Removable

A removable dental prosthetic is a custom-made oral appliance that replaces missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue — and can be taken in and out of the mouth by the patient. Unlike fixed restorations such as crowns, bridges, or implants, removable prosthetics offer a non-surgical, cost-effective solution for patients who are missing several or all of their teeth.

Available in two main forms — complete dentures (replacing an entire arch of teeth) and partial dentures (replacing several missing teeth while natural teeth remain) — removable prosthetics are crafted from high-quality acrylic resin, flexible nylon, or a combination with a metal framework, all custom-fitted to match your unique oral anatomy and natural appearance.

No implants, no drilling, no surgery — ideal for patients who cannot or prefer not to undergo invasive procedures.

The most cost-effective tooth replacement option available, often covered partially by dental insurance plans.

Every prosthetic is fabricated to your exact oral impressions — natural shade, shape, and size matched to your face.

Removable dental prosthetics — commonly known as dentures — are oral appliances that sit on the gum ridge and, in the case of partial dentures, clip onto remaining natural teeth using metal clasps or precision attachments. They replace the visible crown of missing teeth and restore the appearance of natural gums using a flesh-coloured acrylic base.

Unlike fixed restorations, removable prosthetics are designed to be taken out each night for cleaning and soaking, allowing the gum tissue to rest and maintaining good oral hygiene around the appliance.

Removable prosthetics are recommended for patients who:

Removable prosthetics are available in several designs and materials. Your prosthodontist will recommend the best option based on the number of missing teeth, remaining natural teeth, bone condition, and budget.

Replaces all teeth in the upper or lower arch. Rests on the gum ridge and is held in place by natural suction (upper) or denture adhesive. Suitable for fully edentulous patients.

Cost: $1,000–$3,500 per arch

Replaces several missing teeth using an acrylic base with metal clasps that grip remaining natural teeth for retention. The most affordable partial option.

Cost: $300–$1,500 per arch

Made from a soft, flexible nylon resin with no metal clasps. More comfortable and aesthetically pleasing — the pink base blends with gum tissue naturally.

Cost: $700–$2,000 per arch

A rigid metal framework with acrylic teeth and gum sections. The strongest and most precise partial denture — thinner, more comfortable, and longer-lasting than acrylic alone.

Cost: $1,000–$2,500 per arch | Life: 8–15 yrs

Placed on the same day as tooth extraction. Allows the patient to leave with a prosthetic immediately, protecting healing tissue. Requires refitting or replacement as the gums heal and shrink over 6–12 months.

Cost: $800–$1,800 per arch

Getting a custom-fitted removable denture typically involves 4–6 appointments over 4–8 weeks. Here is a complete guide to the process:

Your dentist or prosthodontist evaluates your oral health, remaining teeth, gum ridge condition, and bite. X-rays may be taken. They discuss which type of denture best suits your needs and explain the full process.

Any remaining teeth that need to be removed are extracted before or at the start of the denture process. If an immediate denture is chosen, it is fitted on the same day as extractions to avoid going without teeth.

Preliminary impressions of your upper and lower arches are taken using alginate. These are used to create custom impression trays for the next step.

Detailed final impressions are taken with a custom tray to capture precise details of the gum ridge. Wax bite blocks are used to record the correct vertical height and jaw relationship — this determines how your denture will sit and how your bite will function.

A wax trial denture with the selected teeth set into it is placed in your mouth. This visit checks the appearance, tooth shade, tooth shape, midline alignment, lip support, and bite. You can see how the final denture will look and request changes before fabrication is finalised.

The wax try-in is sent to the dental laboratory where the denture is processed — the acrylic base is heat-cured, the teeth are set, and the prosthetic is finished and polished to a smooth, natural-looking surface.

The completed denture is fitted in your mouth. Your dentist checks the fit, bite, and appearance and makes chairside adjustments. You receive instructions on how to insert, remove, and clean the prosthetic.

Most patients need 1–3 follow-up appointments in the first few weeks as sore spots develop and the gum tissue adapts. These adjustments are included in the treatment fee and are a normal part of the process.

With proper daily care, a quality denture can last 5–10 years before relining or replacement is needed. Following a consistent care routine is essential for hygiene, comfort, and longevity.

Visit your dentist every 6–12 months for a professional denture inspection and gum check. Your dentist will assess whether a reline (adding material to the fitting surface) is needed as your gum ridge shrinks with age — this keeps the denture fitting snugly and comfortably.

Ans. Most patients adapt within 4–8 weeks. During this time, speech may feel slightly different, some soreness is normal, and eating certain foods may take practice. Your brain and muscles gradually learn to hold and use the denture naturally. Follow-up adjustment visits during this period make the process significantly more comfortable.

Ans. Yes — removing dentures nightly is strongly recommended by dental professionals. This allows gum tissue to rest and receive normal stimulation from the tongue and saliva. Wearing dentures 24 hours a day accelerates bone resorption and increases the risk of gum infections and fungal conditions like denture stomatitis.

Ans. Yes. Modern dentures are crafted with individually shade-matched acrylic teeth that closely mimic the size, shape, and colour of natural teeth. The gum-coloured acrylic base is tinted to match your natural tissue tone. A skilled prosthodontist pays attention to tooth arrangement and facial anatomy to ensure a completely natural, age-appropriate appearance.

Ans. Costs range significantly by type. Partial acrylic dentures start from $300–$1,500 per arch. Flexible partials cost $700–$2,000. Complete full dentures range from $1,000–$3,500 per arch. Cast metal partial dentures cost $1,000–$2,500. Premium options including digital dentures or implant-retained dentures cost more. Many dental insurance plans cover 50% of denture costs.

Ans. A reline is the process of adding new acrylic material to the fitting surface of the denture to compensate for changes in the shape of the gum ridge. The jawbone and gum tissue naturally shrink after tooth loss, causing dentures to become loose over time. Relining is typically needed every 3–5 years and can be done chairside (soft reline) or in the laboratory (hard reline).