Partial dentures are removable dentures that are used to replace more than one tooth in the lower and upper jaw. Partial dentures are not just cosmetic devices. They can also drastically improve the way you chew and speak.

It is a fact that teeth keep on shifting whenever a gap is created (because of tooth loss). Partial dentures play a crucial role in maintaining the placement of such shifting teeth in your mouth. Also, you do not need to wear partial dentures all day. It is generally recommended that you remove dentures at night and clean them. 

Why should you choose partial dentures over bridges? 

Bridges act as another efficient teeth replacement alternative to partial dentures. They have striking similarities because partial dentures and bridges help replace several missing teeth. The differences are that partial dentures can replace teeth on either side of your mouth, but in the case of bridges, they can replace teeth on any one side of your mouth. Also, partial dentures are temporary and can be easily removed, but in the case of bridges, they tend to be permanently glued to your gums.

Need for partial dentures

Partial dentures will be helpful to you only if you have lost several teeth on either side of your jaw. You might have experienced the loss of a tooth due to any injury or tooth extraction; partial dentures can do wonders for you. However, since you have already lost several of your precious teeth, you must care for your remaining ones. If you fail to do so, the rest of your teeth will also have to be extracted, and you would need complete dentures instead of partial ones.

Types of partial dentures

Anterior partial dentures

The partial dentures, which efficiently replace the frontal portion of your teeth, are the anterior partial dentures. They are easily visible while you eat or speak. These partial dentures make you look charming when you smile. Also, these help you bite through your food.

Posterior partial dentures

The partial dentures, which efficiently replace the backward portion of your teeth, are the posterior partial dentures. They are not that easily visible. These partial dentures help you eat, chew your food, and speak well. They also prevent a sunken-cheeked look.

Factors to consider in partial dentures

Location

The location of the partial denture or where it should be placed in your mouth is important. If you want partial dentures for cosmetic purposes, you should opt for anterior partial dentures. But if you need partial dentures to help you speak and chew, your dentist will recommend posterior dentures.

Number of teeth on the dentures

Consider how many teeth replacements you need, and accordingly, you need to choose a partial denture. If you feel that you should go for a complete denture instead of a partial one, that is also possible. But before that, the dentist may have to extract your teeth, even the healthy ones.

Durability

If you take proper care of your dentures, they can work efficiently for five years. Dentists generally recommend partial dentures after they have extracted your decayed tooth because the dentists want your gum to heal properly. The healing of gums takes approximately six months. After this period, either you can stick to partial dentures or shift to permanent dentures, depending on what you feel most comfortable with.

Why should you choose partial dentures over bridges? 

Bridges act as another efficient teeth replacement alternative to partial dentures. They have striking similarities because partial dentures. Bridges help replace several missing teeth. The differences are that partial dentures can replace teeth on either side of your mouth, but in the case of bridges, they can replace teeth only on any one side of your mouth. Also, partial dentures are temporary and can be easily removable, but in the case of bridges, they tend to be permanently fixed.

Materials used to create partial dentures

Metal

Cobalt, Titanium, and Chromium are the metals that are generally used to make partial dentures. Cobalt and chromium are very safe for the human gum, but titanium is sometimes seen to react and cause inflammation in your gums. 

Polymers and plastic

Plastic partial dentures are gaining popularity slowly. This is because they are lighter than their metal counterpart and economical. Apart from these advantages, partial plastic dentures are more appealing aesthetically since they have no exposed metal ends. Also, they are easy to wear and can be repaired without much difficulty.

What are flexible dentures?

These are a type of plastic dentures that are made of thermoplastic. The unique feature of these flexible dentures is their ultra-lightweight and flexibility. Also, they are fragile, and you might not even feel that you are wearing dentures. But these flexible dentures have certain disadvantages as well. Due to their thin feature, they are not durable. Also, they are not easy to repair either. In addition to this, unlike other partial dentures that can be worn directly, these particular dentures need to be warmed in water for about a minute, and then only can they be worn. 

How are partial dentures fitted in your mouth? 

Partial dentures are generally fitted in your mouth via precision attachments or clasps. Clasps are generally made of metal and usually encircle between your tooth and the partial dentures. Precision attachments are attached to the existing dental implants. These attachments are customized for your specific dental needs. In general, the precision attachment will cost you more than clasps.

What is the cost of partial dentures? 

Partial Dentures vary significantly in their cost. Therefore, this depends on various factors.

Material used: Flexible partial dentures and metal dentures cost more than plastic dentures.

The number of teeth replaced: The amount increases with each tooth’s addition to the replacement list.

Location of the partial dentures: Anterior partial dentures cost more than posterior partial dentures.

Method of fitting of partial dentures: Precision attachment costs more than clasps

Conclusion

Partial dentures are an excellent idea to cover up with missing teeth that you have lost due to unavoidable circumstances. But, it is necessary to have some healthy teeth. Otherwise, installing partial dentures is not possible. Furthermore, even after installing these dentures, you need to manage your oral hygiene.