Removable Dentures: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Key Considerations

Removable dentures are one of the most common dental prosthetic solutions available today. While this method is cost-effective, it is not highly regarded for its durability, chewing efficiency, and several other factors.

1. What Are Removable Dentures?

Removable dentures are dental prosthetics consisting of two main components: artificial teeth, made from either resin or porcelain, and a denture base, crafted from acrylic resin or a metal alloy framework. These components are seamlessly integrated into a single unit designed to replace a patient’s missing natural teeth.

2. Should You Choose Removable Dentures?

To determine whether removable dentures are the right choice, it’s essential to weigh their advantages and disadvantages carefully:

2.1. Advantages

• Affordable Cost: Removable dentures are a budget-friendly solution for tooth replacement.
• Simple and Quick Procedure: The process of creating removable dentures is straightforward and requires minimal time.
• Ideal for Elderly Patients: This option is particularly suitable for older adults as it does not demand stringent health conditions or strong jawbone structure. Additionally, the dentures are convenient to remove and clean.

2.2. Disadvantages

Despite their benefits, removable dentures come with several limitations:

• Reduced Chewing Efficiency: Removable dentures offer moderate chewing strength, making them unsuitable for vigorous chewing. Failure to chew food thoroughly may lead to digestive issues. Patients are advised to follow a careful diet, avoiding tough, hard, or sticky foods.
• Low Aesthetic Appeal: Dentures made of resin are often easily noticeable, and the gum-colored base may not resemble natural gum tissue. Partial dentures, in particular, may include metal clasps that can be unsightly.
• Short Lifespan: Removable dentures typically last only 3–5 years before a complete replacement is necessary.
• Inability to Prevent Jawbone Resorption: These dentures do not address bone resorption in the jaw, which may accelerate facial aging, causing hollow cheeks and reducing overall facial aesthetics.

In summary, while removable dentures are a cost-effective option, they come with numerous inconveniences. Patients are advised to carefully consider these factors and consult with their dentist to determine whether removable dentures are suitable for their specific situation.

3. What Are the Best Types of Removable Dentures?

Currently, there are two main types of removable dentures commonly used in dental treatment:

3.1. Acrylic Removable Dentures

Acrylic removable dentures consist of two main components: the denture base and the artificial teeth. The base is typically made from either hard or flexible acrylic material (commonly Acrylic or Biosoft).

Overall, acrylic removable dentures are the most affordable option. However, they have notable drawbacks, including their relatively heavy weight, poor durability (lasting approximately one year), and a tendency to feel loose or fall out easily during use.

3.2. Removable Dentures with Metal Framework

This type of denture features a framework made of acrylic resin combined with a metal frame composed of Ni-Cr or Titanium alloys. It is typically recommended for individuals missing a few teeth. While removable metal-framework dentures are known for their durability, compact size, and structural integrity, they may weaken adjacent natural teeth over time and are less aesthetically pleasing compared to other options.

4. Procedure for Removable Denture Placement

The process of creating and fitting removable dentures involves the following steps:

Step 1: Examination and Treatment Consultation

The dentist begins with a comprehensive oral health examination. Any existing dental issues must be treated thoroughly before proceeding. During this step, the dentist will also explain the advantages, disadvantages, and costs of different types of removable dentures, helping the patient choose the most suitable option.

Step 2: Dental Impressions

In this step, the dentist takes detailed impressions of the patient’s oral cavity, recording important parameters such as tooth dimensions, tooth color, and jaw structure. These measurements are then used to fabricate the custom dentures.

Step 3: Denture Fitting

This step requires meticulous execution to avoid any risk of infection. The dentist carefully cleans the oral cavity using specialized tools before fitting the dentures. Once in place, the dentist assesses and adjusts the fit to ensure optimal comfort and compatibility for the patient.

Step 4: Patient Care Instructions

After securing the removable dentures, the dentist provides the patient with detailed instructions on proper usage and maintenance, including effective cleaning techniques to follow at home.

5. How Much Do Removable Dentures Cost?

Below is the latest pricing for removable denture services at Elite Dental:

6. Important Notes When Using Removable Dentures

Patients using removable dentures should keep the following in mind:

• Brush and clean your teeth at least twice a day to maintain oral hygiene.
• Remove the dentures before sleeping and soak them in a mild saline solution.
• Avoid dropping or subjecting the dentures to strong impacts to prevent breakage.
• Steer clear of excessively hard or sticky foods.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups for timely adjustments and maintenance.

While removable dentures are a common solution, they come with notable inconveniences. They may restrict comfortable eating and drinking, and most importantly, they cannot prevent jawbone resorption. This is why many patients have turned to Elite Dental to address jawbone deterioration caused by prolonged use of removable dentures, opting for advanced implant solutions.

One such case is Ms. Cam Y, who sought treatment at Elite Dental after seeing the remarkable results of her husband’s All-on-4 dental implant procedure. His ability to chew hard foods with ease inspired her desire for similarly strong and functional teeth.

Understanding her expectations, Elite Dental performed a CBCT scan to assess her jawbone condition and devise the most suitable solution. The results revealed significant bone loss in her upper jaw due to prolonged denture use, making traditional implant placement challenging. However, with precise planning, we identified the optimal implant placement method tailored to her needs.

Today, Ms. Y enjoys a full set of strong, healthy teeth that allow her to chew confidently, even with hard or sticky foods.

With this information, you now have a comprehensive understanding of removable dentures. While they may be a cost-effective solution, their limitations and potential risks warrant careful consideration. Dental implants, on the other hand, address the shortcomings of removable dentures, offering a superior, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth restoration.