Repairing a removable denture is a technical manipulation aimed at restoring its appearance, integrity and functionality. It is carried out in dental clinics or denture laboratories. According to statistics, breakage of prostheses is a common phenomenon, which is encountered by 10% of patients treated by an orthopedist. The reasons that led to this can be of various origins, and even the most expensive and high-quality products are not immune from problems. It is not always necessary to make a new prosthesis; it is quite likely that it can be repaired without incurring significant material costs.
What is a removable plate prosthesis?
A removable plate prosthesis is a base made of polymer materials into which artificial teeth are inlaid. This design is used in the absence of several or all jaw teeth, and due to the low cost and ease of manufacture, removable plastic laminar dentures are very popular among patients.
Indications
The indications for the use of removable plate dentures for teeth are very wide, since there are much fewer restrictions for this type of system than for implantation or classical dental prosthetics. In particular, these are:
- complete or partial edentia;
- impossibility of implantation or classical prosthetics (for clinical or financial reasons);
- the need to wear temporary structures before installing permanent dentures;
- allergy to metal.
Contraindications
- severe periodontal diseases;
- problems of the circulatory system;
- undergoing a course of radiation or chemotherapy;
- mental illness.
The materials for making plate dentures are usually plastic, acrylic, nylon or polyurethane. Often, it is the composition that largely influences the final cost of the design: modern plate dentures are made of hypoallergenic acrylic or nylon, which ensures comfortable wearing and almost completely eliminates allergic reactions. Based on appearance and functionality, these prostheses are divided into two types: partial laminar dentures and complete laminar dentures. Let's look at these systems in more detail.
Removable Device Recovery
Removable ones include acrylic systems, dentures with locks (attachments) without an artificial palate, clasp ones, where the base is metal arches, soft Quattro Ti, as well as thin and light Acry-Free.
The manufacture and repair of removable orthopedic appliances is one of the most popular types of dental care. Basically, their base is made of a monolith, the fracture of which can extremely rarely be repaired - only chips and broken hooks can be restored. When artificial crowns fall out, they are replaced by simply soldering them into place. When artificial enamel is chipped, it is restored using composite materials.
The situation is more complicated with clasp dentures if the metal arches that need to be soldered are damaged. Let’s look at how removable dentures are repaired and what stages the renovation may consist of using the example of reconstructing damage to a plate or acrylic denture:
- after cleaning, all parts are put together in the correct relationship to each other and fixed using adhesive wax and special holding devices,
- using a brush, an insulating substance is applied to the prosthetic bed (the back part that will face the plaster) to prevent sticking to the plaster model,
- To hold all the parts together, a backing is made from class I gypsum - a sub-cast that follows the shape of the patient's jaw. All parts connected in the first point are separated again, the broken edges are processed with cutters. The processed parts are placed on the lining, like a puzzle,
- the edges of the broken bevels are processed at an angle of 45 degrees to the base to ensure a smooth transition between the old and new plastics and their good adhesion to each other,
- a liquid insulating material is applied to the plaster so that moisture from the gypsum does not get into the new plastic,
- the parts to be glued are treated with monomer and fixed to the model,
- knead the plastic, strictly following the instructions for the ratio of components, and apply it to the joints of the disparate parts with a slight excess, after which it is polymerized in a special apparatus,
- Once the new resin has hardened, the excess material is removed and the surface of the denture is leveled, sanded and polished until smooth.
In case of other breakdowns, the steps may be different and complex devices and tools may be used. Cast metal arches - clasps - are difficult to repair. To do this, teeth and gums made of polymers are removed from the arch, and the broken metal parts are soldered together using a laser. Self-hardening adhesives are also used for acrylic devices. If there is no element in the form of an artificial tooth, then a plastic one can be built up, and a ceramic one can literally be “implanted” at high temperatures.
Nylon prostheses are glued together with special liquids, but the special technology of their manufacture often makes them unsuitable for repair. In addition, they are one of the most flexible to stretching and changing shape; even with a short period of use, they often require adjustment.
Partial plate denture
A partial removable plate denture replaces one or more lost teeth, so its shape and size directly depend on their number. To install such a prosthesis, you do not need to grind down the adjacent teeth: fixation of partial removable laminar dentures is carried out in several ways.
Types of fixation of removable laminar dentures:
Metal clasps
Hook-shaped processes starting at the base of the prosthesis and clasping the neck of the supporting tooth. Currently, they are rarely used, as they can damage tooth enamel.
Metal-free clasps
A more modern variation of conventional clasps. Made from soft, metal-free materials.
Attachmen
Small clasps that are installed on the prosthesis itself and the supporting teeth. When installing the structure, these parts are securely fixed.
What to do if the prosthesis breaks?
If your denture breaks:
- You should not throw it away, even if it seems that the defect cannot be repaired.
- You need to carefully collect and place in a dry container all the broken elements.
- Then you should contact the dentist who performed the prosthetics and make an appointment, stating the purpose of the visit.
As a rule, a patient with a broken prosthesis is scheduled to see an orthopedist in the near future. Already in the clinic, the dentist examines the structure and informs whether repair is possible.
Complete removable plate denture
Removable laminar dentures in the case of complete absence of teeth simulate the patient’s upper or lower jaw, so that they are significantly larger in size than removable laminar dentures in the case of partial absence of teeth. As a rule, such a design has a rather voluminous base (especially a plate prosthesis for the upper jaw), which is necessary in order to achieve a tight fit and ensure more or less stable fixation.
Methods of fixation of complete removable laminar dentures:
Clasps or attachments
Such fixation methods are used if at least a pair of healthy teeth remain on any of the jaws.
Suckers
Additional fixation elements that are usually used when a complete removable plate denture is installed on the upper jaw.
Fixation on implants
Installation of a prosthesis supported by implants. This is the most reliable, expensive and durable method of prosthetics, which is not always possible due to contraindications to implantation and the high cost of the technique.
Features of restoration
People often mistakenly believe that denture repair is an expensive procedure. In most cases, restoration of a dental structure will not put a big dent in your wallet, although there may be situations when it will be cheaper to pay for the manufacture of new dentures than to repair old ones. It all depends on the specific case.
- Types of dentures - classification
First, it’s worth understanding what the restoration process is and what it roughly looks like. First of all, the product is thoroughly cleaned, after which, using special resins used in dentistry, the damaged parts of the structure are glued together. This allows for an optimal seal. As a result, all parts of the dentures are firmly glued together, and the structure itself is practically no different from the new one and perfectly performs its tasks.
Prosthesis repair
If a change in the color of artificial teeth is detected as a result of exposure to tobacco, wine, coffee or tea, it is necessary to clean the surface with strong substances. This procedure should be carried out by a professional so that the glossy surface of the prosthesis is not damaged as a result of cleaning. The appearance must remain perfect.
Even if the entire structure remains intact, but a small part or tooth breaks off, then you shouldn’t worry too much about this either. A qualified dental technician will be able to replace the lost part of the tooth without much difficulty or reattach it in its place if the loss has not been severely damaged.
Repaired dentures
Manufacturing of plate dentures
The technology for manufacturing a plate prosthesis is considered simpler compared to the creation of most fixed structures (crowns or bridges), so the patient receives a ready-made system quite quickly (unless we are talking about installing implants).
Manufacturing stages:
- Initial consultation, examination, creation of panoramic images of the jaw and approval of the design of the prosthesis.
- Taking impressions and making a model of the patient's jaw. Determination of bite parameters.
- Making and fitting of a wax structure.
- The final stage of manufacturing a plate prosthesis, polishing the finished structure and eliminating cosmetic defects.
- Fitting and installation of the finished structure.
Advantages and disadvantages
Prosthetics with plate prostheses have a number of advantages and disadvantages, which may vary depending on the type of structure. Before agreeing to have dentures installed, find out all the strengths and weaknesses of your new teeth. In addition, your attending physician should tell you about the types of plate prostheses and help you choose the best option.
- fragility (under heavy loads, a fracture of the plate prosthesis often occurs);
- short service life (up to 5 years);
- certain discomfort when wearing and difficulty getting used to (this applies to a greater extent to outdated designs);
- no load on bone tissue (except for installation supported by implants).
- ease of manufacture;
- low price. Prosthetics with removable plate dentures are considered one of the most cost-effective options for dental restoration in orthopedics;
- restoration of chewing function of teeth;
- acceptable appearance.
Measures to prevent breakdowns
Breakage of a denture is a big nuisance. To avoid it, you need to carefully care for the structure, handle it carefully and regularly visit an orthopedic doctor to monitor its condition. What to do at home:
- remove and thoroughly clean any stuck pieces of food;
- do not use toothpastes with a strong abrasive effect;
- buy a toothbrush with soft bristles;
- rinse after every meal, no matter whether it was a full meal or a tasting;
- remove dentures over a towel or cup of water - this reduces the risk of hitting a hard surface and, as a result, severe mechanical damage.
Even though the material used in removable denture systems is quite smooth, bacteria can also accumulate and multiply on it. To ensure optimal disinfection, special pharmaceutical products should be used. Your doctor will tell you which ones exactly.
Unfortunately, many people are now forced to resort to prosthetics. The development of dental technologies makes it possible to produce removable elements that are practically indistinguishable from natural teeth in appearance and quality. Our clinic’s specialists are highly qualified, they are always up to date with innovative developments and use only high-quality materials. Do not worry about the breakdown of the prosthetic structure - with us you can get prompt assistance from an orthopedic dentist at an affordable price.
Repairing a plate denture for teeth
Constructions of this type are considered quite fragile, especially at the point where the soft supporting part is attached to the artificial teeth. Repairing removable plate dentures is not always possible, and the degree of its success depends on the nature of the damage. In case of minor chips or breakage of clasps and attachments, restoration of removable plate dentures is often carried out, but in case of serious damage, the design usually has to be completely changed. The main reasons for the breakdown of plate dentures usually lie in careless handling (which often leads to falls of the structure) and attempts to bite through hard objects with dentures (for example, nut shells).
Which doctor should I contact?
To assess the condition of the structure and help in repairing it, you need to contact the orthopedist who installed it for you. The best option is if the clinic you choose has a dental laboratory where they repair dentures, and not just create them. This will speed up the process without wasting time searching for a specialized workshop, waiting for delivery of the finished product, etc.
Restoring the integrity, function and aesthetics of artificial teeth is a job for dental technicians. Simple damage can be repaired on the same day of treatment in a few hours, especially if the clinic is equipped with its own dental laboratory. Indeed, for many patients, artificial teeth are a vital necessity, but how long the elimination of defects will take depends on the type and number of defects.
Remember that if your prosthesis is still under warranty, then in this case you absolutely need to contact the clinic where it was created for you. Intervention by third party specialists will result in loss of warranty.
If a defect appears during the warranty period, the device can be repaired free of charge by seeking help from an orthopedist who supervised the production of the system in a dental laboratory and installed it. Of course, free repairs are possible if you can come up with arguments that you followed all the doctor’s recommendations for care and operation, and the breakdowns were not your fault.
