What are Removable Dental Prostheses?
Removable dental prostheses, commonly known as dentures, are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. These prostheses are custom-made to fit snugly over the gums, restoring functionality and aesthetics to the mouth. Whether you’re missing a few teeth or require a full set, removable dental prostheses offer a versatile solution to improve your oral health and quality of life.
How is the Process of Getting a Removable Dental Prostheses in Costa del Este Made?
The process of getting a removable dental prosthesis begins with an initial consultation with the dentist, who will assess your oral health and determine if the prosthesis is the right option for you. During this consultation, impressions or molds of your mouth will be taken to ensure that the prosthesis fits perfectly to the shape and size of your gums and remaining teeth. Additional x-rays or exams may be performed to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, ensuring everything is ready to support the prosthesis. Based on these molds, the dentist will send the details to a specialized dental laboratory, where technicians will fabricate the prosthesis using high-quality materials.
Once the prosthesis is made, the dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to try it in your mouth. During this visit, the fit, comfort, and aesthetics of the prosthesis will be checked, and adjustments will be made if necessary. It is common for several adjustments to be made to achieve the perfect fit, as a removable dental prosthesis should feel comfortable and secure when chewing and speaking. After the prosthesis is fully adjusted, you will receive instructions on how to care for and maintain it, including how to clean it properly and how to wear it daily. With proper follow-up, removable dental prostheses can provide a functional and aesthetic solution to restore your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removable Dental Prostheses in Costa del Este
Who Can Benefit from Removable Dental Prostheses?
Removable dental prostheses are suitable for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to various reasons such as decay, injury, or gum disease. They are also an excellent option for those who may not be suitable candidates for dental implants or fixed prostheses due to bone loss or other oral health issues. At Dental One, our experienced team evaluates each patient’s oral health and discusses their goals to determine the most suitable treatment plan, including the use of removable dental prostheses.
Why do you need removable dental prostheses?
Removable dental prosthetics can be used for any number of teeth missing in the upper and lower jaws.
Missing teeth lead to the following aggravations:
Digestion gets worse, as it is impossible to chew food properly;
Arch displacement: because of an empty socket, the neighboring teeth are shifting;
Bite disturbance;
Jaw bone atrophy: the tissue is losing volume;
Dental arch deformation.
Removable dental prostheses prevent the facial contour from changing, which results from complete or partial edentulism. Placing an orthopaedic structure will preserve diction, the ability to eat properly and to smile without discomfort.
It becomes even worse when teeth have been missing for a long time, since it causes concomitant periodontal diseases.
What kinds are there?
The specific type of the structure is selected by the dentist based on the defects and the patient’s condition.
There are different types of fixation:
A fully removable denture: it is fixed to the gum.
A partial denture: fixed to abutment teeth if they are present.
A conditionally removable denture: more secure fixation, more comfortable for the patient. It is required to insert an implant, which will act as a support for a bridge or crowns. It can be removed only by a doctor for prophylaxis.
Fully removable laminar dentures
A system imitating gum tissue is attached to the palate, overlapping it partially. Sometimes a special kind of cement is used. It can be securely fixed to the upper jaw because the chewing pressure is lower. In case of all teeth missing in the lower jaw, All-on-4 implants are recommended. A prosthesis is placed on artificial roots and the structure can only be removed in a dental office.
A removable nylon denture does not damage the gum and is comfortable for a patient to wear.
Partial dentures
This structure is used to eliminate defects if implants are contraindicated. It is fixed to neighbouring crowns with special clips called clammers. It is more commonly used when posterior teeth are missing. The structure is made of nylon or plastic. Filing teeth may be required.
Butterfly
This is similar to a crown and may be required to restore one lost tooth. It can be a temporary solution prior to implant placement (not recommended) or a permanent one if an implant surgery is contraindicated. The denture is fixed with special wings. No filing is required.
Bugel denture
This removable denture does not take long to get used to and can help to get rid of a feeling of discomfort. Its advantage is that it is fixed with a metal arch instead of overlapping the upper jaw palate. The necessary condition is having natural supporting teeth to fix the arch on. The frame will evenly distribute the pressure on the jaw.
What materials are used in fabrication?
The strength and cost of upper and lower dentures depend on the construction material used:
Acryl: elastic, good at imitating the gum, prone to wear over time. Convenient to wear.
Nylon: soft, easily scratched, prone to colour change and shrinkage.
Ceramics: imitates natural shades, not very strong.
Composites: polymer compounds containing silicon oxide, porcelain flour, glass and quartz.
Zirconium dioxide: high precision, full biocompatibility, resistant to chipping. Difficult to differentiate from natural teeth.
Metal ceramics: wear resistant, strong substructure.
Metal: practically does not deform, has a long service life, strong but unaesthetic.
Before choosing a material, the doctor assesses aesthetic requirements and the service life of the structure.
When to Change Your Removable Dental Prostheses
While removable dental prostheses are designed to be durable, they may need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear or changes in your oral health. Here are some signs that indicate it may be time to consider replacing your prostheses:
Poor Fit: If your prostheses become loose or uncomfortable, it may be a sign that they no longer fit properly and need to be replaced.
Visible Wear: Over time, prostheses may show signs of wear such as chipping, cracking, or staining, which can affect both aesthetics and functionality.
Changes in Oral Health: Significant changes in your oral health, such as bone loss or gum recession, may necessitate adjustments or replacement of your prostheses.
At Dental One, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that you can proudly show off. If you have any questions about Removable Dental Prostheses in Costa del Este or would like to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your smile is our priority, and we look forward to serving you at Dental One in Costa del Este, Panama.
