When faced with the prospect of dentures, many patients are worried about fit, comfort, and function, and with good reason. In the past, both full and partial dentures could be clunky, uncomfortable, and ill-fitting, always with the threat of moving or even popping out. These days, precision-attachment partial dentures are changing all of that with a design that ensures patient comfort while offering superior function and stability.
What are precision-attachment partial dentures?
Partial dentures with precision attachments use two parts, snapped together, to keep dentures stable in the mouth. Made of metal, plastic, or some combination of both, precision-attachment partial dentures are anchored to a crown in the patient’s mouth.
The “male” part of the precision-attachment dentures is located on the crown, and the “female” part is affixed to the removable partial denture. When snapped in place, these affordable dentures appear natural and function just as normal teeth.
Types of partial dentures
There are two main types of partial dentures: removable and fixed.
Removable dentures are formed on a plastic base and can be popped in and out of the mouth as needed. The attachments can circle existing healthy teeth on either side of the gap being filled by the denture, and the denture itself snaps into these attachments.
Fixed dentures are also sometimes called implant-supported dental bridges. This type of denture uses implants installed directly into the jaw to attach the denture. Some fixed dentures are also attached to crowns.
Precision-attachment partial dentures are a type of removable denture. They can be snapped in and out as needed.
What are the benefits of removable partial dentures with precision attachments?
Removable partial dentures have many benefits for those patients who choose them.
The first benefit is that removable partial dentures are less invasive than dental implants. There are no major surgeries involved in removable partial dentures, just a fitting and then the installation of a crown.
Another benefit of removable partial dentures is that they can fill large gaps in teeth. Partial bridges are an option that many patients may explore, but those are really for smaller gaps of just a few teeth. Large gaps can often create more problems for existing healthy teeth. These dentures prevent movement of other teeth and help keep the bite healthy.
Removable vs. fixed partial dentures
Removable partial dentures with precision attachments have additional benefits above and beyond traditional partial dentures. While all removable partial dentures are a relatively stable option, precision-attachment partial dentures are designed specifically to prevent the muscular and gravitational forces from moving the partial denture during normal activity (such as speaking and eating). This helps the wearer to have more confidence, which can be an important part of any dental procedure outcome.
The attachments on precision-attachment partial dentures are also located inside the denture itself instead of on the outside (as with traditional partial dentures). The attachments are placed on the abutting teeth as a crown instead of encircling them with a visible metal or plastic attachment. This makes the appliance look much more natural as well.
In addition, partial dentures with precision attachments are among the most affordable dentures out there. If something does happen that damages the dentures, they are easily repaired or affordably replaced.
Whichever type of partial dentures a patient chooses, they play an important part of overall dental health. Partial dentures prevent remaining teeth from shifting and causing other dental challenges. They maintain the shape of your face and make chewing and speaking much easier. Finally, partial dentures prevent further periodontal disease, protecting your oral health, easing the stress in your jaw, and maintaining a natural skeletal structure.
What should I expect?
When you decide on precision-attachment partial dentures, the teeth on either side of the denture will be prepared. This might mean addressing any underlying issues that exist (e.g., cavities or periodontal disease) before the precision attachments can be installed. Supporting teeth are also shaped to receive the attachment.
Your dentist will then make a mold of your teeth, including the prepared teeth. This will be used to carefully craft the attachments so that they fit the teeth on either side of the denture. Your dentist will install the precision attachments, and then take a new model of your mouth, including the attachments. This mold will be used to customize a denture that matches the precise size and shape of your other teeth.
In many cases, they’ll create a “wax up” first. This is a wax model of the denture that you can try on to check for fit before your dentist models the actual teeth. This step can go a long way to ensure patient comfort and accurate fit, as corrections can be easily made at this stage.
Finally, the denture is created and installed. At this point, your dentist can make adjustments to bite.
New denture challenges
There is an adjustment period for precision-attachment partial dentures. This is especially true if you have been missing teeth for a long period of time. When eating, chew slowly and carefully. Avoid very sticky foods or anything that is very hard.
You may also find that pronouncing certain words is challenging at first; this is completely normal and should become much easier as you adjust to your new dentures.
If you experience any clicking or popping sounds as you talk or chew, speak with your dentist to make sure that the dentures are properly fitted and installed.
Continue practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing as directed. Precision-attachment partial dentures can be removed for cleaning, too. Talk to your dentist for specific hygiene recommendations.
For any questions about affordable dentures in the Phoenix area, reach out to AZ Dentist today. We’d love to schedule a complete exam and discuss your options.