Partial Dentures

Did you know that 7 out of 10 Americans admit to feeling self – conscious about their teeth? These numbers speak about a large number of people who do suffer from incomplete smiles that negatively impact their confidence and health daily.

Even though these statistics are unfortunate, today we are more fortunate than ever to have a variety of solutions. Among those choices, partial dentures.

At VIPcare Dental, we understand that knowledge is power and we are here to educate you on these important topics so that you can make well – informed decisions going forward. Please keep reading to learn everything you need to know about partial dentures, what they are made of, the different types, and their cost.

Partial dentures are fixed or removable appliances people wear to replace missing teeth. Partial and full dentures are similar. The partial dentures, however, unlike full dentures, are used to replace one tooth only or a couple of missing teeth at most. Full dentures, on the other hand, replace a whole row of teeth, either the lower or upper jaw.

The dentures, regardless of whether they are full or partial, always consist of two parts – a gum – colored base and the false teeth. Unlike full dentures, the attachment of the partials involves fastening the false teeth to your natural teeth with metal clasps that provide more stability and makes the removable partial denture more comfortable to wear every day.

Usually, partial dentures are made by combining acrylic and metal. Such composition gives these false teeth the strength to handle speaking and chewing. Additionally, there also are some partial dentures that are entirely made from acrylic, which are less structurally sound and durable, but may be a good solution depending on the patient’s situation.

There are a few main types of partial dentures, each meant for different situations.

• Flexible Partial Dentures – As the name suggests, the flexible partial dentures are comfortable and lightweight devices. These partial teeth are made of realistic-looking nylon material that the dentist inserts into the mouth without altering any of your natural teeth. Thanks to the thinness of these partial dentures, most patients become accustomed to the replacement within no time. Flexible partials may include upper and lower partial dentures and partial dentures for one tooth only.
• Cast Metal Partial Dentures – Unlike the flexible partials, the cast metal partial dentures involved attaching a metal framework to crown-connected clasps. Even though the metal frame, due to being gum-colored and covered in acrylic plastic is not visible, the clasps may be visible sometimes when smiling.
• Tooth Flipper – This is a type of removable partial denture that dentists use as a temporary stand-in while waiting for the ordered long-term tooth replacement. Considering their brief expectancy, the teeth flippers are usually not high quality as they are very thin and can easily break if dropped. However, these are made to be worn for a short period, meaning they greatly serve their purpose. Teeth flippers doubtlessly are the perfect option for replacing one tooth.

Partial dentures both fixed and removable offer several vital benefits that will make you choose these dental devices over any other:

• Speaking and chewing with partial dentures is a lot easier
• Partial dentures decrease the risk of periodontal disease
• Partial dentures ease the stress of the jaw
• Partial dentures maintain the face’s shape
• Partial dentures are more affordable than other dental appliances
• Partial dentures prevent teeth from shifting in your mouth

Despite numerous teeth replacement options that are available today, partial dentures remain favored by patients who:

• Do not have enough bone to support a dental implant
• Neet to replace more than one missing teeth on one jaw
• Need to maintain their facial structure’s shape
• Need to maintain their remaining teeth’s positioning
• Are looking to save money
• Are looking for less invasive, simpler dental treatment
• Need a solution that will not pressure their jaw

Partial dentures, depending on the type, do vary in price. If you are wondering how much partials cost, then you need to know that different partial dentures have different prices due to their composition, placement, as well as the area you live in.

This means that the cost of partial dentures for back teeth will probably differ from the cost of partial dentures for front teeth.

At VIPcare Dental, we offer a complete line of affordable partial dentures that are made according to your wishes and requirements. We encourage you to discuss your case with our professional dentists so they can guide you in the right direction.

One thing you need to remember about partial dentures is that they are way more delicate than your natural teeth, therefore we advise you to handle and clean them with care. Here are several tips on how to clean and take care of your new partial dentures:

• Whenever you are done eating, remove your dentures and rinse them to remove food debris
• When removing the partial dentures, make sure to stand over a filled sink or a folded towel so that they do not break if they happen to fall
• Brush your dentures at least once a day with a soft denture brush or a soft toothbrush
• Before re-inserting the dentures into your mouth, be sure to rinse them thoroughly under warm water
• When you are not wearing your dentures, soak them in a cleanser overnight
• If you have a loose fit, see your dentist promptly to prevent infections, sores, and irritation
• Schedule regular dental checkups to ensure you are taking good care of your dentures as well as check the health of your mouth

When wearing partial dentures, we suggest you avoid:

• Bleach and household cleaners to clean your dentures
• Abrasive cleaning materials such as harsh toothpaste, strong cleansers, and stiff-bristled brushes
• Hot water – because it can warp your partial dentures
• Whitening products

Alongside the diverse experience and comprehensive knowledge in dental work, our VIPcare dentists are here to meet all of your wishes and needs.

If you think partial dentures are right for you, don’t hesitate to find a VIPcare Dental clinic near you and schedule your free consultation. We believe every patient deserves quality dental care. That’s why we accept all major insurances. Having a beautiful smile shouldn’t be a money issue!