The removable complete prosthesis, also known as a “denture”, is used to replace all teeth (14 in all) in a dental arch (upper or lower jaw). In the upper jaw, it rests on both the gum and palate. In the lower jaw, it rests on a large part of the gum. The complete prosthesis is held in place in the mouth by the suction cup effect (suction) created by the saliva that accumulates between the prosthesis and the gum.

There are two types of bases:

• Pink acrylic resin: The color imitates the natural gum. Complete dentures are almost exclusively made of acrylic. They are sometimes reinforced with other types of materials, such as fibreglass or a metal alloy;
• Metal alloy: The metal structure is very thin and lighter than the acrylic base, but more robust, so it often acts as a reinforcement to the acrylic base.

The artificial teeth mounted on the base of the prosthesis are made of resin (acrylic) of the same colour as natural teeth or porcelain (ceramic) (less used nowadays).

• The manufacture of a removable prosthesis is low in cost compared to alternative treatments such as dental implants (titanium or ceramic);
• The manufacturing period is much shorter than the time required to complete some other alternative treatments such as dental implants;
• The removable prosthesis is a non-invasive treatment plan since no surgical procedures are required, unless dental extractions are required;
• Another more permanent treatment plan may be considered in the future if you decide to stop wearing your removable prosthesis and your medical condition allows it. In other words, the wearing of a removable prosthesis is “reversible” under certain conditions;
• The final result (your smile after the prosthesis is placed in the mouth) is predictable thanks to the colour and shape of the teeth of the prosthesis, which were selected beforehand;
• You can remove it and put it back in place later;
• It can be readjusted if necessary to ensure that it is always comfortable;
• The prosthesis helps to restore normal chewing function and speech.

• Food may be lodged under the prosthesis, causing discomfort;
• The prosthesis installed in the lower jaw may be less stable than the upper jaw. This instability is caused by the smaller shape of the gum, tongue movements and insufficient saliva, which affects the suction effect necessary for the prosthesis to hold in place;
• You should plan an adjustment period of variable duration, which may be an average of one month or more when you wear a full removable prosthesis for the first time. During this time, changes in the way you eat and talk are necessary. Your taste may also be slightly altered when a denture is worn to the upper jaw due to the covering of the palate by the prosthesis;
• Gum injuries can occur if the prosthesis is not properly adjusted or if changes to the gum or jaw occur over time, such as subsidence. A removable prosthesis does not strain the alveolar bone, the bone that supports the teeth and shapes the gums, so that the gums tend to reabsorb(disappear). Relining (remodeling the base) the prosthesis may then be necessary to restore the stability and comfort of your prosthesis, while ensuring that the alveolar bone does not lose too much volume;
• It can be difficult to play a wind instrument with a removable prosthesis;
• The life span of a removable prosthesis is about 5 years, sometimes a little longer, but it rarely exceeds ten years. This results in additional costs related to replacing damaged teeth, adjusting the prosthesis, relining or completely replacing the prosthesis when it is too worn. In this regard, there are signs that the prosthesis should be replaced or repaired, hence the importance of having it checked regularly by your dentist;
• Undesirable consequences on your health can occur with a prosthesis that is too old, such as an irritated gums that hurt, digestion problems caused by more difficult chewing, headaches, neck pain, earaches of all kinds and even jaw joint problems, premature aging of your face, etc.

• Unwanted changes in the characteristics of your face, features and chewing function;
• Resorption of the jaw bone where one or more teeth are extracted or already missing;
• Displacement of the remaining teeth if the space left free by missing teeth is not quickly filled by a prosthesis.

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.):

• Denturological examination and taking several 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 and choice of teeth (color, shape and material) and base material according to the complete physiognomy of your mouth and your preferences;
• Manufacturing of the prosthesis in the laboratory (internal or external to the clinic);
• When dental extractions are required before a complete prosthesis is placed in the mouth, the patient can benefit from an immediate prosthesis, installed immediately after the extractions. This one is manufactured before the extractions by taking measurements of the jaw in order to model it later. The advantage for the patient is that the prosthesis can be used while the gums are healing. However, it must be adjusted more frequently, because during the healing process, the gums and jaw bones change shape, so the prosthesis can become very uncomfortable;
• Fitting of the prosthesis during the manufacturing process to check its function and aesthetics and make preliminary adjustments. Several fittings may be necessary for a complete prosthesis;
• Putting the final prosthesis in the mouth, with adjustments and corrections 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.

The following advice is only applicable when dental extractions are performed before placing a removable prosthesis in the mouth:

• Avoid smoking during the healing period. Cigarettes can compromise the healing of the extraction site;
• For the same reasons, avoid consuming alcohol during the healing period.

It is essential to follow the advice provided by your oral health professional regarding post-operative care, i.e. after tooth extraction, to facilitate healing and reduce the risk of infection. See the Simple Extraction and Complex Extraction pages for more information.

If no extraction has been performed before the prosthesis is placed in the mouth, and if it is properly adjusted, symptoms should be minimal.

To ensure the longevity of your prosthesis and to preserve the health of your mouth, it is important to follow the following recommendations, or those provided by your attending dentist:

• Brush your gums and prosthesis at least twice a day or after each meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Plaque and tartar can accumulate as easily on a removable prosthesis as on natural teeth. It is therefore important to observe strict hygiene measures to reduce the risk of developing cavities or certain gum diseases such as gingivitis;
• If your gums get irritated, it is possible to run your toothbrush under warm water to soften the bristles;
• Avoid using regular toothpaste or household cleaners to clean your prosthesis, as the abrasive agents in the toothpaste could prematurely damage the prosthesis and shorten its life span. Gels, non-abrasive toothpastes and mild soap are good alternatives;
• Flossing can be used to dislodge food debris between the artificial teeth of the prosthesis;
• Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol as this may dry out your mouth and cause plaque and tartar to build up;
• Remove your prosthesis every night for the duration of the night and clean it by soaking it in a container with (for an acrylic prosthesis) a solution specifically designed for this purpose that can be found in pharmacies. Removing your prosthesis at night allows your gums and mouth to breathe better and rest. Soaking the prosthesis will soften plaque and tartar, which will be easier to remove during subsequent brushing. After the soaking period, you must brush and rinse your prosthesis thoroughly with water before putting it back in your mouth;
• Do not soak your prosthesis in hot water, which could deform it;
• Avoid wearing your prosthesis for more than 24 consecutive hours. If you do not wear your prosthesis for a long period of time, soak it in warm water to prevent it from drying out or deforming;
• Be as careful as possible not to drop your prosthesis and handle it in such a way as to prevent its deformation. It is recommended to brush the prosthesis over a sink filled with water or in which a towel has been placed to minimize the impact on the prosthesis if you accidentally drop it while handling it;
• Continue to go regularly (one to two visits per year) to your dentist for routine cleaning, as well as for the following reasons:
  • Detect oral cancers;
  • Assess whether adjustments to your prosthesis are necessary;
  • Assess the condition of your prosthesis and determine if it should be replaced by a new one in the event of breakage, deformation, cracks, etc;
  • Polishing the prosthesis that would have lost its lustre over the years.
• The following foods should be avoided with a removable prosthesis: sticky foods that may remain embedded in the prosthesis or influence its stability and hard foods that may break the prosthesis.

• Consult your dental health professional for the costs of a removable prosthesis;
• A removable prosthesis remains less expensive than treatment plans involving dental implants;
• Some of the costs for the manufacture of a removable prosthesis are reimbursed in part or in whole by some dental insurance companies.

Depending on your health condition, other treatments may be possible, such as:

• Implant-supported prosthesis;
• Bar-retained overdentures;
• Fixed bridge.