Short answer: A removable denture is a set of artificial teeth that replaces missing teeth and can be put in and taken out by the patient. A complete denture is used when all the teeth are missing, and a partial denture is used when some teeth remain. The adjustment period usually lasts a few weeks; during this time sore spots, increased saliva and changes in speech may occur. Dentures should be cleaned every day, taken out at night and checked regularly.
Alongside implants and fixed bridges, the removable denture, popularly called false teeth, is still a common and valuable option for replacing missing teeth. Especially when all the teeth have been lost, bone support is limited or surgical procedures are not preferred because of general health, removable dentures help restore chewing, speech and facial aesthetics. However, to be comfortable with a new denture, the adjustment period, correct use and regular care are important. In this article we explain the types of removable dentures, the complete denture, complaints that may arise during adjustment, how to clean false teeth and when a denture should be replaced.
What types of removable dentures are there?
Removable dentures are divided into different groups according to the number of teeth remaining in the mouth and how the denture is held in place. The main types are:
- Complete (full) denture: Used when no teeth remain in a jaw, it imitates all the teeth and the gums.
- Partial denture: Replaces missing teeth when some teeth remain in the mouth. It is usually made on a metal framework and attaches to the remaining teeth with clasps.
- Precision attachment denture: Instead of clasps, it is held by connectors concealed inside crowns placed on the remaining teeth; this is an aesthetic advantage.
- Flexible denture: A partial denture made of a more flexible material with gum-colored clasps. In some cases it may be chosen for temporary or aesthetic purposes.
- Implant-supported removable denture (overdenture): A removable denture that sits on two or more implants with connectors and stays more stable.
- Temporary (immediate) denture: A denture fitted immediately after teeth are extracted and used during the healing period.
What is a complete denture?
A complete denture is used when all the teeth in a jaw have been lost; it consists of artificial teeth set on an acrylic base that imitates the teeth, the gums and the lost bone volume. An upper complete denture covers the palate and is held largely by the suction and saliva film that form between the palate and the denture. A lower complete denture is usually less stable because of tongue movements and the smaller amount of bone support in the lower jaw; for this reason, implant-supported options are often considered for the lower jaw.
Making a complete denture takes several sessions. Impressions are taken, the position of the jaws relative to each other is recorded, the color and shape of the teeth are chosen to suit the person's face, and aesthetics and speech are checked with a wax try-in. In the final stage the denture is delivered and the necessary adjustments are made. Carrying out these stages carefully is decisive for the fit and comfort of the denture.
What complaints may occur during the adjustment period?
It is normal to have some complaints in the first weeks with a new removable denture, and most of them ease as the oral tissues and muscles get used to the denture. Although the adjustment period varies from person to person, it usually takes a few weeks and sometimes a few months. Common complaints include:
- Sore spots (sores and irritation): Painful sores may form where the denture presses. These areas are relieved by making small adjustments to the denture at follow-up visits. You should not try to modify the denture yourself at home.
- Increased saliva: Because the mouth perceives the denture as a foreign object, saliva production may increase in the first days; this usually settles quickly.
- Changes in speech: You may have difficulty with some sounds such as "s" and "sh." Reading a book aloud can speed up adjustment.
- Feeling of nausea: Especially where the upper denture covers the palate, the gag reflex may be triggered in the first days.
- Difficulty chewing: At first it is recommended to chew small bites of soft food, spreading the food to both sides of the mouth. Biting with the front teeth can cause the denture to shift.
- Changes in taste: Because the palate is covered, you may notice a temporary change in your perception of taste and temperature.
- Denture movement: Especially with lower complete dentures, movement may occur until the muscles learn to control the denture.
If the complaints do not ease within a few weeks, the pain gets worse or there is a sore that does not heal, you should go for a check-up without delay. Sores in the mouth that do not heal for more than two weeks must be evaluated by a dentist. Denture adhesives can provide extra retention for some people; however, they should not be used in place of correcting a denture whose fit has deteriorated.
How should false teeth be cleaned?
Like natural teeth, false teeth collect plaque and stains; regular cleaning reduces bad breath as well as the risk of fungal infection and inflammation in the tissues under the denture. The following steps are recommended for proper denture cleaning:
- Rinse after every meal: Take the denture out and wash it under running water to remove food debris.
- Brush at least once a day: Using a denture brush or a soft brush, brush all surfaces of the denture, especially the inner surface that touches the tissue.
- Use a suitable cleaner: Because toothpastes can be abrasive, cleaners made for dentures, liquid soap or products recommended by your dentist should be used.
- Be careful over the sink: To keep the denture from falling and breaking, lay a towel in the sink or fill it with a little water.
- Do not use hot water: Boiling or very hot water can warp the denture.
- Clean the oral tissues: When the denture is out, gently clean your gums, palate and tongue with a soft brush. With partial dentures, the remaining natural teeth should also be brushed separately.
- Overnight storage: Unless your dentist advises otherwise, take the denture out at night and store it in a clean container in water or a denture cleaning solution. This allows the oral tissues to rest.
Strong chemicals such as bleach should not be used, as they can damage the color and metal parts of the denture. For other common questions about denture care, you can visit our frequently asked questions page.
When should a removable denture be replaced?
Removable dentures are not permanent; because the jawbone changes shape over time and the denture material wears, they need to be checked at regular intervals and replaced when necessary. After teeth are lost, the jawbone undergoes slow but continuous resorption. For this reason, a denture that fits well at first may become loose over the years.
Signs that a denture needs to be replaced or adjusted include:
- The denture moving more than before or falling out often
- Recurring sores, pain or cracks at the corners of the mouth
- Noticeable wear, fractures or cracks in the artificial teeth
- The lower part of the face looking shorter and the lips looking sunken
- Marked difficulty chewing or speaking
- Staining and odor that persist despite cleaning
A denture does not always have to be completely replaced; in some cases relining the inner surface can improve the fit. In general, it is recommended to have your denture checked at least once a year. It is also important for people with no natural teeth to see a dentist regularly for the health of their oral tissues.
When should you have your dentures checked in Ankara?
If your denture moves, you have constant pain or sores, it is broken or you have difficulty chewing, or if you have not had your denture checked for a long time, it may be time for an assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, the fit of your current denture and the condition of your oral tissues are examined; if necessary, adjustment, relining, a new denture or implant-supported options are evaluated together with you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get used to false teeth?
Most people get used to a new removable denture within a few weeks, but this period can vary from person to person. For first-time denture wearers and with lower complete dentures, the adjustment period may be longer. During this period, it is important to attend follow-up appointments and have sore spots adjusted.
Should false teeth be taken out at night?
Unless your dentist advises otherwise, it is recommended to take false teeth out at night. This allows the tissues under the denture to rest and reduces the risk of fungal infection. The denture should be stored overnight in a clean container in water or a cleaning solution.
Can false teeth be brushed with toothpaste?
Because regular toothpastes can contain abrasive particles, they may scratch the denture surface over time and increase staining. Instead, cleaners made for dentures, liquid soap or products recommended by your dentist should be used. Brushing should be done with a soft denture brush.
Is it harmful to use denture adhesive?
With a well-fitting denture, adhesive used in the recommended amount can give some people extra confidence. However, trying to hold a loose denture in place with adhesive can cause tissue irritation. If the denture moves, it should first be checked by a dentist.
