Removable Partial Dentures
A removable partial denture is made to replace one or more natural teeth that have been extracted and is made specific to a patient's requirements. A removable partial denture helps to restore a person's natural appearance and greatly improves the ability to eat properly and speak clearly.
The Benefits of Partials
Partial dentures will not cause harm to your remaining natural teeth. A partial denture may help to prevent your natural teeth from moving into the space left by the extracted natural teeth. Actually, a partial denture will help your natural teeth maintain their natural position by providing them with the needed additional support. A partial denture will help you look better, feel better and eat better!
Types and Styles of Partial Dentures
There are two types of partial dentures, tooth-supported or tooth-and-tissue-supported. There are significant differences between these two different types of partials.
The number of remaining teeth, as well as the position and stability of these teeth are only some of the factors that will help determine the best style or type of partial denture for you.
Partials can also be made of different types of materials, including acrylics, a metal/acrylic combination or flexible thermoplastics. Acrylic partials are mainly used as a transitional or temporary replacement for extracted teeth, depending on your circumstances. The metal/acrylic partial (otherwise known as a cast partial) is a more rigid and permanent style of denture. The metal partial is made from either a highly compatible chrome cobalt alloy or titanium; both of these choices are very thin, lightweight and very strong. The new flexible thermoplastics have the advantage of aesthetics and flexibility.
With some of the newer designs, materials and techniques available, partials are more comfortable than ever.
All partials are designed to be removable and can be removed at night to help contribute to a healthy mouth.