Dentures

Dentures are one of the options for missing teeth. They can be used to replace a few missing teeth or all the upper and lower teeth, which then become complete dentures. Dentures are usually called partial or complete depending on the teeth present. It is best to talk to the dentist before planning for a certain type of denture, as individual clinical situations vary.

Materials Used for Dentures

There are different materials used in the fabrication of dentures:

Partial Dentures

Usually fabricated with a metal body, resin to replace gums, and plastic to replace teeth.
These types of dentures are usually made of cast cobalt chrome.
Cast Cobalt Chrome Body:
- Thinner, stronger, and long-lasting compared to all-resin dentures.
- More comfortable, easier to clean, and does not stain easily.
- These partial dentures take 3-5 visits depending on the clinical situation.
A complete clinical examination of the teeth present, gums, and bony architecture is recommended before planning for partial dentures.
Upper and Lower Teeth Considerations:
- Require different design and planning as the presence of the tongue and musculature makes it more difficult to fabricate lower partial dentures.
- Dentures with cast partial frameworks take support from the gums and existing teeth, making it imperative to remove weak or unhealthy teeth before treatment commencement.
- This might involve cleaning teeth to remove plaque, filling to restore carious teeth, and extraction of unstable teeth.

Resin Dentures

Another material used to fabricate partial dentures.
Pros:
- Cheaper and easier to fabricate compared to metal dentures.
Cons:
- Shown to irritate gums more, cause frequent ulceration, staining, and more breakages leading to increased maintenance.
- They also need frequent replacement.
- Take most of their support from existing teeth.

Complete Dentures

Fabricated to replace all the missing teeth in the mouth. They can be for only the upper teeth or lower teeth.
Require at least three visits to fabricate, depending on the type of existing bony ridge.
These dentures take the help of gums to stay stable, depending on the existing bone under the gums.
Complete dentures are fabricated with resin replacing the gums and teeth made of plastic

Implant-Retained Dentures and Bridges

We can also fabricate implant-retained dentures and bridges.
Benefits:
- Significantly higher retention, restoring chewing function to a much greater extent compared to conventional dentures.
The Australian Dental Association recommends at least two implants in the lower arch to replace all the teeth.
Implant-Supported Overdenture:
- Provides much more chewing ability, leading to greater satisfaction.
- Can be maintained easily.