To replace missing teeth, the alternatives to implants are the classical methods of fixed dentures (bridge) and removable dentures (partial* or full prosthesis**).
Smaller gaps are usually treated with bridge restorations, while bigger gaps are restored with partial prostheses and a completely toothless jaw is treated with a full prosthesis.
These solutions have a few advantages but they also have important disadvantages.
*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.
