The Fabrication of Dentures

Dentists must fabricate dentures to match each individual mouth. This care for detail involves several fittings before casting the final form in plastic, according to dentist Steven Pohlhaus of the Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry.

Types

Dentists may fabricate either full or partial dentures for patients with missing teeth. Full dentures consists entirely of acrylic plastic, while partial dentures use acrylic teeth attached to a metal or plastic form. Most full-denture fittings require five appointments, while partial dentures require four at most.

Fittings

Proper denture fabrication involves evaluating the patient's mouth tissues and then taking an exact impression of the gums. Plastic teeth, attached to wax rims, allow the dentist to adjust the bite to the individual patient. Partial dentures may require some fine reshaping of surrounding teeth.

Final Product

Once the dentures have attained the customized fit and shape, a dental lab creates a final permanent version made of acrylic plastic. The dentist will then make any final adjustments to make the dentures fit as comfortably as possible.

References

• Steven R. Pohlhaus, DDS, Baltimore Center for Laser Dentistry: Dentures and Partials