Dentures are also known as false teeth. Missing teeth and gum can be replaced with a denture. A denture can have a metal or acrylic base on to which the replacement teeth are placed. A denture is removable and has to be taken out of the mouth for cleaning.
A denture can replace one or more (partial denture) or it can replace all the teeth (full denture).
Impressions are taken and a denture is custom designed and made in the laboratory. The teeth are set up in wax in order to try them in and so that the patient can see how they look before they are finished.
It is advisable where front teeth are missing to have a spare denture made. This gives a great deal of security in case the denture is damaged or lost.
Implants
can be placed and used to support dentures. (see
implants)
Fig.1 Patient of late middle age
Fig.2 Erosion and missing teeth
Fig.3 Partial denture on model
Fig.4 Patient with denture in position
