Dentures are removable dental prostheses. If certain prostheses are used to replace a few missing teeth, the dentures are intended to replace all of the teeth. Often viewed as a device for the elderly, dentures can be prescribed at any time in life.

Following a dental disease (periodontitis), heavy medical treatments, an accident, badly cared for teeth … some people find themselves toothless. The dentist can then suggest the fitting of a denture to replace the natural dentition. We speak of a complete removable dental prosthesis when the device is used to replace all of the upper teeth or all of the lower ones or both. It is said to be removable because it can be removed in the evening to be cleaned or to sleep.

Dentures are the cheapest alternative. This device is not the most suitable for patients with little gum tissue or little bone relief. In this case, a denture without a palate, consisting of artificial teeth, a false gum and a false palate can be offered. It is practically invisible. In contrast, a partial denture can replace one or more teeth, not all.

Composition

The dentures are made of pink dental resin on which rest artificial teeth which can be ceramic, resin.

Placing dentures helps restore natural chewing, pronunciation and phonation. It is also asked for aesthetic reasons and comfort for the patient.

Can you lose your dentures?

Some patients worry that their dentures will fall out. If the fear is legitimate, models are made to stay in place. The dentures stay in place thanks to the suction effect created with the saliva present in the oral cavity. However, small untimely stalls on certain foods are still possible. Specific glue can be used every day to eliminate any risk of falling.

What about temporary dentures?

For the placement of implants or a complete denture, the patient may be prescribed temporary dentures. It works like conventional dentures except that the materials it is made from are of lower quality. It is indeed not intended to last and will be quickly replaced.

The stages of operation

Dentures are worn every day, every day. While it is advisable to remove dentures every night to sleep, to prevent it from exerting pressure on the gum and bone 24 hours a day, patients who prefer to keep it can perfectly do so. However, it must be removed every evening to clean it.

Precautions to be taken: daily cleaning

Cleaning your dentures after each meal is highly recommended. In all cases, it must be cleaned at least morning and evening to avoid the proliferation of bacteria, which are very numerous in the mouth. Good dental health depends directly on good hygiene, and it is best to clean your dentures morning and night. To do this, you should use a special brush and soap (no toothpaste) for your dentures. Once removed and cleaned (never brush in the mouth) the dentures should be stored overnight in a dry box. Putting it in a glass of water is a bad idea, it promotes the growth of bacteria. It is also recommended to place your dentures in an antiseptic bath for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a week.

Is glue mandatory?

No, it is not, although it is generally highly recommended to prevent falls. It also has a reassuring side for patients. Denture glue is an adhesive cream that must be applied to clean, dry dentures. Once applied, the patient places the denture and holds it firmly for a few moments while the glue adheres.

Dentures should be checked once a year, during his annual visit to the dentist. The professional will make sure that there is no inflammation of the lining and that all is well with the dentures.

The price range for a denture varies in France between € 800 and € 5000 with an average price of around € 2000- € 3000 for a full top and bottom denture. This price depends on various parameters:

• the type of resin for the gum (Lucitone is the top of the range dental resins);
• the type of material chosen for the teeth (resin or porcelain);
• the practitioner’s fees.

As prices can vary greatly from one practitioner to another, it is essential to request quotes from different dental surgeons.

Since 2021, as part of the reform of the “remainder at zero charge”, the price of resin dentures has been capped at € 1100 and is part of the “remain at zero charge” services.