Dentures often become necessary at some point in life. Accidents, aging, illnesses, or side effects of medications are some of the causes of tooth loss. If you have loose or displaced teeth, severe gum disease or periodontal disease, or multiple damaged teeth, tooth extraction and replacement with a dental prosthesis may be the only option to prevent further health complications.
Dentists recommend replacing missing or damaged teeth as soon as possible, since leaving them untreated long-term can result in jawbone deterioration. Dentures are useful because they make it easier to eat, chew, and speak regularly, and they help you enjoy a normal life. Depending on the severity of your condition, your dentist will create a custom-made denture for you.
What Are Dental Prostheses?
Dental prostheses are prosthetic devices that effectively replace missing teeth. They are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity, such as implants, gums, or existing teeth. While conventional dentures can be removed, there are also fixed prostheses, as well as implant-supported dentures, which restore facial profile and improve appearance.
Dental prostheses are a good solution when natural teeth are lost. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and improve your overall quality of life. A complete denture works best when all teeth are missing, while a partial denture is used when only a few teeth are absent.
Dentures help maintain facial shape and prevent remaining teeth from shifting in the mouth. When missing teeth are not replaced, the remaining teeth may begin to move and tilt, causing gaps, bite problems, and gum disease. The effectiveness and benefit of dentures largely depend on your lifestyle, desired appearance, and functional needs of your smile.
What Types of Dentures Exist?
Dental prostheses consist of a denture base, made of plastic or metal, and artificial teeth. There are different types of dentures depending on the position and condition of the remaining teeth.
Implant-supported dentures
When implants are placed in a completely toothless jaw, the denture is anchored to the implants using clasps or other attachment elements, ensuring a very strong connection between the denture and the implants. The denture can still be removed from the mouth and cleaned thoroughly.
In the lower edentulous jaw, as few as two implants are sufficient, while in the upper jaw, 2–4 implants are usually required. In this way, with a minimal number of implants, a highly stable and functional prosthetic solution can be achieved.
Complete dentures
If the patient has no remaining teeth, a complete denture must be made.
A complete denture is made of acrylic (a type of plastic) and is held in the mouth exclusively by suction to the soft tissues, palate, alveolar ridge, and sublingual space.
Patients often take longer to adapt to such a denture due to its larger volume and less stable fit (especially in the lower jaw).
By placing implants in a completely edentulous jaw and combining them with a complete denture, wearing the prosthesis can be made much more stable and comfortable.
Clasp-Retained Dentures – Combination Prostheses
Combination prostheses represent the aesthetic pinnacle of removable prosthodontics because they look very natural. This type of prosthesis combines fixed metal-ceramic restorations (crowns or bridges) with a removable denture. The fixed prosthetic restoration is cemented onto the remaining abutment teeth, provided they are healthy and firmly anchored in the bone.
The denture is connected to the fixed work using hidden clasps. This way, no visible hooks appear when smiling or speaking, while excellent denture stability is ensured. The surface of the denture can also be reduced to a minimum.
Wironit dentures
Their base is made of a fine metal alloy, and they are attached to the remaining teeth with strong cast clasps, which precisely grip the abutment tooth and thus ensure maximum stability of the denture in the mouth.
The denture base and clasps are cast together from the same metal, forming a functional unit with a strong connection, which minimizes the risk of clasps breaking. The strength of the metal alloy allows for the creation of a very lightweight framework, comfortable for patients to wear.
How Much Do Dental Prostheses Cost?
This is a complex question because many factors can contribute to the final cost. One of these factors is the complexity of the patient’s case, which means the price may increase or decrease depending on the individual’s oral health. The type of material chosen for the denture, such as acrylic or metal, can also significantly influence the cost.
Additionally, the type of denture required – partial or complete – and the region where you live may affect the price. Don’t forget to account for other expenses such as regular dental check-ups, future dental care, and tooth replacement, as all these can add to the overall cost.
Conclusion
Dental prostheses provide functional benefits and restore the joy of smiling without having to hide it. With different types available, the need for proper care, and a range of costs, it is crucial to consult with a dentist who will guide you toward the best option for your specific needs.
