Complete Dentures:
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 along with some composite materials. However patient can chose from a variety of options:
- Traditional plastic denture
- Traditional plastic denture with a metal framework to make the denture strong, lightand of course biocompatible.
- Flexible denture(valplast)
- Flexible denture(valplast) combined with metal framework
Dentures can also be fixed now by use of dental implants.
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.
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.
Cast Metal Removable Partial Denture
These Removable Partial Dentures are cast metal frameworks made of chrome cobalt. These frameworks are cast to fit the teeth .These are cast very thin and are much less likely to break than the all plastic variety. For the same reason they are much less noticeable to the tongue.
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. Since they sit on the teeth, as well as being attached to them, they are extremely stable and retentive.
The metal framework does not contact the gums. Thus, as the gums resorb, this type of partial does not sink with them and rarely requires relines.
Flexible Dentures (Valplast) :
The most recent advance in dental materials has been the application of flexible materials for the fabrication of dental appliances. This material generally replaces the metal, and the pink acrylic denture material used to build the framework for standard removable partial dentures Flexible partial dentures are the comfortable, beautiful, and affordable choice The flexibility, combined with strength and light weight, provides total comfort and great looks! It is nearly unbreakable, is colored pink like the gums, can be built quite thin, and can form not only the denture base, but the clasps as well.