A denture is a removable set of false teeth that is used to replace missing teeth in the mouth.

Purpose
  • To restore chewing function
  • To help articulation
  • To restore a normal facial profile
  • To correct abnormal bite
Types

Complete denture

  • To replace all teeth in a dental arch.
  • A complete denture is held in the dental arch by the oral musculature; hence the denture must fit the oral mucosa well.
  • A complete denture can be placed over dental implants by attachment devices.

    Materials
    • The base of the denture can be made of acrylic polymers or metal alloy.
    • The false teeth of the denture base can be made of acrylic.
      Photograph of a complete denture.

    Procedures for making a complete denture
    • Take impressions of the upper and lower dental arches and record the bite.
    • Fabricate a mock up denture in wax in the dental laboratory.
    • Try the mock up denture in the patient's mouth and make adjustment accordingly.
    • Process and finish the denture in the dental laboratory.
    • Insert the finished denture in the patient's mouth and make adjustments accordingly.
      Photograph showing the appearance of a patient wearing a complete denture.
Partial denture
  • To replace some missing teeth in a dental arch.
    Photograph showing the appearance of a patient without wearing denture.
    Before treatment
    		 Photograph showing the appearance of a patient after wearing denture.
    After treatment

  • The denture is stabilized in the mouth by metal clasps which extend from the denture base, holding onto the neighbouring natural teeth.
  • A partial denture can also be held by attachment devices to implants.

    Materials
    • The denture base can be made of acrylic polymer or cobalt chromium.
    • The false teeth are made of acrylic.
    Photograph of a partial denture.

    Procedures for partial denture
    • Prepare some of the neighbouring natural teeth by judicious grinding to suit the denture design.
    • Take impressions of the upper and lower dental arches and record the bite.
    • Fabricate the metallic frame of the denture in the dental laboratory, and put the false teeth onto the frame by wax.
    • Try the denture frame in the patient's mouth and make adjustments accordingly.
    • Process and finish the denture in the dental laboratory.
    • Insert the finished denture in the patient's mouth and make adjustments accordingly.
Points to note about wearing dentures
  • Initially it may be difficult to get used to a new denture like feeling nausea, but you will soon be accustomed to it after wearing it for a period of time.
  • If the discomfort persists, you should go to see the dentist who may check the denture and further adjust it if needed. Such that you can wear it more comfortably.
  • Since oral conditions may change with time, a denture may gradually become loose and unfit. Therefore, a regular dental check-up is necessary, so that the dentist can check the denture and adjust it according to the oral condition.
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