Introduction to Complete Denture Construction

Study Notes

Introduction to Complete Denture Construction

Prosthetics: The science of creating artificial replacements for missing body parts.
Prosthesis: An artificial replacement for a missing body part.
Prosthodontics: Branch of dentistry that focuses on creating dental prosthetics (artificial teeth) for missing teeth.
Dentulous: Having natural teeth in the mouth.
Completely Edentulous: All teeth are missing.
Partially Edentulous: Loss of some, but not all, natural teeth.

Complete Denture Definition

A prosthesis replacing the lost natural teeth and associated structures of the mandible and/or maxilla.

Complete Denture Components

Denture Base: The foundation of the denture, supporting the artificial teeth.
Denture Flange: Extending the denture base to cover the alveolar ridge, providing retention.
Denture Border (Edge): The peripheral portion of the denture base that contacts the surrounding tissues, creating a seal.
Denture Teeth: Artificial replacements for natural teeth, providing functionality and esthetics.

Denture Surfaces

Impression Surface: The surface of the denture base that contacts the supporting tissues.
Fitting Surface: The inner surface of the denture base that fits against the alveolar ridge.
Polished Surface: Smooth outer surface of the denture base, enhancing esthetics and hygiene.
Occlusal Surface: The chewing surfaces of the artificial teeth.

Clinical and Laboratory Steps for Complete Denture Construction

Examination & Diagnosis: Assessment of the patient's needs and oral condition.
Preliminary Impression: Initial impression using stock trays and alginate, providing a general shape of the mouth.
Special Tray Construction: Custom trays made from the preliminary impression for accurate final impressions.
Final Impression: Accurate impression using special trays and impression compound, capturing the detailed shape of the mouth.
Pouring the Impression: Making a plaster cast from the impression for further fabrication steps.
Boxing the Impression: Creating a box around the impression to prevent distortion during pouring.
Occlusion Blocks Construction: Wax blocks placed on the casts to establish the vertical dimension of occlusion and the relationship between upper and lower jaws.
Jaw Relation Records: Recording the vertical dimension and interocclusal relationships of the jaws.
Mounting Upper and Lower Casts: Aligning and mounting the upper and lower casts on an articulator, which mimics jaw movements.
Arrangement of Artificial Teeth: Setting up the artificial teeth on the casts, considering occlusion, esthetics, and phonetics.
Waxing Up: Covering the artificial teeth and denture base with wax, creating a replica of the final denture.
Try In Stage: Placing the waxed denture in the patient's mouth for evaluation and adjustments.
Denture Processing: Removal of the wax, packing with acrylic resin, and subjecting the denture to heat for hardening.
Denture Insertion: Final placement of the denture in the patient's mouth.
Follow Up: Regular check-ups to evaluate denture fit, stability, and oral health.

Objectives of Complete Denture Prosthesis

Restoration of Mastication Function: Recovering chewing ability.
Restoration of Facial Appearance: Enhancing the patient's facial aesthetics.
Correction of Speech Defects: Addressing speech impairments caused by tooth loss.
Preservation of Tissue Health: Maintaining oral health and preventing tissue damage.
Psychological Comfort: Restoring the patient's confidence and sense of well-being.