Removable dentures: Prices, information, and types
What sort of dental issues can removable dentures address?
Removable dentures are a solution if you are dealing with partial or complete tooth loss due to tooth decay or periodontal disease and replacing missing teeth with modern dental implants is not feasible. This option is both gentle and cost-effective.
Additional positive attributes of removable dentures include:
- Eliminating visible tooth loss and enhancing the appearance
- Restoring chewing ability for uninterrupted eating
- Eliminating the sunken appearance of the face caused by tooth loss
- Restoring speech ability and eliminating speech defects caused by tooth loss
Removable dentures can be either fixed or removable, depending on the method of attachment. For fixed dentures, implants are used to secure the dentures. For more details, click on the link.
Removable dentures - present time
Today, removable dentures, also known as artificial dentures or removable prosthetics, are vastly improved from their predecessors. They can be made to fit comfortably, look natural, and support long-term health by restoring facial harmony, chewing function, and a balanced, attractive smile. Various types of dentures can be categorized in several ways, including:
I. By extent
II. By material
III. By usage duration
IV. By method of attachment
The names of different types of dentures reference at least one of the above characteristics.
I. Classification by extent: Complete denture, partial denture
I.1. Complete Denture, Acrylic Denture
A complete denture covers the entire upper or lower jaw. The upper denture covers the palate (palatal denture), while the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe, allowing freedom of movement for the tongue. It rests directly on the mucous membrane, so unlike natural teeth, the chewing force is borne by the mucous membrane and the underlying bony foundation (see removable complete denture image in 360˚).
The production of a vacuum-retained denture involves the use of a special plastic (base plate), into which commercially available teeth are embedded by the dental technician. Due to this plastic, it is also referred to as an acrylic denture.
When considering the creation of a complete denture, it is essential to evaluate the possibility of dental implant placement. If feasible, implants can significantly enhance the stability of the denture (fixed denture). In such cases, the complete removable denture can also be made with a metal base, which further increases the stability of the prosthesis.
Complete denture prices
The prices for complete dentures are generally more favorable compared to other types of prosthetics, as their materials are simpler and their fabrication is easier.
I.2. Partial denture, partial prosthesis
A partial removable prosthesis is made when the patient does not have enough abutments (teeth, implants) to support a fixed prosthesis (bridge, crown). In this case, some of the chewing force is borne not by the natural teeth or implants but by the mucous membrane and the underlying bone structure. Unlike a complete denture, a partial denture is used when the patient still has some natural teeth.
Partial dentures can be fundamentally categorized into two groups based on their materials:
- Partial metal denture
- Partial plastic denture ( partial acrylic denture )
The partial plastic denture is typically made for temporary purposes (e.g., immediately after tooth extraction for tooth loss management). In this case, the denture is secured with small wire clasps that hold it in place by clasping onto the existing teeth.
It is important to emphasize that a partial plastic denture is only recommended for short-term use, as it can damage the remaining teeth over time due to its inadequate stability. In contrast, a partial metal denture, as the name suggests, is made of metal. This type of dental restoration is sufficiently rigid and stable, making it suitable for long-term use while preserving the remaining natural teeth.
II. Classification by material - Metal denture, acrylic denture
In denture fabrication, various materials are used to create the prosthesis. The most commonly used materials are metal alloys, plastic or acrylic, and ceramics. Understanding these materials is easier when we consider the components that make up the denture.
A denture consists of three or four components:
Base Plate: The base plate of dentures can be made from metal (metal denture) or plastic (plastic denture, acrylic denture).
Gum Base: The gum base is made from acrylic, which is colored to match the natural shade of the gum, enhancing the natural appearance of the denture. This is why acrylic dentures are popular. In rare cases, the gum base may also be made from composite materials.
Teeth: The teeth are typically made from specialized, high-strength plastics (acrylic or composite), though ceramic teeth ("porcelain dentures") can also be used. In most cases, the former is employed because it provides a more secure fit between the denture base and the teeth. Plastic teeth are available in various categories, with premium teeth offering better wear resistance and more aesthetic designs.
Retaining Elements (optional): see later
An example of the above is a combined denture image in 360˚.
III. Classification by lifespan duration - Temporary denture, permanent denture
III.1. Temporary denture
It is used when a denture is needed only temporarily until the permanent replacement is ready (such as with implant placement, where implants cannot be loaded with a permanent prosthesis during the healing period, and a temporary denture is used to maintain chewing function for 3-4 months).
It is often made immediately after tooth extraction. Due to its temporary nature, it is the most cost-effective type of prosthesis.
Silicone Removable Denture
A silicone denture is a special type of temporary denture where the base plate is lined with soft, resilient silicone. This helps protect the treated area and enhances the vacuum effect.
III.2. Permanent denture
It is used when the denture serves as the final prosthesis intended to address the dental issue long-term.
IV. Classification by method of attachment
Dentures can also be categorized based on how they are secured to the mucous membrane, existing teeth, or implants.
IV.1. Attachment to the mucous membrane - Vacuum denture, denture adhesive, muscular action
Vacuum Denture
In the case of a complete denture, when there are no teeth or implants in the mouth, the vacuum and muscular action are the two natural methods that can enhance the stability of the denture. During the fabrication of a complete denture, it is crucial to fully utilize these options to ensure optimal retention.
In a vacuum denture, the vacuum effect between the base plate and the mucous membrane keeps the prosthesis in place. The strength of this vacuum effect largely depends on the anatomy of the oral structures and the quality of the denture's fabrication.
The price of a vacuum denture is more affordable because it is made from plastic and can be produced quickly.
Denture Adhesive
If the vacuum effect is insufficient for retention, it can be enhanced with artificial materials such as denture adhesive. Proper use of denture adhesive is crucial to achieve maximum effectiveness, and it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. In this context, the correct usage can be summarized as follows:
- Clean and dry the denture
- Apply 3 pea-sized amounts for the lower denture and 4-5 pea-sized amounts for the upper denture to the base plate
- Rinse your mouth, then press the dentures into place by hand
- Bite down for half a minute
IV.2. Attachment to the teeth - Clasp denture, snap-on denture, telescopic denture
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Clasp denture
In these prosthetics, the base plate is secured to the remaining teeth with clasps. Clasps can be cast or bent wire clasps. The latter are used only for temporary purposes, as their stability is insufficient for long-term wear.
In contrast, cast clasps provide a secure fit but are not very aesthetically pleasing for the wearer.
Combined denture, snap-on denture, Slide-on denture
It is also known as a snap-on denture. This type of denture combines the advantages of fixed and removable prosthetics. The name "combined denture" comes from its construction: it consists of a fixed crown or bridge part and a removable part that connects to each other. The bridge part has sliding or snap attachments on its two outer sections, which fit into the removable section.
These precision, hidden attachment elements remain concealed, making them more aesthetically pleasing and stable compared to clasp dentures. Due to their hidden placement, they are also referred to as "hidden anchorage" attachments.
Telescopic denture
The telescopic denture is a specialized version of a full denture used when some natural teeth remain in the jaw, and a prosthesis covers the entire dental arch. In this case, the prepared teeth are covered with telescopic caps, and the matching caps are fixed into the removable denture. The two caps slide into each other like pistons, ensuring the stability of the denture.
IV.3. Attachment to implants - Fixed denture, bar-retained denture, locator-retained denture, palateless removable denture
Dentures attached to implants will be discussed on a separate page.
Other Types of Dentures
Over time, several new types of dentures have been developed. These new advancements generally aimed to strengthen the fixation of dentures. Examples include Valplast flexible dentures and silicone removable dentures. In most cases, these innovations did not meet the expectations set for them, as implant placement can significantly enhance the stability of dentures.
Denture prices: How much does a denture cost?
Dentures can also be categorized based on price. The cost is influenced by factors such as the type of denture or prosthesis (plastic dentures, metal plate dentures), the extent of coverage, and the technological background of the production. Prices for different types of dentures can be found at the bottom of the page or on the dental pricing page.
The cost of dentures can vary significantly as each denture is custom-designed and fabricated. A personal consultation with a specialist is essential for determining the exact price.
If you believe that a removable denture is the solution for your dental issue, inquire about the benefits of different types of dentures from our colleagues and schedule a personal consultation at Helvetic-Clinics! Appointments can be made by calling 053 930 1323. We look forward to welcoming you at our downtown clinic!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about removable dentures
Is the appearance of a combined denture or removable denture more aesthetically pleasing?
The combined denture is more aesthetically pleasing if it is made with hidden attachment elements, as the components that hold the denture in place are not visible.
Yes, there are removable dentures without a palate.
In cases with a certain number and placement of existing teeth or removable dentures on implants, a palate-free denture can be made. This greatly helps with taste sensation.
Which is the best removable denture?
The best removable denture is always interpreted on a case-by-case basis, as each type is individually assessed to determine which provides the most optimal result. Overall, the degree of retention is generally the most critical factor, so maximizing this is the most important.
How should a clasp denture be removed correctly?
Always remove the clasp denture by hooking your fingernail into the clasp arm and gently wiggling the denture out of its place.
Can a removable denture be made for young people?
There is no age limit for making a denture, but in younger age, it's definitely worth considering the option of dental implants.
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