Full denture restoration is a common treatment method in the field of dental restoration, mainly used for patients who have lost all their teeth. It restores the patient's chewing function, aesthetics and speech ability by making dentures. There are various types of full denture restorations, which are mainly classified according to factors such as the material, fixation method, and support method of the denture. This article will introduce the different types of full denture restorations in detail from these perspectives, and explore their advantages, disadvantages and indications.
1. Basic classification of complete dentures
There are many ways to classify complete dentures, and the common ones include restorative materials, fixation methods, and support methods.
Classification by repair material
Depending on the material, complete dentures can be divided into the following types:
Acrylic resin denture : Acrylic resin is one of the most widely used complete denture materials. It has good biocompatibility, low cost and is easy to make. The disadvantages of acrylic dentures are low hardness, easy wear, and may have strong odor or color change problems.
Metal frame dentures : The base of this type of denture is made of metal materials, such as cobalt-chromium alloy, nickel-chromium alloy, etc., and the outside is covered with acrylic resin. Metal frame dentures are more sturdy and durable than simple resin dentures, but they are relatively heavy, difficult to make, and more expensive.
Ceramic complete dentures : Ceramic dentures have excellent aesthetics and biocompatibility, high hardness and wear resistance, but the manufacturing process is complex, the cost is high, and they are fragile.
Classification by fixing method
According to the different fixing methods, complete dentures can be divided into the following types:
Removable dentures : Removable dentures are dentures that patients can put on and take off by themselves. The fixation of this type of denture relies on the support of the remaining teeth or mucosa in the mouth. Patients can adjust them as needed. The advantage of removable dentures is that they are relatively simple to make and low in cost. They are suitable for patients with more missing teeth. However, removable dentures have poor stability, are easy to fall off, and sometimes cause discomfort in the mouth.
Fixed dentures : Fixed dentures need to be supported by teeth or implants and cannot be removed at will. This type of denture has better stability, stronger chewing function, and better aesthetics, but the production process is complicated and the cost is high. It is suitable for patients with fewer missing teeth and better oral conditions.
Implant dentures : Implant dentures are fixed and supported by dental implants implanted into the bone. The advantages of implant dentures are their stability, durability and good chewing function. Implant dentures do not rely on other teeth for support and are closer to natural teeth. However, the treatment process is complicated and requires a long recovery time, so the cost is relatively high.
2. Design and production of complete dentures
The design and production of complete dentures involves multiple steps, usually requiring close cooperation between the dentist and the patient to ensure the comfort and functionality of the final restoration. The design process of complete dentures includes the following aspects:
Oral examination and diagnosis : First, the dentist will perform an oral examination to assess the patient's oral health, including the condition of the alveolar bone, the health of the oral mucosa, and the presence of oral diseases. In addition, X-rays or CT scans are also required to help understand the density and morphology of the alveolar bone.
Impression making : By taking an impression of the mouth, the dentist can obtain an accurate model of the patient's mouth. The accuracy of the impression directly affects the fit and comfort of the denture.
Measurement of occlusal relationship : In order to ensure that the occlusal relationship of the denture is correct, the dentist needs to accurately measure the relative position of the upper and lower teeth to ensure that the occlusal function is good when the full denture is used.
Trial-fitting and adjustment of dentures : The dentures are usually tried out. The dentist will check the fit, comfort and aesthetics of the dentures and make necessary adjustments until the patient is satisfied.
Final restoration and retention : After trial wearing and adjustment, the denture is officially completed and the dentist fixes it in the patient's mouth. If it is a removable denture, further adjustments are required to ensure its stability and comfort.
3. Indications and contraindications of complete dentures
Complete dentures are suitable for patients who are missing all of their teeth, especially those who have lost their teeth due to age, disease or accident. Indications for complete dentures include:
Complete tooth loss : A situation where all of a patient's teeth are missing or are about to be lost, and implants or fixed restorations are not possible.
Good oral health : The patient's oral environment has no serious inflammation or infection, and the alveolar bone condition is suitable for denture making.
Lack of adequate residual dentition : Suitable for patients whose remaining natural teeth are not suitable for fixed restorations.
However, complete dentures are not suitable for everyone and there are some contraindications, such as:
Severe oral diseases : Patients with severe oral infections, periodontal disease, etc. cannot undergo full denture restoration before these diseases are cured.
Extreme oral environmental conditions : Patients with severe alveolar bone resorption or poor oral soft tissue health may not be suitable for traditional complete denture restoration.
Patients with high chewing function requirements : For patients who need high-intensity chewing function, implant dentures or fixed dentures may be more appropriate.
Advantages and Challenges of Complete Dentures
The advantages of complete dentures are mainly reflected in their ability to help restore patients' chewing function and improve their appearance. Especially in cases where tooth loss has limited function, complete dentures can help patients restore basic functions required for daily life, such as eating and language expression.
However, full dentures also face some challenges. First, removable dentures have poor stability, are easy to fall off, and may cause discomfort during wearing. Second, acrylic resin dentures are prone to wear and discoloration, which affects their service life. Finally, traditional full denture restorations have high requirements for alveolar bone. For patients with insufficient bone mass, additional treatment measures are required, such as bone transplantation or the use of implants.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Full denture restoration is a complex dental treatment that needs to be tailored to the patient's specific situation. Whether it is a removable denture, a fixed denture, or an implant denture, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a suitable type of denture, the patient should consult with a professional dentist in detail to ensure that the restoration method that best suits their oral condition is selected.