You have lost several teeth and are worried that you are doomed to spend the rest of your life self-conscious or with obvious artificial replacements. Do not give up hope. Today’s partial dentures are comfortable and natural looking stand-ins for teeth.
What is a partial denture?
Partial dentures take the place of one or more of your missing teeth. Whereas dental bridges often use the adjacent teeth to secure the restoration with metal clips or a dental crown, these dentures can sit directly on the gum, even surrounding a remaining natural tooth. They may also be mounted on a retainer-like metal structure.
There are other types of attachments for partial dentures (see below), some of which do not use the remaining teeth. In these cases, this is because the remaining teeth, although not damaged enough to extract, are simply not healthy enough to support a dental restoration.
If remaining teeth are healthy, your dentist may choose to use them to secure the denture in place.
What are the different types of partial dentures?
When choosing partial dentures for restoration, there are many different things to consider. Removable partial dentures and fixed dentures are available, depending on your lifestyle and your personal preference.
Removable dentures may be constructed on a frame that attaches to adjacent teeth or fits snugly over gums. These can be removed easily, snapping in and out. The advantage of these dentures is that they are more affordable and do not require surgery or long healing times.
Fixed partial dentures, on the other hand, are held in place by crowns placed on adjacent teeth on either side of the gap. People with fixed dentures often report feeling more secure in their stability and less worried that they will come loose or pop out.
Partial denture materials
Whether you are replacing front or back teeth, there are several materials and constructions to choose from.
The three main types of partial dentures are:
- Cast metal partial dentures
- Flexible partial dentures
- Tooth flipper
Cast metal partial dentures
These partial dentures are made of both metal and acrylic. The metal frame holds the replacement teeth and has clasps connected to crowns on either side of the gap. Gum-colored acrylic hides the metal frame, but the clasps may be visible when the partial denture is snapped into place.
When you need dentures for back teeth, cast metal partial dentures are usually the choice. They are very sturdy and long lasting, excellent for hard chewing surfaces.
Flexible partial dentures
These dentures are made in one piece that snaps in between teeth. Lightweight and comfortable, the nylon material is easy to tolerate for most patients. Natural teeth do not need to be altered, and there are no visible clasps or metal parts.
These may be good for front teeth in that the attachments are not visible and there is less biting force applied to the teeth.
Tooth flipper
A tooth flipper replaces a single missing tooth with a natural and minimally invasive look. An artificial tooth attaches to a retainer that fits easily in your mouth.
In many cases, your dentist will use a tooth flipper temporarily while a more permanent, customized partial denture is made.
Tooth flippers are a good temporary option but because they are so lightweight, they are not a good long-term solution. Think of these as placeholders for more permanent partial dentures.
What should I expect with partial dentures?
The procedure for these types of dentures varies depending on whether you are getting removable or fixed partial dentures. For both, your dentist examines your jaw thoroughly and discusses your options to see which will be the best choice for you in terms of function and affordability.
Your dentist then takes impressions of your jaw to see how the remaining teeth fit and how the upper and lower jaw currently come together. They make models of your jaw, carefully shaping the area for the partial denture. At this point, they will ask you to try on the form to check the fit and bite. This process continues as long as it takes to ensure a proper fit and comfortable feel.
Once the mold is made, your partial dentures are cast. Your dentist may offer a temporary denture while the permanent ones are being made. If you have chosen fixed dentures, your dentist may also take this time to add crowns to the adjacent teeth or install clips to hold a removable denture in place.
When your partial dentures are ready, your dentist will put them in place and check for fit and comfort.
What is recovery like?
It is important to note that a period of adjustment generally occurs when you get your partial dentures. Your cheeks and jaws need to get used to the new appliance, and they may be sore.
In addition, even though partial dentures are designed to stay in place when you eat, this can feel strange at first. As you adjust to your partial dentures, cut food into smaller bites and chew slowly. Make sure to chew on both sides of the mouth, as usual, and avoid hard or sticky foods as you are adjusting.
Of course, if you are feeling any soreness that does not go away in the first couple of weeks, check back in with your dentist.
How do I take care of them?
Care for your partial dentures as you would all of your other teeth. Brush properly twice a day and floss at least once. Removable dentures can be removed and rinsed or brushed. Keep in mind that if you remove your partial dentures, they need to be stored in water to prevent warping.
Where can I get partial dentures in the Phoenix area?
While they are not the same as your natural teeth, affordable partial dentures in the Phoenix area are a beautiful way to restore your lovely smile.
If you live in Scottsdale or the greater Phoenix area, partial dentures are just one phone call away. Contact AZ Dentist today to explore your options.