Dental Prosthesis: Complete Guide to Types, Costs & Benefits

There are several types of dental prostheses available to treat different conditions. Commonly used prostheses include dentures, fixed bridges, implant-supported bridges and crowns, as well as custom abutments. Dentures are made of acrylic and can be either full or partial depending on what parts of the patient’s teeth need to be replaced. Patients with full dentures will have an upper plate to cover the top arch of their mouth and a lower plate for their bottom arch. Partial dentures will fit between existing teeth. Dentures are held in place by natural suction or with the help of adhesive cream. Fixed bridges replace missing teeth using anchors that attach adjacent healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Implant-supported bridges and crowns require the implantation of a titanium post into the jaw bone to support the bridge or crown instead of anchoring it to adjacent teeth. Lastly, custom abutments are used to connect implants to dental prostheses such as crowns, bridges, or dentures when there is limited space or misalignments between parts of a patient’s mouth.

Why are dentures necessary at all?

If oral hygiene is inadequate, germs accumulate between the teeth.

• If you then additionally do not regularly go to the check-up appointment at the dentist, the bacteria multiply and trigger diseases in the mouth.
• Many adults of advanced age already have dentures for this reason.

Often these are removable bridges or removable full dentures.

These types of dentures there are

The attachment makes the biggest difference between the different types of dentures

The most common type of denture: the removable third teeth.

As mentioned earlier, there are 2 types:

1. Removable dentures such as the „third teeth“ are usually cheaper & are also easier to maintain.
2. Fixed dentures stay in the mouth all the time and usually offer a better wearing experience.

Which type of denture to use is usually decided by your doctor.

Generally, however, removable dentures are much more widespread – which is why in this text I will mainly discuss this variant.

Note: In the overview article on dentures you will find more information on all types – so also crowns, veneers, implants & bridges.

This refers primarily to thirds, but there are other types as well (more on that in a moment). The great popularity can be easily explained, because removable dentures offer some advantages.

The advantages of removable dentures

One of the biggest advantages of removable dentures is their affordable price compared to fixed dentures.

Modern dentures are virtually indistinguishable from real teeth.

The shorter therapy time also speaks for itself. Treatment is much more comfortable, as there is no need to insert implants, for example (which the dentist would otherwise have to drill into the jaw – including months of healing).

• In the past, removable dentures often looked very cheap and were easy to spot (thirds often looked like plastic teeth and were often very loose-fitting).
• Thanks to innovative technology, dentures have become very aesthetic nowadays and often cannot be distinguished from your own teeth.

Not least, the cleanup also goes a lot better and more thoroughly, because by removing the denture any dirt can be removed.

The removable denture can be inserted and removed by you independently – and by simply brushing, you prevent diseases such as bad breath, rotten teeth, bleeding gums or gingivitis.

Especially in old age, this is an advantage that should not be underestimated – instead of fiddling around with dental floss, you can clean the thirds overnight with a cleaning tablet.

Note: Read more about dental care in old age here.

The disadvantages of removable dentures

Unfortunately, many sufferers never really get used to the dentures, and the feeling of a foreign body often persists.

• Dentures that are firmly anchored in the jaw offer a decisive advantage here, because they always fit precisely and do not slip when chewing.
• Also, removable dentures can not be so heavily loaded and you have to be careful when eating hard foods (eg nuts).

The lifespan is compared to fixed dentures by quite a bit shorter – mainly because of the cheaper materials (below I go into more detail & give tips for making them last as long as possible).

What are the different types of removable dentures?

There are 2 different varieties: Dentures that can be completely removed and those that can only be partially removed.

• Partial dentures:Removable partial dentures are used when there is residual dentition, but they are not suitable for dental crowns or dental bridges.
• Full dentures: In the case of complete toothlessness, the dentist then resorts to a full denture, in which the upper and / or lower jaw are completely toothed (the famous „Third teeth“.

The prerequisite for this is that a fixed dental implant is out of the question due to poor bone quality.

Short: Partial dentures are used with existing teeth, the removable full denture replaces the teeth of the complete jaw.

The removable partial dentures

Patients with residual dentition can receive a removable partial denture when their own teeth themselves are no longer strong enough to support fixed dentures.

Since the preservation of the patient’s own teeth should always be a priority, this is a suitable compromise.

Treatment procedure & Insertion by the dentist

The partial denture consists of various basic elements: Base plate, artificial gum, replacement tooth and anchorage.

Both the gum and the denture sit on the base plate. It serves as the basic framework and nestles against the underlying gums and adjacent teeth when placed.

This creates a negative pressure that strengthens the hold. It also transfers chewing pressure, which prevents pressure pain.

1. The replacement tooth is anchored in the artificial gum. Due to the natural color choice, the denture harmonizes with the rest of the teeth and is hardly noticeable.
2. Also, the natural height and contour of the lips is preserved – the dentist adapts the denture exactly to the natural shape of your mouth.
3. The anchorage usually consists of clasps that secure the denture in the gap.

Partial dentures without palatal plate

The palatal plate increases the suction effect of the denture and provides a stronger hold.

Tip: Always get advice from your dentist & describe your problems in detail.

Unfortunately, very many patients find it particularly unpleasant and annoying. Meanwhile, there are therefore also partial dentures without palatal plate.

If you find the foreign body sensation annoying, then it is best to talk to your dentist about it.

The removable full denture

If patients no longer have their own teeth, they often receive a removable full denture.

Similar to the partial denture, the full denture also consists of a base plate, the artificial teeth, and the gum.

Frequently, the dentist inserts screws into the patient’s own gums to ensure a firm hold for the denture. This allows the full denture to be easily clipped in and out.

What role do adhesive creams have in removable dentures?

Adhesive cream allows for an especially strong hold without causing problems when the denture is removed.

Adhesive cream for dentures, Amazon advertising link

It is important to use the right amount of bonding cream.

• Dab four pea-sized portions of bonding cream, equally spaced, onto the base plate and press the denture against your palate for a few seconds.
• If bonding cream oozes out the sides, you have used too much. Next time, use less cream and do not apply it too close to the edge.

The adhesive cream can be applied at any time of day as needed. Many manufacturers also offer a convenient travel size.

More tips on the use of adhesive cream

To remove the denture on your upper jaw, simply press your thumbs against your front teeth from the inside toward your nose. This will make the denture easy to remove.

For the lower jaw, you will need to gently pull on the denture using a wiggling motion in order to remove it.

Do not use any tools other than your fingers to prevent oral injuries.

Rinse your denture thoroughly with warm water. See more care tips later in the article.

Cost of partial and full dentures

The cost starts at about 700€ for a partial denture or about 1000€ for a full denture, making it much cheaper than a permanent implant (which can cost as much as 1000€ per tooth)

• Depending on the amount of work, materials, length of therapy, and personal preferences, prices vary widely.
• For example, dentures for the lower jaw are more expensive than dentures for the upper jaw.

The health insurance company takes over here only diagnosis-related fixed allowances, the rest must be borne privately.

Reading tip: More information on the topic can be found here: Denture costs.

Lifetime of the removable denture

First, the lifespan depends on the quality of the remaining teeth and jawbone

• In addition, good oral hygiene is the key to enjoying dentures for as long as possible.
• Generally, removable dentures last about five years, with good oral hygiene even up to 10 years.

Be extra careful when brushing and visit the dentist regularly for check-ups.

Care of the artificial denture

Dental care is very important with dentures because dental plaque, tongue plaque and germs do not stop with artificial teeth.

• If food residues are not carefully removed, they harden and form tartar.
• This provides for unsightly discoloration and can only be removed by the dentist.

Especially between connecting links like to collect residues and germs – regular cleaning of the gaps is therefore mandatory.

The big advantage with removable dentures is that they can be cleaned particularly thoroughly, so no plaque can get stuck between the dentures and your own teeth.

Thorough cleaning of removable dentures

When you remove the denture, it can be easily cleaned with a manual toothbrush

• Be very careful and thorough when doing this, and use a toothpaste that does not contain whitening particles
• Because these act like sandpaper and rub away the artificial enamel, significantly reducing its lifespan.

Mouthwashers, with which you can clean the artificial teeth by means of a water jet, are also particularly practical.

Cleaning tabs clean overnight

In the trade there are also cleaning tabs * to buy, which are very easy to use.

1. These are simply placed in a glass of water with the denture and start to effervesce.
2. Ideally, you can just leave the prosthesis in the cleaning liquid overnight.

Your own teeth brush as usual, preferably with an electric toothbrush or sonic toothbrush in the morning and evening after eating.

It is also recommended to clean the mouth also thoroughly with an oral irrigator, because so you also get the tooth gap gently cleaned. Take a look here for a suitable oral irrigator.

Regular visits to the dentist

Regular check-up visits become very important, especially with dentures.

• Because this allows diseases to be detected quickly, before they spread and cause bad complications.
• Symptoms such as redness, swelling of the gums, throbbing, bleeding gums, pain and a long-lasting feeling of pressure should not be taken lightly.

Often they are an indication of inflammation & can lead to gum disease if left untreated.

If the above symptoms persist, consult your dentist.

Because germs like to accumulate there, and if the gums under the denture are affected, they can penetrate deeper and cause inflammation.

Pain caused by the denture

In the beginning, you will have to get used to the new and unfamiliar feeling of a foreign body in your mouth.

may also occur, but should usually subside after a few days.
• If the pain persists or possibly worsens, you should go to the dentist.

A denture that does not fit properly can cause inflammation. If the denture is too big, it presses against the right teeth and can even shift the jaw.

• Pressure points can also develop. These are particularly fond of germs colonized.
• In extreme cases, the own gum recedes and it comes to jaw erosion.

For these reasons, it is better to let a specialist find out the cause of the pain.

Home remedies for denture pain

There are many things in your kitchen that can relieve pain. It is not always necessary to take strong painkillers

• Onions and garlic have anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects. Regular consumption helps prevent inflammation.
• Alternatively, you can also make onion water. Simply dice an onion and let stand overnight with a teaspoon of sugar.

You can then gently dab the resulting liquid on the inflamed areas with the help of a cotton swab.

Regular gargling mouthwash also helps to keep the mouth clean. Bacteria are killed and inflammation is inhibited as a result.

The anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile are known to almost everyone. Gargle unsweetened chamomile tea several times a day, and quickly the pain weakens.

What can I do to get used to the prosthesis more quickly?

The mouth is a very sensitive area full of nerve cords. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find dentures very uncomfortable at first.

• Dentures of the upper jaw are particularly uncomfortable. You must first learn to speak properly with them and make the correct sibilants.
• However, these problems usually disappear after a few weeks. Adhesive cream significantly facilitates the acclimatization phase and gives a more natural tooth feeling.

Dentures without palatal plate also have a much shorter acclimation phase.

Tips to shorten the acclimation period

The more often and longer you wear the denture at a stretch, the faster you will get used to the foreign body in your mouth and quickly hardly notice it.

• Speech exercises also help to quickly solve speech problems. Best when you are alone and undisturbed.
• Careful oral and denture hygiene prevents deposits in the interstices, which can lead to a pressing feeling.

Do you feel like the denture moves downward when you bite down on it? It may not fit properly, and a reline at the dentist’s office can remedy the situation.

Conclusion

I hope this article about dentures has been helpful to you.

You can do a lot yourself against broken teeth & expensive treatments at the dentist by practicing thorough and careful oral hygiene.

• &

Ultrasonic toothbrushes

usually clean better than brushing by hand and can compensate for faulty technique.
• The use of dental floss or interdental brushes removes stinky bacteria between the teeth. An even more convenient alternative is oral irrigators.
• Complement your dental care with the right toothpaste, antibacterial mouthwashes & home remedies such as coconut oil or birch sugar.

And if you do not have the opportunity to brush your teeth after a meal, chew a preferably sugar-free gum.

These measures will not only freshen your breath, but also keep your teeth white.

All-on-4 Dental Prostheses: An Overview

If you have lost most or all of your teeth, you may feel self-conscious or suffer from a reduced quality of life. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology have made it easier than ever to restore your smile with a simple and effective procedure known as all-on-4 dental prostheses. As the name suggests, this method replaces all of your teeth on just four dental implants, meaning you don’t spend weeks going through multiple surgeries and recovery periods.

All-on-4 implants look and feel like natural teeth and can easily be cleaned just like your original teeth. Not only that, but they also encourage bone growth, which will ultimately benefit your overall oral health. After the implants have been placed, your dental professional will take a mold of your mouth to create custom-made permanent dentures that will attach to the four implants.

Compared to traditional dentures, all-on-4 implants provide several advantages. With traditional dentures, many people suffer from discomfort, slippage, and reduced chewing ability. On the other hand, all-on-4 implants provide a comfortable fit that is secure and allows you to eat all the foods you enjoy once again. You can smile with confidence once again, and those around you will not even notice that you are wearing dentures.

In summary, if you are looking for a safe and effective way to restore a beautiful, functioning smile, all-on-4 dental prostheses may be the solution that you have been searching for. Speak with your dental professional to learn more about the procedure, and see if it is right for you. With all-on-4 implants, you can look great, feel great, and enjoy life to the fullest once again.