Tooth replacement

For replacing missing teeth, several solutions are at our disposal, such as implants, bridges and dentures. For implants and bridges, please find more information in their separate sections. Here we shall focus on dentures.

With the development of implant surgery, the number of fixed dentures increased while the number of removable dentures decreased, as they do not feel the same as natural teeth.

Removable dentures can be partial, complete and combined dentures or overdentures.

Partial removable dentures are used when there are still remaining teeth to which the dentures can be attached, usually with metal clips. They consist of a metal or plastic base and of artificial teeth made of acrylic.

Complete removable dentures are used when there are no remaining teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. Not only teeth but also the gum has to be replaced. They are made of a plastic plate that carries plastic or porcelain teeth. The upper denture covers the roof of the mouth. A thin layer of saliva keeps it in position by creating suction. The lower denture can move more easily but the tongue will learn how to keep it in place.

Combined dentures have two parts: a removable and a fixed part. Usually, it is applied when incisors are still in place but molars are missing or inverse, but the gap is too long to overarch using a bridge. The fixed parts are crowns – built on natural teeth – that anchor the removable parts.

Compared to partial denturess they are stronger and more stable. In addition, the metal clip won’t show while smiling or chewing.

An overdenture is used in the case of the complete toothlessness of the upper or lower jaw. It is an implant-retained denture. The insertion of 4-6 implants into the jaw is enough for holding it in place.

What are the advantages of overdentures?
It is a highly stable, still removable denture. Eating, speaking and smiling is much more comfortable and easier than wearing conventional dentures. In addition, you have less artificial material in your mouth.

A fixed denture is an implant supported denture. It is a frame covered with pink plastic and  with artificial teeth on it, screwed onto the implants. It is applied when all or most of the teeth are missing on either the upper or lower jaw.

Compared to conventional removable dentures it is much more stable, stronger and more comfortable, as less artificial material is in the mouth. It feels like getting natural teeth back.

Special attention has to be paid to oral hygiene and the cleaning of false teeth! Your dentist will provide you with all the necessary information on how to keep your dentures clean.
Note that you need time to get used to your new dentures. It may feel strange at first. You may produce more saliva than usual and your mouth may feel a bit irritated. Although in the long run it helps you chew and speak, during the first days both may appear to be difficult. Implant-retained dentures usually feel like natural teeth from the first instance.