Clasp dentures occupy a leading position among removable analogues. They are suitable in cases of partial loss of teeth, have a different type of attachment, and also have their own advantages and disadvantages. But what exactly should be understood as clasp prosthetics?
General information
Clasp prostheses are ranked as modern methods for correcting the dentition. Due to this, not only high aesthetics, but also functionality is achieved. The name of the term itself comes from the German word bugel, which translates as "bow". And this fully reflects the design feature. The prosthesis looks like a metal arc-shaped frame, to which a base is attached that simulates the gums and the artificial teeth themselves . Thanks to this metal arc, a uniform distribution of the load on the natural abutment teeth and the mucous membrane is ensured.
If in fact, then removable clasp dentures are the best alternative to laminar removable designs. And usually this is the only possible solution to the problem when there is no way to put bridges. They can be attached to both the lower and upper jaw.
The clasp design differs in rather compact dimensions, and therefore its presence is practically not felt, thereby discomfort is not delivered. Also, after the installation of dentures, speech does not change. In addition, others will not be aware of the presence of the design, because the smile will be as even and natural as possible. And when you consider that in the manufacture of arch prostheses only high-quality materials are used, you can be sure that they will last a long time.
Varieties of prostheses
The classification of dentures of this type takes into account several important parameters. And one of them is the material of manufacture. Modern clasp dentures of removable type can be made from such raw materials as:
- Acetal
- Nylon.
- The combination of chromium and cobalt.
- Zirconium.
- Titanium.
As you can understand, acetal and nylon structures are non-metal products and are called “Quadrotti prostheses”. For the manufacture of the arc and the fastening system, strong and flexible synthetics are used, ideally suitable for those people who are allergic to metal products. Also, such prostheses will be relevant for people associated with dangerous types of professions (lifeguards and athletes).
Another option is the type of mount. Which fixture to use depends on the characteristics of the patient’s oral cavity, his family budget and the presence of healthy supporting teeth. Based on this, prostheses are of the following types:
- Clammer construction.
- Prosthetics using telescopic crowns.
- Dentures on the locks.
- Splinting prostheses.
You can find a considerable number of photos and reviews about clasp dentures, and most of them are positive. But more on that later, but for now we will consider each of the listed types in a little more detail.
Clammer prosthetics
Clasps in such dental structures are called special hooks, with the help of which the dentures hold firmly due to the abutment teeth. Such designs are easy to manufacture, do not require complicated maintenance, quite simple and simple manipulations. After setting them, the adaptation time takes very little. But what is most valuable and attractive - there is an opportunity to add some more artificial teeth after some time (if necessary).
With all these advantages, there is one drawback. Since the fixing hooks cover most of the healthy abutment teeth, due to which they are firmly and firmly held, they come into view when talking or smiling. But perhaps for some it will not be a problem, otherwise you need to avoid a broad smile or choose other options for prosthetics.
Telescopic construction
In this case, the arch prosthesis on the upper jaw or lower consists of two components: the frame itself (artificial teeth and gums) and special crowns. These fixed-type crowns have a telescopic structure with a trimmed top and are attached directly to the gum. That is, crowns are first placed, after which the prosthesis itself. Thus, the entire structure is held not only on the abutment teeth, which reduces the load on them.
With this type of prosthetics, high reliability is ensured. When worn, the design does not cause discomfort. But despite the obvious advantages, this particular type of prosthesis was not widely used in dentistry. This is due to the complex production process and in connection with this high cost.
Castle solution
Such clasp dentures with locks are also placed on the abutment teeth using miniature mounts, which can be hidden with special keys. Such a system implies strong pressure, which causes a large load. In this regard, crowns are also placed on healthy teeth. This type of prosthesis is highly esthetic, since the locks are located under the structure and are reliably hidden from view, they are not visible during the conversation.
As for the design of the locks themselves, they can be:
For one-sided prosthesis design, it is often used MK-1 crossbar locks (shvenkrigeli). Such a system is securely fixed in the absence of supporting teeth.
Splint clasps
These prostheses are relevant when either side is completely devoid of support for reliable fixation of products. They are also used for the following medical conditions:
- the presence of periodontal disease;
- the roots of the teeth are bare;
- apparent displacement of teeth in a row.
These clasp dentures on the lower jaw are also equipped with clasps, as well as metal processes, which allows you to fix each tooth individually. As a result, there is a complete exclusion of mechanical effects on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity during meals. This also avoids loosening of the teeth.
But since such clasps are also difficult to manufacture, they have a high price. But despite this, they do not lose their relevance, because in some cases this is the only way to return the lost snow-white smile.
Let's talk about the merits
If you do not take into account the cost of clasp prosthetics, then such designs have a lot of advantages. Currently, these products are deservedly high in popularity when compared with other similar designs. For the most part, this is due to the convenience in their use and the use of only high-quality materials. Due to this product, they are strong, reliable, with a long service life.
Parsing the pros and cons of clasp removable dentures, we can distinguish a number of other advantages:
- ease in leaving;
- reliable fastening;
- You can wear dentures around the clock;
- the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and gums are not injured;
- the smile is smooth and natural;
- the unique shape of the arc provides an even distribution of the load on the jaw, which protects healthy supporting teeth from decay and deformation;
- due to a thin bridge in the dentures for the lower jaw, the diction is preserved, and the design itself does not fall out of the mouth;
- taste perception persists.
Looking at all these obvious advantages, hardly anyone wants to challenge them. The first time after prosthetics in the mouth there will be unpleasant sensations, but they quickly pass, and they arise only at the addictive stage.
Deficiencies are also present
Unfortunately, it can’t do without flaws. And the most important of them, as you can already understand, is the high cost. Of course, this acts as a kind of indicator of the quality of clasp dentures. Which is better, and which is not very, is up to you. But not in every case there can be funds, and therefore high cost is the most significant drawback of such products.
In addition, even despite the use of high-quality and durable materials, the clasps break. Usually this occurs under the influence of too much load or due to improper care. And since many products are difficult to manufacture, not every dental clinic can offer clients such prosthetics.
Perhaps some will consider it a drawback that regular prosthetics are necessary for maintenance, albeit not difficult: to remove, clean and insert them back. Of course, this is not like the usual hygiene morning and evening procedures that we do daily with healthy teeth. But again, dentures do not need to be removed at night, as is the case with some analogues.
There are also types of products that have a specific mount that causes minor discomfort.
Making Clasp Dentures
It takes a lot of time to create clasp prostheses. This is due to the fact that the specialist is required maximum concentration, since the finished product must fully comply with the anatomy of the patient. In this regard, an individual approach to each patient is used.
Conventionally, all production can be divided into two main stages:
On average, about 7 days are allocated to both stages.
Clinical stage
The clinical process includes the following:
- Initial examination and diagnosis of the patient. The doctor needs to make a conclusion about the health status of the oral cavity.
- If there are diseases, the doctor carries out the treatment, preparing the oral cavity for the upcoming procedure.
- Based on the examination, the dentist helps the patient choose the optimal type of prosthetics.
- The choice of abutment teeth is made for the subsequent installation of the clasp denture on the locks or other design. In this case, the impending load on them and the general condition of the dentition are taken into account. A preparation procedure may be required.
- Two casts are made for the upper and lower jaws.
- A prosthesis is made.
- The finished design is tried on, if necessary, it is adjusted.
- Final installation of clasp.
The choice of the shade of the teeth and gums, as well as the size of the crowns, is carried out by the patient together with the dentist.
As for the depth of crown placement, a prosthetist is already connected here, which takes into account the height of the bite.
Laboratory stage
From the moment when the casts are taken, the laboratory stage of the production of prostheses begins. It is the most complex and longest. For the production of arch prostheses, specialized equipment is involved, in addition, the master needs to make accurate calculations. Looking at the photos of clasp dentures, one can only guess how difficult it is.
This process includes the most important points:
- To begin with, in accordance with the casts, a working model of the prosthesis is made, for which durable marble plaster is used.
- A drawing of the basis of the product is applied to the model.
- A metal arc and a saddle part are cast.
- The base of the prosthesis is polished and adjusted on the model of plaster.
- With the help of wax, an artificial gum is formed, crowns are selected and made.
- Fitting a metal arc.
- Wax elements are replaced with acrylic.
- The prosthesis is finally assembled, sanded and polished.
As for the cost of such prostheses, the average price of clasps with clasps is about 35 thousand rubles. Splinting products are more expensive, up to 40 thousand rubles.
Clasp Denture Reviews
It is very important to know what people say about the constructions, since any of us will first make the appropriate inquiries and only then make the necessary decision.
Here are some opinions that can be found on the World Wide Web:
- It takes very little time to get used to.
- Products are almost imperceptible.
- Prolonged wearing of constructions without complaints and complaints.
- Do not create severe discomfort.
- Aesthetic appearance.
You can find a lot of such reviews about clasp dentures, and all of them confirm their high reputation. And yet people say that a lot depends not on the products themselves, but on the skill of the dentist.
Proper care
As already noted above, arch prostheses are easy to maintain and operate. The only thing that should be done is to perform the necessary manipulations associated with cleaning dentures. This will avoid the accumulation of pathogens in the oral cavity. If elementary hygiene is not observed, the salivary glands are disrupted, as a result of which the fluid produced by them loses its useful properties.
What specific procedures are desirable to carry out? Care for prostheses is as follows. To clean the product with a toothbrush every morning and every evening. For metal prostheses, there are special solutions that protect metal clasp dentures from rust. After eating, rinse your mouth with specially designed products or regular tap water.
In addition, special formulations can remove the remaining small and inconspicuous particles of food, prevent staining of prostheses from certain foods or drinks. They are implemented in the form of ready-made solutions or tablets. It is recommended to leave the clasps for 10 minutes in the composition, as clearly indicated in the instructions for them. When cleaning dentures, care must be taken not to drop them. Otherwise, they may become deformed, chips will appear, or the clasp will simply break.
But in addition to daily manipulations, in some cases professional cleaning is required in the dental clinic. Typically, this need arises from improper daily care when hard deposits accumulate. Under the influence of a number of external factors, the clasp structure wears out over time, which ultimately leads to damage to the prosthesis. You can fix the problem with the help of restoration.
A number of contraindications
Finally, it remains to mention those cases when clasp dentures are better not to put:
- The acute form of the inflammatory process of the oral cavity.
- Diabetes.
- Oncological diseases.
- Mental disorders.
- Drug addiction.
- Respiratory system diseases.
- Exacerbation of cardiac or vascular pathologies.
The installation of clasp prostheses can be considered a medical procedure, which also has its contraindications. With regard to these cases, there is no way to reliably fix the dental structure. This also applies to those cases when the required minimum number of healthy supporting teeth is not enough, since basically all the load is on arch prostheses.