Removable dental prostheses, or dentures, are used to replace missing teeth and bone structures that are reabsorbed over time after the loss of natural teeth. These prosthetic appliances help to restore the functions of chewing, swallowing and speaking as well as aesthetics.
Dentures are not mere mechanical instruments, but they transmit force to teeth, gums and bone. They require careful adjustment and their duration varies depending on the individual and on the denture. Each person has different needs and characteristics, making every denture unique and therefore requiring individual preparation. Decision to place a denture is made exclusively by the dental specialist and the patient.
There will be a time when the patient has adapted and will probably not be aware that there is a denture in his/her mouth, but patients must go through a period of adaptation in which they visit the dentist to make adjustments as necessary. Also, being an appliance that is worn for long periods, patients must be well instructed on their care and daily cleaning, to avoid major consequences.