Full dentures are removable dental prosthetics that can be removed or replaced when all of the natural teeth in one or both jaws are lost or need to be removed. They are designed to restore the appearance, functionality, and chewing ability of individuals who have lost all their natural teeth.
Here’s everything you need to know about full dentures:

Types of full dentures

Here are the types of full dentures :

• Conventional dentures: These are created after the remaining teeth are removed and the gums have healed, which usually takes several weeks. During this healing period, the patient may be without teeth.
• Immediate dentures: These are made in advance and inserted immediately after the natural teeth are removed. They eliminate the need to be without teeth during the healing period but may require adjustments as the gums shrink and heal.

Full dentures cost

The cost of full dentures can vary depending on several factors, including the geographic location, the complexity of the case, the materials used, the dentist’s expertise, and any additional treatments or procedures required.

• Conventional dentures: The cost of conventional full dentures typically ranges from $1000 to $3000 per arch.
• Immediate dentures: They are more expensive than conventional dentures, so the cost of immediate full dentures can range from $1500 to $4000 per arch.

Denture fabrication process

The fabrication processes for full dentures are:

• Impressions: The dentist takes precise impressions of the jaw and creates molds of the patient’s mouth.
• Wax try-in: A wax replica of the denture is made to assess the fit, appearance, and function. Adjustments are made if necessary.
• Final dentures: The final dentures are fabricated based on the approved wax try-in. It is customized to fit the patient’s mouth comfortably.

Denture Care

For a comfortable full denture, you need proper care. Here are some steps for denture care:

• Daily cleaning: Dentures should be cleaned daily using a soft-bristle brush or denture-specific brush with mild soap or denture cleaner.
• Overnight soaking: Dentures should be soaked in water or a denture cleaner overnight to keep them moist and to remove bacteria.
• Handle with care: Dentures are delicate and can break if dropped. Handle them with care, preferably over a folded towel or basin of water.

How are full dentures so well fitted?

Full dentures can be well fitted through a combination of careful assessment, precise measurements, and customization. Here is the process involved in achieving a good fit for all dentures:

1. Assessment: A dentist or prosthodontist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your mouth,including the gums, remaining teeth, and jawbone structure. This assessment helps identify any oral health issues, such as gum disease or bone loss, that may impact the fit of the dentures.
2. Impression-taking: Accurate impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth are crucial for creating well-fitted dentures. The dentist uses specialized materials to take impressions, capturing the unique contours of your mouth.
3. Bite registration: Bite registration records the relationship between your upper and lower jaws. These steps ensure that the dentures will be fabricated to properly align with your bite and provide optimal function.
4. Customized fabrication: The impressions and bite registration are sent to the dental laboratory, where skilled technicians create a wax replica of the dentures. This allows for a trial run to assess fit, appearance, and functionality before the final dentures are fabricated.
5. Wax try-in: During dental appointments, you try on a wax replica of the dentures. The dentist evaluates the fit, making necessary adjustments to ensure proper alignment, stability, and comfort. This step allows you to preview how the final dentures will feel and make any necessary modifications before they are completed.
6. Final dentures fabrication: Once the adjustments from the wax try-in are made, the dental laboratory fabricates the final dentures using the approved specifications. This includes the creation of the pink acrylic base that mimics gum tissue and the placement of artificial teeth.
7. Fitting appointment: The final denture is delivered to you during a fitting appointment. The dentist ensures that the dentures will fit securely, have proper bite alignment, and provide a comfortable and stable foundation for chewing and speaking.
8. Follow-up adjustments: After the initial fitting, follow-up appointments may be necessary to fine-tune the fit of the dentures. This is especially important as the gums and bones may undergo changes during the healing process, requiring adjustments for optimal comfort and function.