A denture is an artificial tooth replacement. While partial dentures are connected to healthy teeth, full dentures replace the entire set of teeth.
A dental prosthesis is an artificial denture with a prosthesis. Such a prosthesis is intended to close visible gaps in the teeth and take into account esthetic aspects. Ultimately, the patient should be allowed to chew and bite again despite missing natural teeth.
Both bridges and partial dentures and full dentures are among the dentures. This allows larger and smaller gaps in the dentition to be closed. The shape and design of the prosthesis depends on the position and number of missing teeth as well as the condition of the remaining teeth. Particularly relevant to the type of prosthesis is the condition of the abutment teeth, which are important for the attachment of the denture. If the teeth no longer have any abutment teeth, the jaw must be provided with a full denture.
While a common dental bridge replaces one or more teeth that lie side by side, a partial denture can be worked to replace multiple teeth on either side of a jaw. To give such partial dentures the necessary stability, different materials are used for the fasteners.
Age-related loss of individual teeth can lead to edentulism. An inflammation of the periodontium, so a periodontitis, or a strong infestation of teeth with decay may make it necessary that the affected teeth must be removed by the dentist. Even accidents can lead to the loss of one or more teeth. Gaps are the consequences of these scenarios.
The more teeth are missing in the natural dentition, the more difficult it will be for the person affected to bite and chew. Only when the corresponding gaps in the dentition are closed, normal chewing for the person concerned is possible again.
In addition, it can come to malpositions of the remaining teeth and jaw complaints through tooth gaps. This in turn can lead to pain in those affected. In addition, a complete dentition is of course also a question of esthetics. Especially when front teeth are missing, many people turnt o a dentist with the request for a prosthesis.
Before a dental prosthesis is made, the attending dentist takes sufficient time to examine the oral cavity and dental status of the patient. Subsequently, he will discuss with the patient his individual requirements and wishes regarding the dental prosthesis.
Thereafter, the dentist will make an impression of the chewing surfaces of the teeth as well as the dentition. For this purpose, a special mass is placed on a small metal spade on which the patient bites. To do this, the patient must keep his mouth closed until the mass has solidified. This usually takes only a few minutes, but is felt by some patients as unpleasant.
Based on the individual bite shape, the prosthesis is made by a dental technician in a dental laboratory.
The costs for the dental prosthesis ultimately result from the type of the respective prosthesis. The costs are influenced by different components and make an individual cost plan necessary.
The health insurances participate pro rata in the costs, but imbursement of complete cost is not possible. TThus, the patient must always make a certain personal contribution. For a total prosthesis of the lower jaw or upper jaw, about 1,500 euros are incurred, while a partial denture costs about 600 euros per jaw.
Of course, these figures, which are located in the lower price segment, are only to be understood as a rough guideline. Depending on the quality and type of prosthesis, the costs can also be much higher. For this reason, an accurate cost plan is adjusted to the patient's needs and financial budget prior to treatment.
As part of a consultation, the dentist will educate the patient on the potential risks associated with using a denture. The most common complications arise from a non-optimal fit of the prosthesis and hygiene. This can lead to pressure sores and resulting inflammation of the gums. Even partial tooth abrasion by metal components of the prosthesis can occur. If the prosthesis for the upper jaw has a palate plate, sensory restrictions can be noticed, ie a changed mouthfeel and taste sensation.
In addition, a part of the denture can break off after the procedure, whereby a new dental treatment is necessary. However, many of these complications can be avoided with good oral hygiene, careful planning, tailor-made implants, and sufficient experience of the dentist.
It is perfectly normal that speaking with the denture will initially feel strange and unfamiliar. But you will get used to it after a short time. The tongue, lips and cheek muscles must first get used to wearing the prosthesis.
Many patients complain in the first days after insertion of the prosthesis over pressure points, which should, however, go back after some time. If you suffer from such bruises, it is best to visit the dentist again who can check the fit of the prosthesis. An experienced dentist will be able to quickly identify where painful pressure points are forming.
If the denture is broken, you should contact the treating dentist as soon as possible and have the damaged prosthesis repaired. The dentist can r epairthe prosthesis with a special adhesive. In order to stick the denture at least transitional, repair kits are now offered. This is especially useful if the denture breaks at the weekend or when traveling and a visit to the dentist is only possible a few days later.
In order to prevent a fracture of the denture at all, careful cleaning of the prosthesis is important. For this you should definitely not use too hot water, because the high temperatures can cause fine hairline cracks in the denture material.
The denture is best cleaned in a wash basin filled with warm water. Special denture or tooth brushes are a sensible purchase for thorough cleaning. For cleaning the denture, vinegar, abrasives or household cleaners are absolutely taboo. In addition, the denture should be rinsed thoroughly after cleaning before it is inserted back into the mouth.
For those who want a metal-free restoration or are intolerant to titanium implants, ceramic implants are an excellent alternative. This material is also prized for its bright, tooth-like color, thanks to the dark shimmering metal edges in the anterior region.
