Complete dentures are full sets of prostheses used when all teeth are lost. These dentures help restore the patient's ability to chew and speak.
Complete dentures, which hold significant importance for overall dental health, are a common treatment option for individuals who have lost their teeth. These dentures replace the lost teeth both aesthetically and functionally in patients who have lost all of their teeth, significantly improving their quality of life. So, what exactly are these dentures, how are they made, and what kinds of issues might patients encounter? You can find answers to all these questions below.
Complete dentures are removable prosthetics applied to patients who have lost all of their teeth in the mouth. They are typically used in serious cases that lead to tooth loss, such as decay, trauma, or bone loss. These dentures are supported by the soft tissues in the upper and lower jaws, ensuring they stay securely in place within the mouth. The total loss of teeth leads not only to aesthetic but also to functional problems. With these dentures, patients can regain the function of the teeth they've lost while also returning to their natural appearance.
Moreover, complete dentures do not only replace missing teeth; they also support the patient's facial features, preventing a sunken or aged appearance. These dentures allow patients to regain confidence in activities such as eating, speaking, and social interactions.
Aesthetically, complete dentures are designed according to the individual. The arrangement of the teeth, color selection, and the support they provide to the facial structure all contribute to creating a natural appearance. Specifically, any sunken areas in the lips and cheeks are supported by the dentures to give the face a fuller, younger look. Following aesthetic guidelines, the teeth are arranged in a manner that closely resembles the patient’s natural teeth, resulting in a more pleasing smile.
Depending on the patient's preferences, the size, shape, and color of the teeth can be customized. During the trial phases of the denture creation process, the patient decides on the aesthetic details of the teeth, and thus, the final denture is shaped according to personal preferences, combining both aesthetic and functional elements.
One of the biggest disadvantages of complete dentures is their removable nature, as they rely on soft tissue support. This issue is particularly noticeable in the lower jaw. Since the lower jaw has less volume than the upper jaw and the movements of the tongue can affect the lower denture, patients often observe that the lower denture moves more than the upper one. This mobility can cause the denture to shift during speaking or eating, potentially leading to sores inside the mouth.
In addition to mobility, patients may experience difficulties chewing and the denture not staying in place if it does not fit properly. It can take time for patients to get used to wearing dentures, and some discomfort during this adjustment period is normal. However, with regular check-ups, these issues can be minimized.
To reduce the mobility of complete dentures, denture adhesives can be used. However, since these adhesives provide only a temporary solution, they do not fully secure the dentures in place in the long term. Therefore, a more permanent and effective solution is implant-supported dentures. By placing special anchors on implants, the denture is more securely attached, and mobility is greatly reduced. This method, commonly known as “clip-on dentures,” helps minimize the problems that patients encounter with regular dentures.
In this method, implants placed under the denture prevent it from shifting. As a result, patients can eat, speak, and participate in social activities with greater comfort. Moreover, implant-supported dentures significantly improve patient comfort and ensure the stability of the prosthetic.
The number of implants used for clip-on dentures varies depending on the patient’s jaw structure and the amount of available bone. Usually, 2 to 4 implants are sufficient for the lower jaw. These implants help secure the denture more firmly while also minimizing movement by relying on tissue support. As the number of implants increases, the stability of the denture improves, which significantly enhances user comfort.
With these dentures, issues such as the denture coming loose while speaking or eating are eliminated. Additionally, the likelihood of the denture causing sores is greatly reduced, providing patients with a more comfortable experience.
The process of making complete dentures usually takes about 5 sessions and is typically completed within 10 to 15 days. During this period, the color, shape, and arrangement of the teeth are customized to the patient's preferences. During the trials, the patient provides feedback on the aesthetic details of the teeth, and the denture is shaped accordingly.
Adjustments made according to the patient’s aesthetic expectations ensure that the denture aligns well with the facial structure. After the final trial, the denture is delivered to the patient, and they can begin using it. This process can be shorter or longer depending on the patient’s needs.
To ensure the long-term health and functionality of complete dentures, regular care is essential. The denture should always be removed before sleeping and stored in a container filled with water. Dentures left in a dry environment can get damaged, shortening their lifespan. Furthermore, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent fungal infections under the denture.
After each meal, the denture should be removed and cleaned to maintain oral health and preserve its aesthetic appearance. While cleaning tablets are recommended for dentures, mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush is also essential. Daily cleaning ensures the denture lasts longer without any issues.
Although complete dentures do not have a fixed lifespan, factors such as changes in jaw structure, bone loss, and weight loss can affect the fit of the denture. In such cases, the denture may need to be adjusted or replaced. A poor fit can result in decreased comfort while chewing and speaking.
Regular check-ups can help diagnose and address these issues early on. A poorly fitting denture can cause difficulties in daily life, so this issue should not be ignored.
Worn dentures, lost teeth, or broken dentures can be repaired. If the overall structure of the denture is intact, small adjustments can be made to restore its fit. Repairs using filling materials are typically completed quickly. Broken or missing teeth can also be repaired, and the denture can be returned to the patient within 1-2 days after repair.
These repair procedures allow the denture to be restored to its original state without needing to be completely replaced. Minor damage can be quickly fixed, allowing patients to continue with their daily activities.
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