Different Types of Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are a type of false teeth that can be used to fill in the gaps in your smile. There are a variety of types that can be customized to fit your mouth and your needs. If you are missing one or more teeth and are not interested in permanent tooth implants, partial dentures may be the perfect solution for you.

Function

• Partial dentures are designed to hold one or more artificial teeth in place among your real teeth. They use your real teeth (and suction in some cases) to anchor the false teeth in place, as well as affording other methods of security, depending on the type of partial dentures that you use. Partial dentures can be removed for eating and cleaning.

Features

• Partial dentures are composed of plastic, metal and sometimes porcelain. They can be brittle, in the case of cosmetic items, or extremely durable if you have a lot of teeth missing and need the dentures for biting and chewing.

Benefits

• Many people prefer partial dentures to tooth implants. This is largely because they are effective immediately, while tooth implants require months to heal. Partial dentures are also nearly always much less expensive than tooth implants.

Types

• Partial dentures come in many forms. They are nearly always supported by the teeth on either side of the dentures, but you can have as many as six or seven false teeth in a set of partial dentures as long as the teeth on either side of the dentures can support them. "Flippers" are the least expensive of the partial dentures, and use metal and acrylic plastic to adhere to adjacent teeth and to suction to the gums. Cast-metal partial dentures are much hardier than flippers, and are supported entirely by a metal framework that sits on adjacent teeth. Flexible-framework dentures are made of a nylon-based plastic, and suction to the roof or base of the mouth, as well as molding around the gums above adjacent teeth. They are nearly indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth, and do not strain your natural teeth.

Considerations

• If you are thinking about investing in partial dentures, be very clear with your dentist about exactly what you want. Some types of dentures are purely cosmetic and must be removed before eating or even biting. Others can be used nearly identically to natural teeth. Cost can also be a factor, as the less expensive dentures often require more maintenance over time--though the initial investment is lower.

Warning

• Before getting partial dentures of any kind, have all of your teeth examined closely. People with gum disease or already weakened teeth are not ideal candidates for partial dentures, since the latter rely on your gums and your existing teeth to remain in place. You may need to have other dental procedures before you start wearing your partial dentures, to make sure they will not cause your oral health to deteriorate further.