If extensive gaps have developed and/or abutments are missing for anchorage in the posterior posterior region, there is often no other option but to provide removable dentures. If there is still enough jaw bone, however, it is possible today to try to avoid removable dentures with the help of implants.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are basically composed of the elements denture base, replacement teeth as well as retaining and supporting elements. Depending on the type of anchorage elements, different types of partial dentures can be distinguished. For example, one speaks of a cast model prosthesis if the anchorage is made with cast clasps. The advantage of a relatively inexpensive prosthesis is countered by an increased susceptibility to caries and poor aesthetics in the visible area as disadvantages. This prosthesis is more commonly used as a temporary denture (interim restoration), e.g. after tooth extraction, in order to maintain aesthetics and function until the definitive restoration. The telescopic dentures are based on a double crown principle, which consists of an inner and an outer crown. The inner crown is cemented onto the abutment tooth. The removable outer crown, on the other hand, is part of the removable prosthesis. When the partial denture is inserted, the secondary telescopic anchors slide onto the primary telescopic anchors, thus achieving retention and support of the denture. Telescopic anchors are often used because the outer crowns can be veneered in an aesthetically pleasing way. Other advantages of telescopic dentures are that they can be easily extended in case of tooth loss and that oral hygiene is easier after the denture has been removed, which should be done after every main meal. Partial dentures can also be anchored with so-called attachments if the distribution of the abutments allows this.

Total or complete dentures

If patients are completely toothless, they are usually replaced with removable complete dentures. With complete dentures, in contrast to partial dentures, teeth can no longer be used to anchor and support the denture. This means that these dentures transfer all chewing forces directly to the mucosa they cover and the underlying jawbone. Full dentures in the upper jaw are mainly held in place by the suction effect between the mucosa and the denture base. Therefore, an exact fit of the denture base and a functionally shaped denture margin are absolutely necessary. The jaw conditions in the lower jaw are usually more difficult, and a denture there is also destabilised by the tongue and the cheeks. Anchoring the dentures with at least two implants is particularly suitable here, which significantly increases patient satisfaction.