What Are the Different Types of Partial Dentures?
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Partial dentures can fill in the gap left by one or more missing teeth and are a popular and affordable solution for tooth loss. However, several types are available, and it’s useful to understand their differences.
This article explains more about a partial denture, how it works, and the different types that could help address tooth loss. After reading it, you should have a good understanding of treatment and no more about what to expect when you see your dentist.
First, it’s important to understand the difference between a removable partial denture and a fixed partial denture.
A removable partial denture is the most cost-effective way to replace one or more missing teeth. You can insert it into your mouth and remove it for regular cleaning. It must be left out overnight to allow your gums to recover.
Most partial dentures have clasps. These fit around your existing teeth and help increase the denture’s retention, ensuring it remains firmly in place.
Below are the different types of removable partial dentures available.
Read More: Tips for Eating with New Dentures
Most partial dentures have a gum-colored base made from acrylic and supported by a cast metal framework. Denture teeth are attached to the gum-colored base.
These dentures can have cast metal clasps that fit around your teeth. Some have precision attachments that slot into special attachments in crowns fitted over your natural teeth. The result is a relatively comfortable and precise fitting prosthesis.
An acrylic-only partial denture is also called a dental flipper and usually only replaces one or two teeth at most. It is less stable than a partial denture with a metal framework and, therefore, only tends to be used as a temporary solution.
Your dentist may suggest you have a dental flipper if you need a tooth removed, and you must let the gum and bone underneath heal before replacing it. Alternatively this solution can be used while you decide on a more permanent way to replace a missing tooth.
Flexible partial dentures are made from a flexible nylon base that is gum-colored but slightly translucent so your natural gum color can shine through. Denture teeth are attached to the flexible base. The clasps around your natural teeth are made from the same material.
These dentures are suitable for anybody with an acrylic allergy or who finds it tricky to wear a metal or acrylic denture comfortably. Their flexibility makes them a good and easy-to-wear option, but they don’t have the same type of stability.
Dentists will only likely recommend this solution in specific circumstances. Their lack of strength and stability makes them less suitable for replacing multiple missing teeth or a complete arch.
Read More: How Long Does It Take for a Dental Bone Graft to Heal?
The procedure for a removable partial denture is quick, non-invasive, and unlikely to involve any modifications to your natural teeth. However, sometimes, a dentist will make minor adjustments to teeth to enable clasps to fit around them more securely.
Your dentist will take a detailed dental impression of your mouth that will be used to fabricate your partial denture. The dental impression is sent to the dental lab along with your prescription, including the denture teeth you and your dentist chose. The lab will make a try-in version of your denture for an initial fitting.
If you have a cast metal framework partial denture, this will be made first, and your dentist may want to try it in the mouth to ensure it fits properly before a try-in version is made with the denture teeth.
A try-in denture may have wax to replicate the acrylic, supporting your chosen denture teeth. Your dentist can try this denture in your mouth, ensuring it fits well and provides good functionality. Any changes can be made at this stage.
You may require several try-in appointments to get the fit as perfect as possible before the permanent denture is made in the dental lab. The wax is replaced with acrylic, and the denture is hand-finished before it is returned for fitting by your dentist.
A removable partial denture will require several appointments to ensure it fits properly and that you are satisfied with the final outcome.
A fixed partial denture is a non-removable restoration. Once your dentist fits in your mouth, it remains there until it needs replacing entirely. You will clean the fixed partial denture while it is still in place.
Another name for a fixed partial denture is a fixed dental bridge. Natural teeth or dental implants can support a dental bridge.
A traditional dental bridge uses your natural teeth for support. You can have a dental bridge to replace one or more missing teeth, but these must be side-by-side.
You also need healthy teeth that are strong enough to support the dental bridge, preferably on either side of the gap. These support teeth are called abutment teeth.
The abutment teeth are reshaped and covered with dental crowns. These crowns can be made from lifelike porcelain to look and feel natural. The porcelain crowns are then attached to the replacement teeth, which are also made from porcelain. Each replacement tooth is called a pontic, shaped to look and feel natural, and rests directly on the gum underneath.
A dental bridge is made in the dental lab and normally takes a couple of weeks to fabricate. When it is ready your dentist will try it in the mouth, and, once they are happy with the fit, cement it permanently onto the abutment teeth.
Traditional dental bridges are widely used and are a popular solution for tooth loss. They are durable and relatively long-lasting.
The major disadvantage of this treatment is the need to reshape potentially healthy teeth for crowns. It is always undesirable to remove healthy tooth structure unless necessary. Once removed, the tooth structure can only ever be replaced artificially.
Read More: Dental Implants: A 5-Step Plan to Restoring Your Teeth
An implant-supported bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but instead of using natural teeth for support, it uses dental implants.
Dental implants are small screws or posts that can be made from medical-grade titanium alloy or zirconia. These are inserted into your jawbone during a short surgical procedure. Over 2 to 6 months, the implant posts become firmly fused in your jawbone and are strong enough to support a bridge.
Implant crowns are fabricated to fit onto the posts, supporting one or more pontic teeth between them. An implant bridge can be cemented onto the dental implants or, more likely, is screwed permanently in place.
The screws fit directly through the bridge and onto the implant posts. The screw holes are then covered with tooth-colored composite resin so they are invisible. Screwing the bridge in place allows your dentist to retrieve it easily if any maintenance is needed.
Using dental implants for tooth loss is increasingly popular and is the most modern solution available. Dental implants are long-lasting with the right after-care and can potentially last for life. Because they are self-supporting, no modifications to your natural teeth are needed. The implant posts also protect your jawbone against bone resorption.
Although this is the most expensive procedure available initially, it can prove more cost-effective since it should last a long time.
The right choice will depend on the number of teeth missing, your dental and overall health, your personal preference, and your budget. While removable partial dentures are more affordable, many prefer a fixed solution.
The best way to make the right choice is to see your dentist, who can explain each option in more detail and show you samples of each type of bridge available. They can also provide you with a custom treatment plan showing the anticipated costs of all tooth loss solutions.
This page was modified on by Dr. Alexander Bokser, DDS (Dentist) of Precision Dental NYC
Dr. Alexander Bokser is a dentist in Astoria, NY and Bayside, NY. He received his degree from New York University College of Dentistry, licensed by the New York State Board of Regents and the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners.
He is currently teaching dentistry at Albert Einstein School of Medicine. Dr. Bokser has received numerous awards in dentistry and community service. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and North Queens Dental Study Club.
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