Denture success starts with teeth setting
Various processes are used to produce a complete denture. Teeth setting is one of them
When people think of complete dentures, they are more focused on comfortable wear and the ability to suction itself to the oral cavity. But the entire aspect of denture making depends entirely on the teeth setting process.
What is teeth setting?
It is the process of placing artificial teeth into wax mounted onto an anatomical structure mimicking the jaws, which are then later processed to produce a denture.
The process
Case analysis - The structure of a patient’s jaw is analyzed both externally and internally.
Teeth selection - The color and type of anterior artificial teeth are selected based on old photographs of the patient. An entire dentogenic concept is present where the teeth are selected according to the sex, age, and personality of a person. In posterior teeth, the main goal is to restore the chewing efficiency of the patient. It is based on various principles that dictate its selection.
Anterior teeth setting - The smile line should mimic the natural teeth while establishing speech.
Posterior teeth setting - The teeth are arranged in such a way that function is restored.
Occlusal balance - The area where the teeth meet is adjusted according to the jaw of the patient.
Wax try-in - The teeth mounted on wax are placed inside the patient’s mouth to help visualize how the denture would come out, as it is irreversible later. However, since it is placed on wax for now, it can be personalized to the patient’s needs.
Final output - Corrections are made until esthetics, function, and occlusion are obtained and the patient is satisfied.
What may seem as a simple denture in your grandparents’ mouths would have undergone several processes to be completed. The art and process are often disrespected and ignored. Each and every step plays a role in the esthetics and function of a patient after they have lost all their teeth. Though this prosthesis cannot replace and mimic the functioning of natural teeth, it still provides psychological and physiological content to a patient who may be discouraged due to their toothless face.
