All Smiles Family Dentistry - Dentures, Extractions, Dental Implants, Quick Dentures
Partial Dentures
#What Are Partial Dentures?
**Partial dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth. They consist of a metal framework that connects to replacement teeth. The framework includes clasps that secure the denture to your existing natural teeth. Partial dentures are an affordable way to replace one or more missing teeth. They can restore your smile and allow you to eat more comfortably.
##Types of Partial Dentures
There are several types of **partial dentures**:
##Cast Metal Partial Dentures
These have a metal framework cast in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. The metal framework connects prosthetic teeth to your natural teeth via metal clasps. The Partial dentures replacement teeth are made of plastic or porcelain and matched to your natural tooth color. Cast metal partials are strong, stable, and durable.
##Acrylic **Partial Dentures**
Also called resin dentures, these have a plastic base that contains replacement teeth. A metal framework may be embedded in the acrylic base. The plastic is matched to your gum tissue color. Acrylic partial dentures are lighter weight than metal models but not as durable. They are the most economical type of removable partial denture.
##Flexible **Partial Dentures**
These are made of a flexible nylon resin base that contains replacement teeth. Clasps are embedded in the base and they have a gum-colored pink base. Flexible partials are lightweight yet strong. The resin material allows the denture to flex slightly during chewing. They are comfortable yet durable.
##Temporary or Emergency **Partial Dentures**
These inexpensive partial dentures can promptly replace one or more missing teeth on a temporary basis. They are made in a dental office from acrylic to look like your gums and teeth. They serve as a temporary solution until a permanent custom partial can be made.
##Partial Denture Benefits
There are many benefits to choosing **partial dentures** to replace missing teeth, including:
- Restore your smile and allow you to eat comfortably
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting into empty spaces
- Improve chewing and speaking abilities
- Support facial muscles to prevent sagging and wrinkles
- Stabilize and improve the fit of your complete denture
- Stop negative oral health effects from missing teeth
- Are easily removable for cleaning every day
Partial dentures prevent bone loss and preserve your jawbone structure better than leaving spaces from missing teeth. Unlike fixed bridges or dental implants, partial dentures are removable and do not require alteration of healthy teeth. They provide an affordable tooth replacement option.
##Partial Denture Candidates
**Partial dentures** are ideal for people who are missing several teeth in an area of their mouth. They can fill in spaces where one or more teeth are missing and provide replacement teeth attached to natural teeth on both sides of the space. They require having enough natural teeth remaining to support the metal framework and allow for proper fit.
Candidates missing teeth in the back areas of their mouth are good partial denture choices. People missing several teeth either on top or bottom arches can benefit greatly. Partial dentures can also serve as short-term tooth replacements before getting permanent solutions like dental implants or fixed bridges.
Those with good oral health and healthy natural teeth are the best candidates. People open to wearing a removable partial denture, caring for it properly, and visiting the dentist for adjustments can have success.
##The Partial Denture Process
Getting partial dentures requires several steps for proper fit and optimal function:
Impressions
The dentist will take impressions of your teeth and gums. These molds are used to create plaster models for the partial framework design. Digital oral scanning may also be used.
Framework Fit
You will return to try in the metal framework of the partial denture on the plaster models to ensure proper fit before the teeth are added. Fit and retention will be checked and adjusted.
Try-In
At your next visit, you will try in the partial denture with the replacement teeth in place. Color match to natural teeth, placement, and bite will be verified. Adjustments will be made before the final delivery.
Delivery
At delivery, fit, placement, comfort, and bite are all double-checked. Instructions for wearing, speaking, chewing, and caring for your new partial are provided. Several follow-up visits may fine-tune the denture.
Caring for Your **Partial Denture**
Like natural teeth, proper daily care of your **partial denture** is vital:
- Clean the denture and your natural teeth twice per day.
- Rinse dentures after eating and brushing.
- Use a denture brush and toothpaste to gently clean the denture.
- Soak dentures in cleaner every day.
- Schedule regular dental visits for adjustment and inspection.
- Remove dentures at night. They need time to rest for long-term health.
- Store the partial in water or a cleansing solution overnight.
- Avoid hot water, harsh cleaners, and vigorous brushing which can damage partials.
- Watch for cracks, warping, and wear that require repair or replacement.
Caring properly for your partial denture and remaining natural teeth is key to preventing more tooth loss. With good oral hygiene at home and professional care from your dentist, partial dentures can last 5 years or more before replacement.
##Consult a Dentist About Partial Dentures
**Partial dentures successfully restore attractive smiles and allow people to enjoy their favorite foods again. Replacing one or more missing teeth with a removable partial can provide natural-looking, affordable tooth replacements. These restoration appliances prevent the negative effects of missing teeth.
If you are missing multiple teeth, partial dentures may be your best option. Consult with your dentist to determine whether they could help solve your tooth loss problem. Modern partial dentures are comfortable, functional, and nearly indistinguishable from real teeth. Find out if a partial could help you smile and eat with confidence again.
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