Denture

and Eva Rudolf-Müller, doctor

Eva Rudolf-Müller is a freelance writer in the medical team. She studied human medicine and newspaper sciences and has repeatedly worked in both areas - as a doctor in the clinic, as a reviewer, and as a medical journalist for various specialist journals. She is currently working in online journalism, where a wide range of medicine is offered to everyone.

More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.

A denture is an artificial denture. Full dentures replace the entire set of teeth, partial dentures are connected to healthy teeth. Read everything you need to know about dentures, when they are necessary and what risks they entail.

What is a denture?

A dental prosthesis is an artificial tooth replacement with a prosthesis. It should enable the patient to chew and bite again, close visible tooth gaps and meet aesthetic requirements.

The patient can remove a removable denture independently, for example for sleeping or cleaning, and then reinsert it later. A fixed dental prosthesis, on the other hand, is usually screwed to an implant so that it can only be removed by the treating dentist. The type of dental prosthesis with which a patient is fitted depends primarily on individual circumstances, for example whether the patient is able to regularly care for his or her dental prosthesis.

In addition to removable and fixed prostheses, there are also combined systems such as telescopic prostheses.

How this form of dental prosthesis works and when it is used can be read in the article Telescopic prosthesis.

Dentures: types of restoration

Dentures that replace the entire set of teeth are called full dentures. They are held in the mouth by negative pressure between the oral mucosa and the prosthesis material. This works particularly well with dental prostheses that cover the palate (upper jaw prostheses). If the contact surface of the dental prosthesis (lower jaw prosthesis) is smaller, the hold is often significantly poorer.

Partial dentures are used for individual gaps in otherwise healthy teeth. They are attached to the neighboring teeth with wire clips. A distinction is made here depending on the localization of the partial denture:

• Switching prosthesis (there is at least one healthy tooth in front of and behind the prosthesis)
• Cantilever prosthesis (ends in the temporomandibular joint without an adjacent healthy tooth)

When do you need a denture?

Toothlessness or the loss of individual teeth is mostly age-related. However, severe caries infestation or inflammation of the teeth holding apparatus (periodontitis) can mean that the dentist has to remove the affected teeth. In younger patients in particular, accidents are often the reason for tooth loss.

Missing teeth make it difficult for those affected to chew and bite. In addition, tooth gaps can cause jaw problems and misalignments of the remaining teeth. In addition, tooth gaps can also pose an aesthetic problem for those affected. This is especially the case with missing front teeth.

What do you do when inserting a denture?

Before the dental prosthesis can be made, the dentist discusses the individual wishes and requirements with the patient. He also examines the patient's dental status and oral cavity.

The dentist then takes an impression of the teeth and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. To do this, he puts a special molding compound on a metal spatula, which the patient bites and then keeps his mouth closed until the compound has solidified. This usually only takes a few minutes.

In a dental laboratory, a dental technician then uses the impression to produce a suitable prosthesis.

What are the risks of a denture?

Before inserting a denture, the dentist informs the patient about the possible risks. In the case of a fixed denture with implants, the procedure - like any operation - can lead to wound infections, wound healing disorders, bleeding and injuries to nerves, neighboring teeth or other structures. However, many of these possible complications can be prevented by careful planning, a sufficiently experienced dentist, custom-fit implants and regular good oral hygiene by the patient.

Over time, part of the denture may break off or loosen, which will require re-dental treatment.

What do I have to consider with a dental prosthesis?

At first it is quite natural that speaking with the denture feels unfamiliar. With a little practice, however, you will get used to it quickly. If you hear a click while speaking with the prosthesis, speak more slowly. The cheek muscles, lips and tongue have to get used to supporting your prosthesis. For example, as an exercise, you can read aloud while wearing the dentures.

In the first few days, pressure points can form in the mouth from the dentures, which should recede after a while. If not, you should see your dentist. He then checks the seat of the prosthesis again. Wear your denture a few hours before you go to the dentist - so the doctor can see where the pressure points are forming.

Broken dentures - what to do?

If your dentures are broken, you must have them repaired by the dentist as soon as possible. He can glue the dentures. There are now also repair kits for at home so that you can glue your dentures yourself - at least temporarily.

So that it doesn't even get that far, make sure you clean your dentures carefully. Please never use hot or even boiling water. Excessive temperatures cause fine hairline cracks in the prosthesis material.

Oral hygiene with the denture

Removable dentures require special care when it comes to oral hygiene: remove the dentures (first the upper, then the lower) and set them aside. Let some water run into the sink and clean the denture under the water with a toothbrush or denture brush. Working under the water prevents dentures from breaking if accidentally dropped in the sink. For cleaning you can use lukewarm water or liquid hand soap, which you should rinse off carefully before inserting the denture. Never use household cleaners, abrasives or vinegar!

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