A Removable Partial Denture is an option your prosthodontist can suggest in case you have missing teeth.
Its main advantage? This dental prosthesis helps patients to chew and smile again, while preventing the remaining natural teeth from shifting.
Other options for replacing missing teeth are dental implants and fixed dentures. All of them have the same aim: to restore oral health function and aesthetics.
After a consultation, your dentist will analyze your situation and suggest the different possibilities for you to decide.
Removable Partial Dentures is one way to restore your missing teeth while improving your facial appearance and self-confidence.
What are Removable Partial Dentures?
A Removable Partial Denture consists of a pink or gum-colored plastic base to which the new, artificial, replacement teeth are attached to. Sometimes a metal framework holds the denture in place inside the mouth.
Partial Removable Dentures are the best option when, even if the patient has a number of missing teeth, one or more natural teeth are still present in the upper jaw or lower jaw. This is because Removable Partial Dentures need to be attached to natural teeth either with clasps or with some other device acting as precision attachments.
How Many Types of Removable Partial Dentures are There?
Once you and your prosthodontist have decided that a Removable Partial Denture is what you need, it’s time to choose from the options available.
There are three different types of Partial Removable Dentures:
·Cast Metal Removable Partial Dentures
These are the most common type of partials. They use metal clasps or precision attachments to connect to your natural teeth a metal base that is made of cobalt-chromium alloy.
The difference between metal clasps and precision attachments is aesthetics. If you care about how your partial looks , you may choose less noticeable precision attachments that slide into preparations. Generally, these dentures cost more than those with metal clasps, but will look more natural.
Cast Metal Removable Partial Dentures are a good permanent solution that can last many years.
·Acrylic Clasp Removable Partial Dentures
These dentures are also known as “dental flippers”. They are made of pink material that rests on the tissue in your mouth. This material is weaker and might easily break; so these are, in general, recommended only as a temporary solution. They can wear these until your Cast Metal Removable Partial Dentures are ready.
In addition, flippers are the least expensive type of removable denture, but are not as comfortable as the others due to the thickness of the acrylic base.
·Flexible Partial Dentures
A Flexible Partial Denture is a good temporary alternative for those patients who are allergic to cast metal or to acrylic. These dentures are made of a very thin type of plastic, are comfortable and look good aesthetically.
Although flexible partial dentures are the most expensive type, and do not last as long as metal cast ones, they can be an adequate option to restore your missing teeth.
What are the advantages of Removable Partial Dentures?
The advantages of using Removable Partial Dentures are many:
Improved function: They make it easier to talk and chew again.
Smiling confidently: Removable Partial Dentures will fill the gap caused by missing teeth and you will feel confident when talking and smiling.
Improved aesthetics: These dentures will maintain the shape of your face.
Less expensive than other restorations: If compared to other tooth replacement options (such as fixed dentures and all-on-4 implant dentures), Removable Partial Dentures are a less expensive alternative.
Can be reshaped over time: In some cases, depending on the type, additional teeth may be added to the denture over time.
Easier to adapt: Removable Partial Dentures are generally more comfortable than a complete denture.
What is the Difference between Removable and Fixed Dentures?
Removable and Fixed Dentures have, as a starting point, the same goal: that the patient can eat and smile again.
However, there are many differences to consider.
Removable Dentures:
· They are used to replace missing teeth.
·They restore appearance, chewing and speaking.
·They do not last forever. As jaw changes its shape, dentures need to be replaced.
·They are used during the day and stored in water or denture cleansers during nighttime.
·Patient needs to avoid certain foods to take care of Removable Partial Dentures.
Fixed Dentures:
·They are used to replace missing teeth.
·They restore appearance, chewing, speaking and FUNCTION.
·Dental implants help prevent bone deterioration.
·They have similar strength and function as natural teeth.
·You can eat everything, as if you had natural teeth.
·As there is no bone reabsorption, the jaw will not change its shape and dentures will continue to fit, in most cases, during a lifetime.
How do I Know I Need Removable Partial Dentures?
Here is a list of good reasons to visit a prosthodontist and find out about Removable Partial Dentures:
·You have several missing teeth, but some of your natural teeth are still in good condition.
·You have lost self-confidence and have stopped smiling due to missing teeth.
·You have tooth loss or severe periodontal disease.
If you are going through one or more of these painful situations, do not wait long to schedule an appointment with a specialist.
What Should I Expect during the Denture Fitting Process?
Denture development treatments take some weeks and several visits to your prosthodontist. After a comprehensive exam, the specialist will give you detailed information about what is going on in your mouth. He or she will tell you if you are a candidate for Removable Partial Dentures.
If you are a candidate, here is what to expect during the process:
- Your prosthodontist will make some impressions of your jaw.
2. Your prosthodontist will create Models to try in as many times as needed.
3.Your prosthodontist will cast the final partial denture.
4.Adjustments will be made if necessary before the patient goes home with a new set of teeth.
What Happens after the Removable Partial Denture is Ready to Use?
When your removable denture is ready, you will be able to smile and chew properly again. But, of course, there might be discomfort at first. This is part of the adaptation period.
New removable dentures may feel a little odd, uncomfortable or loose for some time until your mouth gets used to them.
Patients may also have irritation, but it will diminish as the mouth adjusts.
Apart from regular visits, patients need to go in for general checkups. After some time, dentures need to be adjusted. This is because as people grow older, their mouth changes and this can affect the fit of the denture.
When this happens, your dentist or prosthodontist should adjust the Removable Partial Denture to avoid possible mouth sores, infections or functional problems.
How to Take Care of your New Removable Dentures?
In the same way you look after natural teeth.
Floss and brush them carefully. Also, don’t forget attending regular consultations with your prosthodontist.
In regards to chewing, you will need to be careful and avoid certain foods. Remember that teeth in Removable Partial Dentures are not as hard and resistant as natural teeth or as fixed dentures.
Tips to Follow After You Get Your Removable Dentures:
-The first days, in order to get used to your new Removable Partial Dentures, it’s better to start eating soft foods. Chew slowly.
-As time goes by, and you start getting used to the denture, you can add other foods progressively until you return to your normal diet.
-Do not chew on hard items like ice.
-Avoid chewing gum or candies.
Nowadays, there are plenty of options you can choose from to replace your missing teeth.
If you want to restore your smile, eat as you used to, and improve your self-confidence, the first step is a visit to your prosthodontist.
