People often lose teeth because of decay or injury. Lost teeth can lead to a lack of confidence and discomfort. It can also make chewing food harder and affect your overall health. Luckily, removable partial dentures can help with this problem. They are an ideal option to replace missing or damaged teeth.
Partial dentures resemble your natural teeth, helping to restore your facial shape and improve your smile while supporting good dental health. If considering removable partial dentures, you should know your choices and select the right one. This blog will discuss the various types of removable partial dentures, their advantages and disadvantages, and help you find the best option for your smile.
An Overview of Removable Partial Dentures
A removable partial denture (RPD) is a dental appliance designed for patients with missing teeth who want replacements for either function or aesthetics. This denture is removable because patients can take it out and put it back on their own, unlike a fixed denture, which a dentist must remove.
Removable partial dentures make it easier to chew and talk. They are specially made to fit your mouth and support your lips and cheeks, which helps keep your facial shape. They also help keep the surrounding teeth in the right place, stopping them from moving around.
Dentists recommend that patients wear removable partial dentures daily to eat comfortably and enhance their smile. You should take them out to clean them at night to allow your mouth tissues to rest from the prosthesis.
Common Types of Removable Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are available in various forms and made from flexible, metal, or acrylic resins. Below are the different kinds of partial dentures that a dentist often recommends.
Flexible Dentures
Flexible dentures are crafted from a thin, flexible material such as nylon. This soft and pliable material shapes itself into your mouth, giving it its name. The dentures’ design makes them comfortable to wear so you can talk, drink, and eat easily. Unlike regular dentures, flexible ones do not have metal clasps, which adds to the comfort. They are made from solid material that helps prevent damage if they drop.
Unlike regular hard dentures, flexible dentures can adapt to how your jaw and tongue move.
Flexible dentures look natural because they mimic the color of your gums. Instead of the metal clasps in traditional dentures, flexible ones use clear or gum-colored clasps that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
These dentures are not a good choice for patients with serious gum disease. Bacteria can thrive under dentures, so those with gum issues or at risk should be careful when using them.
Cast Metal Partial Dentures
This partial denture provides comfort and is an excellent fit for removable tooth replacements. It has high-quality resin teeth attached to a metallic frame. The metal clasps connect the frame to the remaining natural teeth.
If you take good care of both your teeth and partial dentures, the cast metal denture can last around ten years before needing replacement. These dentures are also ideal for individuals seeking a lightweight and sturdy solution to replace up to 12 missing teeth in one arch. The metal frames help keep the partially secure during chewing.
Some people may find metal clasps unappealing when they smile. Thanks to new technology, some clasps blend in with the color of teeth or gums, making them more appealing and hard to notice. Still, metal partial dentures are not recommended for individuals with gum issues or frequent cavities.
Acrylic Partial Dentures
Dental specialists typically recommend acrylic partial dentures as a quick solution for missing teeth until a long-term replacement is ready. These dentures fill gaps left by missing teeth with artificial teeth. A pink acrylic base holds them in place, attaching to natural teeth with metal clasps.
Acrylic partial dentures are commonly used to replace one to six teeth right after dental extractions. They support patients in having a full set of functional teeth during their recovery and are one of the least expensive options for partial dentures.
The pink acrylic base design is thick enough to support the artificial teeth and reduce the risk of breakage. However, some patients may find that their tongue has less space and struggle with speech, so denturists often do not recommend this type of denture as a long-term solution.
The Pros and Cons of Partial Dentures
Every treatment option has advantages and disadvantages. Replacing lost teeth with a dental appliance is quite similar. The objective is to pick a treatment that offers more benefits than drawbacks. Let us look at some usual pros and cons of partial dentures.
The Benefits of Removable Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are more cost-effective than tooth replacement methods like bridges or dental implants. They come with several advantages, such as:
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Comfort
Removable partial dentures are often better than extracting all-natural teeth and using a complete denture. Clasps secure them to remaining teeth, preventing movement while speaking or eating. This design makes them more stable than complete dentures.
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They are Cost-Effective
If you have to replace one or more teeth, a partial denture is an affordable option that enhances both looks and function.
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They Help Boost Your Self-Esteem
People usually notice your smile first, so having missing teeth can affect how others perceive you. Many people feel less self-assured about their looks when there are gaps in their teeth, whether they are speaking, eating, or yawning.
Partial dentures resemble your natural teeth, helping them blend in seamlessly. Thus, you can feel more self-assured in various social situations.
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Non Invasive
Partial dentures do not involve surgery. During your first visit, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a custom denture that you can use immediately. Some patients even choose immediate or same-day dentures, made on the same day as tooth extractions.
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Non-Permanent
Partial dentures are a more adaptable choice than other ways to replace teeth. Depending on the materials and other conditions, you can sometimes add teeth to the partial if additional ones are missing. This reversible option allows patients to think about more permanent fixes later.
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They Can Improve Your Oral Health
Losing a tooth can set off a series of oral health issues, such as a higher likelihood of decay and further tooth loss. A gap from a missing tooth can also put extra pressure on your jaw and the remaining teeth.
Over time, this can result in ongoing jaw or facial pain and faster tooth wear. When a tooth is missing, nearby teeth may shift, weakening their roots and potentially leading to more tooth loss. A partial denture offers a straightforward and quick solution to help avoid these issues while keeping your bite functioning normally.
Drawbacks of Partial Dentures
Although partial dentures resemble natural teeth, adjusting to wearing and using them may take time. Here are some additional drawbacks to keep in mind:
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Temporary
Depending on the patient's requirements, this point can be seen as positive or negative. Partial dentures do not work well compared to other options, such as dental bridges or implants. The mouth changes over time, affecting how well the partial fits and works.
Additionally, partial dentures can lead to more plaque buildup around the natural teeth they attach to, increasing the risk of gum disease or tooth decay if the user does not follow proper hygiene. Too much pressure on the partial can harm the supporting teeth and gums.
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Difficult to Fix
You might need new partial dentures if you lose an artificial tooth on your dentures. As you age, your jawbone and gums can shrink, known as bone resorption. It can lead to your partial denture becoming looser over time.
Depending on how your partial denture looks, your dentist might recommend relining your dentures for a better fit or replacing them entirely. You should handle partial dentures carefully. If they break, you may need to obtain a new one.
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Need Regular Cleaning
Patients should take out their partial dentures at night and soak them in a gentle cleaning solution made for dentures. Alternatively, soaking them in cool water overnight is also acceptable. Keeping the dentures moist helps maintain their shape. After meals, you should clean the partial dentures with cool water to remove food particles. You should also brush them twice daily with a denture brush using mild soap or toothpaste.
Signs of Poorly Fitting Partial Removable Dentures and How to Improve Fit
Ill-fitting dentures can be uncomfortable and lead to oral infections or damage to gum tissue. Here are some signs that your dentures may not fit well and tips to ensure a better fit.
Dentures That Cause Gagging
Gagging with upper dentures often happens when the baseplate goes too far back on the hard palate. It can break the suction of the upper denture, causing it to loosen and lead to more gagging.
Lower dentures that cause gagging often extend too far under the tongue at the back of the mouth, causing them to lift when you move your tongue. There are usually easy fixes to lessen gagging and enhance the fit of your dentures.
To improve the fit, see your dentist or denturist for an adjustment. A dental expert can reduce the thickness at the back of the denture and slightly shorten the acrylic, creating more space between the denture’s end and the gag reflex trigger point. With these simple changes, the fit will improve, and gagging should stop.
Discomfort and Pain
If your denture rubs against a sore area in your mouth, it does not reach the tissue underneath. Fixing the sore spot helps distribute pressure across the entire denture surface. It not only alleviates the sore spot but also improves the overall fit and security of the denture.
Your dental professional has the right tools and expertise to adjust any areas causing gum soreness, typically in just one visit. It helps denture wearers avoid gum irritation and ensures a snug, pain-free fit.
Denture Movement
If your dentures that used to fit well are slipping while you talk, eat, or laugh, it may indicate changes in your gums and bone structure. Over time, the bony ridges that support your natural teeth can change shape and shrink. It can lead to dentures that no longer match the shape of your gums.
Using Denture Adhesive
Many people turn to denture adhesives to manage the discomfort of ill-fitting dentures. These products help fill gaps and stop air or liquids from leaking between the dentures and gums. However, they can be messy and are not a permanent fix for the problem.
If you rely on denture adhesive to survive the day, it is time to consult a dental professional. If your dentures are still in good shape and close to a proper fit, a denturist can reline them.
Relining Your Dentures
Relining involves adding new material to your existing dentures in specific areas, allowing them to fit your gums securely again. If you wait until you need more adhesive daily, your gums may change significantly. In this case, new dentures might be necessary to fix the issue.
What is the Lifespan of Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs)?
Removable partial dentures have varying lifespans. However, with proper care, they usually need replacement every five to seven years.
What Is the Best Partial Denture For Me?
Not all dentures are the same, and not every denture suits everyone. The best partial denture for you depends on the following:
- Your oral health needs (like where your missing teeth are, the strength of your jawbone, and the condition of your remaining teeth)
- Your aesthetic preferences
- Your current and future oral health goals
A dentist can evaluate your needs and goals to suggest the most suitable denture.
Find a Partial Denture Specialist Near Me
Removable partial dentures offer a practical and appealing solution for replacing missing teeth. They enhance smiles and restore the ability to eat and speak comfortably. Proper care, consistent oral hygiene, and regular dental visits are essential to extend the lifespan of these dentures. Understanding the durability of removable partial dentures and their benefits can also encourage you to seek tailored guidance for your dental health. At Lasting Impressions Dental Spa, we have enhanced the smiles of many patients in Encino, CA, and are ready to assist you. Contact us today at 818-751-5100 to learn more about removable partial dentures.
