Removable Prosthodontics-Dentures

Removable prosthodontics is concerned with replacing the teeth and soft tissues with a non-permanent prosthesis (denture) that can be removed by the patient.

Dentures can be complete, partial or hybrid.

1.Complete Denture: Complete dentures are used when all teeth are missing. It is an artificial substitute of the patient’s teeth and gums.

Advantages:

Satisfactory stability.
Affordable cost.
Durability.
Immediate and easy patient adjustment.
Easily repaired.

Disadvantages:

Not easily retained in case of larger bone loss.
Eventual need for relining due to bone absorption.

2.Partial Denture:Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain on a patient’s dentition. These teeth can be used as pillars to support the denture.

Advantages:

Affordable cost.
Durability.
Satisfactory stability (dependant on the structure, shape, and position of the remaining natural teeth).
Immediate repair in case it is needed.

Disadvantages:

Depending on the position of the patient’s remaining natural teeth, clasps may be visible. In those cases it is possible to place precision attachments on visible pillar teeth and avoid the use of clasps.

3. The Hybrid Denture: Hybrid dentures are complete dentures supported by implants. They are used in cases where due to great bone loss, further implant placement is rendered impossible; for cosmetic reasons; or to minimize cost.

Advantages: