As a result of a large or complete loss of teeth, the ability to chew is significantly impaired, the aesthetics of the face deteriorate, and speech disorders occur, which in addition to the loss of self-confidence can also lead to the deterioration of the ability to work. In addition to all this, the loss of the ability to chew can cause digestive disorders and even stomach ulcers, as insufficiently chewed food puts a serious strain on the digestive system.
The psychological and physical deterioration resulting from the complete loss of teeth can be easily overcome by the preparation of removable dentures, which are perfectly capable of restoring the ability to chew, eliminate speech and voice production disorders, and at the same time lend an aesthetic appearance.
Complete removable dentures consist of a base plate, artificial gums and artificial teeth attached to the artificial gums:
- The base plate is the part of the denture that completely covers the mucous membrane of the palate. The base plate is necessary because the removable denture needs to adhere to the mucous membrane on a relatively large surface so that it does not move despite the forces acting on it during speech and chewing. When preparing the base plate, the dental technician always tries to make the base plate as thin as possible and as smooth on the outer surface as possible, so that the wearer gets used to it quickly. The base plates are usually made of plastics containing methyl methacrylate (MMA), but today it is also possible to make a base plate without MMA.
- The pink artificial gum, also made of plastic, imitating the color of healthy gums, is firmly attached to the base plate.
- The teeth fixed to the artificial gums are usually made of plastic (acrylic), the shape and color of which are prepared according to the patient's needs, and in every case we strive to match the color and shape of the patient's facial structure/skin color as perfectly as possible. In addition to acrylic teeth, in our office it is also possible to replace acrylic artificial teeth with fiber-reinforced composite or ceramic teeth with a more natural and wear-resistant appearance on the base plate.
Although removable dentures are made on the basis of a personalized impression, discomfort may occur when wearing them, especially in the initial period. It happens that grinding is necessary in one or two places, and due to the gradual but slow atrophy of the bone spine, underlining is also necessary in a large percentage of cases.
That is why it is important that our patients visit our clinic for check-ups at first once a week, later monthly, and then every six months after the completion of the complete removable denture. Following the completion of the removable denture, your doctor will determine the frequency of check-ups.
In some cases, a partial metal plate replacement can also be considered, especially in cases where the missing tooth is so severe that it cannot be replaced with a fixed bridge. In this case, a metal-ceramic denture is attached to the remaining teeth, and the missing tooth is replaced with a removable denture attached to the crown attached to the remaining teeth.
If you shy away from removable dentures and want a stable fixed denture instead, in our office implant placement is also possible. Of course, not all patients are suitable for implant placement, so our doctors recommend this solution only if, based on preliminary examinations, their bone structure and state of health make it suitable.