Dentures

Dentures, also known as false teeth, are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth and are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the mouth. Conventional dentures are removable, either as a removable partial denture, which replaces some of the missing teeth on an arch, or a complete (full) denture, which replaces all the teeth in an arch. Other designs rely on bonding or clasping onto remaining teeth or dental implants. Dentures are categorised by whether they fit the upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) arch. They serve several purposes: they improve chewing (mastication) by replacing edentulous areas; they restore a natural facial appearance and support the lips and cheeks, correcting the collapsed look that follows tooth loss; they help pronunciation, especially of sibilant and fricative sounds; and, by improving looks and speech, they can support self-esteem and social confidence. A complete denture is held in place largely by suction; full dentures can be uncomfortable at first and take some time to get used to, and are available as immediate dentures or conventional dentures. Partial options include fixed 'crown and bridge' dentures, which are more stable but more costly than removable appliances, and flexible partials made using digital technology with only non-invasive procedures. Copy dentures, which reproduce a patient's existing denture from an impression, require fewer visits and are often made for older patients or as a spare pair. Dentures are made mainly from acrylic.