A removable prosthesis based on a dental implant is one of the medical solutions for replacing lost teeth. Implants consist of two parts. Their base replaces the lost roots and crowns are installed on the base.
There are different types of implants and, therefore, they are categorized in different ways.
Overdentures are one of the replacement methods for missing teeth. A person can remove them from his mouth when he does not need them (for example, while sleeping).
Components of implant-based mobile prosthesis are similar to fixed models. But their difference is in the ability to remove and put in one of the parts. In the following, we have mentioned the different parts of dental implants and we have also specified the difference between fixed and movable models.
A fixture is a screw that is implanted in the jawbone and placed under the gum line. This piece, which is usually made of titanium, plays the role of the root of the tooth.
In mobile models, fixtures are not used for all teeth, but a few fixtures are enough to act as retainers. The rest of the teeth are connected and have sufficient strength due to the connection to the fixtures. Due to not using a fixture for each tooth, it is possible to remove the movable prosthesis from the mouth.
This part is the connection between the fixture and the implanted tooth crown and plays the role of connecting them. The abutment is placed above the gum line.
This visible part is the crown of the tooth, which looks like a real tooth. Materials such as porcelain or ceramic are used to make this part. Prostheses are attached to abutments.
When it is said that the dental implant is mobile, it means that the first and second parts are fixed, but the third part or the crown can be removed from the mouth for cleaning or any other purpose.
Implantation of a mobile prosthesis is done in three stages.
First, the fixture is surgically attached to the jaw bone.
After the first stage, you have to wait between 3-4 months for the gum and jaw tissue to grow at the cellular level on the implant. At this stage, the body recognizes the base of the implant as a part of the jawbone. The material of the bases is usually compatible with the body. But in some patients, the body rejects this transplant.
Prostheses should also be made according to the shape of the patient’s main teeth, gums and jaw to create a natural appearance. Due to the sensitivity of this process, it may take up to a month to make the prostheses.
At the last stage, the crowns are attached to the bases, and there is no worry about them slipping and coming off while eating and speaking. These teeth can optionally be removed from your mouth for cleaning etc.
Overdentures (implant-supported removable prostheses) are very suitable for those who have problems with artificial teeth made in the old way and cannot eat and speak easily with them.
Also, those who want to remove and clean their teeth after eating are good candidates for using removable implants.
Note that the gums and bones are not destroyed in the movable prosthesis. Therefore, people who do not have enough bone mass for fixed implants can use these types of implants.
In general, in order to determine whether a person is a suitable candidate for this type of implantation or not, a doctor specializing in this field should be consulted. The doctor carefully examines all the details and suggests the best replacement for the missing teeth.
In traditional dentures, glue is used to hold the teeth in place. But modern implant tools are used to keep the mobile prosthesis. Therefore, there is no risk of dentures coming off while eating or talking.
In the fixed type of implant, the jawbones must have denser tissue to be able to hold the implant. But this is not the case with mobile prosthesis. Therefore, this type of implant is considered a suitable option for those whose jaw bones have weakened.
The most important difference between fixed and mobile implant-based prosthesis is that only a few screws are placed in the jaw in the mobile model. The rest of the teeth do not rest on the root, they stick together. But the number of bases must be increased. Therefore, implant-based fixed prosthesis has a more complicated process.
Movable prostheses have many advantages that make many people want to use them. We have mentioned its advantages below.
There are some cases that make implanting a removable prosthesis challenging for patients. These cases are not considered a weakness and usually do not cause serious problems for patients. But knowing them is necessary to make a decision about planting.
In response to this question, we must say that each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Fixed implants look like natural teeth, but their cost is higher than mobile implants. Also, as we said, to do it, more and healthier bone density is needed so that the jaw can hold the implants.
Movable models can be cleaned easily and are less expensive. But some people may not feel comfortable with its appearance, because they are more similar to old artificial teeth. They can also act as a support for degenerated jawbones. But artificial teeth do not have this feature.
Therefore, it can be said that the choice between the mobile and fixed model of these implants will depend on your goal, the amount of bone and jaw density and health, the doctor’s decision and your financial budget.
In order for the implants to be functional for a longer period of time and not to be damaged, they need care. Caring for them is not so complicated and has similarities to the care of original teeth. In the following, we have mentioned the important points in this field.