Dentures
What is Dentures?
Dentures are sets of artificial teeth set into plastic frameworks that rest directly on the gums.
There are two types of dentures
- Complete Dentures
- Partial Dentures
Complete Dentures
When a person has had all of their teeth removed we must make complete dentures for the person to wear. Dentures are an acceptable solution, but no match for our real teeth! Hence we always try to save natural teeth. When the teeth are removed we are left with a ridge of bone on the upper and lower parts of our mouth,that we can use to put false teeth on. The lower denture always takes a little more work for most patients to get used to for two reasons:lack of height of bone and presence of the tongue
Removable Partial Dentures
An important step in maintaining a healthy smile is to replace missing teeth. When teeth are missing, the remaining ones can change position, drifting into the surrounding space. Teeth that are out of position can damage tissues in the mouth. In addition, it may be difficult to clean thoroughly between crooked teeth. As a result, you run the risk of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to the loss of additional teeth. In situations where only some teeth are missing we can also use a Removable Partial Denture.
A removable partial denture fills in the space created by missing teeth and fills out your smile. It is usually used when the space without teeth is too large for a bridge,or there are no teeth on either side of the gap or for economic reasons. The partial denture locks into place with its metal clasps. A denture helps you to properly chew food, a difficult task when you are missing teeth. In addition, a denture may improve speech and prevent a sagging face by providing support for lips and cheeks.
There are two types of these:
- Ones made fully of plastic(acrylic)
- Ones having a metal framework for rigidity and the teeth are the same kind used in full dentures
Cast Partial Dentures
Cast partial dentures are for old age group patients for multiple tooth missing situation it can be removed and fixed by the patients itself. Removable Partial Dentures with cast metal frameworks offer numerous advantages over the conventional partial dentures commonly used. The frameworks of these dentures are cast to fit the teeth. Since they sit on the teeth, as well as being attached to them, they are extremely stable and retentive. The teeth have to be altered slightly beforehand in order that the partial denture can rest upon them without interfering with the way the patient bites the teeth together. The metal framework does not contact the gums. Thus, as the gums resorb, this type of partial denture does not sink with them and rarely requires relining. Because the teeth are altered beforehand, there are fewer limitations in the placement of clasps, and they are less likely to be seen than the wrought wire clasps of the conventional treatment partial denture. Modern frameworks are cast from an extremely strong alloy called chrome cobalt which can be cast very thin and are much less likely to break than the all plastic variety. They are also much less noticeable to the tongue.
Flexible Dentures
- Complete Dentures
- Partial Dentures