Dentures
Columbia, Missouri
Dentures are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues, providing both functional and aesthetic solutions for patients who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. While dentures have been a common restorative option for centuries, modern advancements in dental technology have significantly improved their comfort, fit, and appearance. Today’s dentures are highly customizable, allowing patients to regain not only the ability to chew and speak effectively but also a natural-looking smile.
Complete Dentures
Complete (or full) dentures are used when all teeth are missing in either the upper or lower arch (or both). These are removable appliances that rest on the gums and are held in place by suction, adhesive, or a combination of both. They are typically made of acrylic resin and are custom-designed to fit the shape of the patient’s mouth, providing a comfortable and stable fit.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. These dentures are designed to fill in the gaps created by missing teeth and are usually secured in place with metal or acrylic clasps that attach to the surrounding natural teeth. Modern partial dentures can also be fabricated using flexible materials that offer improved comfort and aesthetics.
Over Dentures
Overdentures are similar to complete dentures but are supported by and fitted over existing natural teeth or dental implants. This type of denture offers better stability and retention than traditional dentures and helps preserve the jawbone by stimulating it through the remaining teeth or implants.
Advanced Techniques in Denture Fabrication
Digital Dentures
The development of digital dentures involves advanced technology such as 3D scanning, CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing), and 3D printing. These technologies allow for a more precise fit and faster turnaround times. Digital dentures offer better consistency in quality, as the design and manufacturing process is highly controlled. They can also be easily reproduced if lost or damaged since digital records of the denture are stored.
Precision Dentures
Precision dentures are crafted using more advanced techniques to ensure an optimal fit, function, and appearance. These dentures take into account the patient's specific bite pattern, jaw movement, and muscle tone. The result is a prosthetic that minimizes irritation, enhances comfort, and improves chewing efficiency.
Implant-Retained and Bar-Retained Dentures
Advanced techniques in implant dentistry have led to the development of bar-retained or implant-retained dentures. These involve a custom-fabricated bar or attachment that is connected to dental implants. The denture then clips onto this bar, offering superior stability compared to traditional implant-supported dentures. This technique is ideal for patients with severe bone loss or those seeking maximum security for their dentures.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance of dentures are crucial to their longevity and the patient’s oral health. Modern dentures, especially implant-supported types, require regular cleaning and check-ups with a dentist to ensure they remain in good condition and continue to fit properly.