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Frequently Asked Questions About Partial Dentures

August 31, 2022

Tooth loss affects an estimated 178 million Americans. If you fall into the group suffering from partial tooth loss, you can regain your chewing function and the beauty of your smile by having a partial denture fabricated and fitted.

Once you've acquainted yourself with the essential facts about partial dentures, you'll feel more confident discussing and pursuing this common, effective form of dental restoration. The answers to the following frequently asked questions should get you up to speed on partial denture forms, fittings, and care.

What Forms Can a Partial Denture Take?

As the name suggests, a partial denture replaces only a few missing teeth, as opposed to a denture plate that replaces an entire upper or lower row of teeth. A typical partial denture features acrylic artificial teeth attached to a base. Clasps on the base attach to the remaining natural teeth on each side of the gap.

Partial dentures come in different materials, each of which offers its own pros and cons. The most affordable option includes a thick acrylic base that some patients find a bit bulky. If you choose to wear a temporary partial denture while waiting for a long-term replacement, your dentist will most likely provide this type.

Other partial dentures use metal or thermoplastic as a base material. Metal remains a popular option for its durability, comfort, and ease of use. However, they often request plastic attachments instead of less attractive metal ones. Flexible thermoplastic looks more natural and feels especially comfortable at the cost of long-term durability.

How Do Partial Dentures Differ From Bridges?

A bridge can compensate for tooth loss just as a partial denture can, but it does so in a different way. A bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth attached to permanent crowns on both ends. The crowns fit onto your own prepared teeth to keep the artificial teeth in place until or unless your dentist removes the whole assembly.

The choice of a removable partial denture versus a permanent bridge depends largely on your dental and oral health. If you have strong teeth, healthy gums, and good bone density, a bridge will suffice for a small number of missing teeth. If you've lost many teeth or will likely lose more teeth, a partial denture makes more sense.

What Happens in a Partial Denture Fitting?

The first step in getting a partial denture involves sitting for impressions of your mouth. Your dentist will send these impressions to dental laboratory personnel, who will use them to create your partial denture. A temporary partial denture can help you chew and talk more normally until the permanent version arrives.

Your long-term partial denture should fit as precisely and comfortably as possible. Your dentist may need to make multiple adjustments to fine-tune your partial denture fit, a process that can take weeks or months. If your mouth continues to change over time, you may need to schedule future adjustment appointments.

How Do You Care for a Partial Denture?

Contrary to what you might assume, you shouldn't wear your partial denture to bed at night. Constant denture wear can increase your risk for oral fungal infections, bone loss, and gum inflammation. It can also encourage plaque to accumulate on both your tongue and the partial denture.

Get into the routine of keeping your partial denture in water overnight, with or without an added denture cleaner. The water will keep the partial denture moist overnight and help it maintain its shape. Apply denture cleaner to a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and food debris without damaging the partial denture.

If you'd like to see a full set of teeth instead of an embarrassing gap in your smile, pay a visit to Advanced Dental Care. We can tell you what kind of restoration makes sense for your situation and then fit you with a partial denture, implant, or bridge. Contact us to set up an appointment.

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