Removable dental prosthesis: What are they? Advantages and how to use them

The removable dental prosthesis is an artificial piece that, in the event of dental loss, serves to cover the empty spaces of the dental arch, thus avoiding problems of dysfunction and esthetics. Depending on the patient’s needs, two types of removable dental prosthesis can be recommended: partial and total. And both vary according to the composition and materials of elaboration. 

In order to correctly position a dental prosthesis, a previous dental study is necessary. The health of the gums, the distance between spaces and the state of the adjacent dental pieces are verified in order to design the prosthesis successfully. 

What is a removable dental prosthesis?

A removable prosthesis is an alternative to missing teeth, since the piece can easily replace the natural teeth. We are also talking about an appliance that can be removed and placed without any problems, simplifying hygiene and maintenance. 

The materials used in the fabrication of removable prostheses are also noteworthy: 

• Porcelain
• Resin
• Zirconium
• Metal alloys… 

The choice of one material or another depends on several factors, among them, the patient’s needs in terms of economy and personalization of the prosthesis. Hence the need for a prior dental study that includes radiography, modeling and 3D printing, thus determining the appropriate plan of action. 

Advantages and disadvantages of removable prostheses

As can be expected, we are talking about artificial parts with advantages and disadvantages. This is due to the composition, materials and types of removable prostheses.

Advantages

• They are more economical compared to other alternatives 
• They work by suction and are easy to adhere to the gums
• They favor food chewing
• Restores the dental arch in favor of esthetics.
• Improves the patient’s self-esteem by allowing an esthetic smile. 

Disadvantages

• They can be uncomfortable for the patient
• If not carefully removed, they can be easily lost
• In some cases they can cause gum irritation. 

Types of removable dental prosthesis

When it comes to removable prostheses, we can distinguish (mainly) two types: 

• Acrylic prostheses: for patients who have lost several dental pieces of the arch. They are held to the palate or jaw with the help of the buccal mucosa, thus replacing the missing teeth.
• Metal prosthesis: Recommended for patients who need to replace one or two missing teeth. They are attached to the adjacent teeth to fill the empty space and also have vital acrylic parts for the functioning and aesthetics of the piece. 

From these materials and components, a partial or total prosthesis can be fabricated to complete the upper and/or lower arch in case of missing teeth. All thanks to the characteristics of the prosthesis, which include easy adaptation of design and conventional placement. 

Wearing Considerations

Despite the benefits of dentures, there are consequences of continuous and excessive use of these appliances. First of all, enamel wear is caused by the continuous and artificial application of masticatory forces. 

Therefore, it is recommended not to sleep with them in order to rest properly, especially for two reasons: 

• To prevent wear: to extend the life of the appliance in view of the chewing function, which gradually wears down the material of the removable prosthetic parts. Therefore, it is best to remove the prosthesis during the 8 hours of sleep to rest comfortably and avoid wear. 
• To rest the gums: Since it is an artificial structure that covers the gums, it can cause discomfort and fatigue in the area. Therefore, it is important to avoid using them during sleep time. 

See your dentist if you notice burning, inflammation or infections after proper treatment and time of use. 

Proper maintenance of removable dental prostheses

As we are talking about an external body that is adapted in the mouth and then removed when necessary, it is logical that bacteria can lodge there which, if not eliminated correctly, can have an influence on our oral health. 

For this reason, good hygiene and proper maintenance of the removable prosthesis before and after use is essential: 

• Periodic brushing of natural teeth and prosthesis. 
• Flossing of natural teeth and use of non-abrasive cleaners for dentures. 

This not only ensures protection against decay and infection, but also extends the life of the removable appliance. On the other hand, recommendations also include:

• Go to the technician to check and adjust important details. 
• After 4 years it is possible to create a new appliance if there are substantial physical changes. This may include adding parts in case of new losses. 

At SOFDental we are specialists in restorative dentistry, which includes the fabrication of all types of prostheses and dental implants. Being treated in our spaces means taking advantage of all the benefits of an integral dental clinic that guarantees the maximum use of the sector’s technologies.  

Start your treatment now to recover the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. Contact us for more.