The model cast prosthesis or clasp prosthesis
The cheapest form of permanent dentures is the clasp prosthesis. It belongs to the group of removable prostheses and is also called model cast prosthesis because the base and the brackets are made of metal. They are attached to the teeth with cast brackets.
Manufacture of a clasp prosthesis
1. In order to produce a clasp prosthesis, impressions must first be taken. In the dental laboratory , a model is then created. The dental technician uses this model to make an impression tray that only fits in your mouth.
2. This impression tray is used to take another impression with a more precise material. The dental technician creates a model again. The dental technician then creates your dentures on this model.
3. At a third appointment, the dentist transfers your bite situation to the models. To do this, he uses a bite template or a silicone bite registration. Now the dental technician knows exactly how your jaws stand one above the other and starts his work. He first models the removable dentures in wax. The wax model is later transferred to metal.
4. In some cases your dentist will try on the thin metal framework of the clasp denture in your mouth before the denture is finished. If everything fits well, the dental technician places the artificial teeth on the denture base.
5. Now the model cast prosthesis is tried on one last time. If the removable dentures fit well and nothing bothers you when you bite, the removable dentures can be completed.
6. You can take your new dentures with you at the last appointment .
Other variants of removable dentures
Removable dentures come in different forms . If all teeth are missing, a full denture must be made. These “third teeth” are made of plastic and lie on the gums.
When the jaws have receded, a full denture often does not hold up particularly well. This is especially a problem in the lower jaw.
If there are still teeth in the mouth, a secure hold can also be achieved in the lower jaw. The prosthesis can then be attached to the teeth and does not just lie loosely on the mucous membrane. There are different forms of partial dentures.
The interim prosthesis
The simplest prosthesis is the interim prosthesis or transition prosthesis . It is needed when multiple teeth have to be extracted .
The dental laboratory produces this type of prosthesis before the tooth is removed. It is made of plastic, artificial teeth and curved brackets. The interim denture is attached to the remaining teeth using the brackets.
Since it is made before the teeth are extracted, this restoration does not always fit perfectly. The temporary prosthesis is not a long-term solution, but is only intended to be worn for the period in which the gums and bones are healing.
After the gums and bones have healed, better quality dentures can be used.
Telescopic prosthesis or attachment prostheses
Partial dentures that are attached to teeth or implants via crowns are combined, removable dentures. They are not fixed dentures, but they offer a secure hold. The teeth next to the gaps are provided with crowns on which there are holding elements for the removable dentures.
The most important information about the treatment and costs of your dentures
When does a prosthesis make sense?
A dental prosthesis is usually used when tooth gaps are so extensive that they can no longer be closed by one or even several bridges.
Bridges are more comfortable to wear , have a better hold and are more durable. For this reason, a bridge is the preferred instrument for closing tooth gaps compared to a removable prosthesis – but only if sufficient anchoring options are available.
What types are there?
Depending on the size of the tooth gap or anchoring options, different prostheses can be considered for treatment:
- Model cast prosthesis
- Telescopic prosthesis
- Implant-supported prosthesis
- Full denture
- A combined dental prosthesis that combines different elements of these variants is also possible.
Model cast prosthesis / clasp prosthesis
A model cast prosthesis is a removable partial denture that is attached to the remaining real teeth with the help of cast metal clips. The framework and the brackets of this dental prosthesis are made of a metal alloy that ensures stability. The imitation gums and teeth made of plastic are attached to it. The chewing force is ultimately transferred to the jawbone via the plastic saddles, which means that it remains stable.
The model cast prosthesis, also known as a clasp prosthesis , is the simplest of the prosthesis variants.
Telescopic prosthesis
A telescopic prosthesis is also a removable dental prosthesis that is used to close gaps between teeth. In contrast to the model cast prosthesis, anchoring by means of clamps is completely dispensed with here.
Double crowns, so-called telescopic crowns, which consist of two parts, are used to attach the prosthesis. The primary crown (inner telescope) is attached to the natural tooth and is made of metal. The secondary crown (external telescope) is incorporated into the partial denture and can then be placed on the primary crown together with the dental prosthesis. The partial denture can be removed again for daily cleaning. The partial denture can be used in the lower and upper jaw.
Implant-supported prosthesis
Implant-supported prostheses are used when you have few or no teeth of your own. The dentures can now be attached to one or more implants .
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are screwed into the jawbone like a dowel. Depending on the situation, a crown, bridge or prosthesis can then be anchored on the implant.
Full denture
A full denture, also called a removable full denture, is used for a toothless jaw. The full denture thus includes all teeth of an upper or lower jaw.
Removable dentures in the form of a full denture are usually made of a pink plastic (PMMA). Teeth made of plastic are also placed on these. A full denture is not supported by an implant or a crown . With the appropriate design of the plastic base, the prosthesis adheres to the mucous membrane through suction. You can imagine this effect like two glass plates that are stuck together by water. With sufficient saliva production, negative pressure and so-called “adhesive forces” ensure a stable and secure hold of the full denture.
Often a well-fitting prosthesis cannot be made due to the anatomical conditions in the lower jaw. In the upper jaw, however, most full dentures adhere very well.
This is how the treatment works with a denture
Dental prostheses are particularly complex to manufacture and fit and therefore always require several appointments with the dentist, in most cases at least four.
Depending on the type of prosthesis, the procedure and thus the treatment process also differ.
Treatment process for model cast prostheses
Since model cast prostheses require relatively little treatment, you can expect about 4 to 5 appointments. These appointments are not stressful for the patient.
First, impressions are taken for the prosthesis and the brackets that are to be attached to the remaining healthy teeth are prepared. After a general rehearsal with an unfinished version of the denture, the dental technician completes his work and the partial denture can be inserted.
Treatment process for a telescopic prosthesis
This variant is based on teeth that are to be newly crowned, which is why the first appointment in particular takes some time and effort. The existing teeth are ground and prepared for the crowns. During the next sessions, similar impressions and bite registrations are taken as with the model cast prosthesis.
Here, too, you will be finished after around 4 to 5 appointments.
Treatment process for implant-supported prostheses
Treatment with implant-supported dentures takes significantly longer.
The reason for this is the insertion and healing of one or more implants, which precedes the actual production of a prosthesis. The healing phase of a dental implant lasts from 3 months to half a year, depending on the situation. The actual therapy for the dental prosthesis can therefore only begin after this time.
Incidentally, unlike traditional dentures, the implant is not a health insurance benefit. Statutory health insurances do not grant the patient a subsidy towards the dentist’s costs.
Treatment process for full dentures
The duration of treatment for a full denture is similar to that of a model cast denture.
After taking impressions and registering the bite situation, the dental technician creates a preliminary variant of the third teeth. If this try-in is satisfactory, the full denture can be completed.
