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What is an acrylic denture? It is necessary when the patient has complete toothlessness or significant cavities. The acrylic denture can be removable or permanent. The type of prosthesis is, of course, selected by the dentist. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a prosthesis? Is acrylic denture refunded and can everyone wear it? What are the alternatives?
The acrylic denture can be put on permanently or it is movable. Regardless of the type of prosthesis used, several visits to the dentist are necessary. The acrylic denture is recommended when the patient has been diagnosed with complete edentulousness or there are numerous cavities.
Acrylic denture – indications
Exactly an acrylic denture is a removable prosthetic supplement, the task of which is to supplement the patient’s missing oral tissue. An acrylic denture can replace one tooth, but also the entire dentition. In the case of permanent dentures, these are tooth superstructures that must be cemented in place of the missing tooth, while the acrylic denture is removed by the patient. Most often, an acrylic denture is recommended for aesthetic reasons, but also for functional reasons, as the patient may have trouble chewing.
In the case of a missing tooth or two, the dentist will recommend a crown or bridge, but acrylic denture is much cheaper, and in the case of larger cavities, the procedure is reimbursed by the National Health Fund. What does an acrylic denture look like? It consists of pink acrylic, whose task is to imitate the gum, and in it there is an acrylic tooth, the color of which is matched to the rest of the dentition. The performance of the prosthesis is performed by two people. Initial measurements, i.e. height, width and color, are made by the dentist, while the prosthesis is made by a prosthetist. About five visits are needed for a permanent denture, and about four for a partial denture. Of course, these are textbook assumptions, as the number of visits may change due to the anatomical conditions in the oral cavity. During the first visit to the prosthetist, a full interview is collected from the patient, the specialist makes an impression, which is the initial outline of the prosthesis. In edentulousness, the prosthetist should make a functional impression on subsequent visits, which will determine the height of the occlusion.
After the prosthesis has been selected and inserted, the patient should systematically check the condition of the prosthesis, because inflammation may occur in the event of improper placement or inadequate hygiene of the oral cavity and teeth.
Acrylic denture – disadvantages
The main disadvantage of the prosthesis is the long adaptation time of the patient to changes in the dentition. Acrylic denture is characterized by quick acrylic soaking and its poor adherence to the base, especially in the case of a lower total acrylic denture. In the beginning, the patient may also speak slurredly.
An alternative to an acrylic denture is definitely a bridge, a crown, a skeletal denture, an acetal denture, as well as a denture reinforced with snaps. Unfortunately, acrylic denture is the cheapest solution, which is why it is more often chosen by patients.
Acrylic denture – advantages
The advantage is certainly the availability and financial issues, because acrylic denture is the cheapest solution and is reimbursed by the National Health Fund. In addition, patients say that the acrylic denture is aesthetic and functional, which is equally important, it is easy to keep clean.