Getting to know the types of dental prostheses One of the classifications of prostheses is to divide them into three main categories: movable, semi-movable and fixed prosthesis. ### 1. Movable prostheses Removable prostheses, as their name suggests, are prostheses that can be removed from the mouth and reinserted. These types of prostheses are usually used to replace all teeth in one jaw or several teeth in one area. Many people know movable prosthesis by names such as tooth hand or artificial tooth, which are not wrong names either. These prostheses are the cheapest type of oral prostheses; They are made quickly and are a very suitable option for people who have lost all the teeth in one or both jaws. But their stability is much less compared to semi-mobile and fixed prostheses; They have a lot of food restrictions and over time, they cause jaw bone degeneration. #### Types of movable prostheses - **Complete prosthesis:** It is used to replace all the teeth of one jaw. - **Partial prosthesis:** It is used to replace several teeth in one area. **Read more:** The price of dental parcel ### 2. Fixed prostheses Fixed prostheses are artificial teeth that are permanently attached to adjacent teeth or implant bases and cannot be removed. These prostheses are very popular due to their stability and function similar to natural teeth. They don't move when you chew or talk, and because they are customized and match the color of your natural teeth, they look very natural and beautiful. Fixed dentures improve your chewing function. This means that you will not have any obstacles to eat your favorite chewy foods. Also, if the prosthesis is placed on the implant, it prevents its degeneration by stimulating the jaw bone. An option that does not exist in movable prostheses. However, in some cases, to make a bridge (one of the types of fixed prostheses), it is necessary to shave the adjacent teeth, and if the oral hygiene is not followed well, the possibility of decay of the adjacent teeth increases. Finally, the cost of fixed dentures is much higher than removable dentures. However, you can be sure that the advantages of fixed prosthesis over removable prosthesis are worth paying more. **Read more:** Advantages of dental prosthesis #### Types of fixed prostheses - **Clay:** Used to cover a damaged or deformed tooth. - **Bridge:** A bridge is a solution to replace one or more missing teeth by relying on adjacent teeth. - **Implant:** is a permanent replacement for the tooth root on which artificial prosthesis is placed. - **Veneer:** It is a beautiful solution to improve the appearance of discolored and damaged teeth. - **Inlay and Inlay:** It is a type of artificial prosthesis that is used to replace a part of the lost tooth structure. ### 3. semi-mobile prostheses (overdenture implants) Semi-movable prostheses or overdentures are a type of dental prosthesis that combine the features of fixed and movable prostheses. These prostheses are connected to dental implants and in this way, they provide stability and strength similar to fixed prostheses. However, due to having special connections, it is also possible to remove and clean them. This prosthesis is the special type that we intend to introduce you to in the rest of this article. What is a semi-mobile prosthesis and how does it work? As we explained to you in the types of prosthesis section, semi-mobile prosthesis or overdenture means placing artificial tooth prosthesis on implant bases. This method of tooth replacement is more stable than removable dentures; Although it still does not have the full stability of a fixed prosthesis. ### How does a semi-mobile prosthesis work? First, the dentist places titanium implants in the patient's jawbone. These implants are supposed to act just like artificial roots for a person's new teeth. After 4 to 6 months (when the implant bases are well fused with the jaw bone), the dentist takes a mold of the person's mouth to order customized prostheses to be placed on these bases to the laboratory. Finally, the made overdenture is connected to these implant bases by means of special connectors. Connections that allow the overdenture to be both firmly in place and yet removable. Advantages of semi-removable dental prosthesis The use of semi-removable dental prostheses has many advantages. For example: ### High stability and strength Connecting the overdenture to the dental implant makes this prosthesis very stable and does not move when chewing or talking. With the help of this feature, you can chew different foods easily and enjoy eating them. These overdentures are stable and do not loosen like artificial teeth. As a result, you will not have to worry about the prosthesis moving in your mouth when you speak. ### Natural appearance and similar to real teeth When we talk about the natural appearance of a semi-removable denture, we mean that it closely resembles your natural teeth. So much so that when others see your teeth, they won't notice that you are wearing dentures. This natural beauty happens for several reasons. First, the dentist carefully checks the color of your natural teeth and makes your prosthesis with the same color to maintain the uniformity of your smile. Second, due to the uniqueness of the shape and size of each person's teeth, the dentist makes a prosthesis that matches the shape and size of your other teeth using precise molding. The third reason for this natural beauty is the transparency of prostheses and the ability to pass light. A special feature that doubles the natural appearance of your prosthesis. ### Maintaining the health of the jaw bone When a tooth comes out of the mouth, the jawbone under it begins to atrophy. This complication occurs because the teeth, by putting pressure on the bone, stimulate and grow it. But when there is no tooth, the bone does not receive stimulation and gradually decays. Because semi-mobile prosthesis is connected to dental implants, it can prevent jawbone degeneration and even help rebuild that bone. In fact, implants act as artificial tooth roots and stimulate the bone by putting pressure on it. This stimulation keeps the jaw bone stronger and healthier. The exact mechanism of this process is the transfer of force to the bone by applying pressure to the implant and, as a result, to the jawbone, as well as constant stimulation of the bone. **Read more:** Maxillofacial surgeon ### Durability and durability When you wear semi-removable dentures, your implants act as artificial roots for your teeth and hold the denture firmly in place. They transfer the chewing pressure evenly to the jawbone and prevent the prosthesis from breaking or cracking. Also, the materials used in the construction of semi-mobile prostheses have a high resistance to wear and do not suffer from wear due to chewing food. As a result of all these advantages, your semi-mobile prosthesis can last twice as long as the mobile prosthesis. How long is the life of a semi-removable tooth prosthesis? If you can take good care of your semi-removable dentures, you will most likely be able to use them and their benefits for more than 20 years. However, careful oral and dental hygiene and care of this prosthesis, along with its high quality, have a great impact on this lifespan. Candidates for the use of semi-mobile prosthesis Semi-removable prostheses or overdentures are a suitable choice for many people due to the combination of the advantages of fixed and removable prostheses. For example: - **Those who have lost several teeth or all the teeth in one jaw:** If you have lost some of your teeth and do not want to use full dentures, semi-removable dentures can be a suitable option for you. - **People looking for a permanent replacement for missing teeth:** If you are looking for a long-term solution to replace your teeth, semi-removable dentures can be a great option. - **People who want to have a natural appearance and good chewing performance:** The semi-mobile prosthesis has a very natural appearance due to its connection to the implants and significantly improves the chewing performance. - **Those who want to prevent their jawbone from atrophying:** The implants to which the overdenture is attached prevent it from atrophying by stimulating the jawbone. - **People who care about their oral hygiene:** To maintain the health of overdentures and implants, regular and careful care is needed. Semi-removable dental prosthesis is not suitable for whom? This method is not suitable for those who do not have enough density in the jawbone. Because implants need strong and dense bone to stabilize. If the bone density is low, the implant does not fit well in the bone and may be loose or even lost. In addition, people who smoke or grind their teeth in their sleep are not good candidates for overdentures. Because smoking slows down the healing process after implant surgery and increases the possibility of infection. Grinding teeth also puts a lot of pressure on implants and prostheses and causes them to loosen and even fracture the prostheses. Therefore, people who have these habits should leave or control these habits before undergoing overdenture treatment. What are the disadvantages of semi-mobile prosthesis? Although semi-removable dentures have many advantages, they may also have some disadvantages. Disadvantages such as the need for surgery, which are not available in removable prostheses (artificial teeth). On the other hand, candidates for semi-removable dentures must meet all the necessary conditions to receive this treatment. It means that they are not suffering from any systematic disease and their jaw bone has the ability to support the dental implant. The last drawback of semi-movable prosthesis is its relatively high price, which may deter some people from receiving this treatment. However, the much greater benefits of this treatment method than dentures are worth the higher cost. How to take care of semi-removable dental prosthesis? If you want to increase the lifespan of your semi-mobile prosthesis and enjoy the existence of this new member in your mouth for many years, you must be diligent in maintaining and taking care of this prosthesis. Because your dental prosthesis needs care just like a natural tooth. To take care of this prosthesis, first of all, you should pay attention to your diet. That is, as much as possible, avoid eating hard foods that may damage your dentures. Nuts, candy, hard fruits and bottom of the pot are all prohibitions that you should avoid if you use a semi-mobile prosthesis! The second group of dietary restrictions is related to acidic foods. Foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and soft drinks can all lead to decay of your dentures. So you should try not to use these foods as much as possible. Finally, you should try to avoid consuming sweet and alcoholic foods so that your dental prosthesis does not get decayed. The second group of your cares belongs to oral and dental hygiene. It means daily and regular use of toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss, as well as weekly use (with the dentist's prescription) of mouthwash. This group of care helps to maintain the health of your dental prosthesis by preventing the accumulation of bacteria and preventing gingivitis. Finally, you should try to abandon some of your wrong and harmful habits and behaviors. That is, do not use your new prosthesis as a tool to open and close the door of objects or to chew nails and pens. Also, if you have a habit of grinding your teeth in your sleep, take the help of a night guard to prevent damage to your semi-mobile prosthesis. By following these tips, you can use your semi-movable prosthesis for a long time and have a beautiful and natural smile. The cost of semi-removable dental prosthesis Usually, the cost of semi-mobile dental prosthesis is determined based on the number of jaw bone implant bases. This means that this cost is directly related to the number of your implants. On the other hand, the implants themselves have different types and brands and can have very variable costs. For this reason, it is not so easy to determine the exact cost of dental prosthesis. We recommend you to visit the dental prosthesis cost page to get more accurate prices such as the price of a single dental prosthesis or the price list of fixed dental prosthesis. **Final Conclusion** Semi-removable prosthesis is an effective and efficient treatment method to replace missing teeth. In addition to beauty and high performance, this method maintains oral and dental health and increases people's self-confidence. So, if you are also looking for a way to replace your missing teeth, you can consult a specialist dentist about the suitability of this method for you.