Conventional removable dentures are divided into partial*- and full prostheses**.
Summary of the advantages and disadvantages of these standard solutions:
Advantages
- Cheaper in the short term.
- It is not necessary to carry out a surgical operation.
Disadvantages
- The denture is not fixed.
- Chewing function and thus the range of foods that can be eaten is often restricted.
- The poor fit of the denture can lead to painful pressure points.
- Because of the lack of bone stimulation, this can shrink and further worsen denture fit.
- Speech can be impaired by poorly fitting dentures.
- The sense of taste can be impaired.
- The results can be unsatisfactory esthetically.
- Partial dentures can damage the remaining teeth by incorrect loading.
- Self-confidence and quality of life can be impaired.
*Partial denture (conventional):
Bigger gaps between the teeth can
be bridged with partial prostheses. The denture is secured to the remaining teeth with clasps or other
retainers. This variant is economical but does not usually provide an esthetically satisfactory result
and can lead to problems with oral hygiene. In addition, the teeth used for securing the clasps can
be loosened by poor loading. This can even lead to these teeth being lost too.
**Full denture (conventional):
For those people who have no teeth,
full dentures are used to provide a functioning set of teeth. With this solution, the new teeth are
borne by a gum-colored
acrylic base. In the upper jaw, these restorations are held in place by suction forces. The sensation
of taste, in particular, can be greatly impaired as the palate is covered by acrylic. A substantial
jaw ridge helps to hold full dentures in place. However, because of the lack of stress on the bone,
resorption will occur resulting in an ill-fitting denture.
