Missing teeth are a dental issue that, whenever possible, should be fixed. This is because while having confidence in your smile is very important, missing teeth may also cause additional dental issues, such as an uneven bite, which can eventually lead to tooth decay.
One possible solution for missing teeth is a partial denture. A partial denture functions similarly to regular (or a full set) dentures, except that it can attach to the natural teeth you still have on the upper or lower part of your gums.
Read on for what you need to know about partial dentures, and whether they might be right for you.
What Are Partial Dentures?
A partial denture is used to replace one or multiple missing teeth, and can solve both the functional (chewing and biting) and the aesthetic (appearance) issue of having one or a few missing teeth, says Matt Asaro, D.D.S., a general dentist practicing in Los Angeles.
This type of dental appliance typically contains one or several false teeth that rest on a plastic or metal base that’s colored pink to match the roof of your mouth. Partial dentures are removable and require regular cleaning; they are not designed to be a permanent fixture in your mouth like dental implants.
Partial Dentures vs. Dental Implants
Though there are many differences between partial dentures and dental implants, the biggest difference is that partial dentures are removable and implants are not. “Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. They feel and function just like our natural teeth [and] are never removed,” explains Dr. Asaro.
There are a few reasons why someone may not be a great candidate for implants, continues Dr. Asaro, and may opt for dentures instead. These reasons include:
- An individual is dealing with other health issues
- There is not sufficient bone structure under the gumline
- An individual takes medication that does not work with implants
- Implants are deemed too expensive
Types of Partial Dentures
There are two types of partial dentures that people can typically choose from, according to Dr. Asaro.
- Clasp denture. This type of denture stays in place by clasping onto adjacent teeth with thin, discreet metal clasps.
- Overdenture, or implant retained denture. If you have enough bone structure to support implants, this type of denture can attach to inserted implants for a more secure, comfortable fit.
Your dentist can help you make an informed decision about which type of partial denture is best for you. Because your existing bone structure plays a role in whether partial dentures will work for you, your dentist will perform an exam to determine the condition of your mouth before deciding on a course of treatment.
Who Might Benefit From Partial Dentures?
Individuals who only have a few missing teeth, or those that have the majority of their natural teeth in healthy conditions, are more likely to benefit from a partial denture instead of a full replacement set.
“It’s always advised to save as many of your natural teeth as possible,” says Dr. Asarao. “Partial dentures also have good retention because we use the natural teeth to anchor the partial denture so it doesn’t move around as much during chewing.”
What to Expect When Getting Partial Dentures
Those who need a denture appliance of any sort can expect a series of appointments with their dentist before the process is complete. A breakdown of the different steps involved with getting partial dentures is below:
Step One: Comprehensive Exam
The first step is a comprehensive exam to determine the condition of a person’s mouth. “A comprehensive exam is always recommended prior to fabricating partial dentures because it’s always best to remove any active dental disease from the mouth first,” explains Dr. Asaro.
During the exam, a dentist will take careful note of the patient’s edentulous ridge, or the area of the mouth where the partial denture is to be replacing the missing teeth. “There should be no root tips or sharp, bony protuberances which could cause irritation or sore spots once the partial denture is fabricated,” says Dr. Asaro.
Step Two: Surgery to Remove Tooth Fragments
Once the exam is over, your dentist will most likely schedule a minor surgical procedure to remove any tooth remnants, such as root tips or those aforementioned bony areas. Just like any other dental procedure such as a filling, crown or root canal, this minor surgery will require local anesthesia and perhaps some planning around transportation to and from the dental office.
Step Three: Fabricating the Partial Dentures
After an individual’s mouth has healed from the surgical removal of any remaining tooth fragments, it’s time to have the denture appliance made. “This process begins with a series of custom impressions along with a wax rim try-in, which establishes the correct bite,” says Dr. Asaro. This important step makes it more likely that the partial dentures will fit correctly and feel comfortable.
Step Four: Fitting and Adjusting the Partial Dentures
Finally, patients will have a try-on appointment, says Dr. Asaro, which verifies the correct size, shape and color for the actual teeth, and then ends in a final delivery. “There are always a few adjustment appointments in the weeks following the final delivery to adjust any sore spots which almost always occur for patients,” says Dr. Asaro.