Removable tooth replacements (dentures)

If you have enough teeth left that the tooth replacement can be attached to, you may wish to choose an inexpensive removable denture, rather than an irremovable one. Dentures consist of a base of metal as the supporting element, the replacement teeth, and anchoring elements that attaches the denture to the other teeth. There are different variations of dentures.

Putty mold dentures

Putty mold dentures, as removable tooth replacements, require only minimal work on the present, healthy teeth, and are easy to install and take care of. However, the metal clips that hold the tooth replacement in place can damage the teeth that they attach to. A prior crowning of the anchoring teeth can prevent such damage. The metal clips of putty mold dentures are often visible, and reduce the aesthetic effect.

Combination treatments

Combination treatments usually mean crowns with anchoring elements cemented onto the surrounding teeth the removable denture parts are attached to the overcrowned teeth with attachment elements (for example double crowns, anchors, clasps, bonding). There are different possibilities.

Telescope dentures

The holding element here is a double crown (telescope crown). The dentist sands one tooth down and fits a thin metal cap over it. A crown, which is part of the removable tooth replacement is adjusted precisely to this cap, and results in safe and invisible stability without further attachment devices. This makes it easy to remove and replace the tooth replacement, which makes cleaning easy. The double crown remains well-attached, even after years.

Precision attachment dentures

A fine, mechanical element is attached to a crown, and functions as a stabling and holding element. The tooth replacement, which is irremovable, can be covered with porcelain to attain aesthetic results. Precision attachment dentures are a guarantee for long-lasting stability. IF it loosens over time, it can be readjusted.

Button anchored dentures

This special type of holding element is used for teeth that have had root treatment. A root cap Has a button, which attaches onto the denture. This system is used for partial and complete dentures.

Clasp dentures

Clasps are irremovable connecting elements between implants, crowns, or root caps. For this procedure, anchoring teeth are sanded and overcrowned.

Partially removable denture

This treatment is usually used with implants or one-sided tooth loss. A removable free-ended replacement (the holding element is only on one side of the replacement.) is attached to a crown block with a clasp. The denture can only be removed if the clasp is unfastened. This means it is impossible to swallow the denture, or for it to become loose. However, this procedure requires the overcrowning of at least two teeth.

Complete dentures

If you have no teeth left, there is the possibility of complete dentures. Another high quality option is an irremovable denture with combination treatments, that are held in place by implants.

With a special development of the edges of complete dentures, the denture attaches itself to the skin of the inner jaw by suction, so that a good denture requires no attachment cream. Usually the denture sticks to the upper jaw better. Since jaws change in the course of time, complete dentures need to be adjusted regularly.

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