June 13, 2024 Reading time ~ 5 min Number of reads: 1428
Losing teeth is always a discomfort. Aside from the obvious difficulty chewing food, there are also difficulties with morale. Missing teeth distort the appearance of the smile, making even the most confident person feel uncomfortable. Dentures are an effective solution to this problem. However, implantation is not always possible. And here removable prosthetic constructions come to the rescue.
Features of silicone dentures
Often “silicone” dentures are mistakenly called any soft dentures. In fact, the material from which they are produced has nothing to do with silicone. The main feature that “silicone” dentures have is their flexibility. Due to the fact that they are created on the basis of a special medical polymer, it is possible to provide the tightest fit due to the increased flexibility of the design. In addition, they are quite light and elastic, which significantly reduces the process of adaptation of the patient to the permanent wearing of the structure in the oral cavity.
This design optimally combines aesthetics and wearing comfort, which has made it an attractive option not only as a temporary solution, but also for permanent wear.
Varieties of silicone dentures
Modern soft dentures for teeth can be divided into several main categories, depending on the type of their design. The systematization is as follows:
- Single dentures for overlapping a single tooth;
- Partial dentures, which restore several teeth on the same jaw;
- Complete soft dentures, which allow to perform restoration in case of complete adentia.
Each of the presented options is actively used in certain conditions, depending on the opinion of the dentist. An important aspect is that such prostheses do not require lengthy preparation before insertion, which significantly reduces the treatment time.
Indications for soft dentures
The presented types of soft dentures are used for adentia of varying degrees of severity. Removable dentures are used in a number of cases when implantation is not possible for one reason or another. These include allergic reactions to the materials from which the permanent crowns are made or the implants themselves. Also to the indications for the use of removable structures can be attributed poor engraftment, low blood clotting and other diseases that prevent implantation and prosthetics fixed structures.
Contraindications to use
Despite the fact that non-invasive techniques are used for installation, there are a number of situations in which wearing a silicone prosthesis is contraindicated. These include severe forms of paradontosis affecting the soft tissues, atrophy of the bone bed, and gingival recession. In the presence of these conditions, it is necessary to treat them first and only then perform prosthetics to avoid deterioration of the health condition.
Key advantages of soft dentures
Such prosthetic structures as silicone removable dentures have a number of significant advantages over their competitors. These include, for example, the complete hypoallergenicity of the material, which makes it in demand. In addition, such prostheses are made and installed much faster than any of the analogs. At the same time, a high level of aesthetics is provided, which is of great importance.
Disadvantages of removable dentures
Due to the fact that silicone is a rather soft material, dentures that are made of it, have a significantly lower strength compared to analogs. As a consequence, the service life of the prosthetic design is reduced.
It is also important to note the fact that such prostheses in the process of use gradually begins to change their color under the influence of various foods, which gradually leads to a loss of aesthetic appeal.
The process of making a soft silicone denture
The entire process of preparation and prosthetics can be divided into several main stages. First of all, the dentist sanitizes the oral cavity and performs therapeutic treatment if necessary. After that, an impression is made, according to which a “silicone” prosthesis is made in the laboratory.
When it is ready, the patient is invited to the clinic for fitting and adjusting the prosthesis to the jaw. The whole procedure takes a minimal amount of time and does not cause discomfort after completion.
Alternative solutions to soft dentures
At the moment, there are several options for what can replace silicone dentures. For example, bridges as well as plate dentures are quite in demand. However, the right solution in terms of quality and preserving the health of the oral cavity, is the installation of implants.
How do I properly care for my dentures?
In order for a silicone denture to last long enough and not to cause damage during wear, a number of conditions must be met. In addition to classical oral hygiene, it is also necessary to rinse the mouth after each meal. Leaving the denture in the mouth overnight is not recommended. The right solution is to place it in a special solution that not only protects it from external factors, but also completely disinfects the denture, which is extremely important for the health of the entire oral cavity.
Cost of prosthetics with soft dentures
It is undeniable that soft silicone dentures are significantly more affordable than alternative solutions. However, the final cost can only be determined by the dentist after an examination and will depend largely on the complexity of each case.
Opinion of specialists about removable prosthetics
As practice shows, such prostheses are rarely used as a permanent solution. They are good for eliminating adentia, but, due to their low durability, are not suitable for wearing for decades. After fitting such a prosthesis, it is worth thinking about raising funds for a full implantation.