Health

The Different Types of Partial Dentures, Explained

What to Do When Your Child Has a Loose Baby Tooth

Over 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. If you are missing one or more teeth, you don’t have to live with the embarrassing gap in your mouth. A partial denture could be the perfect solution for replacing your missing teeth.

This will give you a complete smile, increasing your confidence and helping you chew better. However, similar to other dental work, partial dentures are not a one size fits all solution.

Consider these different types of partial dentures and how they can help you improve your smile.

What Are Partial Dentures?

If you are missing more than one but not all of your teeth, then a partial denture may be a perfect solution. During the denture process, your dentist will create an acrylic flipper for you to wear. This is a less durable denture that’s designed for you to wear while you wait for your permanent dentures.

Acrylic

For this type of partial denture, the replacement teeth get mounted onto a gum look-alike acrylic base. It’s thick to give it durability. Then there are metal clasps that hook the partial denture onto your other teeth.

While you can talk and eat while wearing the denture, many people find them bulky. You can also see the metal clasps when your mouth is open. These issues can make acrylic partial dentures unappealing for most people.

Cast Metal

This is the most common type of partial denture. There’s a rigid metal wire base that supports the replacement teeth. There are also metal clasps that attach the denture to your other teeth.

The metal wire that connects the replacement teeth gets covered in gum-colored plastic. This makes the metal more comfortable and protects your remaining teeth from damage.

You have the option of upgrading the metal clasps to precision attachments, which are more cosmetically attractive than metal clasps. While the metal wire can be less durable than the acrylic version, it can be long-lasting with proper care.

Flexible Partial Dentures

For some people, the metal and acrylic options are uncomfortable or trigger allergies. The base of the denture is a thin thermoplastic that gets molded to perfectly form the shape of your gums. The pink color and hidden clasps make them virtually undetectable.

The special materials used and the more complicated production process make this style of denture harder to repair. As a result, they often require a new set, which can be more expensive than the other denture options.

If you are missing teeth, you can click for more information and find out if one of these partial dentures is the perfect solution for restoring your smile.

Try Out These Different Types of Partial Dentures

While you may have an idea of which one of these different types of partial dentures is right for you, it’s best to speak with a skilled dentist. Look for a local dentist that has experience crafting partial dentures. They can assess your current situation and recommend the best course of treatment.

Check out our other articles for more helpful advice on living your healthiest and happiest life.

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