When it comes to being clean and healthy, our dental health is one of the important factors that we need to highly consider as well. As a person ages, dental problems arise, especially if they’re not cared for with proper daily cleaning methods and regular dental checkups. Here, we will discuss what is a partial denture, when it is needed, and how it is made.
A partial denture is a fake, removable tooth-like figure that is created to replace a few missing permanent teeth. Made from either acrylic (plastic-like material) or a mixture of both metal and acrylic, your dentist will actually help you on what is best for you, depending on the overall health or condition of your natural teeth. There is an option described at the end that would sound good for many people.
Usually, dentists used to recommend a partial denture if a patient experiences some dental gaps resulting from the loss of a permanent tooth, regardless if the gaps are on both sides of your gums. The gum-like plate will help hold the separate tooth replacement, which is also made with clips called clasps to help the denture to totally fit in its place in the mouth.
When a partial denture is needed?
A partial denture can be recommended regardless if your permanent tooth loss is from your upper or lower gum area or both. If you are missing teeth on both upper and lower, then you would need two separate partial dentures.
If you think the gaps caused by your tooth loss affect the way you bite, or maybe a few of your front teeth are severely damaged or cavity, a partial denture may be a very good solution and affordable choice to help you replace lost permanent teeth.
How is a partial denture processed?
A partial denture may actually come from both acrylic (plastic-like material, but it is not plastic) and metal materials. Dentists usually collaborate with a dental laboratory, and take about two dental visits to measure and prepare your denture.
Acrylic-made partial dentures can be less expensive, although it might cause a little more discomfort to your other natural teeth, especially if it is not perfectly fitted against your natural tooth. The good news is, they become more comfortable over time.
Metal-made partial dentures are usually made with alloy, chromium, and cobalt. Many times, dentists recommend metal-made dentures as they have stronger tooth replacement and have a longer period of usage compared to dentures that are made from plastic materials. There is an option to have metal with clasps made of tooth colored or gum colored material. When finances are not a factor, this is the best recommendation.
There is another type of material that makes partial dentures that is flexible; it is more natural, takes some time to get used to. It is a great option if you are concerned about the clasps showing.
In summary, options for partial dentures
-acrylic
-metal
-flexible
-metal with acrylic clasps
