DEFINITION:

Dentures and partials are removable prosthetics. They usually require a few weeks of adaptation and adjustments from time to time, since the the mouth evolves continuously. After a few years, dentures and partials are not stable anymore and new ones must be made.

There are three types of dentures:

•Complete removable (i.e. denture): are applicable when there are no teeth left. The teeth are replaced with a resin-based denture that has to be supported as much as possible by the gums.

•Partial removable (i.e. partial): a rigid metal-based prosthetic supporting itself on the gums and the remaining teeth with the help of hooks. It is slightly more stable than the complete removable denture due to the support obtained by the teeth.

•Removable prosthetic on implants: the procedure requires the implants to first be installed surgically, and the removable prosthetic is then attached either by snapping on, sliding on, or by magnets. This type of prosthetic allows a lot more stability especially in cases where there are no teeth left on the upper and lower jaws.

APPLICATIONS:

Dentures and partials are usually made to replace many teeth. They support themselves partly on the gum and underlying bone, and in part on the remaining teeth if there are any.

SOURCES:     Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (www.wikipedia.org).

                            WebMD, better information, better health (www.webmd.com).