Removable
Prosthetics
Artificial dentures are still the first choice of many people when they have lost all or most of their teeth. Although they do not provide the natural sense of real teeth or implants, the advancement of dentistry and modern dentures have greatly improved their functionality and use.
Artificial dentures are used to replace natural teeth when they are missing either completely or partially. They are distinguished in complete and partial dentures.
Complete dentures may be conventional or immediate.
The conventional ones are placed after removing any remaining impaired teeth and after the gums have healed. Because this healing can take up to two months, the patient stays for a long time without teeth.
Immediate dentures are placed immediately after removal of the teeth, but they are temporary because they should be replaced or repaired by the permanent teeth when healing is completed in the gums.
Removable Partial Dentures (RPD) are used when some teeth that can act as a support are saved. We have two types of removable partial dentures:
1. Classic, where metal clasps are suitably adjusted around the remaining natural teeth to hold the structure. It is noted here that the retention teeth must be covered by crowns to prevent their wear.
2. The most up-to-date, a cast thermo plastic denture that is thin, lightweight, and flexible with invisible clasps that surround the natural teeth offering the benefits of superior esthetics, comfort, function and bio-compatibility.Substantially partial dentures are an alternative to a fixed prosthetic work (bridge).
Complete dentures consist of two parts. One part is made of acrylic and plays the role of gum, while the other part – combined with the first – is the artificial teeth.
Maintenance of an artificial denture requires special care to last as long as possible. It is recommended that they undergo rebasing/relining every three to four years. That is why patients should follow their dentist’s instructions.