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In dental practice, what is primarily indicated by the term 'denture'?

  1. A type of mouthwash

  2. Artificial replacement for teeth

  3. A dental examination tool

  4. A specific dental cleaning procedure

The correct answer is: Artificial replacement for teeth

The term 'denture' primarily refers to an artificial replacement for teeth. Dentures are designed to restore the function and aesthetics of one's smile when natural teeth are missing. They can be complete or partial, depending on whether all teeth or just some are replaced. Complete dentures are used when all teeth are absent, while partial dentures replace only a few. This substitution of teeth is crucial for maintaining proper oral function, which includes chewing and speaking, as well as contributing to facial structure and appearance. The ability to create such prosthetics represents a significant achievement in dentistry, allowing individuals who have lost their natural teeth to regain confidence and quality of life.