This is the most economic and most traditional method of tooth replacement. Dentures are removable objects that simulate the look and function of the tooth and its surrounding tissue. Most dentures are constructed with acrylic resins. However patient can chose from a variety of options:-
1.) Traditional plastic denture
2.) Traditional plastic denture with a metal framework to make the denture strong, light and of course biocompatible.
3.) Flexible denture (valplast)
4.) Flexible denture (valplast) combined with metal framework
5.) Dentures can also be fixed now by use of dental implants.
COMPLETE DENTURES
There are two major types of dentures. The full denture replaces an entire jaw’s dentition, while a partial denture only replaces multiple or single teeth where there are still healthy teeth present. A partial denture also serves as a spacer to prevent the living teeth from shifting position.
Most patients of full dentures are in their later years and have lost most of their teeth. Patients of partial dentures are usually people who have lost a tooth to gum disease or injury. All patients receiving dentures find that their chewing improves, their oral hygiene becomes easier, and their speech clears up. On the outside, a denture can drastically improve your smile.
Dentures are specifically made for each patient’s unique anatomy. Initially they will feel awkward, no matter how well they may fit you. The fact remains that it is not a living part of your mouth and it will feel foreign to you. However, after a short period of adjustment most people don’t even notice that they’re wearing the dentures anymore.
Regular checkups with your dentist are encouraged in order to track changing conditions in your mouth. Should your teeth shift or your bones change shape with time, you’ll need a new set. Dentures have been around for a long time and are a proven way to replace lost teeth. If you require dentures please contact a dentist for a consultation.
The Plastic Removable Partial Denture
This is the least expensive of all the removable partial dentures. These dentures are generally used for temporary or intermediary purpose until the final prosthesis is made. Still yet we find many people keep this type of appliance for many, many years, just like permanent ones because as long as they are properly maintained, they look outwardly as good as the more expensive permanent appliances. The one pictured above replaces 4 missing teeth, leaving spaces for 7 natural teeth. Two of the natural teeth are clasped with wrought wire clasps which are cured into the structure of the denture base.
The pink material of the denture base is hard plastic and the same material used to make complete dentures. The main single advantage to this type of RPD is the cost. Also the new teeth and new denture base can easily be added to an existing treatment RPD. These are frequently fabricated even if the remaining teeth have existing decay or periodontal disease and their prognosis is doubtful. If later in the course of treatment some of the existing natural teeth are extracted for any reason, new false teeth can be added quickly to the partial, maintaining the patient’s appearance.
Another common and infact more important use of these appliances is as an “immediate partial denture”. This means that the appliance can be made before the teeth are removed, and inserted immediately after the extraction of the planned teeth so that the patient is never without teeth. This is of special help when anterior teeth are to extracted and patient wants to return back to his/her normal routine immediately.
HOWEVER IN SPITE OF THESE ADVANTAGES THEY HAVE A NUMBER OF DISADVANTAGES TOO.
1.) They are basically plastic and due to their irregular shape, these partials tend to break frequently, especially those made for the lower arch. (Full dentures are more regular in shape and tend to be fairly strong as a result.)
2.) These appliances are less stable compared to cast partials. Also cases of allergy to this material have also been reported.
3.) As the gums resorb, the false teeth tend to sink below their original level making it necessary to reline them frequently, and sometimes even to reset the teeth which adds to their expense.
4.) They are most frequently retained with wire clasps. These are frequently unsightly due to the limitations that pertain to their perial
5.) History of partial frame breakage
6.) lternative to implants or fixed products