Partial dentures are just what they sound like. Unlike full dentures which replace one full arch of your teeth, these tooth replacement solutions replace just a few teeth on either the upper or lower half of your mouth. If you need several teeth replaced, partial dentures can be a quick and easy, cost-effective way to restore your smile.
What are Partial Dentures?
Think of partial dentures as just like regular dentures, but with less teeth. They are made of the same materials, adhere, and removed in the same way, and require the same care. The only real difference is that partial dentures are designed to fit around existing teeth to replace what’s missing or has been removed. They can be a great option for people who want to keep the healthy teeth they have, or for those who only need a few teeth replaced.
Partial dentures can be made out of a variety of materials depending on the type and your needs.
Types of Partial Dentures
Depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend one of the following most common types of partial dentures.
Acrylic Partial Dentures
An acrylic partial denture is made of a durable acrylic plastic base with a denture tooth on top. The acrylic is usually colored pink to match your gums for a natural appearance, with a small metal clasp to attach the partial denture to your other teeth.
This type of partial denture tends to be a bit bulky due to the nature of the material. However, since acrylic is very widely available, these partial dentures are cost-effective and easily obtainable. At Affordable Dentures & Implants, most of our acrylic partial dentures can be made on the same-day.
Cast Metal Partial Dentures
Cast metal partial dentures have a strong metal framework, usually visible only on the back side, which fits snugly against your existing teeth. The rest of the denture is a natural-looking false gum and denture-tooth construction.
We love to recommend cast metal partial dentures because our patients report a more comfortable, less bulky experience without sacrificing durability. However, cast metal dentures do take additional time to manufacture and are not available as quickly as other options.
Flexible Partial Dentures
Flexible partial dentures are made with a unique, more flexible material than acrylic dentures, as the name suggests. This flexibility adds an even more naturalistic fit and feel to your everyday eating, talking, and activity. Because of its softer appearance, these dentures also look the most natural when you open your mouth or smile.
Since the material used to make flexible partial dentures is more premium, they tend to be a little bit harder to find and may have a higher price tag associated with them. Flexible partial dentures also require additional time to manufacture and are not available on the same day at participating Affordable Dentures & Implants practices.
Benefits of Partial Dentures
If you’re “only” missing a few teeth, you may wonder why partial dentures are even necessary. But, even if it’s not affecting your confidence, just one missing tooth can have drastic effects on your overall oral hygiene.
- When a tooth or teeth is missing, you may experience changes in or pain when speaking or eating. Partial dentures can help return you to normal function.
- A single missing tooth also cause shifting in your remaining teeth, which can affect your bite and your smile’s appearance. Partial dentures help prevent your existing teeth from shifting, preventing future issues.
- Partial dentures also help prevent bone loss, which can occur when a tooth is missing — since a tooth’s root helps keep the jawbone healthy.
Proper Care and Maintenance of Partial Dentures
Caring for your partial denture ensures they look, feel, and perform to their fullest extent for the life of the denture.
Partial dentures are a removable tooth replacement solution and must be removed and cleaned every night. Cleaning your partial dentures is as simple as brushing away any debris with a soft-bristled toothbrush, then soaking the partial denture overnight in a mild denture cleaner.
Since partial dentures are held in place with your existing teeth, it’s also important to take care of your natural teeth as well! Make sure you are brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once, plus maintaining a regular check-up schedule with your dentist. Your dentist can also check the fit of your partial dentures during your regular check-ups to ensure an ongoing comfortable fit.
You Deserve to Love Your Smile!
Partial dentures are a great, cost-effective way to protect your oral health and restore your smile — sometimes the very same day as your initial appointment. If you’re thinking that partial dentures may be a good fit for your lifestyle, schedule an appointment with a dentist to see how Affordable Dentures & Implants can help you love your smile with same-day turnarounds.