Partial Denture(s)
A partial denture is a removable appliance replacing one or more missing natural teeth. The remaining natural teeth and gums support it. It replaces what is lost and preserves what is left.
A partial denture offers improved appearance and function. It helps maintain the remaining natural teeth, improves speech, and certainly improves chewing ability.
The gum tissue and bone structure covered by a denture are constantly changing and tend to shrink or recede gradually. Therefore, it is necessary that your partial denture be replaced regularly (5-7 years, depending on individual circumstances).
Natural teeth are also continually wearing down due to biting and chewing forces. By distributing these forces evenly to all teeth, including denture teeth, the conservation of remaining natural teeth is enhanced, and wear and tear is minimised. A partial denture plays a large part in minimising the wear of natural teeth.
Without part lower denture support
With part lower denture support
A partial denture situated around the remaining natural teeth and opposing a full denture usually results in the full denture being more successful and stable. This is due to the better balance and distribution of all biting, chewing, swallowing and speaking forces.
A thorough assessment of your individual requirements will be conducted, and they may vary according to the following factors: age, habits, and expectations. Oral hygiene, the condition and position of the remaining natural teeth, and the position of the opposing teeth in the mouth will also be considered.
A dentist may need to check up on your remaining natural teeth before we begin your new partial denture. If you haven't seen a dentist for some time, please ask one of our professional Dental Prosthetists to recommend a dentist in your area.
Removable partial dentures come in two types: acrylic or metal base. Both have advantages and disadvantages. One of our professional dental prosthetists will discuss the type suited to your particular requirements.
The Benefits
Cast Metal Dentures
Cast Metal dentures are generally more expensive than acrylic dentures. They are thinner and smaller in the mouth than acrylic dentures, therefore less impacting speech. Cast metal dentures offer greater strength, stability, comfort, and support for remaining natural teeth. Because of the rigid frame, it is also possible to distribute biting and chewing forces onto the remaining natural teeth and supporting gum using metal rests. Cast metal dentures are stronger, have a greater fatigue resistance and are less likely to break under normal conditions. Repair, reline, or addition of further teeth is more difficult, and in some cases, a new denture may be required.
Acrylic Dentures
Acrylic partial dentures are lower in cost. They are generally advised where the remaining natural teeth condition is doubtful or further tooth loss is likely. But they are generally thicker and more bulky in the mouth and, therefore, more likely to impact comfort, eating and speech. They are easier to repair, reline or add further teeth to. Acrylic dentures can be used in almost all cases; however, they are not necessarily the best option for the majority of cases. Acrylic dentures are lightweight but weaker and can fracture or break more easily due to biting and chewing forces.
AVAILABLE FOR VETERANS' AFFAIRS