Dentures removable, partially removable, complete. Care, types

A dental prosthesis should be considered as a medical device aimed at restoring the integrity of the dentition, its chewing properties and aesthetics of appearance, as well as preventing dysfunction of the masticatory system.

Before starting prosthetics, the orthopedic dentist conducts a thorough examination of the oral cavity. It consists of identifying the cause of tooth loss, examining the dentition, studying a panoramic X-ray of the jaw, and the general health of the patient. Based on the collected data, a final diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is drawn up, and the design of the denture is selected.

Types of removable dentures

Removable dentures are divided into two main types: partial (plate and clasp) - installed when several teeth are lost and complete - when the entire dentition is missing on one or both jaws.

Partial removable dentures

Plate denture.

Plate dentures are therapeutic orthopedic devices that serve to restore the basic functions of the jaws (for example, chewing). This type of removable dentures is non-physiological, when the pressure from chewing food is transmitted to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, and then to the alveolar process and palate. As a result, bone tissue atrophies over time due to heavy load.

Indications:

• Defects in the dentition, in which a fixed bridge prosthesis will not be able to restore chewing function.
• One-stage removal of a large number of teeth.
• Allergic reaction in case of installation of metal prostheses.
• Retention (splinting) of teeth.
• Serious health condition of a person who needs dentures.

Contraindications to installation of a plate prosthesis:

• Allergy to plastic and its components.
• Diseases and inflammatory processes of the oral mucosa that do not respond to therapeutic treatment.
• Epilepsy, schizophrenia.
• Work activities in which the jaw is especially often involved (lecturer, singer, actor).

Bügel denture

Bügel denture is a modern comfortable subtype of removable denture. It consists of three main parts: a cast metal frame (base), a plate base and artificial teeth. In turn, the framework includes: a saddle, connecting arches, supporting and retaining devices (clasps, attachments, telescopic systems).

The choice of a specific design of a clasp denture depends on the topography of the defects and the length of the dentition, the type of bite, the condition of the supporting teeth and antagonist teeth, and other individual characteristics.

Complete removable dentures

Complete removable dentures are prescribed to a person with complete loss of teeth in the upper, lower or both jaws at once. This type of denture consists of two parts: a plastic base (usually made of dental acrylic) that imitates the palate and gums, and artificial teeth fixed in it.

The purpose of such dentures is to replace missing teeth, normalize chewing and speech functions. Complete removable dentures are fixed due to adhesion (suction effect) and anatomical protrusions of the jaws. For better adhesion, special fixing pastes and gels can be used.

Modern dentures look aesthetically pleasing and are made of high quality. With proper care, the service life of removable dentures will exceed the recommended five years.

Fitting removable dentures

It should be remembered that after installing removable dentures in the oral cavity, pain often occurs. This occurs due to the gradual settling (pressure) of removable dentures on the mucous membrane. To eliminate this problem, several corrections of the dentures should be carried out at an appointment with the attending dentist.

The first of them is done literally the next day after fixing the denture in the mouth, which should be worn for at least 4 hours before the doctor's appointment, even if severe pain is felt. Otherwise, the correction of the denture will be ineffective. The next 3-4 corrections of the denture are carried out within 2 weeks, if necessary.

A person can get used to a removable denture in about a month, sometimes it takes up to six months. This depends on the size and design of the denture, the degree of fixation on the jaw, the type of temperament, etc.

How to care for removable dentures

Removable dentures should be cleaned with a toothbrush and toothpaste twice a day, and rinsed with running water after each meal.

If a person wears a removable denture, he should not eat viscous and sticky foods, since they can damage the denture by sticking. The same applies to very hard foods (nuts, kozinaki).

Removable dentures should be handled with care and protected from mechanical and chemical damage. You cannot grind or file dentures yourself. If cracks or chips are noticed, you should immediately contact a doctor to repair or replace the dentures. If there are no complaints, you should still visit an orthopedic doctor for a preventive examination every six months.

So, we have looked at the types of removable dentures. Read the information about fixed dentures in the next article.