Dentures are prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth, restoring both appearance and function. The loss of all natural teeth, known as edentulism, affects millions globally, creating a need for effective replacements. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, either the upper (maxillary) or the lower (mandibular). This article covers the composition, types, fabrication, and care of these devices.
Defining Full Dentures
Full dentures are removable appliances that replace all teeth in a given jaw arch. They differ from partial dentures, which are used when some natural teeth remain to anchor the replacement appliance. A complete denture rests directly on the gum tissue and the underlying bone ridge for support and retention.
The device has two main parts: the artificial teeth and the denture base. The teeth are typically made from durable acrylic resin or sometimes porcelain, chosen to match the patient’s preferred size, shape, and shade for a natural look. The base is a flesh-colored acrylic material molded to fit the mouth’s contours and mimic gum tissue. The upper denture covers the palate, while the lower denture is U-shaped to allow room for the tongue.
Types of Full Dentures
Full dentures are categorized by the timing of their placement relative to tooth extraction. The two main types are conventional and immediate full dentures. The choice depends on the patient’s oral health and tolerance for being without teeth during the healing phase.
Conventional full dentures are placed only after all remaining teeth are extracted and the gum tissues have fully healed, which can take several weeks to months. Since the underlying tissue is stable when final impressions are taken, conventional dentures offer the most precise and comfortable long-term fit.
Immediate full dentures are fabricated ahead of time and inserted immediately after extraction. This allows the patient to avoid being without teeth, which aids aesthetics and function. However, as the gums and bone heal, they shrink and change shape, requiring immediate dentures to have frequent adjustments, relining, or replacement with a conventional set after the healing period.
The Denture Fabrication and Fitting Process
The creation of a conventional full denture is a precise, multi-step process requiring several appointments over a period of weeks. It begins with the dentist taking preliminary impressions of the edentulous arch using stock trays and impression material. These initial molds are used by a dental laboratory to create a custom tray, which is accurately shaped to the patient’s unique anatomy.
The custom tray is then used to take a detailed final impression, capturing the exact contours of the tissue that will support the denture. Following this, the dentist determines the correct jaw relationship and vertical dimension using wax bite rims. This step, called bite registration, ensures the dentures meet properly and that the patient’s facial height and profile are correctly restored.
The wax try-in appointment follows, where the artificial teeth are set in wax on the denture base for patient approval. This stage allows assessment of aesthetics, including tooth position, shade, and overall appearance, before final processing. Once approved, the dental lab replaces the wax with durable, heat-cured acrylic resin, forming the final base. The final appointment involves delivering the finished dentures and making minor adjustments for optimal comfort and fit.
Adapting to and Caring for New Dentures
Adjusting to new full dentures requires patience and often takes several weeks to feel completely normal. Initial discomfort, including sore spots on the gums, is common within the first 24 to 48 hours. The dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to make small adjustments, or “relines,” to the denture base to relieve these pressure points.
Learning to speak clearly also takes practice, as the tongue and cheek muscles must adapt to the presence of the appliance. Reading aloud is a simple exercise that helps adjust speech patterns. Eating should begin with soft foods cut into small pieces, chewing on both sides simultaneously to prevent the denture from tipping or becoming dislodged.
Daily cleaning prevents the buildup of plaque, bacteria, and food debris, which can cause bad breath or gum irritation. Dentures should be brushed daily with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser, not regular toothpaste, which can scratch the acrylic. Dentures should be removed at night to allow gum tissues to rest and stored in water or a soaking solution to keep the material moist and prevent warping.