If someone has one or more missing teeth, what are their options for restoring them?

For fully edentulous patients, the answer is a full set of traditional or implant-supported dentures.

But what about people who still have the majority of their teeth? They have even more options. For these folks, they have three categories to choose from: individual implants, fixed bridges, and removable partial dentures.

The latter option has been one of the most popular options for decades. What’s the appeal of this type of appliance?

Why You Should Consider Getting Removable Partial Dentures

Whenever a person loses a tooth, they should look into replacing it as soon as possible? Why is this?

There are a number of reasons, but the most important is the function of their dentition. A missing tooth means more biting pressure is placed on the teeth adjacent to the now empty space. Added pressure can lead to the breakdown of the other teeth, resulting in cracks and fractures down the road.

Another reason to restore missing teeth is because missing teeth throw off a person’s bite. Usually, this is because the other teeth will shift to fill the space. When a person has malocclusion, it doesn’t just affect the structural integrity of their remaining teeth – it affects their jaw joint as well.

Malocclusion throws off the balance of the muscles and tendons of the face, head, and neck. This lack of balance leads to strained muscles. This, in turn, leads to discomfort and pain, often resulting in headaches and migraines.

Finally, it’s important to consider aesthetics. Empty spaces in a person’s mouth can change the shape and appearance of their face. Filling in those spaces with partial dentures, implants, or bridges can keep their face looking full and youthful.

3 Types of Partials – Which One Fits Your Needs the Best?

As mentioned, people have three options to choose from when looking to restore missing teeth. Of those, one of the most popular is partial dentures.

These removable appliances are well-regarded because they are durable, affordable, and can look great. They can even help people who suffer from sleep apnea.

When deciding on a partial denture, a person has three more alternatives to choose from: metal partials, strictly acrylic/plastic partials, and flexible partials.

Here are the pros and cons of each type of partial denture.

1. Experience Durability with Metal Partials

The partial dentures that have been around the longest are the metal partials. This option has a metal base for durability, while the teeth and gums are made of acrylic.

The upside to these partials is their longevity. However, they’re also the most affordable of all the options.

The downside for some people is the aesthetics. You can see the metal clasps that wrap partway around the adjacent teeth for stability.

2. Worried About Aesthetics? Try Partials Made of Acrylic/Plastic

A lot of people hate the idea of having metal showing in their mouth. For these folks, the obvious choice is a partial denture made of acrylic/plastic. Metal is strictly off limits, even on the base of these dentures.

These partials are usually a bit bulky to add to their strength, so they’ll take some getting used to. But the aesthetics are worth it for many.

3. The Added Comfort of Flexible Partial Dentures

If a person is looking for an easy-to-wear option, they might want to try flexible dentures.

The base of these dentures is made of nylon and form to the gums and adjacent teeth, forming a flexible yet comfortable mold.

This is a wonderful option for people who have very sensitive gums. They’re less likely to experience gum tenderness or sores because their partials are made of pliable material.

The perks of these partial dentures are:

• They’re comfortable.
• They don’t require clasps.
• They look more natural.

The downside of these partials is the cost. They’re still fairly new, and the cost of the materials and labor is more than that of traditional partials.

Get Partials That Look and Feel Great from Your Racine Dentist

There are three things people typically consider when making dental care decisions: cost, aesthetics, and quality.

The great thing about removable partials is that people can check off each category.

When looking for an affordable option, these restorative appliances are ideal. Depending on the materials used, they can look like natural, beautiful teeth. And with better quality materials being utilized, these removable appliances are quite durable.

When a patient is ready to replace their missing teeth, their Racine dentist can help them find the best option that looks and feels great.

Are you interested in getting removable partials? Contact our office today to schedule an appointment to find out more about your options and which one is right for you.