Removable dentures

What is a removable denture?

It is a prosthesis that the patient puts in and takes out themselves to clean it. It rests on the gum and, if any teeth remain, on them as well.

• Partial: replaces some teeth. It can be made of acrylic resin or have a thin metal framework (a chrome denture), which is more stable and lighter and is held onto your own teeth with clasps.
• Complete: a full set of false teeth for a whole arch, when no teeth are left.

If you are looking for more stability, a denture can be anchored to a few implants (overdenture): it is still removable, but it does not move when you eat or speak.

How it is made

Records of the mouth and bite are taken, the prosthesis is tried in before it is finished—shape, colour and position of the teeth—and it is fitted with the necessary adjustments. If any teeth remain, it is sometimes best to treat them first (fillings, gums) so that the prosthesis rests on a healthy mouth.

The first few days

At first it is normal for your mouth to feel full, to produce more saliva, to have some difficulty pronouncing certain words and to get small sore spots. Start with soft food cut into small pieces, chew on both sides at the same time and come back to the clinic for adjustments: sore spots can be corrected in minutes.

Cleaning and care

• Take it out to clean it every day with a brush and a specific product, not with abrasive toothpaste.
• Also clean your gums and any teeth you still have.
• Follow your dentist's advice on whether to sleep with it in or out.
• Do not repair or adjust it at home.

Over the years the gum and bone change and the prosthesis no longer sits as well: it then needs a reline or an adjustment. That is why it is worth having it checked regularly even if it does not bother you. To compare it with the fixed options, see our page on dentures and prosthetics.

If you think this applies to you, book an appointment and we will assess it at the clinic.