Producing quality results in every case

The effects of edentulism on patients’ QoL

2.7 million people across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are thought to be edentate.[i] There are many reasons why patients may experience tooth loss, including trauma, caries, and periodontal disease. Tooth loss can have a detrimental effect on patients, impacting their psychological health, functional occlusion, speech, and appearance. There are a number of options available to replace missing teeth including removable full/partial dentures, bridges, and dental implants. While these are all good solutions, not all are appropriate for every patient – so the right option will need to be selected in each case. In addition to the benefits to the patient’s QoL, restoring missing teeth helps to prevent pathological drifting of neighbouring teeth, and the supra-eruption of the opposite tooth.[ii]

False teeth throughout history

Humans are known to have replaced missing teeth throughout history. The need to maintain dental aesthetics and function seems to have always been important. Ancient civilisations are known to have performed dental procedures like extractions, removal of caries, and even created dental bridges/dentures using gold wire to replace missing teeth with animal teeth.[iii] The industrial era brought with it the first porcelain dentures, gradually evolving to be supported by gold, rubber, resins and plastics. Modern dentures are made using acrylic. The material is affordable, hard, translucent, and easy to repair. It is also non-toxic and odour free, all of which mean it is a fantastic material option, and is still used today.[iv] This long-standing use of dentures as replacements for missing teeth suggests that the method is viable for many patients, and always has been.

Dentures as a viable solution

It is estimated that 15% of patients attending appointments at dental practices in the UK have dentures.[v] With dentures remaining a popular choice for replacing missing teeth, and an appropriate option in many cases, it is the responsibility of the dental technician to produce a high-quality full/partial denture and restore optimal function and aesthetics. To optimise patient satisfaction, and to maintain a good relationship with the referring dental practice, it is important to produce high-quality dentures. Dentures which look natural are more easily accepted by the patient, helping to boost their self-esteem and give them the confidence to smile.[vi]

Choosing the right material

Dentures are a reliable, predictable solution for both full and partial edentulism. By creating a comfortable, functional, and aesthetic denture, you create a high-quality, lasting restorative solution. The denture should also be durable, and resistant to fracture, so it is important to choose materials carefully when creating the restoration. Patients will expect their dentures to withstand day-to-day wear, and to function properly, so dental technicians need to consider these materials carefully. When fabricating dentures, choose a strong and durable material, which will give patients confidence that their dentures are of a high standard. The material should also be easy to manage in a laboratory setting, so dental technicians should choose an option which complements their individual workflows.

The Acron Hi high impact acrylic from Kemdent is ideal for use in fabricating high-quality dentures. It is easy to handle, as is creates a soft, packable dough-like consistency which makes processing techniques like injection moulding simple. It is also resistant to fracture and breakage thanks to its unique Multi-Matrix Technology, and it is easy to trim and polish after processing due to its increased stiffness. Not only this, but it offers additional benefits to patients due to its low level of residual monomer which minimises the risk of allergic reactions. This is a comfortable option for patients that offers superior aesthetic outcomes and excellent durability.

Choosing a high-quality, predictable material is the first step in fabricating durable and aesthetic dentures. By drawing on their skills and the capabilities of their equipment, dental technicians should aim to produce dentures which meet the expectations of both the referring clinician and their patient. With patients expecting long-lasting, durable solutions from their dental providers, it is important to do all you can to meet these needs, while prioritising function and aesthetics too.

For more information about the leading solutions available from Kemdent, please visit www.kemdent.co.uk or call 01793 770 256

Author
Alistair Mayoh
Marketing Director Kemdent

[i] Mather, H., Thomason, M. & Ellis, J. Are UK graduates equipped with the skill set required to meet the demands of the UK’s edentulous population?. Br Dent J 225, 15–18 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.524 https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2018.524

[ii] Akinyamoju, Clara A., et al. “Oral health-related quality of life: acrylic versus flexible partial dentures.” Ghana medical journal 53.2 (2019): 163-169. file:///Users/officeone/Downloads/187720-Article%20Text-477024-1-10-20190626.pdf

[iii] https://caredenture.co.uk/history-false-teeth-dentures/

[iv] https://caredenture.co.uk/history-false-teeth-dentures/

[v] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oral-health-survey-of-adults-attending-dental-practices-2018

[vi] Pachiou, Aspasia, Ilia Roussou, and Stefanos Kourtis. “Characterization of Dentures for a Natural Esthetic Result: A Case Report.” The Open Dentistry Journal 17.1 (2023). https://opendentistryjournal.com/VOLUME/17/ELOCATOR/e187421062301030/FULLTEXT/