Dentures

Removable prosthesis (denture) replaces missing teeth in cases where a bridge restoration is not possible due to the lack of posterior teeth that can provide stability. Dentures can be removed and repositioned in the mouth by the patient because they are not permanently attached on the teeth or the mouth. There is a big variety of dentures, each one for a specific case.

Partial denture

It is recommended when few - and not all - teeth are missing. Partial denture has gaps for the natural teeth and acrylic teeth in the areas where the missing teeth are. For greater strength and durability, the denture is based on a metal frame and is connected with the natural teeth through clasps and connectors. Also, it can be placed on crowned teeth achieving better support and protection for the natural teeth. While chewing forces are distributed and the materials of the denture wear out naturally, the clasps loosen up and cannot support adequately the denture. Sometimes natural teeth start moving. In that case, the denture needs to be redesigned and replaced. Depending on the size and the design of the denture, 4-5 or 7-8 appointments are required.

Full denture

It is the classical denture that is placed in cases of many missing teeth by replacing all of them. On one hand it is a value for money choice but on the other hand it provides less stability at speech and chewing and the patient needs to get used to a new way of chewing. Sometimes, it is difficult for the mouth to get accustomed to its big volume resulting in tendency of vomit, intense tongue movement etc. It also needs extreme care while cleaning it in order to avoid fractures and regular adjustments in order to avoid wounds and discomfort. In Smiles Dental Clinic we need 3-4 appointments for the completion of the denture.

Overdenture

It is a variation of the category above. In addition to the support that provides to the mucosa of the mouth, overdenture is supported on covered tooth roots, that have undergone root to canal treatment, for a better restrain and fit. Then, they are lowered and shaped in order to act as sockets for the denture. Overdenture can be completed in 3-4 appointments.

Telescopic denture

It is a special denture construction that offers maximum stability while it is supported only on the natural teeth. The teeth are covered with metallic coverings and then the denture is placed. This construction provides internal support and excellent fit. In comparison with the other dentures, it is smaller and therefore more comfortable and easily accepted by the patient. It requires 4-5 appointments.

Implant denture

It is supported on tooth implants or a combination of implants and natural teeth. It is a more affordable choice in comparison with the placement of tooth implants in the whole mouth and the construction of fixed bridges based on them. It can also be a transitional phase where a full oral restoration with implants is chosen but there is no financial possibility for the treatment at that moment. Therefore, tooth implants are placed over time and an implant denture is used for functional and aesthetics reasons. Old dentures that have lost their stability, can be redesigned using only four mini-implants. The cost is lower in comparison with a full oral tooth implant restoration, enhancing facial aesthetics, speech and chewing. Appointments are scheduled based on the treatment plan and the denture that is chosen by the patient.