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Dentures are a set of artificial teeth ensconced in a fixture and used as purely functional and removable replacements for missing teeth. Due to disease or old age, people may suffer a complete or partial loss of their permanent teeth. Diseased teeth may have to be extracted by a dentist or due to old age permanent teeth may fall off on their own.
Dentures are tailor-made in a dental lab. First an impression is taken of the mouth, which covers factors such as the exact profile, contour, and shape of the gums and jaws. Dentures may be of three types, namely conventional full dentures, immediate full dentures, and partial dentures. It is for the dentist to decide, which of these will need to be used in a specific case.
A conventional full denture is one that covers the whole mouth. It is used after all remaining teeth, if any, have been extracted and the gums have healed completely. An individual may need to remain without teeth for several months. This is for gums to heal properly.
An acrylic material forms the base of a full denture. It is a flesh-colored fixture shaped and designed to fit optimally over the bare gums. In the fixture are ensconced a full set of artificial teeth. Two such dentures are used. The one used as replacement for the upper teeth is known as the upper denture, whereas the one used as replacement for the lower teeth is known as the lower denture.
The upper denture’s base fits over the gum line of the bare upper natural teeth. The lower denture’s base similarly fits over the gum line of the now bare lower natural teeth. Lower dentures are shaped like a horseshoe. This shape suits the tongue, which needs to be accommodated.
An immediate full denture is inserted and used immediately after the remaining teeth, if any, have been extracted.
The advantage of immediate full dentures lies in their almost permanent fitting. The only aspect to consider is their relining. It is made necessary due to reshaping undergone by teeth supporting bones, several months after denture insertion. The reshaping of these bones is a normal occurrence caused due to healing of gums. Due to this reshaping, the dentures become loose.
Partial dentures prove to be removable alternatives to dental bridges. These dentures are fitted in a metal framework attached to the remaining natural teeth. In certain cases crowns on natural teeth can serve as resting anchors for partial dentures.
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