Partial dentures are an effective way to fill in gaps where a few or many teeth are missing. They are custom-made for each patient by a dental laboratory from impressions of the remaining natural mouth structure. Depending on the patient’s preferences and available financial resources, they can be either permanent or removable.

A partial is a plate with one or more false teeth cemented to a base made of plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic. It is fastened to the jaw’s surface with clasps that help to hold it in place and prevent other teeth from shifting position. These clips may be visible when the patient smiles or opens his or her mouth. Plastic partials are usually less expensive than those that contain metal, but they can sometimes damage the teeth that they fit against. A few individuals choose to use flexible partials that are thin, lightweight, and without visible metal clasps. These can be bulkier than their metal counterparts, however, and they are more likely to break if a patient chews very hard foods or bites into foreign objects.

Removable Partial Dentures are also a good option for people who want to maintain a balanced occlusion (the way the upper and lower teeth bite together), which can be disrupted by missing teeth. The occlusion is important to the proper functioning of the mouth and for maintaining facial shape, so it’s important to keep it stable. Removable partials can be easier to care for than dental bridges, but they still require daily cleaning and a special tooth brush that goes under the prosthetic teeth.

The best type of removable partial is one that has precision attachments rather than clasps, which are more stable and allow the patient to remove them for greater comfort. Precision attachments are usually more expensive than clasps, however, and they can be prone to loosening over time.

During the course of treatment for a removable partial, patients are often required to come in for follow-up appointments, which will include an evaluation of the gums and surrounding teeth. This helps the dentist to make sure that the partial is functioning properly and that it’s not causing any irritation or thinning of the soft tissues around the gum line.

Some patients prefer to opt for a fixed partial, which is a non-removable solution that involves filling in the gap with a permanent replacement tooth or teeth. This can be a good choice for people who want to avoid the inconvenience of removing and re-applying a removable partial each day or for those who are concerned about how their appearance might change with a removable appliance.

In order to get the best possible results from your partial denture, it’s important to visit a qualified and experienced denturist, like European Denture Center. We can provide a range of high-quality, affordable options that will suit your needs and give you back the full, radiant smile you deserve. Schedule an appointment today for more information.