A removable dental prosthesis or denture serves to replace missing teeth. There are different types, namely for single tooth replacement but also for the replacement of all teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw. When we talk about single-tooth replacement, we call it a partial denture or a partial plate. It can also be reinforced with a metal base and cast anchors and then we call it a frame prosthesis.
The collective name for all these types is a removable prosthesis. After all, you take the prosthesis out because it is not fixed in the mouth. The prosthesis is made individually to measure in cooperation with a dental laboratory. In order to make it fit as well as possible, a number of steps have to be gone through.
Step 1
The first impression. This impression is made of a stiff material: alginate. This impression contains all the information that the dental laboratory needs in order to assess the dental situation. In the laboratory, the impressions are cast in plaster models on which an individual impression tray is made.
Step 2
The second impression, or the individual impression. Using the individual impression tray made by the laboratory, another impression is now made, but this time a precision impression. A lot of attention is paid to details for your new prosthesis. For example, they will look at how far the edges should run and how the muscles move in the mouth.
Step 3
Now the dental technician has enough information to make a trial prosthesis. In wax, a prosthesis is made based on the current dental situation. Bite plates are also placed in it. You return to the dentist to register your bite. The bite registration is accurately recorded by warming up the wax plates and having you bite them. During this appointment the colour of the teeth in the new denture will be looked at with you. If you still have teeth, the denture will be adjusted accordingly. If you no longer have any teeth, this will be discussed with you.
Step 4
During this step, the new denture with the selected tooth colour is fitted. However, the prosthesis is not pressed yet, so that some changes can still be made. If you and the dentist are satisfied, the prosthesis is pressed and you can pick it up at the next appointment.
Important: A new prosthesis does not sit perfectly right away; it always takes some time to get used to it. Eating will also be more difficult in the beginning. That is why you should start with soft food and build it up slowly. It is best to cut large pieces of food into pieces. You will soon find out what you can and cannot do with your dentures. After all, they are not fixed like your own teeth. Do not be surprised, because the expectation that the denture will give you the same experience as your own teeth is unfortunately not true. Do take this into account when making your decision!
How can the prosthesis stay in the mouth if it is not fixed?
Between the prosthesis and the gums is a saliva layer, which sucks the prosthesis into the mouth. Because the prosthesis is made to measure, it will follow the exact contours of your mouth and stay in place.
My new dentures are very tight and painful, what should I do?
The new dentures often sit tight on the gums, which takes some getting used to. Sometimes the dentures are too tight, causing painful spots. These spots are called pressure spots and can be easily remedied by a small adjustment of the denture. In this case please contact your dentist so that the denture can be adjusted.
How should I clean my dentures?
Food residues and tartar can also remain on your dentures. Therefore, it is very important that you clean your dentures after every meal. This can be done with a special denture brush and water. Please do not use toothpaste, because of its abrasive effect.
Do I also have to brush my gums under the dentures?
Yes, this is very important in order to prevent unpleasant inflammations. This can be done with a soft toothbrush and regular toothpaste.
I have dentures, do I also have to come for a six-monthly check-up?
It is highly advisable to come for a check-up with your dentures. The dentist can check the mucous membranes and the gums around the dentures. They will also check for wear and whether the dentures still fit properly.
At first, my dentures sat well and now they are loose - how is this possible?
When there are no more teeth in the jawbone, the jawbone on which the dentures rest is going to shrink. This reduces the fit and may cause the dentures to become loose. In this case you should make an appointment with the dentist to find a new solution.
How much do dentures cost?
Full dentures (upper jaw + lower jaw) is reimbursed once every 5 years from the basic insurance with a minimum deductible of 375 euro. Your own contribution is 25% of the total costs.
Example calculation for new upper and lower prosthesis
Total costs for upper and lower prosthesis = 1100 Euros
25% of 1100 euros = 275 euros own contribution
Please note: If you have not yet claimed your deductible, a further 375 euros will be added to this, making a total of 275+375 = 650 euros deductible!
Partial dentures comprising more than 4 elements**
| Description | Code | Number of | Costs |
| Partial teeth | P15 | 1 | 161.36 euros |
| Surcharge for individual marginalisation | P16 | 1 | 59.16 euros |
| Surcharge cast anchor | P18 | 2 | 32.28 euros |
| Dental technique cost chart | P15* | 1 | 250.00 euro |
| Total* | EUR 502.80 |
Framed prosthesis comprising more than 4 elements**
| CODE | BESCHRIJVING | AANTAL | KOSTEN |
| P004 | Frame kunstgebit, 5-13 elementen | 1 | € 345,65 |
| P004 | Techniek / materiaalkosten | € 590,00 | |
| Total | € 935,65 |
* This is only an indication of the costs. Please contact us for a customised estimate.
** De bovenstaande prijzen zijn gebaseerd op de tarieven uit het jaar 2022. De meest recente tarieven vindt u op onze website op de pagina ‘tarieven en nota’.
If you have specific questions, you can always contact us by phone or fill in the contact form.