Also known as palatal prosthesis, complete dental prosthesis is placed on the lower and upper palates when there are no teeth in the mouth.
A complete denture is prepared at an average of 5 sessions after impression taking and several try-in sessions. These 5 sessions take around 2 weeks.
Since palate prosthesis is removable, its use is more difficult than other kinds of prostheses. It can be easily placed in and removed from the lower and upper jaws. However, it will not provide comfort and chewing efficiency as much as a fixed prosthesis will.
When first inserted, there may be scars and wounds in some areas of the mouth. After regular use for some time and the scars are healed, it serves as if they are the patient's own teeth.
Cleaning of complete dentures is done under running water using soap and brush. Toothpaste is not used for cleaning. It can be cleaned with normal toothbrushes as well as brushes manufactured specifically for complete dentures. Also, some brands offer cleaning tablets. you may clean the prosthesis by keeping it in a glass of water with melted tablet.
The retention of the prosthesis, which is custom-made by taking the impression of jaws, depends on the amount of bone in the upper and lower jaws. If there is enough bone to support the prosthesis, retention and stabilization are achieved and meals can be ground with prostheses easily. In the first uses of the complete denture, you may experience difficulties until the adaptation of cheek and lip muscles. However, later, you can perform biting, cutting, and grinding easily.
If there is not enough bone in the upper and lower jaws, the retention and stabilization of the prosthetic teeth will decrease, so the prosthesis may move while eating. In such a case, special adhesives can be used or implants may need to be placed in the jawbone to prevent the prosthesis from moving.
Complete dentures swell the sunken areas in the cheeks and lips. Also, the front teeth of the prosthesis can be porcelain veneers. In such a case, aesthetic satisfaction is high.