In order to distinguish different types of dentures, the term “denture” must first be defined. According to Duden, a dental prosthesis is a simple and easily removable prosthesis. In medical reference books, it is often added that dentures are used to treat gaps in the teeth, lie with their saddles on the gums or oral mucosa and are in contact with the rest of the teeth.
According to the common definition, dental bridges, partial dentures and full dentures belong to dentures. This allows small and large gaps in the denture to be closed. The design and shape of the denture depend on the number and position of the missing teeth – and of course on the condition of the remaining teeth, especially on the load-bearing capacity of the abutment teeth to which the denture has to be attached. If there are no more abutment teeth, the edentulous jaw is restored with a full denture or a full denture.
A classic dental bridge replaces one or more adjacent teeth. A partial denture can be worked in such a way that it replaces several teeth on both the right and left side of a jaw. Connecting elements made of different materials are used to stabilize such partial dentures. The connectors pass over the palate for partial upper dentures and under the tongue for partial lower dentures.
Common problems with conventional dentures
Removable dentures must fit correctly, hold securely and offer sufficient wearing comfort, even under heavy loads, and therefore feel as natural as possible. The main problem is the secure hold of the prosthesis, followed by irritations, pressure points and other complaints in the mouth, impairments of the general condition and aesthetic problems (dissatisfaction with the appearance/visibility of the prosthesis).
If the artificial teeth are attached to neighbouring teeth, this means additional stress for these abutments, depending on the type of attachment. The holding clasps of conventional clasp prostheses damage both the enamel and the gums in the long run. If, on the other hand, the denture is to hold on to special multiple crowns (so-called telescopic crowns), several abutment teeth must usually be prepared (ground by the dentist) on each side of the tooth gap. In the process, valuable tooth substance is lost.
Well-made maxillary full dentures sit very securely on the large palate due to the strong suction pressure. Full lower dentures, on the other hand, tend to slip, as the gums and alveolar ridges offer considerably less contact surface. The tongue and cheek movements also create leverage forces that act on the mandibular denture, so that even the best classic model is not 100% safe from sudden loosening.
A dental prosthesis that initially fits perfectly can also lose its hold over time because the human oral cavity and jaw are constantly changing. The gum loss or the retraction of the jawbone (bone loss) change the contact surfaces so that the prosthesis no longer fits properly. Adhesive cream is not a permanent solution: loose dentures have to be relined, i.e. adapted by the dentist and dental technician. This requires new denture impressions.
Implant-supported dentures always sit firmly in place
With dental implants, i.e. artificial tooth roots, gaps in the dentition can be treated directly and therefore particularly naturally and gently with dental prostheses. An implant-supported dental prosthesis is not attached to other teeth or to the mucous membrane of the mouth, but to the jawbone – like the real teeth before.
Dental prostheses on implants can be permanent or removable – depending on the findings, dental recommendation and design. Since implant-supported dentures always sit absolutely securely when worn and can neither wobble nor slip, they are also referred to as fixed removable dentures.
Implant-supported dentures feel natural and fit naturally into the dentition. Even on closer inspection, it cannot be recognised as a dental prosthesis; it can also prevent further gum or bone loss. The only requirement is that there is enough bone substance to anchor the artificial roots. If this is not the case at the beginning of the treatment, the dentist can suggest various methods of bone augmentation.
Financing of dental implants and implant-supported dentures
Since dental implants are not part of the standard care of the health insurance company, they are more expensive for the patient. In order to save on the higher manufacturing costs, it is advisable to manufacture abroad. This makes even these high-quality dentures affordable for normal earners – so that the most esthetic and optimally compatible restoration for the patient is not just a question of cost.
MDH AG offers almost every type of dental prosthesis from abroad – from classic dental bridges to modern telescopic and attachment bridges to partial and full dentures with or without dental implants. The only important thing is to have the dentist prepare a treatment and cost plan beforehand or to select the most suitable one from several treatment and cost plans.
The dentist in Germany then forms the denture and forwards the patient data via Internet or fax to the German MDH partner laboratory in China without delay. There, the denture is manufactured by hand or with CAD/CAM technology and then sent back to the German practice for adjustment. MDH dental prosthesis is TÜV-certified, comes with complete proof of material and origin and complies with the German Medical Devices Act. Each piece also comes with an extended warranty of four years.