Dentures are prosthetic replacements made for patients who have lost multiple teeth or all of their teeth over time. These replacements are removed daily for hygiene purposes and then put back in place. Therefore, they are also called removable dentures.
Types of Dentures
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures, which are made when there are no more teeth in the jaw, are designed to remain stable with the help of suction. If that is not possible, complete dentures can be fixed in place with implants.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are made when several teeth are missing. They are held in place by metal clasps that rest on the remaining teeth. They are made of pink plastic (acrylic).
Skeletal (Metal-Based, Wironit) Denture
This is a type of partial denture that includes a metal framework (skeleton), making it much stronger, more durable, and easier to get used to. This type of denture requires that the remaining teeth in the jaw be covered with crowns or bridges.
When Are Dentures Used?
When tooth loss occurs, it is crucial to replace them. Depending on how many teeth remain, how they are distributed, and their condition, teeth can be replaced with fixed work (bridges) or removable work (dentures).
Advantages of Dentures
Although patients often reluctantly accept the idea of having a removable replacement in their mouth, maintaining hygiene with such a solution is much easier and more effective.
In addition, for partial dentures, we always prioritize skeletal (metal-based) dentures due to their better physical characteristics and smaller size compared to ordinary plastic partial dentures.
Denture Prices
The price of dentures depends on the material they are made from. Plastic (acrylic) dentures are more affordable but are bulkier than skeletal ones, making them harder to get used to. On the other hand, metal-based dentures are more expensive and require crowns or bridges to be placed on the remaining teeth, but they are far superior in every way compared to plastic ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make dentures?
Plastic dentures are made within 7-10 days. Skeletal dentures require more time, approximately 15-20 days.
How are dentures maintained?
Dentures should be removed multiple times a day to clean off food residue. If maintained regularly, they can look unchanged for many years.
Is wearing dentures painful?
In the first few days after receiving a new denture, there may be some discomfort in certain areas. This is a common occurrence and can be adjusted in one day. After that, wearing dentures is completely painless.
How long do dentures last?
The lifespan of dentures varies depending on the patient’s age and the condition of the remaining teeth or jawbone. Patients are often very satisfied once they adjust to them and can wear their dentures for many years, often over 10 years.
What should I do if the denture doesn’t fit or is uncomfortable?
Discomfort with a new denture is normal and easily resolved. If the denture is old and unstable, it means there has been a change in the jawbone, and the denture no longer fits. In these cases, you should consider either renewing the old denture or making a completely new one.
Can you eat all types of food with dentures?
It is possible to eat almost any food normally, except that patients with complete dentures won’t be able to bite into whole foods (e.g., apples) and will need to eat cut-up pieces instead.
