Dentures
Tooth loss is a problem that affects both elderly individuals and those who have suffered from severe infections or trauma to the oral cavity. In these cases, the only option is a denture.
What are dentures?
Dentures are dental medical devices designed to restore normal functionality and the anatomy of the masticatory system through artificial teeth. Depending on the number of teeth they replace, dentures can be either complete or partial. From a mobility perspective, dentures can be classified as: mobile, fixed, and mobilizable.
Mobile or detachable dentures replace lost natural teeth. Additionally, the absence of teeth can lead to various issues with the maxillary bones, and the remaining unaffected teeth may change position, making them challenging to clean.
Modern mobile dental prostheses offer greater flexibility compared to traditional models, allowing for better adaptation to the patient’s gums, making them less invasive. Moreover, a notable advantage of this type of prostheses is that they can be removed to facilitate daily oral hygiene. Additionally, these mobile devices can be partial or complete, depending on the number of teeth they replace.
Advantages of Mobile Dental Prostheses
Mobile dental prostheses come with several advantages. Firstly, due to the aesthetic and therapeutic function of prostheses, patients can smile again, regain natural facial features, and, consequently, achieve a normal quality of life. Secondly, hygiene, both for the prosthetic and the remaining natural teeth, becomes much easier. Thirdly, chewing is visibly improved.
Disadvantages of Mobile Dental Prostheses
However, mobile dental prostheses also have some disadvantages. One of them is that they can move or slide, especially when consuming crunchy and/or sticky foods. Another disadvantage is that mobile prosthetics can cause resorption of the maxillary bone. Additionally, mobile dental prosthetics need to be removed and cleaned after each meal.
Mobile dental prostheses typically have a lifespan of up to 5 years, after which replacement is recommended.