Traditional and Functional Solutions for Complete Edentulism
Full dentures—commonly known as “plate dentures”—are a type of removable prosthesis that relies on tissue support and is used when no natural teeth remain in the mouth. They are utilized to restore lost chewing, speech, and aesthetic functions in cases where there is insufficient bone for implant treatment or where a surgical procedure is not preferred.
Why Are Full Dentures Needed?
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Maintaining Digestive Health: Tooth loss leads to the inability to sufficiently grind food and causes stomach discomfort. Dentures restore this essential function.
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Facial Aesthetics and Support: Tooth loss causes the lips and cheeks to collapse inward, resulting in an aged facial appearance. Dentures restore the facial profile by providing the necessary support to the tissues.
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Speech (Phonation) Integrity: Teeth are necessary for the correct pronunciation of many letters. Complete dentures ensure that sounds are produced clearly.
How does the treatment process proceed?
Precise impressions are taken to match the anatomical structure of the upper and lower jaws. After determining the vertical dimension and the relative position of the jaws, tooth try-ins are performed using wax rims. Once aesthetic and functional harmony is achieved, the prosthesis is completed in the laboratory by selecting the tooth shapes and gum colors best suited to the patient’s facial structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do full dentures fall out while speaking or eating?
Complete dentures are retained on the palatal tissue through a vacuum (suction) force created by saliva. This retention is particularly strong in the upper jaw. In the lower jaw, stability improves over time through the adaptation of the tongue and cheek muscles.
How should prostheses be cared for?
It is recommended to remove the dentures at night and soak them in clean water to allow the tissues to rest. For daily cleaning, special denture brushes and liquid soap should be used instead of abrasive pastes.
Conclusion
Complete dentures are a traditional, reliable restoration option for cases of total tooth loss that improve quality of life and restore the patient’s smile without the need for surgical intervention.