Description:
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They are used to restore the functionality and aesthetics of the mouth when teeth have been lost due to decay, injury, gum disease, or other reasons. Dentures come in various forms, including complete dentures that replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, and partial dentures that replace only a few missing teeth.
Indications:
- Loss of all natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw (for complete dentures)
- Loss of several teeth in one dental arch while some natural teeth remain (for partial dentures)
- Improvement of chewing and speaking function
- Aesthetic reasons to maintain or enhance the appearance of the face
- Support and stabilization of facial muscles to prevent facial sagging
Procedure:
- Preparation: The dentist conducts a thorough examination and discusses the patient’s needs and expectations. Impressions of the upper and lower jaws are taken to ensure an accurate fit for the dentures.
- Fabrication: Based on the impressions, the dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory. The dental technician matches the shape and color of the artificial teeth to the patient’s natural teeth to create a natural appearance.
- Fitting: After fabrication, the dentures are fitted to the patient by the dentist. The dentist ensures that the dentures fit properly and do not cause pressure sores. Adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable fit and optimal function.
- Aftercare: The patient is given instructions on how to care for and clean the dentures, as well as the importance of regular dental check-ups. Adjustments may be needed to improve the fit of the dentures and to keep the gums and jawbones healthy.
Benefits:
- Restoration of chewing and speaking function
- Improvement of aesthetic appearance and self-confidence
- Support of lips and cheeks to maintain the natural shape of the face
- Removability, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance