Dentures are used when teeth are missing. Partial and full dentures can be used to replace a full compliment of teeth or a few teeth.
Partial and full dentures, also known as false teeth, are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth; they are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable. However, there are many different denture designs, some which rely on bonding or clasping onto teeth or dental implants. There are two main categories of dentures, the distinction being whether they are used to replace missing teeth on the mandibular arch or on the maxillary arch. Teeth can be lost due to extensive decay, severe gum disease, drug use or genetic disorders. You can vastly improve your smile and functionality of your teeth. Dentures can be supported in the mouth with the help of remaining jaw bone and soft tissue, remaining teeth or implants.
Dentures can help patients:
- Improve appearance of their face
- Aid in chewing food
- Increase their self esteem
- Maintain nutrition and health
Accurate measurements have to be taken in order to fabricate a perfectly fitting denture. This can be achieved within a few appointments. Dental implants or existing teeth can be used to help keep dentures securely in place.
WebMD technically describes dentures as follows:
Full Dentures
Full dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.
Partial Dentures
A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent) bridge replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This “bridge” is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns. This is a more natural-looking appliance.
Watch this video from Polident about partial dentures and full dentures: