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Removable dental prostheses are prosthetic devices that the patient can remove and put back in by themselves, designed to replace one or several missing teeth when a fixed solution on implants or teeth is not possible or indicated.
For many patients, a removable prosthesis is the solution that allows them to recover masticatory function and aesthetics quickly, without surgery, and at a more accessible cost. However, it is also the solution that requires the most adaptation: the first days of use are the greatest obstacle, and overcoming them with the guidance of a specialist is essential for the patient to continue using it.
At Clínica Dental Asensio, Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero (Registered Professional No. 46002287) designs custom-made removable prostheses with post-placement follow-up. The first visit is completely free of charge.
Types of removable prostheses
Acrylic prostheses are partial or full dentures made entirely of acrylic resin. They are the most economical option and are most commonly used as a transitional prosthesis during the manufacturing period of the permanent one, or as an immediate solution after multiple extractions so that the patient is never without teeth. Acrylic prostheses can be immediate—placed during the same surgical act as the extractions—or delayed, which are installed once the mucosa has healed.
Full removable prostheses are indicated when the patient has no teeth left in one or both arches. Lacking supporting teeth, they are anchored exclusively on the mucosa—they are tissue-borne—through wide bases that extend over the alveolar processes. Their stability depends on the amount of available alveolar bone: the greater the bone resorption, the greater the instability. In arches with advanced resorption, support implants—2 or 4 implants to which the prosthesis is attached—significantly increase retention.
Removable metal prostheses or framework dentures are partial prostheses that are anchored to both the remaining natural teeth and the mucosa—they are tooth-and-tissue-borne. Their structure consists of a cast metal base—made of chrome-cobalt or titanium alloys—which distributes forces better than an acrylic base, featuring clasps that hook onto the pillar teeth to ensure retention. They are more resistant, more hygienic, and more comfortable than acrylic ones for long-term use.
| Type | Indication | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Partial acrylic | Transitional or economical solution | Acrylic resin |
| Full upper and lower | Total absence of teeth | Acrylic resin |
| Metal or framework | Partial absence, long-term use | Chrome-cobalt + acrylic |
This specialty is part of our area of other dental treatments in Valencia. If you are considering a fixed solution, visit our page on fixed dental prostheses in Valencia.
Frequently Asked Questions about removable prostheses
How long does it take to get used to a removable prosthesis?
The usual adaptation period is 4 to 8 weeks. The first two weeks are the most difficult: speech may be temporarily affected, salivation increases, and the sensation of a foreign body is constant. After these weeks, most patients adapt completely and stop noticing the prosthesis during normal use.
Can you sleep with a removable prosthesis?
It is not recommended. The prosthesis should be removed for sleep to allow the mucosa to rest from the pressure and to clean it properly. Sleeping with the prosthesis on increases the risk of oral candidiasis and accelerates the resorption of the supporting bone.
How long does a removable prosthesis last?
A well-cared-for acrylic prosthesis lasts between 5 and 7 years before needing to be replaced. Metal prostheses have a longer durability. Over time, the supporting bone changes shape and the prosthesis may lose its fit, at which point a reline or a new prosthesis may be necessary.