Dentures

Dentures are removable prosthesis which can replace a single tooth or a full arch of teeth. Usually the dentures are not as desirable because they need to be removed overnight and can be bulky.

Definition:

It is a removable prosthesis which is fabricated to add false teeth to patients existing teeth. A partial denture can be made from metal and acrylic or strictly acrylic. Chromium-cobalt framework is the metal of choice for the prosthesis. In recent years titanium frameworks have also become popular. The partial denture can be retained by several methods. Metal clasps are usually used.  

Pros:

-Able to fill in all the missing teeth with one prosthesis

-Cost stays constant and is not dependent on number of teeth replaced

-Esthetic result is obtained( visible metal can compromise the natural appearance) 

-Usually can fabricate  in a relatively short amount of time

-provides a chewing area to improve dietary intake

-costs less than implants and other restorative options

-Good stability (depends on number of teeth remaining)

-avoid that sunken-in appearance caused by missing teeth usually present in the older population

-stabilizes that area of the dental arch to give you a more youthful appearance

^Cons:

^{-it is a removable prosthesis( needs to be taken out at night except in special occasions)}

-they can be broad and bulky and it takes time to get used to them

^{-visible metal clamps can be unesthetic (depending upon the smile line)}

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