Paediatric Dentures
What Are Paediatric Dentures?
Paediatric dentures are removable appliances that support chewing, speech and aesthetics after early permanent-tooth loss, multiple primary-tooth loss or congenital missing teeth.
They are not small copies of adult dentures; growth, bone and tooth development are considered.
Indications
They may be considered after early permanent-tooth loss, multiple primary-tooth absence, trauma-related aesthetic need or speech-function concerns.
If orthodontic treatment is planned, denture design should be compatible with it. Not every child is a candidate; cooperation and hygiene are assessed.
Difference from Adult Dentures
A child’s jaw continues to grow, so the denture may need frequent relining or replacement. Tooth selection and base design must be age-appropriate.
Aesthetic expectations and psychosocial impact are addressed separately in children and adolescents.
Adaptation and Growth Follow-up
Speech and eating adaptation may be seen in the first days, and parent support is important. Fracture, looseness or pressure areas are checked at visits.
Fit can change with growth; regular intervals are set by the dentist.
Care and Control
The denture is cleaned daily; night removal is assessed according to the dentist’s advice. A soft brush and denture cleanser may be used.
Remaining natural teeth must be kept clean, and long-term rehabilitation is reassessed after adolescence.
Denture try-in and occlusal adjustment may require several sessions. The child’s adaptation to using the denture is supported with parental help.
During adolescence, denture renewal or fixed rehabilitation options are reassessed.
Denture cleaning and hygiene of natural teeth are taught together; caries risk may continue in the remaining teeth.
Comfort and aesthetic expectations during denture use are assessed together with the child.
Denture fit can change during growth periods; regular control is advised.
The denture plan is created according to the child’s age, number of missing teeth and growth rate.
Denture care and cleaning can be shown practically to the parent.
Denture revision may be needed during growth periods.