What are Cobalt Chrome Dentures?

Cobalt Chrome dentures have a metal base plate or framework that sits on and around the natural teeth onto which denture teeth are attached by acrylic.

How they Work?

Stability (not rocking) and retention (grip) come from the metal framework gripping the natural teeth so will be affected by both the number and position of your remaining teeth.

The denture design is also critical. Time must be spent on the planning and preparing the teeth to make sure the denture has the best possible grip and resistance to your chewing forces.

They can be ‘tooth borne’, (supported just by your teeth) which is always preferred where possible or ‘tooth and mucosal borne’ denture, (supported by both teeth and mucosa).

What are their Advantages?

• Most comfortable to wear
• Easiest to adapt to

• Smaller, thinner and more streamlined

• The best grip (retention)

• Best chewing experience

• The most hygienic

• Very close fitting and precise

• Are designed specific to each mouth- numerous features can be incorporated to improve the denture.

• Can use precision attachments

• Very strong

• Patients have good confidence in wearing them.

• Clasps can easily be tightened to increase the grip.

What are their Disadvantages?

• More expensive initially and when any changes need to be done

• Some changes are difficult to do, (such as adding teeth)- this depends on the design and a remake is occasionally needed

• Problems with natural teeth such as fractured fillings will affect the fit of the framework

• Can be bent if sat on and will need to be remade

• Are made of metal which may be visible

• More tricky to make and get right.

Best Situations?

• Where the mouth is unlikely to change

• Where you have suitable natural teeth with a good prognosis

• In patients where muscle control is compromised

• The best denture in the lower jaw
• Good for patients with a gag reflex due to their size and close fit.