A prosthesis refers to a replacement construction that can be removed, replacing one or more teeth. A prosthesis that replaces all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw is called a full denture. A prosthesis that only replaces individual teeth is called a partial denture. In general, prostheses do not fit as securely as natural teeth or artificial teeth attached to neighboring teeth or to implants. The first time a prosthesis is worn, there will be an adjustment period. It may feel strange to have a foreign object in the mouth. If the prosthesis does not fit securely enough, a snap-in system can be added to the prosthesis. This allows the prosthesis to snap in place with buttons on some implants.
If all teeth are missing in a jaw, they can be replaced by a removable acrylic denture called a full denture. The denture rests on the gums and creates a suction effect so that, under normal circumstances, it does not fall out. It can be used for speaking, smiling, and eating. A full denture in the lower jaw rests solely on the ridge of the jawbone. A full denture in the upper jaw covers both the gums and a large part of the palate. A full denture in the upper jaw therefore has a larger area to create a suction effect on. Full dentures in the upper jaw usually fit better as a result. It has therefore become more and more common for dentures in the lower jaw to be combined with 2 implants. Snap buttons are placed on the implants that fit into the denture in the lower jaw. The denture will then fit much more securely.
Typically, the first time you get a full denture is associated with the removal of the remaining teeth in the mouth. Many people are therefore nervous about the transition between their own teeth and the denture, especially whether they will have to go without teeth for a period. Usually, a denture will be ready on the day the last teeth are removed. The gums will change a lot in the period after the teeth have been removed. The denture must therefore be adjusted to the gums so that it still fits securely as the gums change shape. An adjustment of the denture is called a rebase and is also a procedure that needs to be done occasionally. This is because the gums will change slightly over time. How often you need to have a rebase done is individual. Some patients have it done annually, while others can wait up to 5 years.
A partial denture is for patients who are missing some, but not all, teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures are divided into dentures made of pure acrylic and dentures with a cast steel frame as a base. Dentures with a steel frame are also called a unitor. Whether the denture is a unitor or an acrylic denture depends on the gums. Additionally, it stays in place by having small clasps around neighboring teeth. The clasps allow the denture to click into place, so a partial denture stays significantly more secure than a full denture without implants would. However, in some cases, it may also be a good idea to use snap-on attachments on implants for a partial denture.
For a unitor, the frame and clasps are individually cast for each patient. The denture and clasps fit perfectly as a result. This has the clear advantage that the unitor takes up significantly less space in the palate than an acrylic denture. It also stays in place better. Since the denture takes up less space and fits securely, it is also easier to get used to.
An acrylic prosthesis is typically used when the remaining teeth are not considered strong enough to support a dental bridge. However, if the teeth are deemed too good to be removed, an acrylic prosthesis can be a suitable option. The acrylic prosthesis can easily be expanded over time if additional teeth are lost. It is also a good solution if the ultimate goal is a full denture, but one wishes to delay getting a full denture. Due to the fact that the prosthesis is made entirely of acrylic, it naturally takes up more space than a dental bridge. Therefore, there will be a longer adjustment period compared to a dental bridge.