Partial dentures are an excellent option for patients missing one or more teeth. They can also help improve the appearance of a smile and boost self-esteem.
They’re made using acrylic or a combination of metal and acrylic, and are attached to existing teeth with either metal clasps or precision attachments. There are many types of Partial Dentures to choose from, depending on the needs of the patient and the cosmetic goals of the dentist.
Traditional partials are made of a rigid, ultra-thin metal base and a set of acrylic teeth. They’re anchored to crowns on adjacent teeth and come in a variety of colors to match your natural teeth.
These are one of the most common types of partials, and many people opt for them because they’re affordable and easy to care for. They can be modified to be more comfortable or easier to clean, and some can be made of a non-metal material for comfort, aesthetic, or hypoallergenic reasons.
Some flexible dentures are made with thermoplastic clasps that don’t obstruct the smile. These are also an inexpensive and comfortable choice for some patients, but they may not be as attractive or functional as other options.
Whether you’re a good candidate for partial dentures depends on several factors, including how much of your natural tooth structure remains and whether your oral hygiene is adequate. For example, if you have very bad gum disease, it’s unlikely that a partial denture will work well for you.
The size and shape of your remaining natural teeth also affect the type of partial denture you’ll be best suited for. Some patients find that full dentures cause them to swallow too much food, which can lead to choking, so partials are a better option for them.
They can also be less invasive than bridgework, and they don’t require the removal of surrounding teeth. They are reversible and can be removed for cleaning, which is especially important if you have a strong gag reflex or have difficulty swallowing.
Your dentist will carefully evaluate your mouth and determine if you’re a good candidate for partials. If so, they’ll take impressions of your gums and teeth, and will design the partial denture based on these impressions.
Once the partial denture has been designed, it will be sent to a dental laboratory to be fabricated. During this process, your dentist will make sure the denture fits properly and looks great.
A partial denture is an effective way to restore your smile and help you eat better. It can also help prevent the further loss of other teeth and support your bite.
They’re a permanent solution to replacing missing teeth, and they can last up to 10 years or longer, depending on your oral health and maintenance habits. They’re a good option for most patients, but they must be used with great care to prevent damage to your mouth and to your remaining teeth.
The best way to know if you’re a good candidate is to schedule an appointment with your dentist, who can take an in-depth examination of your oral health and discuss your individual dental treatment goals.