What are Full Dentures?
Full denture, also known as a complete denture, is a removable dental appliance that replaces all of the natural teeth in one or both dental arches (upper or lower) of the mouth. Full dentures are typically made of acrylic resin material and are designed to closely resemble natural teeth and gums..
Here are some key characteristics of full dentures:
1. Custom-Made : Full dentures are custom-made to fit the unique shape and contours of each individual's mouth. Impressions of the patient's gums and surrounding oral tissues are taken to ensure a proper fit.
2.Upper and Lower Dentures : Depending on the patient's needs, they may require a full denture for the upper arch, lower arch, or both. The upper denture typically covers the roof of the mouth (palate), while the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate the tongue.
3. Support and Stability : Full dentures rely on suction, along with the natural contours of the mouth, to stay in place. Some patients may also use denture adhesives for added stability.
4. Functionality : Full dentures restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile for individuals who have lost all of their natural teeth. However, it may take some time for patients to adjust to wearing dentures, particularly in terms of speaking and eating comfortably.
5. Regular Maintenance : Like natural teeth, full dentures require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them in good condition. This includes daily cleaning, periodic check-ups with a dentist, and potential adjustments or relining to ensure a proper fit over time.
Full dentures are a common treatment option for individuals who have lost all of their teeth due to factors such as tooth decay, gum disease, trauma, or aging. We provide a functional and aesthetic solution for restoring the appearance and functionality of the mouth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
What are Partial Dentures?
Partial dentures are removable dental appliances used to replace one or more missing teeth when some natural teeth still remain in the mouth. They are designed to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and restore functionality, aesthetics, and support to adjacent teeth and surrounding oral structures.
Here are some key features and components of partial dentures:
1. Framework : Partial dentures consist of a framework made of metal, acrylic resin, or a combination of both materials. The framework provides support and stability for the replacement teeth and attaches to the remaining natural teeth or dental implants using clasps, attachments, or other retention devices.
2. Replacement Teeth : Partial dentures include one or more artificial teeth (pontics) that are custom-made to closely resemble the shape, size, and color of the patient's natural teeth. These replacement teeth are attached to the framework and positioned to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth.
3. Retention and Support : Partial dentures rely on the remaining natural teeth for support and retention. The framework of the partial denture clasps onto adjacent teeth, helping to hold the denture securely in place during eating, speaking, and other activities.
4. Gum-Colored Base : The base of the partial denture is often made of acrylic resin and colored to match the natural color of the gums. This base sits on the gums and provides stability and support for the replacement teeth and framework.
5. Customization : Partial dentures are custom-made to fit the unique shape and contours of each patient's mouth. Impressions and measurements of the mouth are taken to ensure a precise fit and optimal comfort.
Partial dentures offer several benefits for individuals with missing teeth, including:
Overall, partial dentures are a popular and effective treatment option for individuals with missing teeth who seek to restore their smile and oral function. They offer a durable, customizable, and non-invasive solution for improving oral health and quality of life.
Different Types Of Partial Dentures
Metal Partial Denture
These are made up of different metals, most commonly: nickel, chromium, and cobalt; the materials used make the prosthesis lightweight. It makes it easier for patients to adjust. Metal partials are considered stronger structurally, thinner, and more hygienic than acrylic partial dentures. This type lasts from 5 up to 10 years, a perfect choice for patients looking for a long-term option. We will advise you on the best treatment plan and partial dentures.
Acrylic Partial Denture
These are made from light, transparent plastic called acrylic. These are lighter compared to metal ones but are less effective and comfortable. Adding additional artificial teeth is easy. These are also easier to adjust since acrylics are easy to mold. An acrylic partial denture is the least expensive out of all the three types of removable partial dentures, but it’s considered more of a short-term option rather than a long-term one.
Flexible Partial Denture
These are made from flexible thermoplastic nylon resin. This type usually blends in better than the other types. They’re nearly invisible, and they cover receded gums. Since this type is made from thermoplastics, molding them is easier. This type is not repairable; it needs a replacement once it’s cracked. It is often considered a temporary solution due to its unrepairable nature.
Removable Implant Retained Dentures
Unlike conventional dentures, removable implant-retained dentures are supported by and attached to a minimum of two dental implants.
These are a newer alternative to regular Partial Dentures, which combine the conventional denture technology with new improvements in dental implants.
Implant-retained dentures have special attachments which connect onto the implants secured in the mouth. Implant-retained dentures provide stability, increased chewing efficiency, retention and also eliminate the need for denture adhesives.
Two or more attachments are implanted to the front part of the lower jaw. An overdenture is then able to securely sit in place, instantly increasing stability, its retention and most importantly comfort.
An implant retained denture is generally used when a person does not have any tooth in the jaw but has enough jaw bone to support the implants. Implant retained dentures have special attachments that snap onto corresponding attachments on the implants.
You might prefer to have a fixed implant over-denture in your mouth. In such a case, be sure to seek your Dental Prosthetist’s recommendation which will be based on consideration of your specific needs and preferences before settling on either a fixed or removable option.
Even though implant-supported overdentures are by tradition made for the lower jaw because normal dentures tend to be less stable there, you can have an implant overdenture in either of the jaws – upper or lower.
Prior to fabricating an implant supported denture, you will be referred to a dentist who specialises in dental implant surgery. The dentist will determine if you have sufficient bone to support dental implants and if you are a suitable candidate for implant retained dentures.
What are immediate dentures?
An immediate denture is a type of removable dental appliance that is placed in the mouth immediately after teeth extraction. Unlike traditional dentures, which are fitted after the gums have fully healed following tooth extraction, immediate dentures are prepared in advance and inserted into the mouth immediately after the extraction procedure.
Here are some key features and considerations regarding immediate dentures:
1. Preparation: Before tooth extraction, the dentist takes measurements and impressions of the patient's mouth. Using these measurements, the dental laboratory fabricates the immediate denture to closely resemble the patient's natural teeth and gums.
2. Placement: Following tooth extraction, the immediate denture is inserted into the mouth without any delay. This allows the patient to have teeth immediately after extraction, providing functional and aesthetic benefits during the healing period.
3. Healing Process : During the initial healing period, the underlying bone and soft tissues undergo changes, which can cause the immediate denture to become loose or require adjustments. Therefore, adjustments and relining of the denture may be necessary to ensure a proper fit as the tissues heal and reshape.
4. Temporary Solution : Immediate dentures serve as a temporary solution while the gums heal and stabilize after tooth extraction. They provide the patient with the ability to eat, speak, and smile during this transitional period.
5. Follow-up Care : Patients with immediate dentures require regular follow-up visits with their dentist to monitor the healing process, make necessary adjustments to the denture, and ensure proper oral hygiene practices.
6. Transition to Permanent Dentures : Once the gums have fully healed and stabilized, typically after a few months, the immediate denture may need to be relined or replaced with a permanent denture for optimal fit and comfort.
Immediate dentures are a valuable treatment option for individuals undergoing tooth extraction who wish to avoid being without teeth during the healing period. They provide both functional and aesthetic benefits, helping patients maintain their confidence and quality of life during the transition to permanent dentures or other dental prosthetic solutions.