Dentures

What is it?

Dentures are removable prosthetic appliances that replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue. Complete dentures replace all teeth in an arch; partial dentures replace several missing teeth while retaining natural teeth with clasps.

Why do you need it?

After tooth loss, chewing ability, speech, and facial support all deteriorate. Bone resorption accelerates and neighbouring teeth drift. Dentures restore these functions and maintain facial contours, improving quality of life and nutrition.

Who is it for?

Patients who have lost most or all of their natural teeth due to decay, gum disease, or trauma, and who are not candidates for or do not wish to have implants or fixed bridgework.

Treatment Procedure

1. 1Series of impressions and bite registrations over multiple appointments.
2. 2Wax trial fitting - teeth are set in wax to assess appearance, fit, and speech before final fabrication.
3. 3Laboratory fabrication of the acrylic or flexible resin denture.
4. 4Fitting appointment: insertion, adjustments, and patient education.
5. 5Follow-up visits (typically 1 week and 1 month) for pressure sore adjustments.

Aftercare

• Remove dentures at night to allow gum tissue to rest.
• Soak in a denture-cleaning solution overnight.
• Brush the denture daily with a soft denture brush and mild soap - never toothpaste (too abrasive).
• Rinse your mouth and massage gums after removing dentures.
• Handle dentures over a folded towel or basin of water - they break easily if dropped.
• Attend annual reviews; dentures need relining or replacing every 5-7 years as the jaw ridge changes.

Diagnosis

Oral examination, panoramic X-ray (to check residual bone and any retained roots), and assessment of occlusion and ridge form guide the denture design.

Prognosis

Well-fitted dentures significantly improve chewing efficiency and appearance. Over time, bone resorption causes them to loosen, necessitating relining or replacement. Implant-retained dentures provide greater stability and slow bone loss.