Table of contents:
What are removable dental prostheses, and when are they recommended?
How is a removable dental prosthesis made?
Complete acrylic removable denture
Partial acrylic removable denture
How long does it take to make a removable dental prosthesis?
How should a removable dental prosthesis be cleaned and maintained?
Why choose KEIT Dental for removable dental prostheses?
In this article, you will find information about the different types of removable dental prostheses, their indications, the stages involved in making them, treatment times, and proper maintenance to preserve stability and function over time.
Book your FREEOnline Consultation NowWhat are removable dental prostheses, and when are they recommended?
Removable dental prostheses are custom-made devices used to replace some or all missing teeth. Patients can remove them independently for cleaning, and they help restore chewing, speech, and support for the facial tissues.
They are recommended in cases of partial or complete tooth loss when one or both dental arches need to be restored. Depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced, they may be partial or complete and may be made from acrylic, flexible material, or a metal framework.
How is a removable dental prosthesis made?
Treatment begins with a clinical examination during which the dentist evaluates the remaining teeth, gums, oral mucosa, dental arches, and the relationship between the upper and lower teeth. When necessary, the assessment may be completed with radiographs or other diagnostic tests.
Conventional impressions or digital scans are then taken, depending on the type of prosthesis and the characteristics of the case. The bite, vertical dimension, and reference points required to determine the position, shape, and color of the artificial teeth are then recorded. Before delivery, one or more try-in appointments may be scheduled to assess fit, appearance, speech, and stability.
Complete acrylic removable denture
A complete acrylic removable denture is used when all the teeth in one or both dental arches have been lost. It consists of an acrylic base that rests on the gums and supports the artificial teeth. The stability of the denture depends on the anatomy of the dental arch, the amount of remaining bone, the fit of the denture base, and the balance of contacts during chewing. The upper denture generally benefits from a larger supporting surface than the lower denture, which may be less stable because of the tongue and surrounding muscle movements.
Partial acrylic removable denture
A partial acrylic removable denture is used when one or more natural teeth are still present in the dental arch. It is custom-made to replace the missing teeth and restore chewing function and the appearance of the smile. The structure rests on the gums and may be held in place with clasps connected to the remaining teeth.
The design takes into account the distribution of the existing teeth, the stability of the tissues, and the balance of chewing forces. Depending on the patient’s needs, other types of removable partial dentures may also be considered, including flexible dentures and metal framework partial dentures.
Flexible denture
A flexible denture is a removable partial denture made from a flexible thermoplastic material. It is used to replace one or more missing teeth and may be designed with clasps made from the same material, which are generally less visible than traditional metal clasps. It is recommended in selected cases based on the position of the missing teeth, the stability of the remaining teeth, the bite, and the amount of support required. Before treatment, a clinical assessment is performed to confirm that this option can provide an appropriate balance of comfort, stability, and chewing function.
Metal framework partial denture
A metal framework partial denture is a removable partial prosthesis with a thin, strong metal structure that supports the artificial teeth and contributes to the stability of the restoration. It is recommended when enough healthy and stable natural teeth remain in the dental arch to support the denture. It may be held in place with clasps or, in selected cases, with attachments connected to dental crowns. Before fabrication, the abutment teeth, bite, and distribution of the spaces to be restored are evaluated so that a stable and functional structure can be designed.
How long does it take to make a removable dental prosthesis?
The time required depends on the type of prosthesis, the number of teeth that need to be replaced, and whether any preliminary treatment is necessary. The process includes the initial examination, impression taking, bite registration, clinical try-ins, and delivery of the final prosthesis.
Metal framework, flexible, and complete dentures may require different laboratory and clinical stages. When tooth extractions are planned, an immediate temporary denture may be placed, or it may be necessary to wait for the tissues to heal before making the final prosthesis.
How should a removable dental prosthesis be cleaned and maintained?
Removable dental prostheses should be taken out and cleaned every day to remove plaque and food debris. All surfaces must be cleaned, including those that come into contact with the gums and the areas around clasps or attachments. A denture brush or a soft toothbrush with a nonabrasive cleaning product may be used. Very hot water should be avoided because it may deform certain materials. Natural teeth, gums, and the tongue must also be cleaned daily, with particular attention to the teeth supporting the prosthesis. Unless the dentist provides different instructions, the prosthesis is generally removed at night to allow the tissues to rest.
Why choose KEIT Dental for removable dental prostheses?
KEIT Dental is the dental clinic of the KEIT brand, integrated into the KEIT Day Hospital healthcare facility in Tirana, Albania, founded in 2011 by Dr Skerdilajd Faria. With over 23,000 procedures performed across the KEIT brand's various areas of activity, the facility combines specialist expertise, medical technology, safety protocols, and personalised patient care.
KEIT Dental has seven dental treatment rooms and an in-house dental laboratory. Its integration with KEIT Day Hospital also provides access to a multidisciplinary medical team, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, specialists in anaesthesia and intensive care, equipped operating theatres, and inpatient wards for cases requiring more complex care. For removable dental prostheses, KEIT Dental adopts a personalised approach aimed at restoring chewing function, improving smile aesthetics, and enhancing comfort through prosthetic devices designed according to the patient's anatomical and functional characteristics.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get used to a removable dental prosthesis?
The adjustment period varies from one patient to another. During the first few days, mild discomfort, increased saliva production, or difficulty chewing and speaking may occur. Follow-up appointments after delivery make it possible to correct any pressure points.
Can you sleep with a removable dental prosthesis?
Unless the dentist provides different instructions, it is generally recommended to remove it at night. This allows the tissues to rest and makes it possible to clean the prosthesis thoroughly.
How is a removable dental prosthesis cleaned?
The prosthesis should be removed and cleaned every day using a denture brush or soft toothbrush and a nonabrasive cleaning product. The natural teeth, gums, tongue, and areas around clasps or attachments should also be cleaned.
Why can a removable denture become unstable?
Stability may decrease because of changes in the bone and gums, wear of the structure, or unbalanced chewing contacts. In these cases, adjustment, relining, or replacement of the prosthesis may be necessary.
What is the difference between a flexible denture and a metal framework partial denture?
A flexible denture is made from a flexible material and may have less visible clasps. A metal framework partial denture uses a metal structure and requires sufficiently stable remaining teeth to provide support and retention.