A maxillary denture is a removable prosthetic device designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue in the upper jaw. This appliance restores a patient’s ability to properly chew food and speak clearly. Beyond the functional benefits, a maxillary denture also restores the appearance of a person’s smile and provides necessary structural support to the facial muscles, preventing the sunken look that often accompanies extensive tooth loss. The custom-made appliance rests directly on the gums and underlying bone structure of the maxilla, re-establishing a natural-looking dental arch.
Physical Structure and Components
The physical structure of a maxillary denture consists of two primary parts: the denture base and the prosthetic teeth. The denture base is the pink, gum-colored section, most commonly fabricated from acrylic resin (polymethyl methacrylate or PMMA). This resin material is chosen for its lightweight nature, ability to mimic natural gum tissue, and ease of adjustment. The base is meticulously contoured to fit the patient’s palate and alveolar ridge, the bony structure that once held the natural teeth.
The artificial teeth are secured into the denture base and can be made from either acrylic resin or porcelain. Modern acrylic teeth are preferred for their chemical bond with the denture base, lighter weight, and lower risk of damaging opposing natural teeth or existing restorations. Retention is largely achieved through physical forces like adhesion, cohesion, and interfacial surface tension involving the saliva layer between the denture and the oral mucosa. The broad coverage of the palate maximizes this surface area, and a precise posterior palatal seal creates a partial vacuum that resists displacement.
Classifications of Maxillary Dentures
Maxillary dentures are classified by the number of teeth they replace and the method used for their retention.
Complete Denture
A Complete Denture is used when all natural teeth in the upper arch are missing, relying entirely on the gum and bone tissue for support and retention. These can be conventional, placed after the gum tissue has fully healed, or immediate, inserted immediately following tooth removal.
Partial Denture
A Partial Denture is prescribed when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper arch. This appliance fills the gaps left by missing teeth and is held in place by attaching to the remaining natural teeth, often using clasps. Cast metal frameworks are often incorporated into partial dentures for superior strength and stability.
Implant-Supported Denture
A more advanced classification is the Implant-Supported Denture, also known as an overdenture, which offers enhanced stability. This appliance is secured by attaching to dental implants, which are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. Because the implants provide firm anchorage, an upper implant-supported denture may not need to cover the entire palate, which can improve the wearer’s ability to taste and reduce the likelihood of a gag reflex.
The Process of Receiving a Denture
The process of receiving a custom-fitted maxillary denture typically spans several weeks and multiple appointments. It begins with an initial consultation and examination, where the dentist assesses the patient’s oral health and determines the appropriate type of denture. Following this, preliminary and final impressions of the upper and lower jaws are taken using specialized materials to capture the precise contours of the oral tissues.
The dental laboratory uses these impressions to create wax prototypes, which the patient tries on during a subsequent appointment. This wax try-in is crucial for registering the correct bite relationship (occlusal registration) and confirming aesthetic details like tooth size, shape, and position. Adjustments to the wax model are made until both the dentist and the patient are satisfied with the fit and appearance.
Once parameters are confirmed, the prototype is sent back to the lab for final processing, where the wax is replaced with the permanent acrylic resin. The final appointment involves fitting the completed denture, where the dentist checks for pressure points and makes necessary minor adjustments to ensure comfort and proper function. Follow-up visits are usually scheduled to manage any sore spots and fine-tune the fit as the patient adapts to the new appliance.
Maintaining Your Maxillary Denture
Proper maintenance is necessary to ensure the longevity of the denture and the health of the underlying oral tissues. Dentures must be removed and cleaned daily using a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser or mild soap to remove plaque, food particles, and stains. Regular toothpaste should be avoided, as its abrasive nature can scratch the acrylic surface, creating microscopic spaces where bacteria can accumulate.
When the denture is not being worn, it should be kept moist by soaking it in water or a specialized denture-soaking solution, as allowing the acrylic to dry out can cause it to warp and lose its precise fit. Handle the denture with care, ideally over a folded towel or a basin of water, since dropping it onto a hard surface can cause the acrylic base or teeth to break. Regular dental check-ups are recommended to check the fit of the denture, screen for oral diseases, and assess the condition of the gum and bone tissue.