Metal dentures are a type of removable dental prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are made with either Chrome-Cobalt or Titanium, and consist of replacement teeth attached to an acrylic base that is colored to match the gums.
Indications for Use
Dandy metal dentures are custom-made to fit your patient's mouth and are designed to be as sturdy as possible.
Contraindication
Metal dentures should not be used if you have any allergies to acrylic or metal, or if you have severe gum disease.
Potential Risks and Benefits
Advise patients of the following:
The benefits of metal dentures include improved speech, better chewing ability, and a natural-looking smile. Risks include sore spots, discomfort, and possible damage to remaining natural teeth.
Directions for Use
To ensure proper use of metal dentures, follow these steps:
- Ensure that the denture is clean and free of any debris.
- Rinse the patient’s mouth with warm water before inserting the denture.
- Gently place the denture in the mouth, and use your fingers to guide it into place.
Avoid using excessive force or pushing the denture too far. - Instruct the patient to gently bite down on the denture to ensure proper fit and stability.
- Use carbon articulation paper to adjust any heavy occlusion points.
- Provide specific instructions to the patient on how long to wear it each day and when to remove it.
Adjustment recommendations
- Operate the bur at high speed, applying minimal pressure while using water.
- It's important to maintain the temperature using water and air spray. This method helps prevent the formation of micro-fractures. A fine-grit diamond is advisable for adjustments, and air-only handpiece adjustments are not recommended.
- For shaping different surfaces, specific tools are best:
- A football-shaped bur is effective for the occlusal and lingual surfaces, especially on anterior teeth
- A tapered bur is better suited for the buccal and lingual surfaces.
Cleaning instructions
Dandy recommends cleaning your dentures daily before and after every use. Immediately after removal, use warm water (not to exceed 45°C/113°F) and soap to remove remaining saliva and debris from your partial dentures.
**Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008 Update: June 2024
Storage instructions
- Store final dentures in a clean, dry place when not in use. Avoid exposing the dentures to excessive heat or pressure, which may cause warping or other damage.
- Dentures are designed to last for several years with proper care and maintenance. Patients should contact your practice for evaluation and repair if dentures become damaged or lose their fit.
Additional Information
- Clinical studies have demonstrated that dentures are an effective and reliable treatment option for patients with missing teeth.
- If the patient experiences any adverse events, such as pain or irritation, they should discontinue use and contact your practice immediately.
- Dentures typically come with a limited warranty, which may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Disposal
- Denture disposal typically involves handling it as a regulated biohazardous waste or general waste, often through specialized handlers for incineration or secure landfill disposal.
- Always avoid putting them in regular trash without checking local rules.
- Biohazard/Infectious Waste: Treat used or unclaimed dentures as biohazardous due to saliva/blood; use red bags and authorized carriers.
- Incineration: A common method for final destruction.
- Metal Recovery: If the denture has precious metals (gold/silver), return it to a dental lab or scrap refiner for recycling, as it can be profitable and prevents pollution.
- Confidentiality: Redact or destroy patient info on lab boxes and bases before disposal.
ADA Codes
| Complete Denture | ||
| Denture (Mandibular) | D5120 | Mandibular Complete Denture |
| Denture (Maxillary) | D5110 | Maxillary Complete Denture |
| Immediate Denture (Mandibular) | D5140 | Mandibular Immediate Denture |
| Immediate Denture (Maxillary) | D5130 | Maxillary Immediate Denture |
| Overdenture (Maxillary) | D5836 | Complete Maxillary Over-Denture |
| Overdenture (Mandibular) | D5865 | Complete Mandibular Over-Denture |
| Overdenture (Generic Code) | D5860 | Overdenture Completed by Report (Generic Code) |
| Relined Denture (Full Mandibular) | D5751 | Reline Mandibular Complete Denture |
| Relined Denture (Full Maxillary) | D5750 | Reline Maxillary Complete Denture |
| Adjustments | ||
| Complete Denture: Maxillary | D5410 | Adjust complete denture (maxillary) |
| Complete Denture: Mandibular | D5411 | Adjust complete denture (mandibular) |
| Metal Partial Denture | ||
| partial denture – cast metal framework with resin denture bases | D5213 | Maxillary |
| partial denture – cast metal framework with resin denture bases | D5214 | Mandibular |
| add metal substructure to acrylic full denture (per arch) | D5876 | Either |
| For Unilateral Metal | ||
| Removable unilateral partial denture – one-piece cast metal (including clasps and teeth), maxillary | D5282 | Maxillary |
| Removable unilateral partial denture – one-piece cast metal (including clasps and teeth), mandibular | D5283 | Mandibular |
| Adjustments | ||
| Partial Denture: Maxillary | D5421 | Adjust partial denture—maxillary |
| Partial Denture: Mandibular | D5422 | Adjust partial denture—mandibular |
| Add On's | ||
| Metal Mesh substructure | D5876 | Add metal substructure to acrylic full denture (per arch) |
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Links to Material Safety Data Sheets for Dandy's dentures.