What are partial dentures?

A partial denture is a removable, yet natural-looking replacement tooth attached to a pink or gum-colored plastic base that rests on a plastic or metal base which holds the denture in place in the mouth. Partial dentures help replace one or several missing teeth used when one or more natural existing teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw and also restore the form and function of your jaw. Removable partial dentures are usually created from a combination of metal and acrylic base that matches the color of your gums.

Partial dentures are removable dentures which replace multiple teeth in the upper and lower teeth of your mouth and some dentures often have some form of clasp that will be attached to your natural teeth and can easily be taken out of your mouth for storing or while you sleep because they require regular cleaning. Partial dentures help improve chewing and speaking while also giving a natural appearance for the wearer. Not only does a partial denture fill the gap and preserve the placement of the remaining teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting overtime.

What are different types of partial dentures?

With various types of partial denture available, choosing the right denture types can be confusing and will often come down to a patient’s individual circumstances. Your dentist will provide professional recommendations after carefully assessing your options and overall health to determine which denture type is suitable for you.

Removable partial dentures

• Acrylic partial dentures
  Acrylic partial dentures, also called dental flippers, are often used as a temporary option that will fix the replacement teeth into a pink acrylic base while you wait for a more permanent solution. Due to the impact-resistant acrylic used in fabrication, the gum-looking base is somewhat bulky, uncomfortable and thick to minimize the risk of breakage for some patients to use long-term. They are relatively inexpensive, and its metal clasps connected to the natural teeth are commonly used as a placeholder to keep teeth from shifting.
• Cast metal partial denture
  Cast metal partial denture is one of the most-used options of removable partial dentures that comprises a rigid, ultra-thin metal base holding a set of acrylic teeth for high quality replacement. They are fabricated using ultra-thin and light cobalt chromium alloy to offer high durability and stability and can be a good permanent solution as they are built to last many years with proper care. However, the clasps that are attached to the metal framework of your remaining teeth can be visible while you speak depending on the location of the partial. Just as acrylic partials, metal clasps connect the denture to existing teeth. Many people also opt for precision attachments that are more aesthetically appealing than these metal clasps.
• Flexible partial denture
  Flexible partial dentures are a great alternative for those who are allergic to cast metal and acrylic partial dentures due to the hypoallergenic materials or find them uncomfortable. These types of partials are comfortable and aesthetically pleasing options made from a thin, lightweight, thermoplastic material that is molded with injections to fit correctly over the gum tissues and are durable enough that comes from tissue attachment to wear them for many years with proper care and cleaning.

Permanent partial dentures

• Fixed bridge
  For people missing one or two teeth with healthy teeth either at the end, the fixed bridge could be the right solution. You can think of these as permanent partial dentures as it remains in your mouth at all times just as your existing teeth, so you won’t need to take it out. However, the main drawback of a fixed bridge is that the surrounding healthy teeth must be ground down and prepared to accept the crowns to support it, placing them at the risk of future decay.
• Implant-supported fixed bridge
  If you are missing too many teeth, or you prefer not to damage any existing teeth structure, then an implant-supported fixed bridge could be the best choice for you. These types of dental implants are small posts made of biocompatible titanium and are permanently placed in your mouth that replace tooth roots. Although this procedure is initially expensive but can be a good investment as this can last for life.

How to choose the best partial dentures?

Partial dentures are the cost-effective solution for restoring your smile as well as your ability to eat and talk normally and for those who are dealing with one or a few missing, damaged or broken teeth. However, not all partial dentures are the same. Dentures vary from a variety of materials including metal, flexible resins or acrylics. You’ll need to consult a prosthodontist dentist to create your partial dentures as they’ll take various factors into consideration such as: anatomy of your mouth, your hand and soft palates, how your remaining teeth are fitting together and also your cosmetic motives. Some partial denture types have benefits and distinct advantages that address certain issues or tooth configurations that others aren’t able to offer. In this article, we’ll discuss the types of partial dentures that dentists commonly prescribe

When considering the partial dentures you will also need to ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have any allergies with metal or acrylic?
• Do I mind if metal clips are seen by others while talking?
• How much budget do I have for partial dentures?