Acrylic dental prostheses, manufactured with or without hooks, are used to replace one or more missing teeth. However, it is less comfortable and less stable than a prosthesis with a metal structure. It is recommended as a transitional prosthesis for patients who anticipate losing other natural teeth in the near future, requiring a modification of their existing prosthesis or the manufacture of a complete prosthesis. The partial acrylic prosthesis is also frequently chosen by those who need treatment (e.g. gums) before they can wear a prosthesis with a metal structure.

• Economic choice;
• Prevents disorders in the jaw joint;
• Manufactured quickly.

• Less comfortable, less stable and more fragile than a prosthesis with a metal structure;
• Thicker and covers a larger area of the palate;
• Not recommended for the lower jaw;
• Relatively long adaptation period;
• Must be checked and adjusted regularly.

• Tilt of neighboring teeth;
• Extrusion of the antagonistic teeth;
• Sinus hyperpneumatization;
• Bone resorption;
• Jaw joint disorder;
• Difficulty chewing;
• A modification of the diet is to be considered. For example, some foods such as raw vegetables and nuts will have to be cut before being ingested;
• Altered speech;
• Smiling unsightly;
• Permanent modification of the profile (appearance of the “witch’s chin” and hollow cheeks).

Delays ranging from a few days to a few weeks are expected to complete the following steps, depending on how the prosthesis is manufactured (on site at the clinic, in an external laboratory, etc.):

• Dental examination and impressions of your mouth to obtain details on the shape of the gum, the position of the internal structures of the mouth or adjacent to the future prosthesis, such as the tongue, lips and cheeks;
• Measurement of the jaw position, choice of teeth (color, shape and material) and base material according to your preferences and according to the complete physiognomy of your mouth;
• Manufacturing of the prosthesis in the laboratory or on site at the clinic, as the case may be;
• Fitting the prosthesis during the manufacturing process to check its function, aesthetics and how it adapts to your physiognomy. Preliminary adjustments as well as several fittings may be required;
• Putting the final prosthesis in the mouth, as well as the adjustments and corrections necessary to optimize your comfort.

If you have had dental extractions, a prosthesis adjustment 3 to 6 months after extraction is recommended following gingival loss during healing of the extraction sites.

Varies according to the type of prosthesis.

• Clean the prosthesis after each meal;
• Soak the prostheses in a jar of water overnight to avoid distortion;
• Ideally, use dipping solutions specially designed for prostheses and follow the manufacturer’s instructions since dipping times and product life can vary from one to the other;
• If tartar deposits form on the prostheses, never try to “scratch” them; instead, take your prosthesis to your dentist, who has the appropriate products and instruments for descaling the prostheses;
• If the edentation is complete, at least one annual examination by the attending dentist is required to assess, among other things, the condition of the gums and supporting bone, as well as the general condition of the prosthesis.

• Tooth included;
• Residual root;
• Foreign body in the jaw bone;
• Surplus bone in the upper and/or lower jaw;
• Insufficient bone support (bone crest).

• Bridge;
• Implant;
• Prosthesis on implant(s).