Dra. Cléo Salustiano In this article
SummaryWhat types of dentures are there and how does each one work?Adhesive, cleaning and when to reline or replace a dentureFAQRead nextDentures: Types, Adhesive, Cleaning and When to Replace Them
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A denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces missing teeth and can be a conventional complete denture, a removable partial denture with clasps, a flexible denture (often called silicone), an immediate denture or an implant-retained overdenture. Adhesive helps with a well-fitting denture but does not fix a loose one. Clean it daily with a denture brush and mild soap or a recommended product, never with boiling water or bleach, and in most cases take it out at night. A loose denture, sore spots or worn teeth point to a reline or replacement. In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces missing teeth and the gum tissue around them. The most common types are the conventional complete denture (made of acrylic resin, for people who have lost all the teeth in one arch), the removable partial denture (which rests on the remaining teeth), the flexible denture, sometimes called a silicone denture, and the implant-retained denture. To last and stay comfortable, it needs daily cleaning, adhesive only when necessary and regular check-ups with the dentist.
In the office, people who wear dentures tend to have similar questions: the denture has become loose, it has started to rub, the adhesive no longer holds, or they are not sure whether they can sleep with it. These complaints almost always share the same origin: the mouth changes over time, and a rigid denture does not follow those changes.
Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844), a dentist in Mooca, explains the types of dentures, how to use adhesive properly, how to clean the denture every day and which signs show it is time to reline or replace it.
This article comes from Dr. Cléo Salustiano's dental office in Mooca, São Paulo (care in English, Portuguese and Spanish). See the dental implants page to learn how the treatment is done here and book your assessment.
What types of dentures are there and how does each one work?
Conventional complete denture: made of acrylic resin, with artificial teeth set on a gum-colored base. It stays in place through close contact with the gums and, in the upper arch, also through suction against the palate. That is why the upper denture is usually more stable than the lower one, which has less support area and is affected by tongue movement. It is the most traditional option and allows repairs and adjustments over time.
Removable partial denture: used when some natural teeth remain. It has a framework, usually metal, with clasps that rest on the natural teeth. These supporting teeth must be healthy because they take part of the chewing force. The flexible denture, often called a silicone denture, is not really silicone: it is made of a more pliable resin without visible metal clasps. In some partial cases it can be more comfortable and discreet, but it is harder to adjust and repair, and not every situation suits this material.
Implant-retained denture (overdenture): a denture that clips onto implants or, in some cases, onto treated tooth roots. It is still removed for cleaning, but it is much more stable, especially in the lower arch. The article All-on-4 vs snap-in dentures compares this option with a fixed implant prosthesis.
There is also the immediate denture, placed right after extractions so the person is not left without teeth. Because the gums and bone change a lot during the first months of healing, it usually needs a reline or replacement after that period. The right type depends on how many teeth remain, the amount of bone, gum health and each patient's expectations, and that can only be decided after an exam. For an overview, see the types of dental prostheses.
| Type | How it stays in place | Points to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional complete (acrylic) | Contact with the gums and suction, mainly in the upper arch | The lower one tends to be less stable; needs relining over time |
| Removable partial with clasps | Clasps and rests on natural teeth | Supporting teeth must be healthy and kept clean |
| Flexible ("silicone") | Pliable base that hugs the teeth and gums | Harder to adjust and repair; not suitable for every case |
| Immediate | Placed right after extractions | Usually needs relining or replacement after healing |
| Implant-retained (overdenture) | Attachments on implants or roots | More stability; requires bone assessment and care of the attachments |
Adhesive, cleaning and when to reline or replace a denture
Denture adhesive comes as a cream, a powder or adhesive strips. It can give extra security to someone with a well-fitting denture, especially a lower one, but it does not make up for a loose or broken denture. Use a small amount on a clean, dry denture, following the product label, and remove all residue from the denture and gums at the end of the day. If you need more and more adhesive to keep the denture in place, it no longer fits and should be checked.
How to clean a denture: remove it after meals and rinse it under running water. At least once a day, brush all surfaces with a denture brush or a soft brush, using mild soap or a cleaning product your dentist recommends; regular toothpaste can scratch the resin. Do this over a sink with water or a towel so the denture does not break if dropped. Do not use boiling water, bleach, alcohol or other products on your own, as they can warp or stain the denture and damage metal parts. Also brush your gums, tongue and any remaining natural teeth.
In most cases, the advice is to take the denture out at night so the gums can rest, and keep it clean in a container with water. Wearing it around the clock encourages inflammation underneath, including a fungal infection known as denture stomatitis, which makes the palate red. Some situations call for different advice, so follow what your dentist recommends. See also how crowns, bridges and dentures in Mooca work at the practice.
When to reline or replace: after tooth loss, the jawbone slowly shrinks and the denture stops fitting. Signs include a loose denture, food getting underneath, sore spots, difficulty chewing or speaking, worn artificial teeth, cracks and changes in facial shape. A reline reshapes the base to fit the gums again; when the teeth are worn or the base is compromised, replacement is usually advised. A sore that does not heal within about two weeks needs to be examined. This content is for information only and does not replace an exam: consult a dentist to assess your denture. In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano sees patients every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including Sundays and holidays, at her dental office in Mooca, including dental implant options.
What types of dentures are there?
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The main types are the conventional complete denture, made of acrylic resin; the removable partial denture, with clasps on natural teeth; the flexible denture, often called a silicone denture; the immediate denture, placed right after extractions; and the implant-retained denture. The choice depends on an exam of your mouth.
Are flexible (silicone) dentures better than conventional ones?
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It depends on the case. The so-called silicone denture is made of a flexible resin and can be more comfortable and discreet for some partial dentures, as it has no visible metal clasps. On the other hand, it is harder to adjust and repair. For people with no teeth left, the conventional acrylic denture is usually the more common choice.
Is denture adhesive harmful?
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Used in small amounts on a well-fitting denture and according to the label, adhesive is a helpful support. The problem is using more and more of it to hold a loose denture: this can irritate the gums and hide the need for a reline. Remove all adhesive from the denture and your mouth every day.
How should I clean my dentures?
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Rinse the denture after meals and, at least once a day, brush all surfaces with a denture brush or soft brush and mild soap or a product your dentist recommends. Avoid abrasive toothpaste, boiling water, bleach and alcohol. Clean your gums and tongue as well.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
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In most cases, it is advised to take dentures out at night so the gums can rest and to lower the risk of inflammation and fungal infection under the denture. Keep it clean in a container with water. Follow your dentist's advice, as some situations need different care.
How often do dentures need to be replaced?
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There is no fixed timeframe. Because the bone in the mouth changes over time, the denture gradually loses its fit. Regular check-ups are the way to go: the dentist assesses whether a reline is enough or whether worn teeth, cracks or a compromised base call for a new denture.
Where can I get dentures made or adjusted in Mooca?
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In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients at Rua Hipódromo, 1141, near Bresser-Mooca station, Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including holidays, with assessments for dentures and implant options. Appointments via WhatsApp (11) 97409-7834, in Portuguese, English or Spanish.
