?
A complete upper or lower denture costs 5,000–12,000 TL, a single crown 3,000–12,000 TL, a 3-unit bridge 9,000–36,000 TL and an implant-supported denture 40,000–80,000 TL. Prices depend on material (acrylic, metal-ceramic, zirconium) and the number of teeth.
Implant-supported or conventional removable denture?
If the bone is suitable, an implant-supported denture is clearly superior for chewing, comfort and bone preservation. Chewing efficiency rises from 30–40% (conventional) to 80–90% (implant-supported). Over the long term it is also more economical. --- Living with missing teeth? At Derya Dental Clinic in Maltepe, we will work with you to choose the prosthesis that best suits your situation. 📞 0216 572 05 20 💬 WhatsApp appointment ---
Mustafa Ufuk Sancılı, DDS

Author

Mustafa Ufuk Sancılı, DDS

Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry

Marmara University DDS graduate and Prosthodontics PhD candidate. Focuses on laminate veneers, zirconia crowns, implant-supported prostheses, and smile design.

View doctor profile