Full dentures

Full dentures for the upper and lower jaws

Full dentures serve to replace natural teeth in the case of complete loss of teeth in one or both jaws. The full denture especially serves to restore the chewing function, phonetics and aesthetics of natural teeth, whereby tissue bearing or touching the dentures may not be damaged. In contrast to partial dentures, full dentures no longer enable the participation of teeth for prosthetic attachment. The full dentures may not be lifted by mucous membrane movement, mimical and chewing muscles.

The physical factors that determine prosthetic attachment are, above all, capillary forces created by saliva between the base and mucous membranes, but also by low pressure and adhesion. Due to the sealing valve function of the denture edge (functional edge), it is also called the valve edge.

The support of full dentures in the lower jaw is hardly ever completely satisfactory. In contrast to dentures in the upper jaw, which can adhere to the palate's mucous membrane through adhesion, full dentures in the lower jaw only rest on a small edge of the jaw.

After being worn for longer periods, the load of all full dentures leads to the deterioration of the jaw. Lack of retention, pressure sores and pain are the result. The toothless gum is therefore an important indication for implants. Implant-borne tooth replacement can improve quality of life, self-confidence, chewing and wearing comfort, appearance and articulation.