With the improvements in dental implants and other techniques in recent years, dentures are not as common as they once were. However, they can still be very effective for many people. The denture is less costly than non-removable solutions, such as bridges and dental implants. For some patients, because of physical health or economics, it is the only option available to them.
Full dentures
A removable prosthesis, such as complete dentures, can restore function and appearance in the mouth as well as the surrounding facial tissues. Your Prosthodontist can provide top quality new dentures for you. Success with dentures depends on a good fit and a well-made denture, and on the amount of bone and soft tissues available to support the dentures.
Denture wearers gain confidence about how their dentures look and feel as they adjust to them over time. They usually learn to speak and eat more confidently as time passes. With a good daily cleaning routine and regular visits to the dentist, dentures can help you lead a healthy and natural lifestyle. Of course, even with the best of care, it may be necessary to have dentures remade after a number of years. This is because the bony ridge in the mouth that dentures rest on goes through natural changes over time, causing dentures to fit improperly. Whenever you sense any change in the way your dentures work or feel, your prosthodontist can provide new dentures or reline your existing dentures to improve their level of fit.
Comfort is a major factor in the success of removable dentures. Appearance is another. Initially, a removable denture can look esthetical and function effectively. However, bone loss is in the jaw can cause dentures to lose their fit after a while.
The emphasis in dentistry has shifted to providing edentulous patients with dental implants to support their dentures while there is still enough jawbone available, rather than waiting until large amounts of bone have been lost. Removable dentures are simply an interim solution for many patients who eventually opt to pursue dental implant treatment.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used as an alternative to fixed bridges in replacing missing teeth. They are often simply an interim solution for many patients who eventually opt to pursue dental implant treatment. The partial denture has clasps that fit around the remaining teeth to help stabilise it, and utilises both the remaining teeth and the soft tissues for support during chewing.
Temporary partial dentures are usually made from acrylic, while long-term partial dentures are made from acrylic teeth fitted onto a cast metal framework. The clasps can be made from a tooth-coloured material so that no metal is visible when you smile.
