Dental Bridges, Dental Implants, Dentures, Mini Dental Implants, Winston-Salem Dental Blog

Are Fixed Teeth Better Than Removable Dentures? [Video Guide]

Fixed Teeth in Winston-Salem | Mini Implant Denture [Video Guide]

Many patients come to Dr. Keider with existing dentures that are simply uncomfortable. Folks often find it hard to speak and chew with a denture that slips and slides. One way to replace a removable denture is with fixed teeth. This term usually refers to replacement teeth that attach to dental implants. The benefit is that you, the patient, never have to remove the denture. This solution can feel very natural and look far more pleasing than conventional false teeth. But it’s not the only path forward for patients seeking greater stability. Dr. Keider also offers snap-in dentures, which are similar to traditional dentures except they snap on and off implants. In many cases, he can stabilize your current denture by modifying it to snap onto the implants, meaning you don’t need to start from scratch.

For nearly three decades, Dr. Keider has helped Winston-Salem patients enjoy more stable false teeth through fixed and removable denture options.

Common Problems With Traditional Removable Dentures

Patients struggle with conventional removable dentures for several reasons. Traditional dentures held in place by suction or adhesives don’t deliver the same bite force as natural teeth because they don’t have enough grip. Patients often find they slip and slide, making it challenging to eat their regular diet.

Many patients also grow frustrated with the adhesive. They apply it to keep dentures in place and have to clean it out and reapply it every day.

If loose dentures that move around the mouth all the time have worn out your patience, dental implant-supported solutions are worth considering. These solutions fall into two main categories: fixed teeth that stay in place and removable dentures that snap onto implants. Dr. Keider offers fixed options, like the roundhouse bridge, as well as removable snap-in dentures. All of these implant-supported solutions have enhanced patients’ quality of life by improving their ability to chew and speak.

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Explore Fixed Teeth Options

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You might want fixed teeth, but what does that actually mean? Fixed teeth are a type of full-arch restoration that replaces your denture. Also called a roundhouse bridge, this restoration is a set of zirconia teeth that cements to mini implants and never comes out at home. Dr. Keider describes his roundhouse bridge options as the closest thing to having your teeth back. Patients often find that these fixed teeth don’t feel bulky in the mouth and function very similarly to their old teeth.

A roundhouse bridge comes in two forms: the semi-removable roundhouse bridge and the non-removable roundhouse bridge.

The Semi-Removable Roundhouse Bridge

Fixed Teeth in Winston-Salem | Mini Implant Denture [Video Guide]The semi-removable roundhouse bridge, sometimes called Fix-on-Six®, is a set of teeth that anchors onto 6 to 10 mini dental implants, delivering far greater chewing ability than a traditional removable denture. This option can be made with or without pink porcelain gums, depending on the shape of your mouth.

Unlike a denture, you’ll never remove the bridge at home. Instead, Dr. Keider periodically removes it for a professional cleaning and re-cements it.

With proper care, the semi-removable roundhouse bridge can last 10 to 20 years.

The Non-Removable Roundhouse Bridge

The non-removable roundhouse bridge is cemented permanently in place onto 10 to 12 mini implants and never comes out. This option offers the most stability of any implant denture option at our practice. It functions more like natural teeth than other denture alternatives.

While the non-removable roundhouse bridge is the biggest investment, it also delivers the highest-end results. With proper care, it can last 10 to 20 years or longer, making it the most durable option Dr. Keider offers.

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Removable Denture Options With More Stability

Snap-In Denture in Winston-Salem | Implant Denture OptionsFixed solutions aren’t the only way to upgrade a loose denture. A snap-in denture, also called an implant overdenture, snaps on and off mini implants. We typically place a minimum of 4 mini implants in the lower arch and 6 in the upper arch for this option.

This strategy delivers far more stability than a traditional denture. Patients will also find that the snap-in option is more affordable than a roundhouse bridge.

The snap-in denture is made of acrylic and looks quite similar to conventional false teeth with its gum-colored base. The key difference is that the snap-in denture has O-ring housings beneath it, which allows it to connect firmly to the implants.

Just like a traditional denture, patients remove the snap-in denture at night for cleaning. However, the snap-in denture is far easier to clean, since it doesn’t ever require messy adhesives.

It is generally the most economical denture option that uses implants and lasts approximately 5 to 10 years.

Convert an Existing Denture to a Snap-In Denture

Sometimes, patients are happy with the look of their existing dentures and don’t want to start over. In those cases, Dr. Keider may be able to modify the denture to snap onto the implants the same day he places the implants in the jaw. This is possible if the existing denture is in good condition and has enough room to accommodate the implants.

This option allows patients to walk in with a lower denture that moves all over the place and walk out with stable teeth that stay put and support comfortable chewing.

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If you’re struggling with a removable denture, mini dental implants can support fixed teeth or a snap-in denture as an improved alternative.

Learn More About Fixed Teeth and Snap-In Denture Options

You don’t have to settle for loose dentures, messy adhesive, or a smile that makes eating and speaking harder than they should be. With Dr. Keider’s help, you can explore advanced tooth replacement options that use dental implants.

Fixed teeth, such as roundhouse bridges, provide the closest experience to having your natural teeth back, while snap-in dentures offer a secure, affordable alternative. In some cases, Dr. Keider can even stabilize your current denture with mini implants.

No two patients are alike, which is why the next step is to come in for a personal evaluation. We invite you to schedule an affordable consultation to learn more about fixed and removable dentures that you can count on.

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Matthew Keider, DDS

Dr. Matthew Keider has been providing comprehensive dental care for over 30 years. A Michigan native, he earned his DDS from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, one of the top-ranked dental schools in the world. Since 1993, he has served patients in Winston-Salem, NC, prioritizing high-quality, in-house care. Committed to ongoing education, Dr. Keider completes up to 200 hours of advanced training annually in cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. His specialized expertise includes root canals, TMJ treatment, and dental implants, with advanced studies at the Misch International Implant Institute, Dawson Center, and Tulsa Dental. He is a member of the Forsyth County Dental Society, North Carolina Dental Society, and American Dental Association. Dr. Keider minimizes referrals by handling implants, extractions, root canals, and restorative treatments within his practice. Patients-of-record can reach him after hours for emergencies, and he strives to offer same-day emergency appointments when possible. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys basketball, fishing, and traveling with his wife of 32 years and their two children. Dr. Keider and his team are here to provide personalized, high-quality care in a comfortable setting. Call today to schedule your visit and experience a higher standard of dentistry!