Types of Fixed and Removable Dental Prostheses and How to Care for Them – The Comprehensive Guide 2026

Having an integrated dental implant (one of the types of dental prostheses) anchored into the jawbone is the closest option to natural teeth. It stands on its own without affecting neighboring teeth and offers excellent stability. The fusion between the dental implant and the jawbone is called “osseointegration.” Most dental implants are made of titanium, which allows them to bond with bone without being recognized by the body as a foreign object.

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Removable Prosthetic Devices (Removable Dental Prostheses)

When a person has several teeth that are damaged, missing, or beyond repair, a cost‑effective way to replace them is with a removable dental prosthesis (one type of dental prostheses). The dentists at the Dental Center in Al Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah specialize in all types of dental prosthetics and have helped many people over the years regain their confidence with removable dentures.

Removable dental prostheses are custom‑made replacement teeth attached to a base or framework that supports the artificial teeth. These replacement teeth can be inserted into the mouth and taken out by the patient.

Types of Removable Dental Prosthetic Devices

Below are the different types of removable dental prosthetic devices:

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures can replace several missing teeth and are designed to fit around the remaining natural teeth.

Complete Dentures

Conventional full dentures are among the most common removable prosthetic devices. They replace all the teeth in a dental arch. However, they are not very secure on their own and usually require the use of a denture adhesive.

Implant‑Retained Dentures

While many people choose single dental implants for their fixed quality, there are also dentures that can be secured using dental implants yet remain removable. Thanks to the implanted abutments, these dentures are very stable and secure.

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How Removable Dental Prosthetic Devices Help

These devices benefit patients in several ways:

How to Get a Removable Dental Prosthesis

Dental Implants

What Are Permanent Dentures?

Permanent dentures are fixed prosthetic teeth that attach directly to the jaw. They are an alternative to removable dentures for replacing missing teeth. Unlike conventional dentures, permanent dentures are held in place by dental implants.

Permanent dentures (a very useful type of dental prosthesis) allow patients to chew, speak, and smile more comfortably and confidently than with removable dentures. They closely resemble natural teeth, with no risk of slipping or falling out, and they cannot be accidentally moved out of position. They are made from various dental materials, including acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin, and metal.

7 Types of Permanent Dentures

The seven most common types of permanent dentures include:

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are oral prosthetic devices that replace a full arch of missing teeth. To fabricate complete dentures, the dentist uses a plastic (acrylic) base that holds a full set of plastic or porcelain teeth. A sealant, soft liner, or sometimes bone grafting may be used to improve the fit and stability of the denture in the mouth. Complete dentures can also be secured by attaching them to dental implants.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are removable prosthetic devices that look natural and help restore the shape and function of the jaw by replacing one or several missing teeth. To create a partial denture, the dentist fabricates a plastic base or a metal framework that supports the artificial teeth. This framework is held in place with clasps that anchor around the remaining natural teeth.

Overdentures

These are also called implant‑supported overdentures or simply “overdentures.” They are stabilized either by the remaining natural teeth or by metal implants placed in the jawbone. Compared with conventional dentures, overdentures are more stable, more comfortable, and offer greater versatility.

Dental Bridges

A fixed dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of several units (crowns and pontics) fused together to fill the gap where the natural teeth used to be.

Implant‑Supported Dentures

Often referred to as full‑arch implant bridges or full‑arch fixed implant dentures, these prostheses replace an entire arch of teeth using as few as four implants (All‑on‑4 or similar concepts). The replacement teeth look almost identical to natural teeth and function in much the same way.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a tooth‑shaped cap that completely covers a weak or damaged natural tooth. It strengthens and protects compromised teeth. Any tooth that cannot withstand normal biting and chewing forces on its own may also need a crown.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are screw‑like fixtures placed into the jawbone to act as artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium. After the implant is inserted and integrates with the bone, a dental crown is placed on top to restore the visible part of the tooth.

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Advantages of Permanent Dentures

Disadvantages of Permanent Dentures

Comprehensive Dental Care

Some patients with poor oral hygiene and other oral conditions, including gum disease and tooth loss, may require additional treatment such as bone grafting. Daily oral care is essential, along with regular visits to the Dental Center at Al Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah for consultation and examination. Neglecting dental problems can lead to more complex and costly issues over time.

Conclusion

Permanent dentures are generally more comfortable and more natural‑looking than removable dentures. However, they are more expensive and require a longer healing period. The Dental Center at Al Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah is considered one of the leading centers in terms of services, medical care, advanced equipment, and the expertise of its doctors in dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, and fixed and removable dental prostheses.

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